If you’ve ever dreamt of perfectly uniform slices for your salads, gratins, or garnishes, then a mandoline slicer is your kitchen’s unsung hero. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? That’s where trusted reviews, like those from Wirecutter, come in handy. They meticulously test kitchen gadgets, helping us pinpoint the Best Mandoline Slicer Wirecutter recommends, ensuring you invest in a tool that truly delivers. This guide will delve into what makes a mandoline great, spotlight Wirecutter’s top selections, and help you slice and dice with confidence and flair.
Understanding the Mandoline Slicer: A Culinary Game Changer
At its core, a mandoline slicer is a kitchen utensil used for slicing food, primarily vegetables and fruits, quickly and uniformly. Unlike a knife, which relies on skill and precision that can take years to hone, a mandoline consistently produces slices of identical thickness, transforming your food preparation from a chore into a seamless art form.
There are a few main types of mandoline slicers, each with its own advantages:
- Flat/Straight Blade Mandolines: These often have a single straight blade and are excellent for simple, thin, even slices. They are straightforward and generally easy to clean.
- V-Blade Mandolines: Characterized by a V-shaped blade, these are particularly effective at cutting softer, ripe produce like tomatoes, as the angle reduces tearing and creates a cleaner cut. Many V-blades are also designed to be incredibly sharp and efficient.
- Japanese Mandolines: Often known for their simplicity, razor-sharp blades, and precise thickness adjustments, Japanese mandolines are favored by many professional chefs for their minimalist design and superior performance.
When considering the best mandoline slicer Wirecutter or any other source recommends, there are key features to prioritize. Look for durable, sharp blades (often stainless steel or ceramic) that hold an edge well and, ideally, are replaceable. Adjustable thickness settings are crucial for versatility, allowing you to go from paper-thin potato chips to thicker vegetable planks. A robust handguard is non-negotiable for safety, protecting your fingers from those incredibly sharp blades. Non-slip feet or a stable base ensures the mandoline stays put on your countertop, adding another layer of security. Lastly, consider models with additional attachments for julienne, waffle, or crinkle cuts if you desire more creative options.
Wirecutter’s Coveted Recommendations: A Deep Dive
Wirecutter is renowned for its exhaustive testing, and their picks for the best mandoline slicer are often seen as the gold standard. They evaluate performance, durability, safety, and ease of use to ensure their recommendations truly stand up to daily kitchen demands.
The Crown Jewel: Benriner Super Benriner (No. 95)
For many culinary enthusiasts and professionals, the Benriner Super Benriner (No. 95) is the undisputed champion, and it’s Wirecutter’s consistent top pick. This traditional Japanese mandoline is celebrated for its razor-sharp, replaceable blades and robust construction. The 2018 update specifically addressed user feedback by overhauling the handguard, making it grip vegetables much more securely than its predecessors. This double-bevel blade is a true workhorse, capable of effortlessly slicing everything from delicate tomatoes to sturdy sweet potatoes and tiny radishes without tearing or squishing. Its overall design strikes a perfect balance: incredibly sturdy without being cumbersome, a testament to its thoughtful engineering.
The Versatile Contender: Swissmar Börner VPower/V-Slicer Plus
Wirecutter often lists the Swissmar Börner VPower (or V-Slicer Plus Mandoline) as an excellent runner-up, especially for those who crave diverse cutting options beyond straight slices. This mandoline boasts a distinctly sharp, V-shaped blade (though typically not replaceable) that excels at creating precise, clean cuts, particularly beneficial for softer produce. Its sturdy, handheld design with grippy feet ensures stability during use. While it might be a bit larger, bulkier, and potentially pricier than the Benriner, and can struggle with very long items like sweet potatoes sliced lengthwise, it consistently performs exceptionally well with a wide array of other vegetables including tomatoes, onions, radishes, and carrots. It’s a fantastic option if julienne and diced cuts are high on your priority list.
