Elevating your kitchen game often comes down to the right tools, and for those seeking unparalleled precision and efficiency in slicing, the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 Professional Series stands as an indispensable choice. This Japanese culinary marvel is not just another gadget; it’s a testament to superior craftsmanship, designed to transform your food preparation from a chore into an art form. Renowned for its razor-sharp blades and robust design, the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No 95 Professional Series is a favorite among professional chefs and discerning home cooks alike, promising consistency and speed that knife work simply can’t match.
The Legacy of Precision: What is a Mandoline Slicer?
At its core, a mandoline slicer is a kitchen utensil used for slicing and cutting food, most commonly vegetables and fruits. While various types exist, including the classic V-blade and other flat designs, they all share the fundamental goal of providing uniform slices much faster and more consistently than a chef’s knife. The Benriner brand, hailing from Japan, has been at the forefront of this innovation since 1940, evolving its designs to meet the rigorous demands of professional kitchens and passionate home cooks. The Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 embodies this legacy, featuring a fixed flat blade that, when combined with its interchangeable vertical blades, offers a versatility that’s hard to beat.
Unpacking Excellence: Key Features of the Super Benriner No. 95 Professional Series
What truly sets the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 Professional Series apart? It begins with its meticulous Japanese craftsmanship. Each unit is proudly made in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, where the stainless steel blades undergo a specialized process of compression and heat-treatment, followed by a meticulous hand-sharpening finish. This dedication to quality results in blades with knife-like sharpness, ensuring clean, effortless cuts every time.
Compared to its classic Benriner counterpart, the Super Benriner No. 95 boasts an enhanced design and durability. It features a wider cutting surface, allowing you to slice larger produce with ease. The adjustable slice thickness, controlled by a robust dial, offers an impressive range from a whisper-thin 0.5mm to a hearty 8.0mm, significantly greater than the 3mm maximum of the original Benriner. This wider range and finer control empower you to achieve any desired thickness with precision. Furthermore, the Super Benriner is equipped with a larger handle for better control and a rubberized non-skid base, ensuring maximum stability during use. Some iterations, like the No. 94 mentioned by some retailers, include an updated thickness adjustment dial and a practical notch to securely hook onto the rim of a bowl, neatly catching your sliced ingredients.
The Super Benriner’s versatile blades are another cornerstone of its professional appeal. It comes standard with a fixed flat blade perfect for straight, consistent slices. Complementing this are three interchangeable vertical blades designed for specialized cuts: a fine julienne blade (with 54 teeth), a medium julienne blade (25 teeth), and a coarse julienne blade (10 teeth). These allow you to create everything from delicate matchsticks to thicker strips for stir-fries and garnishes. The main blade is also easily removable, making it convenient for professional sharpening when needed.
Beyond its cutting prowess, the Super Benriner features smart design elements aimed at user convenience. Its components are designed for easy disassembly, allowing for thorough washing with water after each use and preventing the buildup of food particles.
Mastering the Cut: Safe and Effective Use of Your Super Benriner
While the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 Professional Series is engineered for performance, its extreme sharpness demands respect and proper handling to ensure safety.
Preparation is Key: Always place your mandoline on a stable, non-slip surface, ideally with its rubberized base gripping the countertop or hooked over a bowl to catch slices. Ensure your produce is clean and trimmed to fit the cutting width of 95mm (approximately 3.75 inches).
Technique for Perfect Slices: To achieve consistent results, apply firm but even pressure as you slide the food over the blade. Let the blade do the work; forcing ingredients can lead to uneven cuts and potential hazards.
Safety First, Always: This cannot be stressed enough: the blades are incredibly sharp. While a finger safety guard is included with the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 Professional Series, many experienced users and culinary professionals highly recommend wearing a cut-resistant glove in addition to, or instead of, the provided guard [cite: 2 (from previous search results, MTC Kitchen reviews)]. This extra layer of protection is crucial, especially when working with smaller pieces of food. Chef Hiroshi Tanaka, a renowned culinary instructor with over 30 years of experience, states, “The Super Benriner No. 95 is more than just a tool; it’s an extension of a chef’s hand. Its unparalleled sharpness and precise adjustments empower you to achieve consistency that transforms everyday ingredients into works of art. It’s simply indispensable for anyone serious about food.”
Adjusting Thickness: The adjustable dial on the underside of the mandoline allows you to precisely control the thickness of your slices. Experiment with it to find the perfect setting for your recipe, from gossamer-thin to robust chunks.
Changing Blades: To switch to a julienne cut, carefully remove the flat blade and insert one of the three vertical julienne blades into the designated slot. Ensure it is securely seated before use.
Beyond Basic Slices: Creative Culinary Applications
The Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 Professional Series opens up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to execute a vast array of cuts that elevate both the taste and presentation of your dishes.
Imagine effortlessly creating paper-thin delicacies: translucent cucumber slices for elegant salads, crispy homemade potato chips, or delicate carpaccio-style vegetables like zucchini or beetroot. These precise cuts ensure even cooking and a delightful texture in every bite.
