What Is The Best Meat Slicer? The 10 Best Types for Home and Industry

What Is a Meat Slicer?

A meat slicer, aka a deli slicer or food slicer, is a kitchen appliance designed to slice different types of food, especially meat. These devices are used in delis, butcher shops, restaurants, and even at homes.

Meat slicers contain a sharp rotating blade that can be adjusted based on thickness, allowing for precise slicing as the user prefers.

Meat slicers have three main categories based on their intended usage and capacity: light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty.

Learn More: What Is The Best Knife for Cutting Meat? 10 Best Meat Carving Knives

Light-Duty Meat Slicers

• Mainly used for light use and occasional slicing
• Good for home kitchens, small delis, or places with low slicing demands
• Have smaller blades and less powerful motors
• Suitable for slicing cooked meats, cheeses, and soft foods

Medium-Duty Meat Slicers

• Have an intermediate level of slicing capacity
• Suitable for moderate use in restaurants, small to medium-sized delis, and catering businesses
• Have larger blades and more powerful motors than light-duty slicers
• Can slice different kinds of meats, cheeses, and some semi-frozen foods

Heavy-Duty Meat Slicers

• Used for high-volume slicing in commercial establishments with sizeable demands
• Contain larger blades, more powerful motors, and sturdier construction than the other two slicer types
• Suitable for slicing large quantities of meat, cheese, and frozen products
• Used in large delis, butcher shops, supermarkets, and industrial kitchens

So, you can choose the best meat slicer, first based on your needs. If you want a meat slicer for home, a light-duty slicer can be suitable for your occasional use, while commercial establishments handling large quantities of food regularly would need a heavy-duty model.

Also, you should consider what kinds of foods you want to slice using this machine, as meat slicers do not just slice meats.

What Is a Meat Slicer Used For?

The primary use of a meat slicer is cutting and slicing different kinds of meat but that’s not all. These machines can also help you slice different foods, including cold cuts, roasts, poultry, charcuterie meats, bacon, etc.

• Cold Cuts: You can easily use meat slicers to slice cold cuts, including ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, and other cured or cooked meats.
• Roasts: A meat slicer can slice cooked roasts, such as beef, pork, or lamb, with precision, which is a good option for professional kitchens where large quantities of sliced meat are needed.
• Poultry: Slicers can process various poultry products, including cooked or smoked chicken and turkey, which helps delis and establishments that offer sliced poultry options.
• Charcuterie Meats: Meat slicers are essential in preparing charcuterie boards, where large quantities of cured and specialty meats, like prosciutto, coppa, and chorizo are cut into thin slices.
• Bacon: Meat slicers can also slice bacon to the desired thickness, which is necessary for breakfast establishments, delis, and kitchens where bacon is a staple ingredient.

While the primary purpose of a meat slicer is to slice various types of meat, some models may have additional features or attachments that allow for slicing other foods, such as cheeses, bread, and vegetables. But you cannot slice EVERYTHING with a meat slicer!

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What Foods Can't Be Cut With a Meat Slicer?

While meat slicers are versatile tools that can slice a wide range of foods, certain items, including the following, are not suitable for slicing using a standard meat slicer.

• Very Soft or Moist Foods: Foods like ripe tomatoes or overly tender fruits, may not hold their shape well when sliced by a meat slicer, and can be crumbled or lose their structure.
• Extremely Hard or Brittle Foods: Extremely hard cheeses or very crispy bread crusts may not yield clean, uniform slices and may cause excessive wear on the slicer blade.
• Irregularly Shaped Items: Foods with irregular shapes or uneven surfaces, like pineapples, mangoes, bell peppers, and butternut squash, may not be proper for slicing on a meat slicer, as their uneven surfaces can lead to inconsistent slices.
• Very Small Items: Tiny items like nuts, seeds, or small berries are generally not suitable for slicing precisely with a meat slicer due to their size.
• Items with Pits or Seeds: Fruits or vegetables with large pits or seeds, such as avocados or peaches, may not be suitable for slicing on a meat slicer, as the pits can damage the blade.
• Items with Sticky Residue: Certain candies or extremely fresh marshmallows may not slice cleanly and could leave a residue on the blade.
• Foods Requiring Delicate Handling: Delicate items that require precise and gentle handling, such as fragile pastries or cakes, are better sliced using cake slicers, pastry wheels, cheese wire, dough scraper, etc.

