9 Best Meat Slicers Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide

Wonderfully-sliced meat is a vital addition to any meal. Not only will it make the dish look appealing, but it also contributes to the overall experience of enjoying the food. And nothing creates a great meat slice than having your meat slicer.

Meat slicers are a great tool in your kitchen to make your meat slicing needs a breeze. This is also not limited only to meat. They can also slice cheese, vegetables, and a lot of other foods quicker than the conventional slicing method. 

Another great thing about having a meat slicer is that you can control how thick you want the food to be. In this article, we will narrow down 9 brands of meat slicers and give you reviews about each one to help you decide which one suits you best.

Our best meat slicers pick

1. Chef’s Choice 615A Electric Meat Slicer

When it comes to smooth slicing, the Chef’s Choice 615A Electric Meat Slicer is our best bet. This model has been tested for bread, cheese, and vegetables and performed very well. The material is cast aluminum and stainless steel and runs on 120 watts.

The stainless steel blade measures 7 inches and is also detachable for easy cleaning. The slicer’s motor features high torque power, and the gear drive performs wonderfully. There is a built-in compartment for the food and a food pusher for transport and storage within the machine. It is big enough to carry those large roasted hams. 

 2. Best Meat Slicer Consumer Reports: BESWOOD 10″ Premium Chromium-Plated Electric Meat Slicer

Looking for a home meat slicer that can perform as well as commercial models? We believe the BESWOOD 10″ Premium Chromium-Plated Electric Meat Slicer will suit your preference. The meat slicer’s structure’s aluminum and stainless steel coat make it quite heavy and bulky, but it also makes the slicer durable and long-lasting.

The blade combines stainless steel and chromium metal that can cut your meat smoothly to your desired size and thickness. According to most customers who bought the meat slicer on Amazon, the blade does not need frequent sharpening. Some even said they had not sharpened theirs since they bought it and have been using it for months.

The feeder of the meat slicer is V-shaped and does not produce much noise when vibrating. This model works well in cutting up large meat chunks because of its large and sharp blade, but it may be a bit of a hassle to remove when it’s time to clean it.

3. Elite Platinum EMT-503B Ultimate Meat Slicer

The Elite Platinum series comes up with another strong contender with the EMT-503b Ultimate Meat Slicer, which is cost-effective and top-performing. Cutting meat is a breeze with this 7.5 inches of a rust-resistant stainless steel blade. You can also cut other types of food like sandwiches, appetizers, and others.

Customers who purchased the item from Amazon were more than satisfied with the product, saying that they have been using it for years and have had no problems with it. It also allows users to adjust the thickness of the cut by just turning the knob. You achieve a maximum thickness of ½ inch.

The platform for the meat can hold large chunks, and the bottom base of the slicer is lined with rubber, so it holds firmly on the surface. The blade can slice through different kinds of meat like salami, ham, turkey, and pepperoni, as well as bread, cheese, and vegetables. The structure of the blade is plastic, so it might be slightly fragile; therefore, extra caution should be exercised when using it. 

4. Cuisinart FS-75 Kitchen Pro Food Slicer

The Cuisinart FS-75 Kitchen Pro Food Slicer is a budget-friendly quality choice for a meat slicer. The entire structure can be disassembled for easy cleaning. You have a thickness range that can go from 1/32 to ½ inch of thickness. Aside from the meat, the Cuisinart FS-75 Kitchen Pro Food Slicer can also cut up sandwiches and other appetizers. 

The downsides? The slicer can heat up after just 10 minutes of use, and you must hold the food in place with caution. You have to allow the slicer to cool down for a while before proceeding to slice up a new batch, which can be inconvenient. But this should not be a huge concern if you’re not rushing.

5. VEVOR 10″ Blade Commercial Deli Meat Slicer

The VEVOR 10″ Blade Commercial Deli Meat Slicer is sharp and powerful and comes with an additional self-sharpening tool – the whetstone. This eliminates the need for you to buy a separate blade sharpener because it is already built within the meat slicer itself. 

You can activate the sharpening feature with only a push of a button. The operations are user-friendly and not difficult to learn. The blade is made of durable stainless steel that is resistant to rust. It also has a cover to protect it from moisture. 