For dishes requiring uniformity, the Super Benriner delivers perfect julienne cuts. Its interchangeable blades allow you to quickly produce fine matchsticks for vibrant stir-fries, medium strips for crisp slaws, or coarse cuts for hearty vegetable gratins. These uniform strips cook evenly and present beautifully, making your home-cooked meals look professionally prepared. While primarily known for straight and julienne cuts, the sheer consistency it provides can enhance dishes that feature wavy or crinkle cuts (if you have the appropriate accessory or technique with the main blade), adding a touch of flair to your plating. It’s also excellent for preparing vegetables for pickling or dehydrating fruits and vegetables, as the uniform thickness ensures even drying or brining.
Why Chefs Swear By It: The Benefits of a Professional Mandoline
The widespread adoption of the Benriner brand, particularly the Super Benriner No. 95, in professional kitchens is no accident. Its benefits are tangible and impactful for anyone serious about cooking.
Unmatched Efficiency: For tasks that involve repetitive slicing, such as preparing a large batch of onions for caramelization or potatoes for gratins, this mandoline significantly reduces preparation time [cite: 2 (from previous search results, MTC Kitchen review)]. What might take minutes with a knife can be done in seconds, saving valuable time in a busy kitchen.
Restaurant-Quality Consistency: The ability to produce perfectly uniform slices every single time is a hallmark of professional cooking. This consistency not only ensures even cooking but also creates a visually appealing presentation that elevates any dish.
Elevated Presentation: Food that looks good often tastes better. The clean, precise cuts achieved with the Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 Professional Series allow you to create garnishes and arrangements that impress, transforming simple ingredients into elegant components of your meal.
Durability & Longevity: Crafted from high-quality plastic and stainless steel, the Super Benriner is built to last [cite: 2, 3 (from previous search results, MTC Kitchen)]. Many users attest to its exceptional durability, reporting years, even decades, of consistent use [cite: 4 (from previous search results, The Kitchn)]. This makes it a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.
Keeping it Pristine: Maintenance and Care
To ensure your Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 Professional Series remains a reliable workhorse for years to come, proper maintenance and care are essential.
Cleaning: After each use, it’s crucial to clean the mandoline promptly. Disassemble the removable parts—the flat blade and any julienne inserts, along with the hand guard—and wash them thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical cleaning agents, as these can damage the stainless steel blades and plastic components. While some older Benriner models might be top-rack dishwasher safe, hand washing is generally recommended for the No. 95 to protect the blade’s exceptional sharpness and prevent accidental injury. Always allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling and storing.
Blade Care: The unparalleled sharpness of the Super Benriner’s blades is its greatest asset. While they hold their edge remarkably well, over extended use, even the finest blades will eventually dull. The main flat blade can be removed with a screwdriver and sent for professional sharpening to restore its original keenness. It’s advisable not to attempt sharpening the delicate julienne blades yourself, as this can easily damage them.
Storage: Store your mandoline in a safe, dry place where the blades are protected and away from accidental contact. The removable blades should be stored in their protective sheaths or a dedicated blade storage container to prevent injury and keep them sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the Super Benriner No. 95 stand out from other mandolines?
The Super Benriner No. 95 Professional Series distinguishes itself with its Japanese craftsmanship, hand-sharpened stainless steel blades, wider cutting platform, and a greater adjustable slicing thickness range (0.5mm to 8.0mm) compared to standard models. Its robust construction and inclusion of three interchangeable julienne blades further enhance its versatility and professional appeal.
Is the Super Benriner No. 95 easy to use for home cooks?
Yes, despite its professional designation, the Super Benriner No. 95 is designed for intuitive use. Its straightforward operation, precise thickness adjustment dial, and stable design make it accessible for home cooks. However, its extreme sharpness requires careful handling and adherence to safety guidelines.
How do I ensure safety when using such a sharp tool?
Safety is paramount. Always use the included finger safety guard, and for enhanced protection, it is strongly recommended to wear a cut-resistant glove, especially when slicing smaller ingredients [cite: 2 (from previous search results, MTC Kitchen reviews)]. Ensure the mandoline is stable on your countertop or securely hooked over a bowl before you begin slicing.
Can I sharpen the blades myself?
While the main flat blade of the Super Benriner No. 95 can be removed and sent for professional sharpening, it is generally not recommended to attempt sharpening the delicate julienne blades yourself. Professional services can restore the edge without damaging the specialized tooth patterns.
What kind of cuts can I achieve with the interchangeable blades?
The Super Benriner No. 95 comes with a fixed flat blade for straight slicing and three interchangeable vertical blades (fine, medium, and coarse julienne). This allows you to create paper-thin slices, fine matchsticks, medium strips, and coarse cuts, suitable for a wide variety of dishes from salads and stir-fries to gratins and garnishes.
Conclusion
The Super Benriner Mandoline Slicer No. 95 Professional Series is more than just a kitchen tool; it’s an investment in culinary excellence. Its heritage of Japanese precision, combined with thoughtfully designed features and unparalleled sharpness, offers a transformative experience for anyone passionate about food. From achieving paper-thin potato slices for gratins to creating uniform julienned vegetables for stunning garnishes, this mandoline empowers you to cook with speed, consistency, and a professional touch. Embrace the Super Benriner No. 95, and unlock a new level of culinary artistry in your kitchen.