A Note on Mandoline Safety
Mandoline blades are exposed and extremely sharp, and mandoline injuries are among the most common serious kitchen cuts. Always use the hand guard or food holder that comes with the mandoline — even for the last few centimeters of an ingredient — and consider a cut-resistant glove for extra protection, especially with cheaper or after-market blades that may not include a well-fitted guard.
Metallurgy: High-Carbon Japanese Sheets vs. European Stainless
The Benriner Super Slicer utilizes a high-carbon Japanese stainless steel layout, ground to a steep, acute angle. Carbon depth allows for a significantly sharper margin than traditional softer European steel formulations, which is why the Benriner can effortlessly execute transparent micro-slices without tearing cell structures.
The Bron Coucke Professional counters with an incredibly robust 18/10 stainless steel chassis featuring built-in, flip-up julienne and waffle cutters. This completely eliminates the need for separate loose blades, offering an all-in-one industrial layout preferred in classic French kitchens.
How to Read Mandoline Specs
- Blade shape: Straight blades are simple and easy to sharpen. Diagonal and V-shaped blades slice soft foods like tomatoes more cleanly because they cut with a slicing motion instead of pressing straight down.
- Cutting width: A wider deck handles large potatoes, onions and cabbage without trimming them first.
- Thickness adjustment: Screw adjustments offer fine, stepless control. Dials and levers are faster to change but usually offer fixed steps.
- Julienne options: Separate blade inserts are flexible but are small, sharp parts to store safely. Built-in flip-up blades are always at hand.
- Stability: Non-slip feet or a sturdy frame keep the mandoline from moving while you slice, which matters for both precision and safety.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Benriner Super Slicer: Choose it for very thin, precise slices, a wide deck and a light tool that is easy to store.
- de Buyer Axis: Choose it for easy thickness adjustment and a multi-purpose design.
- Bron Coucke Professional: Choose it for a heavy, stable stainless steel slicer with built-in julienne and waffle cutting.
Cleaning and Storage
Clean the blade with a brush under running water rather than with a cloth, and never leave a mandoline or loose blades in a sink full of water where you can’t see them. Store it with the blade guard fitted.
Related Guides
- Faster prep: Food processors compared
- Knives: Kitchen knife steel and sharpening angles