The entire slicer weighs 50 pounds which is quite bulky and heavy. This might be a disadvantage if you have limited space on your kitchen countertop. 

 6. NESCO FS-250 Stainless Steel Food Slicer

The power motor of the NESCO FS-250 Stainless Steel Food Slicer packs a very powerful drive. The blade is also incredibly sharp and efficient in cutting up meat chunks and other types of food. You can finish your slicing tasks within minutes with the fast operation of the meat slicer. 

The food press is made of aluminum material, and the blade is stainless steel. Combining those two durable metals contributes to the slicer’s long lifespan and sturdiness. There are slicing guards that keep your hands safe while you operate it. 

The blade is serrated, which is not ideal for the smooth cutting of meat. But the power switch is safely engineered for an error-free operation. 

7. Super Deal Premium Electric Meat Slicer

The Super Deal Premium Electric Meat Slicer has similar qualities to that of meat slicers used by professional chefs. This can be used for heavy-duty culinary tasks because it can handle cutting cheese, eggplants, zucchini, and other types of food. 

Consumers have testified that the blade remains sharp even after multiple uses for several months. The motor has 150-watt power, and the thickness can be adjusted to a maximum of ⅗ inches. 

The components that need cleaning are easy to remove and reattach. A ring guard cover also keeps dust and debris inside the machine. Other removable parts include the slide rod extension, carriage system, and arm support. The slicer itself is made of sturdy aluminum metal. 

You can slice a wide variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, bread, and cheese in this top-notch meat slicer. 

8. Kitchener 9-inch Professional Electric Meat Deli Cheese Food Slicer

The two primary features of the Kitchener 9-inch Professional Electric Meat Deli Cheese Food Slicer are its powerful motor and the detachable blade, making cleaning much easier. The stainless steel blade is rust-proof as well.

The motor runs at 200-watt power that can slice through cheese, bread, vegetables, deli meats, and other types of food. The blade measures 8-5/8″ for efficient slicing jobs. There are also suction cups that keep the machine in place while it operates. The small and compact size makes for easy storage. 

The material of the slicer is made of stainless steel and comes with a safety feature to protect your hands while using it, and it also has antimicrobial protection. The model is approved by the FDA and is budget-friendly.

9. KWS Premium Electric Meat Slicer

For the last one on the list, the KWS Premium Electric Meat Slicer performs much like heavy-duty slicers, making it ideal for professional chefs and cooks who usually do large-scale slicing tasks. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen and need a slicing companion to make the job faster, you may want to consider this one. 

The carbon steel blades are 10 inches long and coated with chromium metal for additional sharpness and durability. It can cut through thick chunks of meat and other kinds of food into different thicknesses. 

The machine is powered with 200 watts and a sturdy aluminum case to protect it from extreme vibration and abrasions. It is also quite compact, so storing it in small spaces would be easy. Another great feature is the dual whetstone sharpener, which means you do not need to find a separate blade sharpener. 

Knowing the different meat slicer grades

Meat slicers come in three basic grades depending on use: heavy duty or commercial type, frequent use, and light use. Read on to know more. 

Heavy-duty/commercial use

Commercial slicers are the way to go when we talk about sturdy, heavy-duty, fastest, and top-tier slicers. Bulky and large, these are anything but portable. They are intended to be put in a permanent spot. 

They usually weigh more than 50 pounds, and their motors have ½ horsepower plus; the blades are 10 inches at a minimum but usually fall within the 12-14 inch range. They can operate ceaselessly for hours and slice through thick, chunky meats. 

They are also built with safety features and easy-to-navigate controls. The touchpad is usually resistant to moisture, and you can adjust the slicing speed and thickness. Some include automatic shut-off features, and the necessary cleaning components are most likely removable. 

Commercial kitchens need a lot of slicing done quickly, so they will need a slicer to do the job. Hence, the name.

Frequent use

This grade of meat slicer falls in the middleweight range of 10-40 pounds. Depending on the model, some of these can be moved and stored. The usual materials used in the construction of these types are stainless steel and aluminum, along with a few plastic materials here and there. Expect they do not have the same durability and power as the heavy-duty grade slicers.

