Anyone use a mandoline slicer?

[amyg]

I'd really like to get one, but they're really expensive so I want to shop around before I purchase one. I bought a porceline handheld one from Williams-Sonoma a few years ago and ended up returning it. Rather than go through it all over again, I thought maybe some of you would have suggestions? Thanks!!!

 

[bubbles100]

We have one we got at the State Fair a long time ago, and use it mainly for onions. I don't think we paid more than $20, which is fine for the amount of time we use it. DH wants to get a stainless steel one, probably like you're looking at.

 

[amyg]

Cuisinart makes one that I haven't seen. I could get it on ebay for $50 altogether, with shipping. The Williams-Sonoma one is $185 at the store... and for some reason, I'm convinced it wouldn't work!! (Can you imagine spending $185 on a gadget?! I love that!!!)

 

[Miss Lee]

I have an old one that I got from Williams-Sonoma or some such place. I don't remember what brand it is. It's not one of those fancy schmancy metal types--it's plastic but it works really well. They do make quick work of slicing potatoes and onions. I haven't used it in years because, as I've gained more experience in the kitchen, I've gotten to be pretty handy with a knife. I guess I'd recommend a good plastic model because you'll use it alot at first, but I see it as a tool that will end up in the back of a cabinet one day. HTH

Michele

 

[twosquared]

I have one from Pampered Chef. It is several years old, so I am not sure if they still sell it. It works well, even though I don't use it often and if I remember it was not very expensive. I don't know if it will give those paper thin slices of a "professional" quality mandoline but it's worth looking into. You can probably check out Pampered Chef online.
Good luck!!

 

[delfin]

My friend brought me back one when she went to Italy. It's plastic, so I don't think it cost alot, and it works fine for onions, carrots (great for thin slices in salad), and other veggies. I don't think I'd want to spend alot of $ on one of these; as long as the blade itself is steel, I don't think the rest of it has to be.

 

[kathryn]

What makes these so special that the cost so much?

I think I have something similar I got from QVC. It wasn't called a mandolin, but there is a "board" with a blade in, and a separate handle with prongs that holds the veggie you are slicing.

 

[amyg]

The only reason I can come up with is the strength and sharpness (i.e., quality) of the blade. Like knives, how you can get a set for $1, or you can get a set for $1,000.

I got one someplace for $20 and it was terrible. I'm hoping to get one a few steps up from that, but I don't need to pay $200 just to cut vegetables!!!

 

[nancy324]

Amy, I can't live without my mandoline slicer. I have bought several in my time, and have learned that paying more does not seem to add any quality. In fact, they are all pretty much the same, whether you spend $25 or $150. My current mandoline is made by Oxo, and it's fine. But I used to have one that was very inexpensive that I thought had a sharper blade.

You should note that those safety knobs with the prongs just don't work, and you won't use it. You will just use your hands, so it's important to be very, very careful and keep your fingers away from the blade.

HTH,
Nancy