The Smoothest Slice: How to Choose the Best Mandoline

A mandoline is a magical tool in the kitchen – creating precise slice after slice of cucumbers, radishes and other root vegetables, cheese, and more. Some will even form a julienne or baton, making quick and easy french fries or salad toppings.

But for all its ease, a mandoline can also be a danger!

If you don’t tread carefully, the sharp blade can slice through a finger as swiftly as it does a potato. For this reason, it is vital to look for a high-quality product, one that slices with minimal force and provides proficient safety mechanisms.

We’ve researched dozens of models to help you discern which brands to buy. But our help can only go so far – there are still some essential questions you need to ask yourself first!

When choosing your mandoline, it is helpful to decipher what your primary needs will be. Are you looking for a basic blade to simplify slicing? Or are you on the hunt for a multi-use wonder to julienne, crinkle, waffle cut, and more?

Since your desired use will determine whether you prioritize a simple mechanism or one with a wide array of capabilities, we’ve divided our roundup into two different categories: basic and multi-use.

After taking a look at our reviews of the top picks, continue reading to learn more about choosing the best mandoline option for you, in terms of blade style, overall design, safety, and cleaning.

Our Top 7 Mandolines

Take a closer look at our selection of seven top mandoline slicers currently on the market. Our aim is to feature a range of available products to give you the best options to choose for use in your own home kitchen.

Starting with basic models with simply constructed designs and finishing with multi-use mavericks, you’ll find plenty of high-quality picks!

Basic Models

If simple is your style, you’ll be pleased with any of the following selections. These basic models only have one single blade, so other than being able to change thickness levels, a variety of cut options are nonexistent.

Straightforward ease is the name of the game here. All of these choices will still serve as slicing superstars in your kitchen!

1. Kyocera Advanced Ceramic

The Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Adjustable Mandoline is a handheld model featuring a single 3.5-inch diagonal blade that glides smoothly through ingredients.

Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Adjustable Mandoline, Black, available on Amazon

Made from Kyocera’s proprietary zirconia material, the blade is rust-proof and resistant to acids.

The Kyocera is a good choice for those who regularly find themselves slicing smaller or skinnier ingredients, like celery, carrots, garlic, and ginger. It is easy to store, easy to clean in the dishwasher if you choose, and requires no setup.

There are four different slicing thicknesses available with this model – 0.5, 1.3, 2, and 3 millimeters –  adjusted by turning a rotating bar underneath the ramp to each setting. The sharp ceramic blade creates consistently precise slices on even the thinnest setting.

Two notches at the base corners of the ramp make it easy to secure and slice straight over a bowl. A handle at the other end provides you with the ergonomic stability you need to firmly hold on while you use it.

Weighing less than 4 ounces (or a quarter of a pound) and measuring 10.6 inches long, 3.6 inches wide, and 0.4 inches tall, the Kyocera is a compact and very lightweight tool that is easy to pull out for a quick slice.

Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Adjustable Mandoline, Red, available on Amazon

However, its short ramp and light weight can make it difficult to use on larger items like big onions and peppers. When buying produce to prep with this tool, choose smaller options.

The mandoline is currently available in three colors: red, black, and green.

A small plastic hand guard comes with your purchase, and features a small handle to grasp with your fingers and small walls on either side to keep your selected ingredient in place with each slice.

The guard clips onto the ramp for easy and compact storage.

Some Amazon reviewers complain that the plastic base feels flimsy, but others appreciate the bit of give. Still others complain that the plastic hand guard is too small and flimsy for those with larger hands to use comfortably.

For those who want slicers that can handle more than basic cuts, Kyocera also sells a multi-use set that includes the single handheld slicer in addition to a handheld julienne slicer and a handheld grater, available on Amazon.

But if you are just interested in the basic slicer unit for right now, check prices and read customer reviews for the Advanced Ceramic Adjustable on Amazon.

2. Mueller Handheld

The Mueller Handheld Vegetable V Slicer, made with nontoxic ABS plastic, keeps your safety at the forefront of its design.

Mueller Handheld Vegetable V Slicer, available on Amazon

The 2-in-1 adjustable safety food holder gives you the confidence to slice larger and smaller food items.

The plastic food holder is comprised of three separate parts: a gray base, a green insert, and a green tamper.