They run on 240-320 power watts, and the blade can be as long as 9-10 inches, handling moderate slicing tasks. It can cut through wide meat varieties as well as hard cheeses.

For lighter models, you may have to take breaks after every 30 minutes of use to prevent straining of the motor. It is designed for long hours of use. We recommend using these only for small gatherings when you do not need to cut through a lot of food. 

Light use

For small-scale slicing jobs that take less than an hour and are usually for home use, the light-grade meat slicers are the go-to grade for scenarios like that. These models can still handle meat chunks, but those that aren’t frozen or raw. We also do not advise using it for hard cheese. However, you can use it for cutting bread, fruits, vegetables, and soft meat. 

The motors of these slicer types run on 120-150 power watts. But don’t overexert them. Take breaks if the volume of food you need to cut is quite large. 

The blades are usually 7-8 inches – common for basic performance machines. Anything more than 5 inches thick is already beyond the capacity of these slicers. These are also budget-friendly, so if you’re concerned about the price, you can opt for light-grade meat slicers. 

Choosing the right meat slicer

Here are the factors you need to check in an ideal meat slicer. 

Motor efficiency

The motor runs the blade. So it’s important that you need a powerful motor to be able to do the slicing efficiently and quickly. The motor’s power is expressed in terms of horsepower. The higher the HP, the more efficient it is. 

¼-⅓ horsepower is the range for light-grade meat slicers that can handle up to an hour of continuous operation. You can slice cheese and soft meats with this power. 

In the middle range, the average grade meat slicers have the ⅓-½ horsepower to handle slicing cheese and meats for a couple of hours. 

And for the heavy-duty meat slicers, the motors have more than ½ horsepower. This is the best choice for large-scale slicing jobs that need to operate for several hours. However, if you’re only going to use your slicer on special occasions, you’ll do just fine with average-grade models that cost less instead of buying an expensive, heavy-duty one that you won’t even make full use of. 

Belt drive vs. gear drive

This refers to the connection between the blade and the motor. Gears are more reliable in terms of durability and longevity, specifically the nylon gears, which are the most common and do not emit that much noise during operation. But once they reach their limit, you will need to get them repaired or replace them altogether. 

On the other hand, many models now use belt drives since they cost a lot less and are easily replaceable without special assistance.

Blade size

The size of the blade determines the size of the meat you can cut with the slicer. Heavy duty slicers have large blades that can cut through hard and thick meat chunks. The lengths of robust blades are around 12 inches for heavy-duty slicers. Sometimes it even reaches 14 inches for some models. 

Smaller blades are between 9-10 inches long. These are typically used for small slicers. Depending on your primary purpose for having a meat slicer, no one size can suit all your needs. 

Serrated or straight-edged blade

Serrated-edged blades are great for cutting through tough foods. They are effective for hard bread crusts and thick meat chunks. Serrated edges are mainly used for gripping and tearing, so they may not be able to achieve thin and smooth slices. 

But you can do so with straight-edged blades. You can easily adjust the thickness of the slice that you want with straight-edged blades paired with a quality motor. It’s safe to say that straight edge blades are the most versatile since they can achieve almost any type of thickness and are also very sharp and durable. 

Safety

Meat slicers are a common cause of injury, so manufacturers have made it a point to incorporate safety mechanisms in their machines to protect users. The blade often comes with a cover. You can also take some safety precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves when using the slicer. 

Ease of use

You can choose between automatic and manual meat slicers. The former is much easier to use because all you have to do is place the meat on the platform, and the machine will start cutting it into the thickness you set. Unlike manual slicers, you do not need to assist the blade with every cut.  

But you can also opt for a manual setting, even if it is an automatic slicer if you want more control over the slicing. 

Cleaning leg kickstand

Cleaning legs or kickstands determine the ease of cleaning your meat slicer. 

Meat tray size

The larger the meat tray is, the bigger the size of the meat you can put at one time for the slicer to process. You also need not move the cut meat frequently to make room for more cut-ups. 