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Our Picks for the Best Mandoline Slicer in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Ourokhome Safe Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with Guard, 6-Blade Adjustable Kitchen Slicer with Container for Cucumber, Potato Chips & Salad Prep(Gray) |
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| 2 | Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Fruit Cutter, Cheese Grater, Cucumber Slicer, Veggie Spiralizer, Food Cutter & Kitchen Gadgets & Gifts with Safety Glove (6 in 1, White) |
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| 3 | 2 Pack 5 in 1 Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Vegetable Slicer Multi Blade Potato Chip, Veggie shredder, Vegetable Cutter, Julienne Shredder and peeler For Small Job In Kitchen |
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| 4 | VEKAYA Mandoline Slicer, Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Adjustable Mandolin, Stainless Steel Mandoline, Vegetable Slicer, Potato, Onion, Cucumber, Tomato, Veggie Slicer with Cut-Resistant Gloves |
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| 5 | Mandoline Slicer,Mandoline Food Slicer for Kitchen,Mandolin,Vegetable Chopper,Vegtable Slicer,Adjustable Stainless Steel Veggie Onion Tomato Julienne Cutter with Cut-1 Pair Cut-Resistant Gloves |
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| 6 | Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Food Slicer, Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Mandolin, Potato, Tomato, Carrot, Vegetable, Fruit and Onion Cutter - Stainless Steel - INCLUDING 1 Pair Cut-Resistant Gloves |
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| 7 | Cambom Mandoline Slicer Vegetable Slicer With 2 L Container for Potatoes, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Carrots With 10 Blades White |
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| 8 | Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Food Chopper, Vegetable Slicer and Spiralizer, Cutter, Dicer, Grater, Kitchen Gadgets Sets with Container, White Sand/Gray |
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| 9 | Mandoline Food Slicer, Adjustable Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mandolin Vegetable Chopper for Potato/Tomato/Onion, Vegetable Slicer Julienne Cutter with Cut-Resistant Gloves |
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| 10 | OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Adjustable Vegetable Slicer |
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Excellent All-Rounders: The OXO Good Grips Lineup
The OXO Good Grips brand frequently earns high marks in kitchen tool reviews, including those that reference Wirecutter’s standards, thanks to its focus on user-friendly design and excellent performance.
- OXO Good Grips Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0: This model often receives near-perfect scores for its exceptional sharpness, remarkable ease of use, unwavering stability, versatile performance, and wide array of cutting options. It’s frequently cited as one of the easiest mandolines to operate, maintaining a super-stable base and delivering consistently even slices across a broad range of thicknesses. It’s a powerhouse, offering 21 different thickness settings (from 1 to 9 millimeters in half-millimeter increments), and includes both straight and serrated blades, making it ideal for everything from hard root vegetables to soft, ripe tomatoes. Its julienne and French fry cutters are cleverly covered when not in use, adding a layer of safety and convenience.
- OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer: If you’re looking for an excellent balance of performance and value, this V-blade mandoline is a fantastic choice, often highlighted as the best inexpensive mandoline slicer for under $50. It’s remarkably easy to use and consistently produces crisp, even slices. Its V-blade design provides a steeper angle of attack, enhancing cutting efficiency, and while V-blades typically aren’t sharpenable, OXO offers replacement blades to keep it performing at its peak. A fold-down stand allows for flexible use over a bowl or on a cutting board, and its metal-pronged safety grip holds food securely.
- OXO Good Grips Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer: For those with limited storage space or who primarily need a mandoline for smaller, quick tasks, the handheld version is a solid pick. It features a super sharp blade and a remarkably easy-to-adjust slider for three distinct thickness settings. While its blade isn’t replaceable, its affordable price point makes replacing the whole unit a minor consideration if the blade eventually dulls. It’s a straightforward, everyday hero for simple slicing needs.
Mastering Your Mandoline Slicer: Safety & Technique
Using a mandoline slicer is incredibly satisfying, but paramount to that satisfaction is safety. These tools are designed with razor-sharp blades for a reason, and respecting them is key.
Prioritizing Safety
“Always use your handguard, no exceptions,” advises Chef Isabella Rossi, a seasoned culinary instructor with over two decades of experience in professional kitchens. “It’s the most critical piece of advice for mandoline safety. Your fingers are far too precious to risk for a quick slice.”
- Always use the handguard: This cannot be stressed enough. The handguard protects your fingers from the blade while allowing you to push the food through.
- Ensure a stable surface: Place your mandoline on a non-slip mat or directly over a bowl with a secure footing to prevent it from sliding during use.
- Keep blades covered: When not in use, ensure all blades are either retracted, covered, or stored safely in a caddy.
- Focus: Pay full attention to the task at hand. Distractions can lead to accidents.
Basic Slicing Techniques
Once secure, place your produce firmly against the handguard and guide it down the runway with a smooth, even stroke. Let the blade do the work; avoid pressing too hard. Consistent pressure and motion are the secrets to perfectly uniform slices. For longer vegetables like cucumbers or carrots, you might start with a diagonal cut to maximize surface area and create elegant oval slices.