Although you need to be careful with these items, each slicer has its specific features and guidelines you can check to ensure it’s suitable for the items you wish to use.

To learn what features different slicers have and what we can slice with them, and choose the best meat slicer, we need to learn about the different types of meat slicers.

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Different Types of Meat Slicers

Generally, there are six main types of meat slicers, including gear-driven slicer machines, belt-driven slicer machines, vertical slicer machines, gravity slicer machines, automatic slicing machines, and manual slicing machines.

Gear-Driven Slicer Machines

Gear-driven slicers operate with a gear-driven system, providing consistent blade speed. They usually offer more power and durability than belt-driven models. These slicers are suitable for high-volume slicing in commercial settings.

Belt-Driven Slicer Machines

Unlike gear-driven slicers, belt-driven slicers operate with a belt system connecting the motor to the blade, making them more affordable than gear-driven models. These machines are suitable for moderate to heavy slicing needs.

Vertical Slicer Machines

Vertical slicers feature a vertically positioned blade that moves up and down, making them suitable machines to slice bone-in meats or large roasts. They are commonly used in butcher shops and meat processing facilities.

Gravity Slicer Machines

These special machines use gravity to assist in the slicing process. Food is placed on an inclined carriage, allowing gravity to help the slicing motion. These slicers are mainly used to slice larger cuts of meat.

Automatic Slicing Machines

Automatic slicing machines are powered by electricity to automate the slicing process and are equipped with a motor to move the food back and forth against the blade. They are suitable for high-volume slicing in commercial kitchens, delis, and supermarkets.

Manual Slicing Machines

Manual slicing machines are operated by hand and need the user to move the food back and forth against the blade. They have a simple construction with a manual crank or handle to move the food across the blade. These slicers are common in home settings, smaller kitchens, and delis.

Since the last two slices are more commonly used in home settings, it’s good to focus on their features and compare them to help you find the best beat slicer for your home use.

Electric Meat Slicer vs. Hand-Held Meat Slicer

Electric (automatic) meat slicers and manual (hand-held) meat slicers are two of the main meat slicers used at home. The table below summarizes their main similarities and differences.

So, to help you choose the best meat slicer, I have listed the best options for industries and home use with their features in the following sections.

The Best Meat Slicer for Industries

• Borlebbi 200W Electric Meat Slicer
• TOKASS Electric Deli Food Slicer
• Techwood Electric Deil Food Slicer
• KWS MS-10NS 320W Motor Electric Meat Slicer
• Premium Chromium-plated Steel Blade Electric Deli Meat Slicer

Borlebbi 200W Electric Meat Slicer

This powerful 200-watt meat slicer can slice a wide range of foods, including meat, deli, cheese, roast beef, vegetables, fruits, and bread.

This machine contains sharp 304 stainless steel blades, and you can use its thickness control knob to adjust the thickness between 0-15mm.

It also contains a stainless steel tray to hold the food slices after cutting. The tray and other parts like the blade, food carriage, slide-rod extension, and food pusher of the slicer are removable and easy to clean.

TOKASS Electric Deli Food Slicer

This electric meat slicer is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust. Its adjustable slicing thickness ranges from 0 to 15mm, offering versatility in food preparation.

Powered by a 150W high-speed motor, the slicer can efficiently process 1500g of meat per minute.

Its safety features include a switch to prevent the blade from starting unless the food carriage is securely locked, and non-slip feet provide stability during use. Also, this machine is equipped with a sharp and durable 7.5-inch stainless steel knife, with the option to easily adjust the slicing thickness.

Techwood Electric Deil Food Slicer

This versatile food cutter can be a valuable kitchen tool, allowing you to effortlessly slice a variety of foods, including deli-style ham, turkey, roast beef, dried meats, cheese, bread, and some fruits and vegetables.

Equipped with an adjustable thickness dial, this slicer provides precision control to customize thickness from an ultra-thin 1mm to about 15mm.

Its compact design ensures efficient space utilization, fitting into most cabinets and countertops, making it suitable for both personal and commercial use.

With safety features, such as non-slip feet, a blade safety guard, and a food pusher, this slicer offers stability during operation and offers a secure grip. Powered by a robust 200-Watts AC motor, the removable stainless-steel blade ensures smooth slicing, while the hidden track design and removable components facilitate easy cleaning.

KWS MS-10NS 320W Motor Electric Meat Slicer

The KitchenWare Station MS-10NS Commercial Semi-Automatic Meat Slicer contains a robust 320-watt motor for efficient slicing for home and commercial use.