Wattage

The high wattage of the slicer means it consumes a lot of electric power when it operates. That also results in more power exerted by the motor upon slicing. It relates to the efficiency in slicing and the speed it takes to cut up a particular size of meat. Heavy duty slicers usually operate on 200 watts or more. 

Material

Steel and aluminum are the most reliable materials for a meat slicer’s frame. For the blades, the best would be carbon steel. And the feet should be lined with thick rubber to keep them in place amid the vibration while it operates. 

Nylon is the ideal choice for belts and gears as they are reliable and can last for several years, provided that you take care of it and maintain it well. 

Price

The cheapest meat slicers cost around 50 dollars, but these are already really low-quality. The decent quality slicers are in the hundred-dollar price range, especially for commercial-grade models. 

How to use a meat slicer

Depending on the model, there are specific instructions on how to operate a meat slicer, but in general, the basic operations are pretty much the same for most types. It is common among all slicers that you have to place the food you need to cut on a sliding platform. 

You can remove the platform by lifting the clamp arm from the main body. Place the food and then put the arm back into place to secure the food. 

Now, it’s time to adjust the thickness. Most meat slicers have an adjustment knob that you can turn to control how thick you want the food to be cut. 

As a safety precaution and for sanitary reasons, we highly recommend wearing cut-resistant gloves when operating the slicer. You can also put wax paper or deli tissue near the slicer to immediately wrap up the sliced food.

As the machine starts cutting, the tray moves to the rotating blade and begins the slicing process. Once you switch it on, either it automatically cuts up the food, or you need to guide the blade. Once you’re done, remember to clean the essential parts of the slicer. 

Can a meat slicer cut through frozen or raw meat?

It is possible, but you will need a strong and sharp blade to do so without the risk of damaging the blade. As much as possible, defrost the meat before subjecting it to the meat slicer. The heavy-duty meat slicers may be able to handle it, but we do not recommend trying it out for the average-duty slicers if you do not want to dull the blade. 

You can cut raw meat with the slicer. Just always keep in mind to clean it afterward to prevent cross-contamination with other foods that you will cut using the meat slicer. Some meats may be too soft, so you may need to either chill or cook them so cutting will be efficient and precise. 

Can a meat slicer cut through bone?

Heavy-duty blades can cut through bone just like it can with frozen meat. But we also do not advise that you try it since there is a high possibility of damaging the blade. 

Proper care of your meat slicer

Having a well-maintained meat slicer will benefit you for several years. 

How often should I clean my meat slicer?

You should always clean the slicer before and after using it. When slicing raw meat, there is an influx of bacteria that can cause contamination. You also risk damaging the machine if you do not thoroughly clean it.

Now and then, you should also do some disinfection and sanitation of the blade, especially if you have not used it in a while. Keep the slicer free from debris and dust so that it will last as long as it should and the efficiency remains the same throughout the years.

How to clean your meat slicer

You will need a sanitizer concentrate and some water. Regular dish soap is not advised on meat slicers because the blade may negatively react. The safest is the sanitizer that you can find online. Apply it to the blade using safety gloves. 

After sanitizing the slicer, rinse it with water and allow it to dry thoroughly to prevent rust. 

Apply some food-grade lubricant to the moving components of the meat slicer, like the feeder tray where the meat is placed. That part slides in and out, so it must remain well-lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the machine. 

How to sharpen your meat slicer

Sharpening the slicer blade is required to keep the blade in good condition. After multiple uses, especially with hard meats, the blade can get dull and may lose its sharpness, resulting in inefficient slicing. 

Meat slicer models have built-in sharpeners, so you can conveniently do it without buying a separate one. However, you may need to purchase a separate one if your model does not have a preinstalled blade sharpener. 

Before sharpening your blade, make sure that it’s clean. Apply sharpening oil or ordinary cooking oil. Adjust the blade against the sharpening surface.j

Start sharpening the blade until you

 notice its edge returning to its original sharpness. You can test it using a chunk of meat. Be careful not to sharpen the blade too much as it will easily get bent out of shape. 

