Stepping into the world of professional kitchen tools can feel like unlocking a secret level in your cooking game. Among these coveted instruments, the mandoline slicer stands out, transforming mundane chopping tasks into an art form. But not all mandolines are created equal. If you’re serious about precision, efficiency, and stunning presentation, the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 is likely already on your radar—or it should be. This iconic Japanese kitchen workhorse isn’t just a tool; it’s a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a gateway to culinary perfection.
For home cooks and seasoned chefs alike, the quest for perfectly uniform slices, juliennes, and shreds often begins and ends with a reliable mandoline. The Super Benriner No. 95, with its rich heritage and engineering excellence, promises to deliver consistent results that elevate every dish you prepare. It’s renowned for its razor-sharp blades and robust design, making it a favorite in kitchens worldwide.
Understanding the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95
The Benriner brand has been a staple in kitchens for decades, synonymous with quality and sharpness. The Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 represents an evolution, building upon the classic design with enhancements that cater to a wider range of culinary needs. Made in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, each stainless steel blade undergoes a rigorous process of compression, heat treatment, and hand-finishing, resulting in a sharpness that rivals professional knives.

What truly sets the Super Benriner No. 95 apart from its siblings and competitors is its superior capacity and versatility. While the original Benriner mandoline is excellent, the Super Benriner is a larger, more robust version. It boasts a wider cutting surface, allowing you to tackle larger produce with ease, and offers a significantly greater range of thickness adjustment. You can achieve slices from an ultra-fine 0.5mm all the way up to a substantial 8mm, providing unparalleled control over your cuts. The design also features a larger, more comfortable handle and a rubberized end-stop, ensuring enhanced grip and stability during use.
Unpacking the Features: What Makes the No. 95 Shine?
The brilliance of the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 lies in its thoughtfully engineered components, each designed for optimal performance and user experience.
The Unmatched Blade: Precision at Your Fingertips
At the heart of the Super Benriner No. 95 is its fixed flat blade, which is nothing short of exceptional. Crafted from high-quality, hand-finished Japanese stainless steel, this blade delivers effortlessly smooth and clean cuts every single time. It’s this core blade that allows for the incredibly thin, translucent slices perfect for delicate garnishes or crisp homemade potato chips.
Versatile Cutting Options: Beyond Simple Slices
One of the most compelling aspects of the Super Benriner No. 95 is its adaptability. Alongside the fixed flat blade, it comes equipped with three interchangeable vertical julienne blades:
- Fine (54 teeth): Ideal for delicate matchsticks perfect for salads or intricate garnishes.
- Medium (25 teeth): Great for classic julienne cuts, suitable for stir-fries, coleslaw, or vibrant vegetable medleys.
- Coarse (10 teeth): Perfect for thicker cuts like chunky fries, hearty vegetable sticks, or even shredding cabbage.
Switching between these blades is straightforward, allowing you to quickly adapt to your recipe’s requirements. The large adjustment dial further refines your cutting experience, providing precise control over thickness, from paper-thin to robust chunks.
Ergonomics and Stability: Built for Performance
Working with sharp tools demands confidence and stability. The Super Benriner No. 95 addresses this with several ergonomic features. Its larger handle offers a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. The rubberized end-stop and a practical “hooking foot” allow you to brace the slicer securely against your countertop or over a bowl, preventing slips and wobbles. This stability is crucial for both safety and achieving consistent results.
Safety First: Protecting Your Hands
Given the extreme sharpness of the blades, safety is paramount when using any mandoline, especially a professional-grade tool like the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95. The slicer includes a finger safety guard, designed to keep your digits away from the cutting edge. However, many experienced users strongly advocate for an additional layer of protection: a high-quality cut-resistant glove. As Chef Renzo Tanaka, a renowned expert in Japanese culinary techniques, often advises, “The Benriner’s blade is a chef’s dream for precision, but it demands respect. Always prioritize your safety; a good cut-resistant glove is as essential as the mandoline itself.” This simple addition can significantly reduce the risk of injury, allowing you to slice with greater peace of mind and confidence.