Its numerical scale knob enables precise thickness adjustment (0-10 mm), ensuring uniform cuts for meats, vegetables, cheeses, and fruits.

The versatile blade options, including durable stainless steel and non-stick Teflon-coated variants, meet different slicing needs.

Premium Chromium-Plated Steel Blade Electric Deli Meat Slicer

This premium electric deli meat slicer has protection against corrosion and you don’t need to sharpen the blade frequently. It also has a double illuminated ON/OFF Switch 24V to prevent power shock.

Using this USA standard-approved tool, you can slice different kinds of meat, cheese, vegetables, ham, and fruit with precision.

The Best Meat Slicers for Home Use

• OSTBA Electric Deli Food Slicer
• Elite Gourmet EMT-625B Ultimate Precision Meat Slicer
• Cuisinart Kitchen Pro Food Slicer
• Manual Frozen Meat Slicer Meat Cutter
• Chefman Electric Deli Slicer

OSTBA Electric Deli Food Slicer

This electric food slicer enables you to slice various foods precisely like a skilled chef at home. Its adjustable thickness settings range from super thin to approximately 3/4’’ thick, allowing for the perfect slicing of various foods like meat, deli items, cheese, roast beef, turkey breast, vegetables, and fruits.

The blade, food carriage, slide-rod extension, and food pusher are all removable parts, making it easy to clean. Also, its non-slip suction cup feet ensure stability during operation.

Elite Gourmet EMT-625B Ultimate Precision Meat Slicer

This user-friendly food slicer allows you to effortlessly slice salami, ham, mortadella, chorizo, or pepperoni, as well as a variety of cold cuts, hard cheeses, fruits, vegetables, or bread by simply adjusting the desired thickness.

This meat slicer is crafted from high-quality aluminum, ensuring durability, rust resistance, and easy maintenance, promising a long-lasting kitchen companion.

Cuisinart Kitchen Pro Food Slicer

This food slicer has a removable 7.5-inch stainless steel cutting blade, with a 38-Inch length cord. It also has a stainless steel removable carriage making sanitation easy.

Its slice control knob can adjust from 1/32 inch to 1/2 inch, enabling various thicknesses for different usages.

Manual Frozen Meat Slicer Meat Cutter

Crafted from high-quality stainless steel and featuring an ergonomic handle, this manual frozen meat slicer offers durability and robust construction.

This versatile tool enables quick slicing of frozen beef, meat, lamb, ham, and vegetables, facilitating the preparation of hot pots, sandwiches, pizzas, or appetizers.

Its slicing thickness is easily adjustable through screws, allowing customization from 0.25mm to 25mm. The sharp alloy steel blade ensures effortless cutting, while four suction cups provide stability, and a non-slip meat press cover prevents sliding during use.

Chefman Electric Deli Slicer

Using this deli slicer you can effortlessly slice various foods, including deli-style ham, turkey, roast beef, dried meat, cheese, bread, fruit, and vegetables.

This slicer is equipped with an adjustable thickness dial, allowing you to customize your slices. Also, its compact and stylish design, measuring 9" x 12", makes it suitable for most cabinets and countertops.

It is a good option for making homemade beef jerky, deli sandwiches, charcuterie boards, dehydrated fruit slices, party platters, appetizers, and more.

Powered by a robust 180-watt AC motor and featuring a serrated stainless-steel blade, this slicer ensures smooth operation, while the removable and retractable 7.5" serrated stainless-steel blade and die-cast aluminum housing make for easy cleaning.

You can also make jerky at home using the following meat slicers for jerky.

Learn More: The Best Meat for Beef Jerky and How to Select Them

What Are The Best Meat Slicers for Jerky?

When it comes to making jerky, having a reliable meat slicer helps you achieve consistent and thin slices of meat. Here are some of the brands of the best meat slicer for jerky.

• Weston Manual Support Beef Jerky Slicer
• 2-in-1 Meat Tenderizer Jerky Slicer Manual
• OSTBA Foldable Meat Slicer
• Weston Electric Meat Cutting Machine

Weston Manual Support Beef Jerky Slicer

Weston jerky slicer enables you to cut meat into uniform strips for jerky efficiently, with 32 stainless steel blades that swiftly create consistent 0.25-inch strips.

The sizable chute accommodates large meat pieces, handling cuts up to 5 inches wide and 1.25 inches thick, making it an efficient tool for making protein-rich jerky from substantial portions of game meat, beef, turkey, and duck breast.