The gray food holder base can be used on its own to safely hold larger food items. The green insert fits on top of the gray base – with a small inner ring, you can snugly insert smaller or skinnier veggies and keep them stable while you’re slicing. And the small tamper helps you to firmly push down small items like cloves of garlic or pieces of ginger.

The stainless-steel V-shaped blades can be adjusted to three different thickness levels of 1, 2, or 3 millimeters by easily shifting the button located on the handle – a safe and convenient location that steers clear of the blades.

The handle also has a hole for you to hang the mandoline if you prefer to store your tools and gadgets on the wall with hooks.

Other design features are dedicated to overall ease of use: the textured runway prevents food from sticking as you slide it, and there are two notches at the base corners of the ramp for securing over a bowl.

Currently, this model is only offered in a dark gray color with a dark gray/green food holder.

Its dimensions are 15.43 inches long, 8.9 inches wide, and 2.56 inches high. It weighs 9.9 ounces, or about 0.6 pounds, another lightweight in the kitchen that’s easy to move around as needed to keep up with a busy professional and home cook.

All of the pieces are safe to clean on the top rack of your dishwasher. However, the company recommends drying the product as soon as possible after cleaning to avoid water stains.

Learn more about this model on Amazon now.

3. OXO Good Grips Hand-Held

Another compact handheld option, the OXO Good Grips Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer is simplicity at its best, and the most ergonomic product we reviewed.

OXO Good Grips Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer, available on Amazon

It is 11.5 inches long, 3.75 inches wide, and 0.5 inches high. These dimensions are ideal if you want to store this in a kitchen tool drawer. But with a hole in the handle, you can also choose to hang it on a hook.

There are three simple thickness settings, adjusted on the side with a sliding tab and with clear markings to denote these on top of the runway. You can select 1, 2.5, or 4 millimeters.

There is also a lock setting, which keeps the blade flush with the top of the runway.

The base is made from BPA-free white, clear, and black plastic. The single slanted blade is stainless steel.

The clear plastic portion of the runway allows you to see the slices as they fall, so you can track how much you’ve sliced.

The slightly angled black plastic handle has a soft, non-slip grip. It’s easy to grasp, and you can maintain that firm grip all throughout your prep.

The non-slip footing of the mandoline helps to keep it in place as you slice.

A food holder with a large black handle is also included with your purchase, and it features small spikes to keep your food secure as you make your cuts.

Overall, this model from OXO has received rave reviews from verified users. But due to its light weight of 0.55 pounds (8.8 ounces), the main complaint – a familiar one – is that it can be sightly flimsy under the weight of slicing heavier veggies.

When not in use, the food holder clips onto the top of the runway over the blade – both a smart safety precaution and a creative way to keep your items together.

Dishwasher safe on the top rack, both the food guard and the mandoline should be dried soon after cleaning.

You can purchase this item via Amazon, Wayfair, or on the OXO website.

Multi-Use Models

Do you want an upgrade from a design with one single blade? Want to have fun with different shapes, sizes, and styles?

You’ll need a model that has multiple blades. While you’ll need to juggle cleaning and storing numerous pieces, the many creative culinary opportunities are worth the extra responsibilities!

Slice, dice, julienne, and batonnet your way to the following options.

4. Benriner

The Benriner Mandoline Slicer is ubiquitous in professional kitchens. Many cooks consider this tool to be one of the most important pieces in their knife kit!

Benriner Mandoline Slicer, available on Amazon

While the dull beige color of the plastic and simple design really has no aesthetic value, its practical reliability has earned it a spot in this review.

From Benriner, the brand that popularized Japanese-style diagonal mandolines starting over 70 years ago, this razor-sharp tool can slice through anything that’s thrown its way.kdk

The blades are made of stainless steel, and the base is BPA-free plastic.

The mandoline is 12.6 inches long, 4.72 inches wide, and 1.57 inches tall. It weighs 0.8 pounds (12.8 ounces).

The handle, non-slip rubber base, and notches at the base to fit over a bowl all combine to give the user added stability while slicing.

There are four blades included with your purchase: the fixed single straight blade and 3 interchangeable julienne blades with coarse-tooth, medium-tooth, and fine-tooth settings.

The fixed straight blade can be removed and sharpened on a whetstone just like a knife, but it can stay sharp for years on its own.

Using a dial on the bottom of the mandoline, the rolling adjustment allows users to create slices anywhere from 0.3 to 8 millimeters thick.

While the three julienne styles offer a variety of cuts, they are not reported to work as well as those from other brands. Customers complained that it was more difficult to slice when using these blade inserts. In fact, many cooks toss them straight into the trash when they arrive!

