5 Best Meat Slicers for Delis and Restaurants A Review

If you’re running a deli or restaurant, having a meat slicer is a must. Not only does it save time and effort, but it also ensures consistent and precise slices every time. But with so many options available in the market, finding the best one can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll review the top 5 meat slicers for delis and restaurants in 2023.

Who Needs a Meat Slicer?

A meat slicer is an essential tool for businesses that serve sliced meats, such as delis, sandwich shops, and restaurants. It’s also useful for home cooks who frequently prepare large quantities of meats, such as for charcuterie boards or parties.

Summary:

• Delis
• Sandwich shops
• Restaurants
• Home cooks who frequently prepare large quantities of meats

Before buying a meat slicer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Blade Size – The larger the blade, the more versatile and efficient it is.
2. Motor Power – Powerful motors can handle tougher meats and longer slicing sessions.
3. Safety Features – Look for features such as blade guards, non-slip feet, and safety switches.
4. Ease of Cleaning – Meat slicers can be difficult to clean, so choose one that disassembles easily and has dishwasher-safe parts.
5. Durability – A sturdy construction and high-quality materials ensure longevity and reliability.

Summary:

• Blade size
• Motor power
• Safety features
• Ease of cleaning
• Durability

When to Use a Meat Slicer

Meat slicers are handy for many food preparation tasks, including:

• Slicing cold cuts for sandwiches
• Preparing meats for charcuterie boards
• Slicing meats for salads or appetizers
• Creating uniform slices for stir-fries or stews

Summary:

• Slicing cold cuts
• Preparing meats for charcuterie boards
• Slicing meats for salads or appetizers
• Creating uniform slices for stir-fries or stews

How to Use a Meat Slicer

Using a meat slicer requires some practice, but it’s relatively simple once you get the hang of it. Here are the basic steps:

1. Make sure your meat is cold – this makes it easier to slice.
2. Adjust the thickness settings on the machine to your desired thickness.
3. Turn on the machine and feed the meat into the blade using the food carriage.
4. Use the handguard to guide the meat through the blade, keeping your fingers clear of the blade at all times.
5. Clean the slicer thoroughly after use.

Summary:

1. Ensure meat is cold
2. Adjust thickness settings
3. Turn on machine and feed meat
4. Use handguard to guide meat
5. Clean slicer thoroughly after use

Pros and Cons of Using a Meat Slicer

Like any tool, meat slicers have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Saves time and effort in food preparation
• Ensures precise and consistent slices every time
• Can handle large quantities of meats
• Allows for customization of slice thickness

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other kitchen tools
• Requires maintenance and cleaning
• Can be dangerous if not used properly
• Takes up space in the kitchen

Summary:

Pros:

• Saves time and effort
• Ensures precise and consistent slices
• Can handle large quantities
• Customizable slice thickness

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires maintenance and cleaning
• Can be dangerous if not used properly
• Takes up space

Alternatives to a Meat Slicer

If you don’t have the budget or space for a meat slicer, there are some alternatives you can consider:

1. Mandoline Slicer – A handheld device that slices fruits and vegetables.
2. Electric Knife – A knife with an electric motor that makes slicing meats easier.
3. Food Processor – Can slice, shred, and chop meats, but may not produce uniform slices.

Summary:

1. Mandoline Slicer
2. Electric Knife
3. Food Processor

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Meat Slicer

Cleaning a meat slicer is crucial to prevent the buildup of bacteria and ensure the longevity of the machine. Here’s how to clean it step by step:

1. Unplug the machine and disassemble it.
2. Wipe down the blade with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water.
3. Clean the food carriage, thickness plate, and handguard in warm, soapy water.
4. Rinse all parts thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.
5. Sanitize all parts with a solution of water and sanitizing tablets or a food-safe sanitizer spray.
6. Reassemble the machine and apply a food-grade lubricant to the moving parts.

Summary:

1. Unplug and disassemble
2. Wipe down blade with warm, soapy water
3. Clean food carriage, thickness plate, and handguard in warm, soapy water
4. Rinse and dry all parts
5. Sanitize all parts
6. Reassemble and apply food-grade lubricant

Comparing the Top 5 Meat Slicers

Here’s a detailed comparison of the top 5 meat slicers for delis and restaurants:

1. Chef’sChoice 615A – A lightweight and compact slicer with a 7-inch stainless steel blade and a powerful motor. It has a tilt feature for easy cleaning and can slice meats up to ¾ inch thick.

2. KWS MS-10NT – A heavy-duty slicer with a 10-inch stainless steel blade and a powerful motor. It can handle large quantities of meats and has a built-in sharpener for the blade.

3. BESWOOD 10″ Premium – A high-quality slicer with a 10-inch chromium-plated carbon steel blade and a durable construction. It has a smooth and quiet operation and can slice meats up to 0.4 inches thick.

4. CUSIMAX Meat Slicer – An affordable slicer with a 7.5-inch stainless steel blade and a compact design. It has adjustable thickness settings and is easy to clean.

5. Super Deal Commercial – A versatile slicer with a 10-inch stainless steel blade and a powerful motor. It has a built-in sharpener and a removable sliding table for easy cleaning.

Summary:

1. Chef’sChoice 615A
2. KWS MS-10NT
3. BESWOOD 10″ Premium
4. CUSIMAX Meat Slicer
5. Super Deal Commercial

Tips for Using a Meat Slicer Safely

Using a meat slicer can be dangerous if not done properly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Always wear cut-resistant gloves when handling meats.
2. Keep your fingers clear of the blade at all times.
3. Use the handguard to guide the meat through the blade.
4. Never touch the blade while it’s running or immediately after turning it off.
5. Unplug the machine before cleaning or adjusting the blade.

Summary:

1. Wear cut-resistant gloves
2. Keep fingers clear of blade
3. Use handguard to guide meat
4. Never touch blade while running or immediately after turning off
5. Unplug machine before cleaning or adjusting blade

FAQs

1. Q: Can I slice frozen meats with a meat slicer? A: No, it’s recommended to thaw the meat first before slicing to ensure even and consistent slices.

2. Q: What type of lubricant should I use for my meat slicer? A: Use a food-grade lubricant such as mineral oil or silicone spray.

3. Q: Can I sharpen the blade of my meat slicer at home? A: It’s recommended to have the blade professionally sharpened for optimal results.

4. Q: Do I need to disassemble my meat slicer every time I clean it? A: Yes, it’s important to thoroughly clean all parts of the machine to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

5. Q: Can I slice cheese with a meat slicer? A: Yes, but it’s recommended to use a slicer specifically designed for cheese to prevent sticking and clogging.

Conclusion

A meat slicer is a valuable tool for any deli or restaurant. By considering the factors mentioned in this article, you can choose the best one for your needs. Always remember to prioritize safety when using a meat slicer and thoroughly clean it after each use for optimal results.