Mastering Your Super Benriner: Safe and Effective Use
Unleashing the full potential of your Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 requires understanding a few key principles for safe and efficient operation.
Preparation is Key
Before you begin slicing, ensure your Super Benriner is clean and correctly assembled. If you intend to make julienne cuts, insert the desired vertical blade. For straight slices, confirm no julienne blade is inserted. Place the slicer on a stable, flat surface or hook its foot over a bowl to catch your sliced ingredients. Have your ingredients ready, peeled if necessary, and cut to a size that comfortably fits the slicer’s 95mm width.
Cutting Techniques for Perfection
The secret to seamless slicing with the Super Benriner No. 95 is a light, consistent touch. Don’t push hard; let the razor-sharp blade do the work. Glide the vegetable smoothly over the blade, maintaining even pressure. For optimal results, slide in one continuous motion. If you feel resistance, try rotating the vegetable slightly to find the natural grain, or ensure there isn’t a build-up of sliced food underneath obstructing the blade.
Prioritizing Safety: A Non-Negotiable Step
How can you ensure the safest possible experience when using this incredibly sharp tool? Always use the provided finger safety guard to hold your food firmly and protect your fingers from the blade. Many professionals also recommend wearing a cut-resistant glove on the hand holding the food. Go slowly, especially when you’re starting out. Rushing is a common cause of accidents with mandoline slicers. Make sure to clear away sliced food that accumulates underneath the blade to prevent jams and maintain a clear cutting path, further enhancing safety.
Unleash Your Culinary Creativity with the No. 95
The Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 isn’t just about speed; it’s about unlocking a new realm of culinary presentation and texture. With its adjustable thickness and interchangeable blades, the possibilities are endless.
Thin Slices for Elegant Dishes
Ever wondered how restaurants achieve those gossamer-thin cucumber ribbons or perfectly uniform potato chips? The Super Benriner No. 95 is your answer. With its 0.5mm setting, you can create translucent slices of radish for a vibrant salad, delicate apple slices for a tart, or perfectly uniform onion rings for frying. These thin cuts cook faster and offer a delightful textural experience.
Julienne Cuts for Dynamic Textures
The three interchangeable julienne blades open up a world of creative cuts. Use the fine blade for angel hair carrots to garnish a consommé, the medium blade for classic French fries or a colorful stir-fry mix, and the coarse blade for hearty vegetable sticks perfect for dipping. The consistency of these cuts ensures even cooking and a professional appearance.
Beyond the Basics: Waffle Cuts and Other Innovative Applications
While primarily known for straight and julienne cuts, skilled users can even achieve intricate waffle or gaufrette cuts with practice by rotating the food 90 degrees between slices on a corrugated blade (if available, or by angling on the flat blade with specific technique). Imagine delicate potato gaufrettes for an appetizer or patterned cucumber slices for a visually stunning salad. The precision of the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 encourages experimentation, allowing you to transform everyday vegetables into extraordinary components. It’s perfect for quickly preparing ingredients for gratins, layered vegetable dishes, or even making dehydrated fruit snacks.
The Enduring Benefits of a Super Benriner in Your Kitchen
Investing in a Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 is more than just acquiring a kitchen tool; it’s about embracing a new standard of efficiency and excellence in your cooking.
Time Efficiency & Consistency
One of the most immediate benefits you’ll notice is the dramatic reduction in food preparation time. What might take minutes with a knife can be accomplished in seconds with the Super Benriner, especially for large quantities. More importantly, it delivers unparalleled consistency, ensuring every slice is the same thickness, leading to even cooking and a superior final product. No more unevenly cooked potatoes or carrots!
Elevated Food Presentation
The visual appeal of food plays a significant role in our dining experience. The precise, uniform cuts produced by the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 instantly elevate the presentation of your dishes, making them look professionally prepared. From delicate garnishes to perfectly stacked vegetable layers, your food will not only taste better but also look incredible.
