One of the most easily forgotten appliances is the meat slicer. Unrecognizable my many, the meat slicer can actually be considered a very essential kitchen appliance, numbered among toasters, blenders, and even coffee makers. Unfortunately not many are aware of the convenience that the meat slicer brings to an average kitchen. In this article I will very frankly unfold the perks of owning a meat slicer and why you may appreciate the addition of one to your kitchen.
Meat slicers: What are they?
Most often meat slicers are used by professionals or commercially in delis. Nevertheless, there are still meat slicers for home use that are less pricey. There are two kinds of meat slicers, an electric or manual slicer. Manual slicers are less prevalent than electric slicers. This being because electric slicers are easier to use and maneuver. I will be talking mostly about electric slicers in my article. There are a variety of factors that determine the price of a meat slicer. A meat slicer for home use can cost anywhere from $50 to $500. This is not too expensive in contrast to commercial deli slicers, which are often thousands of dollars.
How would I use a meat slicer?
A meat slicers most obvious use would be its capability to slice various different meats. But in all actuality it has many uses. Even when slicing meats, the possibilities are endless, including roasts, salami, hams, jerky, and anything in bulk. Besides the obvious, meat slicers can be used to slice fruits, vegetables, breads and cheeses. Because of the flexibility of the meat slicer, there are many options for fun snack and meal ideas for party dishes, and especially for the family.
How (electric) meat slicers work
Meat slicers are hefty machines, typically weighing up to 30 lbs or more. These machines are powered by an electric motor. The motor spins a circular knife, which can be a smooth or serrated edge. The food of choice is placed on what is called the carriage (a sliding tray), and pushed by hand towards the spinning blade. There is a backplate that aligns the food with the blade, as well as an adjustment knob that alters the thickness of the slice by moving the backplate.
Important features to look for
* Power of the motor. If you plan on using your meat slicer often for hefty jobs and tough meats, make sure to purchase a slicer with a more powerful motor, that is sufficient for your needs. Otherwise, a simple meat slicer will work wonderfully.
* Diameter of the blade. Varying between 6 to 9 inches, the larger the blade is, the larger and tougher pieces of food you are able to slice. Unfortunately this comes hand in hand with a larger motor.
* A built-in sharpener
* A backplate that is sufficiently rigid. Flimsiness causes unevenness in the slices.
* Continuous-running motor. These machines can run for long periods of time without overheating the motor. Otherwise, you'll have to switch it off to cool for about an hour after 10 minutes of use.
* Feet of the slicer are non-slip
How to Know if it's the Right Meat Slicer For You
The two major concerns of meat slicer users are difficulty of cleaning or lack of power. Those who are looking for a cheap and simple meat slicer should be content with a small-diameter blade and low power motor. Those who are going to use their slicer often with tougher meats might want to look into a more powerful meat slicer. Also, it is always wise to take note of user reviews before making a purchase.
Meat slicers: What are they?
Most often meat slicers are used by professionals or commercially in delis. Nevertheless, there are still meat slicers for home use that are less pricey. There are two kinds of meat slicers, an electric or manual slicer. Manual slicers are less prevalent than electric slicers. This being because electric slicers are easier to use and maneuver. I will be talking mostly about electric slicers in my article. There are a variety of factors that determine the price of a meat slicer. A meat slicer for home use can cost anywhere from $50 to $500. This is not too expensive in contrast to commercial deli slicers, which are often thousands of dollars.
How would I use a meat slicer?
A meat slicers most obvious use would be its capability to slice various different meats. But in all actuality it has many uses. Even when slicing meats, the possibilities are endless, including roasts, salami, hams, jerky, and anything in bulk. Besides the obvious, meat slicers can be used to slice fruits, vegetables, breads and cheeses. Because of the flexibility of the meat slicer, there are many options for fun snack and meal ideas for party dishes, and especially for the family.
How (electric) meat slicers work
Meat slicers are hefty machines, typically weighing up to 30 lbs or more. These machines are powered by an electric motor. The motor spins a circular knife, which can be a smooth or serrated edge. The food of choice is placed on what is called the carriage (a sliding tray), and pushed by hand towards the spinning blade. There is a backplate that aligns the food with the blade, as well as an adjustment knob that alters the thickness of the slice by moving the backplate.
Important features to look for
* Power of the motor. If you plan on using your meat slicer often for hefty jobs and tough meats, make sure to purchase a slicer with a more powerful motor, that is sufficient for your needs. Otherwise, a simple meat slicer will work wonderfully.
* Diameter of the blade. Varying between 6 to 9 inches, the larger the blade is, the larger and tougher pieces of food you are able to slice. Unfortunately this comes hand in hand with a larger motor.
* A built-in sharpener
* A backplate that is sufficiently rigid. Flimsiness causes unevenness in the slices.
* Continuous-running motor. These machines can run for long periods of time without overheating the motor. Otherwise, you'll have to switch it off to cool for about an hour after 10 minutes of use.
* Feet of the slicer are non-slip
How to Know if it's the Right Meat Slicer For You
The two major concerns of meat slicer users are difficulty of cleaning or lack of power. Those who are looking for a cheap and simple meat slicer should be content with a small-diameter blade and low power motor. Those who are going to use their slicer often with tougher meats might want to look into a more powerful meat slicer. Also, it is always wise to take note of user reviews before making a purchase.
About the Author:
Christopher Handy is a renowned article writer and blogger. Visit his site if you are interested in learning about meat slicers for home use. Make sure to watch this excellent video on the best meat slicers.
