Mandoline recommendations

I'm looking for recommendations for a good mandoline. I haven't had one for years as the last time I owned one it pretty poor. I don't mind if it has a hand guard or not as from what I remember they are all pretty dire, so I'll probably buy some gloves unless anyone has any better suggestions.

Thanks!

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Brendan_Lee_56950

http://www.amazon.com/Benriner-BN1-Japanese-Mandoline-Slicer/dp/B0000VZ57C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368034428&sr=8-1&keywords=benriner

that one and it's bigger brother are the one's most people I know use.

Martyn_Haigh_45109

Thanks @Brendan Lee
p.s. you have a very annoying username for linking to in a thread!

Brendan_Lee_56950

Anyone with a space is pretty terrible. Hopefully they make the switch to a new forum format soon and that will be a thing of the past.

John_C_Stires_41953

I have a large, beautiful mandolin from Oxxo; it works wonderfully. I'm told, however, that the small, cheap ones are better, less bulky and easier to clean. Big fat help, eh?

susan_fox_33805

@Brendan will the Benriner cut paper thin? I just discovered to my dismay that mine does not so I'm looking for a new one that does.

Johan_Edstrom_5586

@Susan, yes. It is what I usually use for radishes and such garnishes.

Johan_Edstrom_5586

The radishes are sliced on a benriner - then just kept in some cold water.

prince_of_porcelain

I have an Oxxo brand one. I don't recommend it. Need to order the benriner.

susan_fox_33805

@Johan thanks. That picture tells me all I need to know. Benriner it is.

Brendan_Lee_56950

Sorry a bit late to the party, yes, as Johan pointed out, it will cut paper thin slices with ease. Buy the big one though

Johan_Edstrom_5586

The smaller one is perfect for things like daikon, radishes, moderately sized taters (US style baking taters are too wide).

I have the smaller one and every now and then the wide frame would be nice.

I've had Oxxo brand ones too - they aren't nearly as good slicers as they have a blade at a 90 degree angle.

Oh - and use that guard

Tim_Sutherland_52834

The only issue with the big Benriner (I have both) is that it has two thumb screws on the bottom to set the thickness, and it can be tricky to get them both the same.

I mainly use the small one and trim product if it is too wide. Russet potatoes are about the only product I need to do this to. I try to buy my produce as small as possible as it will have the best flavour and texture.

I don't use a glove or hand guard and I have never cut myself on a mandolin. I happily throw away product rather than get one more slice from it - buying another radish/potato/beet/etc is cheaper than a trip to ER even with health insurance.

Johan_Edstrom_5586

@Tim, didn't know about the second screw on the big one, thanks!

I usually don't use the guard either, if you flatten your hand and like you say, throw away ends, you should be safe.

That said I've nicked off a bit of finger on mine.

Brendan_Lee_56950

what's health insurance?

susan_fox_33805

I have the big one on order, along with a protective glove, having just had a colleague shave off half his finger. Thanks for screw advice, @Tim, I may end up ordering the smaller one as well. I just love how I can count on expert and speedy advice from this community!

Brendan_Lee_56950

The tip of my right finger agrees with your glove purchase. I sliced about 2mm of it slightly off and put the skin back in place and wrapped it up. The skin grew back in but now that finger is pretty much invisible to touch screens. Pretty shitty considering it's my dominant hand!

ParkerCook_66639

Any links for protective gloves?

Mike_Minh_Truong_54120

Bron makes some nice ones. I personally use the Benriner for everyday cooking and pull out the Bron only when I need a specific thickness.

Brendan_Lee_56950

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/1165/safety-non-disposable-leather-gloves.html

@parkercook any online restaurant supply store will sell them by the case relatively cheaply. It's more of a piece of mind thing though because once you cut yourself once you will make for damned sure you won't do it again.

Ella_Stone_776276

https://www.bestadvisor.com/mandolin-slicer

I found here popular brands and good models. There is a table with the characteristics of different models. I advise you to choose with a nozzle for products, so as not to cut your fingers. You will not believe it, but it's a common problem, especially if the blades are really sharp and professional.