Having said that, perhaps this model would in fact be a better fit among the basic models recommended above. Nonetheless, for its basic function, this slicer is a standout with countless fans and dedicated users.

The Benriner also comes with a hand guard, but like the julienne inserts, it seems this was an afterthought on the part of the designers. Amazon users report that it is cheaply made and slides off of food rather than gripping sturdily. Some believe this makes it even less safe to use, and those new to operating this type of cutting tool in the kitchen are advised to proceed with caution.

While negative reviews of the hand guard are prevalent among many customers, the razor-sharp blade again secures its popularity.

Because of its lack of high-quality safety features, we warn home cooks to practice great care when using this particular item! Focus, no distractions!

Read customer reviews and check prices now on Amazon.

5. Swissmar Borner V Power

The Swissmar Borner V Power Mandoline is a handheld model with a V-shaped blade that offers a variety of cutting options.

Swissmar Borner V Power Mandoline, Green, available on Amazon

Unique from many other multi-use mandolines, which require you to change out the sharp metal blades to adjust to different styles and sizes, the Borner V Power Mandoline has a single stainless-steel blade attached to the base.

Rather than using individual sharp blade inserts like other multi-use models, the V Power comes with three plastic interchangeable inserts. This allows the platforms to be changed out quickly without getting your fingers too close to any sharp edges.

The three different blade inserts create a basic straight cut, a 3.5-millimeter julienne, and a 7-millimeter baton. A plastic storage case to house the plastic inserts when they’re not in use is also included with your purchase.

The mandoline base offers four different slicing thicknesses, which are set by locking the blade insert into different notches. The final notch on the straight insert rests the runway flat against the blade, making it safe for storage.

Swissmar Borner V Power Mandoline, Orange, available on Amazon

The exact measurements of each notch level are not labeled on the base. However, the company describes these as having approximate thickness levels of very thin (1.2 millimeters), thin (2.8 millimeters), medium (5 millimeters), and thick (7 millimeters).

The V Power comes with a sturdy hand guard that spikes the food and slowly releases it, using a plunger to do so. This allows for optimum control on every slice, while leaving minimal waste in the hand guard.

All of the pieces snap into the base for easy storage.

This model is 15.16 inches long, 3.54 inches wide, and 5.71 inches tall. It weighs 1.58 pounds (25.28 ounces).

Currently, The Swissmar Borner V-Power is available in an array of fun and bright colors including orange, green, purple, red, and white.

Some Amazon reviewers complain that they do not like the runway and blade design, as they feel like the insert doesn’t snap easily into place and can be complicated to assemble and disassemble.

However, the majority of users prefer this option to handling the small individual blades of many other multi-use slicer models. They also value the good grip you can get with this style of handlebar.

Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.

6. OXO Good Grips V-Blade

The OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer is a multi-use, V-shaped stand model made of white BPA-free plastic with black plastic details that offers several slicing variations.

OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer, available on Amazon

It includes four stainless steel blade inserts, to make straight, wavy, small julienne, and large julienne cuts.

The small julienne blade will create small strips, and the large julienne blade is ideal for making batonnet-size cuts. The straight blade will create simple slices, and the wavy blade makes crinkle cuts.

OXO provides a clearly labeled and color-coded dial on the side of the mandoline that adjusts to four thickness levels:

• Green: 1.5 millimeters
• Blue: 3 millimeters
• Yellow: 4.5 millimeters
• Orange: 6 millimeters

There is also a locked dial setting, in which the blade is flush with the surface of the runway.

The blades all clip in underneath the runway, making for easy storage.

One major safety issue with this model is that snapping the blades in and out of place requires your fingers to work dangerously close to the sharp edges. In addition, the blade clip leaves a small divot in the runway that can catch food as it slides down.

OXO’s food holder is another key feature of this model, and it is included with your purchase. Designed with a wide, saucer-like rim, this holder fulfills its duty of protecting your fingers admirably!

And with its spring-loaded construction, the holder pushes the food down to create even slices with minimal food waste.

The non-slip feet at the bottom, non-slip kickstand, and comfortable handle all make this model a sturdy piece of equipment.

With a weight of 2.38 pounds (38.08 ounces) and measuring 15.5 inches long, 6 inches wide, 2.25 inches tall without the kickstand in use, this model is on the bulkier side! With the kickstand in use, it reaches a height of 5.5 inches. Compared to the other mandoline options reviewed here, it might not be ideal for those with limited space.