Creative Cuts & Culinary Applications
The versatility of a mandoline slicer truly shines when exploring different cuts:
- Paper-thin Slices: Ideal for potato chips, cucumber salads, delicate carpaccios, or citrus garnishes. Imagine perfectly transparent radish slices adorning a gourmet dish.
- Julienne Cuts: Many mandolines offer julienne blade inserts that create slender matchstick-like cuts, perfect for stir-fries, coleslaws, or elegant garnishes for spring rolls.
- Wavy/Waffle Cuts: Some models come with specialized blades for making decorative wavy or waffle-patterned cuts, elevating the visual appeal of dishes like homemade French fries, sweet potato crisps, or vegetable platters.
- Diced Options: Certain advanced mandoline slicers can even help you create small, uniform dice with a few passes, significantly speeding up prep for salsas or mirepoix.
The Unsung Benefits: Why a Mandoline Slicer Elevates Your Cooking
Beyond the initial investment, a mandoline slicer offers profound advantages that enhance your cooking experience and the quality of your meals.
- Time-Saving Efficiency: Professional chefs often rely on mandolines for their speed. What might take minutes (or even longer) with a knife can be accomplished in seconds with a mandoline, drastically cutting down your prep time.
- Unparalleled Consistency in Thickness: This is perhaps the most significant benefit. Uniformly sliced ingredients cook more evenly, taste better, and create a more professional-looking dish. No more burnt edges and raw centers for your roasted vegetables!
- Enhanced Presentation and Even Cooking: Aesthetically pleasing food is often more appetizing. The precise cuts from a mandoline make your dishes look like they came from a high-end restaurant. More importantly, consistent thickness ensures that every piece cooks at the same rate, leading to perfectly textured results every time.
Care and Maintenance for Longevity
To ensure your best mandoline slicer Wirecutter recommended lasts for years, proper care is essential.
- Cleaning Tips: Always exercise extreme caution when cleaning the blades. Many mandoline components are dishwasher safe, but check your specific model’s instructions. For handwashing, use a brush to dislodge food particles and avoid direct contact with the blade. Run water over the blade from the back, away from your hand.
- Storage: Store your mandoline and its attachments safely. Many models come with blade covers or storage caddies to prevent accidental cuts and protect the blades from dulling.
- Extending Product Life: Keep your blades sharp (if they are sharpenable or replaceable), and ensure all moving parts are clean and free of debris. Regular, gentle cleaning after each use will prevent food buildup and ensure smooth operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What kind of blade is best for a mandoline slicer?
A: Both straight and V-shaped blades have their advantages. Straight blades are excellent for general slicing, while V-blades excel at cutting soft or delicate produce like tomatoes with less tearing, thanks to their angled design. Many top models, including the Benriner Super Benriner, feature highly effective straight or double-bevel blades.
Q: Are mandoline slicers difficult to use safely?
A: Mandoline slicers require respect due to their extreme sharpness. However, with proper technique and consistent use of the handguard, they are very safe and significantly reduce the risk of knife-related accidents for repetitive slicing tasks. Always prioritize safety over speed.
Q: Can I sharpen my mandoline blade?
A: It depends on the blade type. Traditional straight stainless steel blades, like those on the Benriner, are often replaceable and sometimes sharpenable by professionals. Many V-blades and ceramic blades, such as those found on some OXO models, are generally not designed for sharpening, though some brands offer replacement blade cartridges.
Q: Which mandoline is best for beginners?
A: For beginners, models with robust safety features and straightforward operation are ideal. The OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer or the OXO Good Grips Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer are often recommended for their ease of use, clear thickness settings, and effective handguards, providing a safe entry point into mandoline slicing.
Q: How do I clean a mandoline slicer without cutting myself?
A: The safest way to clean a mandoline is to rinse it immediately after use. Use a stiff brush, not your fingers, to remove food residue. For blades, rinse under running water, always directing the water flow away from your hands. Many parts are dishwasher safe, which is often the safest cleaning method for the main body.
Conclusion
Choosing the best mandoline slicer Wirecutter recommends means investing in a tool that will truly revolutionize your kitchen experience. Whether it’s the professional-grade precision of the Benriner, the versatile functionality of the Swissmar Börner, or the user-friendly design of the OXO Good Grips line, there’s a perfect mandoline waiting to transform your culinary creations. By understanding the key features, prioritizing safety, and embracing the creative potential, you’ll soon be crafting dishes with unmatched uniformity and presentation. So go ahead, elevate your kitchen game, and discover the joy of effortless, perfect slices!