Buying a Mandoline
Whether slicing paper-thin beetroot for Simon Hulstone’s Beetroot and goat’s curd samosa or creating a beautiful rainbow of carrot ribbons to serve with poached eggs on toast, a mandoline can make short work of slicing up fresh fruits and vegetables. But it’s important to respect this sharp kitchen utensil, and know how to use it correctly.
A mandoline is a hand-held utensil with a sharp blade attached to a platform that is used to slice foods. Basic models only cut slices, while fancier units come with attachments that also julienne and dice. Some have a kickstand that props up the slicer on a cutting board or surface, while others are handheld like paddles and can be used over the sink.
When selecting a mandoline, look for one that comes with a finger guard to keep your fingers away from the blade as you move food across the utensil. A holder is a great feature to have as well, and many models come with it included — the best ones have prongs that hold the food securely in place while you run it over the blade.
Also consider the size and design of the blades, the amount of storage space provided, the stability of the unit when in use, how easy it is to clean and disassemble, and the number of blades and thickness settings available. The type of food you’ll be slicing will also affect the type of mandoline you need, as different blades are better suited for certain foods than others.mandoline