Many Amazon reviewers also find the nooks and crannies where the blade inserts clip in tend to catch pieces of food, making hand washing difficult.

Luckily, the mandoline base and food holder are dishwasher safe, though OXO does recommend cleaning the individual blades by hand… carefully!

Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now. You can also find it on Wayfair, or purchase yours directly from OXO.

7. Bron Coucke Stainless Steel Classic Chef’s

Not impressed by any of the plastic mandolines we’ve reviewed here?

You’re in luck! The Bron Coucke Stainless Steel Classic Chef’s Mandoline is a striking stainless-steel model with multi-use capabilities.

Bron Coucke Stainless Steel Classic Chef’s Mandoline, available on Amazon

Made in France, the Bron is a straight-blade stand model that has four blade styles, all integrated on the base.

Because all of the blade options are built-in features, the hassle and potential danger of having to change out and switch blade inserts is completely eliminated.

However, you do have to learn which lever controls what blade – it’s best to have a practice round before you start slicing so you know how to raise and lower each portion!

With the slicing and waffle-cut blades, you can adjust the thickness from 12 millimeters to paper thin using a rolling adjustment dial.

The smaller julienne blade has a thickness of 3 millimeters, while the larger julienne blade has a thickness of 10 millimeters.

The mandoline is 16.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 7.8 inches tall with the kickstand in use. Without the kickstand in place, it is 3 inches tall.

The straight blade does require the use of some extra force in slicing, and the hand guard can feel bulky and awkward to use at first, compared to the more ergonomic plastic guards we’ve seen.

Amazon reviewers appreciate the variety of uses available all on the same base, but many feel this tool is clunky, potentially dangerous to operate, and difficult to clean. Novice mandoline users may want to reconsider the Bron if it’s their first purchase in this category.

Also, many users reported problems with slicing more delicate items like tomatoes. But this is not uncommon, and you’re generally better off using a mandoline with a Japanese-style diagonal blade to slice juicy, ripe produce like tomatoes, or a different tool altogether that’s better-suited to this purpose.

This is an excellent tool for party prep and catering, when you need to produce large amounts of shredded firm vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, celery, and carrots.

On the upside, the stainless-steel construction is heavy and durable. Weighing 5 pounds – 80 ounces! – it won’t strike users as light or flimsy like some of the plastic models might.

For cleaning this particular mandoline, it is best to handwash all of the parts and dry them immediately.

For more information on this model, head to Amazon now.

Factors to Consider

Before deciding what mandoline to purchase, take a few moments to read through some important info and pointers to consider.

With different blade shapes and designs available, as well as serious safety and cleaning precautions, a mandoline should not be viewed as a thoughtless purchase!

Blade Shape and Material

Mandolines usually have one of three main blade shapes: straight, diagonal, or V-shaped.

A single straight blade runs perpendicular to the ramp, slicing straight through the ingredients you slide past it.

While this design works fine for slicing tough vegetables, it requires a lot of force and can crush softer fruits and vegetables with firm skins, like tomatoes.

The diagonal blade featured/found on Japanese models, on the other hand, punctures a small part of the skin before gliding through the rest of the surface. This allows tender ingredients like peppers and tomatoes to slide across easily.

It also allows tougher vegetables to pass through with less force – which greatly improves its safety!

Finally, the V-shaped blade – the most prevalent style among home-use mandolines – capitalizes on the benefits of the diagonal blade times two.

Two diagonal blades slice through the food with this option, which is particularly beneficial when you’re working with larger ingredients.

The material of the blade is something else to think about before your purchase. With most models, the blade will be made out of stainless steel. Valued for its durability, stainless steel is a smart option for the blade.

Ceramic is also another popular option for blades material. The major advantage of ceramic is its sharpness, but it is definitely more brittle than steel. With that said, the blade has a higher risk of breaking with ceramic material than with steel.

Another small consideration is whether or not you want to be able to sharpen the blades. While blades attached to the base cannot be sharpened, and therefore will eventually become dull, you can sharpen blade inserts to keep them as sharp as possible month after month of use.

Design

There are two basic designs for mandolines: the flat handheld and the stand.

The handheld models typically have a handle to hold while resting the base against a counter or bowl. This allows the user to choose the angle at which they slice, and also gives more of a feeling of control. Additionally, this makes it simple to slice straight over a bowl or plate.