Durability & Longevity
Crafted with high-quality Japanese stainless steel blades and durable plastic components, the Super Benriner No. 95 is built to last. With proper care, this mandoline slicer will be a dependable workhorse in your kitchen for many years, proving to be a worthwhile long-term investment for any culinary enthusiast.
Caring for Your Investment: Cleaning and Maintenance
To ensure your Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 remains a high-performing tool for years to come, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential.
Immediate Cleaning: Why It’s Crucial
The golden rule for any mandoline, and especially the Super Benriner, is to clean it immediately after use. Why is this so important? Tiny bits of very thin vegetables can quickly dry and stick to the blades, making them incredibly difficult to remove later. A quick rinse under running water right after slicing will prevent this build-up and keep your blades pristine.
Disassembly for Thorough Cleaning
The design of the Super Benriner No. 95 allows for easy disassembly of the main body, the cutting board, and the replacement blades. This feature is incredibly helpful for thorough cleaning, ensuring no food particles are left behind in crevices. Simply take it apart, rinse each piece, and use a brush if needed for any stubborn bits, always being mindful of the sharp edges.
Blade Care & Storage: Handling Sharpness
Remember, the blades are exceptionally sharp. When cleaning, avoid wiping directly along the cutting edge. Instead, use a cloth or sponge with caution, or preferably, a cleaning brush. After washing, dry the blades thoroughly to prevent rust. Store the removable julienne blades safely in their designated slots or a protective wrapper to prevent accidental cuts and keep them sharp. Never just toss them into a drawer with other utensils.
Avoiding the Dishwasher
While some plastic components might technically be dishwasher-safe, it is strongly recommended to hand wash your Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95. The high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers can dull the exceptionally sharp blades over time and may even warp the plastic components, compromising the tool’s performance and longevity. Hand washing is quick, easy, and the best way to preserve your investment.
FAQs about the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95
Curious about specific aspects of this celebrated kitchen tool? Here are answers to some common questions.
Q: What’s the main difference between Super Benriner and other mandolines?
A: The Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 stands out due to its superior Japanese stainless steel blade craftsmanship, exceptional sharpness, and wide adjustable thickness range (0.5mm to 8mm). It offers a wider cutting surface and more robust construction compared to many standard mandolines, including the original Benriner.
Q: Can I really get slices as thin as 0.5mm?
A: Absolutely! The Super Benriner No. 95 is renowned for its ability to produce incredibly thin, almost translucent slices at its lowest setting. This precision is perfect for delicate garnishes, carpaccios, or any dish requiring extremely fine cuts.
Q: Is the finger guard truly effective?
A: The included finger guard is designed to enhance safety by keeping your hands away from the blade. While it is effective when used correctly, due to the extreme sharpness of the Super Benriner, many users, including professionals, highly recommend supplementing it with a cut-resistant glove for maximum protection.
Q: What vegetables are best (or not best) for the julienne blades?
A: The julienne blades work wonderfully with firm vegetables like carrots, potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and radishes, creating perfect matchsticks. However, very soft vegetables can sometimes crush, and extremely dense items like raw sweet potatoes might require more effort. Some users find the fine julienne blade can occasionally cause sticking with certain fruits like apples due to their texture.
Q: How do I store the blades safely?
A: Always clean and dry your blades immediately after use. Store the interchangeable julienne blades in their designated slots within the mandoline or in a protective wrap. Never leave them loose in a drawer to prevent accidental cuts and maintain their sharpness.
Conclusion
The Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 is more than just a kitchen gadget; it’s an indispensable tool that empowers you to achieve professional-grade results in your own home. Its unparalleled sharpness, precise adjustability, and versatile cutting options make it a standout choice for anyone passionate about cooking. From perfectly uniform slices to exquisite julienne cuts, this mandoline streamlines your food preparation, enhances presentation, and opens up new avenues for culinary creativity. Invest in a Super Benriner, treat it with respect, and prepare to be amazed by the delicious and visually stunning dishes you’ll create. Embrace the precision, savor the efficiency, and transform your cooking experience today!