Securing the slicer is easy, as it easily mounts onto tables and flat surfaces up to 2 inches thick using the integrated C-clamp. To prevent jamming, two stainless steel combs are included, helping the smooth feeding of meat through the chute.

2-in-1 Meat Tenderizer Jerky Slicer Manual

This 2-in-1 tool features two different blades—one for tenderizing and another for fast slicing. With 16 pairs of stainless steel tenderizing blades and 31 slicing blades, it efficiently handles tough cuts of meat.

Crafted from lightweight die-cast aluminum, the sturdy construction includes stainless steel combs to prevent meat jamming. Two clamps provide additional stability when mounted to counters.

Its easy-to-clean, compact design ensures convenient storage. It is also suitable for various meats, cheese, and veggies.

OSTBA Foldable Meat Slicer

With a foldable and compact design, this deli slicer effortlessly fits into cabinets and countertops. Its safety is prioritized with non-slip suction cup feet and a new intermittent switch design.

Cleaning is easy with seamless, removable, and dishwasher-safe features. Also, it is powered by a 120W motor and sharp 304 stainless steel serrated blades to slice various foods.

The precise adjustable thickness control knob allows for easy customization from paper-thin hams to perfectly carved roasts, ensuring chef-like precision in your cooking.

Weston Electric Meat Cutting Machine

This device benefits from adjustable thickness control, which allows you to slice from deli-thin to over ½” thick with precision. The machine operates with a belt-driven, quiet-running motor, ensuring efficient performance.

A food pusher featuring teeth enables controlled slicing, while the sturdy base and suction cup feet ensure stable and secure operation.

The large capacity stainless steel food tray, which smoothly glides and tilts out, facilitates easy cleaning. Also, its compact design allows for convenient storage and transportation.

Crafted from corrosion-resistant coated steel and aluminum housing, this slicing machine contains a removable 8-5/8" stainless steel blade.

Whatever brand you finally decide to purchase, you need to consider important factors to choose the best meat slicer for your needs.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Meat Slicer

When considering buying a meat slicer, several factors should be taken into account to ensure that you choose the right model for your specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider before making a purchase.

• Type of Meat Slicer: Determine whether you need a manual, automatic, electric, or hand-held meat slicer based on your intended use. Each type has its advantages and is suitable for different purposes.
• Intended Use and Volume: Assess the volume of slicing you plan to do. For light home use, a smaller and less powerful slicer will do. For commercial or heavy use, choose a powerful and high-capacity model.
• Blade Size and Type: Consider the size and type of the blade. Larger blades are suitable for slicing larger cuts of meat, while different blade types, such as serrated or smooth are better for smaller cuts.
• Adjustable Thickness: Check if the meat slicer allows for adjustable slicing thickness, as it is necessary for achieving the desired thickness for various cuts of meat or other food items.
• Power and Motor: Assess the power of the motor. A more powerful motor is beneficial for efficient slicing, especially when dealing with tougher cuts of meat. Consider the wattage or horsepower of the motor.
• Construction and Material: Look for a meat slicer with a durable construction, preferably made of stainless steel or other high-quality materials to ensure durability and ease of cleaning.
• Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to disassemble and clean the meat slicer. Models with removable and dishwasher-safe parts simplify the cleaning process and enable proper hygiene.
• Safety Features: Ensure that the meat slicer has adequate safety features, such as a blade guard, safety switch, or automatic shut-off.
• Size and Portability: Evaluate the size and portability of the meat slicer, considering the available space in your kitchen. Some models are more compact and easier to store, while others are larger and designed for commercial kitchens.
• Brand and Reviews: Research reputable brands known for producing quality meat slicers. Read customer reviews to gain insights into the performance, durability, and overall satisfaction of users with specific models.
• Budget: Establish a budget based on your requirements. While it's important to invest in a reliable meat slicer, there are options available at various prices.
• Warranty and Customer Support: Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind. Additionally, consider the availability and responsiveness of customer support in case you encounter issues.

Summary

If you are looking for more budget-friendly slicers, you can check the following list for the best meat slicer listed based on price with +4-star reviews. Clicking on the items, you can find the related Amazon page and purchase online.

• The best meat slicer under $25
• The best meat slicer $25 to $50
• The best meat slicer $50 to $100
• The best meat slicer $100 to $200
• The best meat slicer $200 and above