The stand model has legs that allow it to stand up on its own. Some users feel this is safer and sturdier than the handheld type, which is helpful when incorporating extra features like waffle cuts and juliennes.

Choosing the material of your slicer’s base is also a major decision to make.

The majority of mandoline bases are made mostly out of plastic. This material is lightweight, very easy to clean and maintain, and also a less expensive option than metal slicers. As you’re shopping and researching, be on the lookout for BPA-free plastic to avoid any chemical contamination.

While not as popular, you can find a few mandolines out there made entirely out of a metal, like stainless steel. Heavy, expensive, and durable, stainless steel has a lustrous presence compared to its plastic counterpart. Keep it looking as sleek and shiny as the day you bought your slicer by drying your gadget soon after cleaning.

Another design feature to note is whether the blade adjustments are fixed or rolling.

Some mandolines offer set slicing depths. This is helpful in that you can repeat a uniform slice width every time you pull out your tool, but this also limits you to working within the unit’s predetermined settings.

A rolling adjustment allows you to vary the width to your precise specifications, though it might be difficult to replicate a slice down to the exact fraction of a millimeter.

Safety

There is no denying that mandolines can be dangerous kitchen tools if not handled carefully!

I myself have suffered dozens of nicks and one serious slice of the fingertip, and I have no doubt that you have some of your own painful stories!

For this reason, the added safety features are very important.

Most mandolines come with a food holder or safety guard. This functions like a handle that clips onto the food, so you can slide your ingredients along the ramp without putting your fingers too close to the blade.

The efficacy of your chosen model’s food holder is vital in determining whether or not the mandoline is a safe purchase – on its own, at least. Additional safety equipment may be employed for home use, and we’ll touch on that in a bit, so keep reading!

Some models clip into the ramp so that each slice is straight and uniform, while others are freestanding and rely on the user’s control.

The size of the safety guard is also something to think about before purchasing. If a smaller or flimsier food holder is a scary no-no for you, particularly if you’re a beginner when it comes to using this type of tool, go for a mandoline with a food holder that is larger in size and better in quality.

Weight of the product can also play a role, and the use of heavier materials like stainless steel can feel more sturdy when in use, as opposed to lighter and flimsier plastic. A larger model may be more difficult to store, a definite downside for those short on cabinet space, though it can provide an appropriate amount of area and strength to make cutting bigger pieces of produce less cumbersome. Non-skid feet are an added element that helps to ensure staying power on the countertop.

The process of changing blades is another safety concern. Do the blades clip in and out easily without the need to touch sharp edges? Or is handling the blades a frightening endeavor?

Consider what will provide the best ease of use – and peace of mind – in your kitchen, and choose accordingly.

Use a Glove

No matter the quality of the hand guard on your mandoline, it is never a bad idea to wear a cut-resistant glove for added protection.

One small slip and the blade can cause a serious injury. While a glove doesn’t offer complete insurance against injury, it is a helpful additional safety tool.

Dowellife Cut Resistant Gloves, Level 5 Protection, available on Amazon

Is a cut-resistant glove already on your shopping list? Consider buying a Level 5 cut-resistant glove or a pair of two from Dowellife, available on Amazon in small, medium, large, and extra-large.

Leave the Scraps

While you might want to try your hardest to slide every last bit of your produce past the blade, please don’t risk it.

Especially as you get to the very end, your fingers must aim dangerously close to sharp edges. It’s okay to leave a bit of waste at the end – your fingers are worth it!

To keep those ends from going to waste, add them to your compost pile, save scraps for stock, or enjoy the fresh veggie nubbin as a quick snack, depending on what it is!

Cleaning

It might be tempting to choose a model that touts itself as dishwasher safe – and most of the ones we have reviewed here claim they are.

While a few models say they can be washed in their entirety in the dishwasher, others specify that only the body should be run through the machine.

But no matter the claims of the mandoline maker, the soaps and chemicals used in dishwashers will eventually wear down blades and increase the speed with which they become dull.

For this reason, it is always best to hand wash any sharp objects in the kitchen – from mandoline blades to knives.

Even if the model you choose claims to be dishwasher safe, we argue that it is always better to wash the blades by hand. The soaps used in dishwashers dull the blades, while hand washing will keep them in tip-top shape.

Hand-drying with a soft cloth afterwards is also recommended, to prevent spotting.