Other tips for your meat slicer

• Before buying the device, you should have a clear purpose. What kinds of food do you plan to use with the slicer? If you’re just going to cut common meats, vegetables, and cheese, you may not need a heavy-duty meat slicer. The power wattage can range from 120 watts to over 300. An average-grade slicer is already enough for you if your main purpose is just for occasional use with only light slicing jobs. On the other hand, if you plan on using it commercially for large volumes of slicing, choose the models with high wattage. 
• In terms of blade size, the same rules apply. Choose a larger blade for heavy jobs. These usually have a diameter of 7 inches and can handle vegetables, cheese, and most types of meat. A 10-inch diameter blade can do the job for large and hard types of meat.
• Think about storage. Meat slicers come in a variety of sizes. But they are generally bulky and require a safe space for storage. If you have limited counter space, find a unit that will fit just right.
• Be wary of cheap units. Most of the time, choosing low-cost models means compromising on quality. To make sure that you get the most out of your purchase, choose a unit that uses rust-resistant materials to ensure that the slicer lasts a long time. Blade guards are made of plastic materials with waterproof properties. 
• Don’t hassle yourself with cleaning the slicer. Buy one that has removable components, so it’s easy for you to clean them separately. Parts like the blade guard, the meat platform, and the blade are usually detachable. It’s also a bonus if these parts are safe to use in the dishwasher, so you do not have to wash them by hand manually. 
• Safety should always be a priority as well. While the powerful and speedy blades and motors are impressive, you should also not overlook your safety when operating the device. Blade guards are essential. You should also consider the base. It should be stable enough to hold the device in place and stick to the surface to prevent the machine from moving while it is operating. Some models with a safety level lock the machine when it’s not being used. 
• Lastly, a slicer’s ability to adjust the thickness is very important. You have to be able to choose your desired thickness for the cut of the meat or food that you subject to the meat slicer. Conduct regular sharpening of the slicer blade as instructed by the manufacturer. Read the product manual to know the appropriate time to sharpen the slicer’s blade. Also, some models come with built-in whetstone sharpeners. 

6 benefits of a meat slicer

Do you need a meat slicer, or will it be just an unnecessary purchase? Here’s how you can be sure. Answer the following questions below.

• Do you have a large family?
• Do you host large gatherings like cookouts, tailgates, and brunches?
• Do you make or smoke your meats, bacon, and cheese?
• Do you make a lot of sandwiches?
• Do you have a hard time using a knife to achieve uniform slices?
• Are you conscious of the thickness and sizes of the meat chunks you cook?
• Do you want to save money?

If you answered yes to more than one question, then a meat slicer may just be for you. Having this appliance provides your kitchen needs with many benefits, such as:

1. Efficiency

Preparing food for your family can be time-consuming. Having a meat slicer can reduce the preparation time by a great deal, so you can have more time for actual interaction with the people you are serving.

2. Uniformity

Uniform sizes and thickness is more likely to be achieved using a meat slicer because you can adjust the style of slicing according to your preference. Meat slicers can obtain precise cuts like a kitchen knife could never. 

3. Ease of use

Meat slicers are easy to use and much safer compared to cutting using a knife. You also do not need other tools like a cutting board because everything is already built within the meat slicer. Kitchen knives may be ideal for a rib roast, turkey, or brisket, but a meat slicer is a more convenient option for other meats like ham and bacon or vegetables, fruits, bread, and cheese. 

4. Money saver

Those foods that are already sliced and packaged when you buy them from the store cost more. You can save a lot more money if you buy one whole chunk of something and then do the cutting and slicing at home. 

5. Portion control

For those tracking their food intake or families who equally divide their food protons among their members, having a meat slicer ensures that all portions are equal in thickness and size. 

6. Freshness

Freshly-sliced meats, fruits, vegetables, and cheese are much more enjoyable to eat. There’s just something delectable about eating a sandwich with contents that have just been sliced. 

Conclusion

That’s it for this article about meat slicers. We hope that we were able to impart relevant and useful information to you in your search for the best meat slicer that works for you. Our best recommendation for all our listed products would be Chef’s Choice 615A Electric Meat Slicer. It does the job efficiently, and its other features are worth your price. 

Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API