If you love to spend a lot of your time in the kitchen, then it is fair to say that you have your share of challenges and disappointments when it comes to cutting cheese. A lot of people consider themselves as cooking gurus, but slicing cheese is usually their Achilles heel. It is not like it is an impossible task, though. It is just that you typically end up crumbling or ruining it when you do it manually.
The best way to succeed in cutting cheese is to use a cheese slicer. You probably think that you can do it with a kitchen knife, but there is a considerable difference between a cheese slicer and a conventional knife. The former is equipped with a special blade and design intended for cutting cheese and retaining its form. But keep in mind that not all cheese slicers offer the reliability and quality you need.
You can get your hands on a handful of cheese slicers, but you might find yourself getting overwhelmed by the options. My experience in buying a cheese slicer for the first time was something I would rather forget. I initially thought they were all the same. It was only when I purchased the wrong product that I realized there is more to a cheese slicer than I thought I knew.
So, let me help you figure out how to buy the best product to cut and slice cheese and give you some recommendations along the way.
Things to Factor in the Purchase of a Cheese Slicer
While all cheese slicers have the same function or purpose, the performance of one product differs based on the type. You must understand which type best addresses your needs for cutting and slicing cheese. The three most popular varieties are:
• Cheese Plane – This is a slicer that uses a downward slicing blade reinforced by a sharp edge and flat surface.
• Rolling Slicer – This product has a roller attached to the stainless parallel wire. It cuts cheese with remarkable precision, and the wire is replaceable.
• Board Slicer – The board cheese slicer is bulky, but it is the only one that looks like a legitimate cutting board. It can be made from marble, wood, or stainless steel.
Aside from the type, you also must consider these factors before purchasing a cheese slicer:
User-Friendly
Be reminded that all types of slicers can injure you in one way or another. It is why you should focus on finding something that is user-friendly and requires a minimal learning curve. Do not focus on the design, especially when it means that it is difficult to use.
Blade
Choose a cheese slicer with a high-quality blade material. If you decide to buy the plane variety, choose a brand that is renowned for topnotch blade quality that resists corrosion.
Wire
If you are leaning towards a wire cutter instead, then go for something that uses a stainless-steel material. Aside from being sharper than other wire material, stainless steel is also easier to maintain.
Handle
The handle of the slicer plays a crucial role in performing the job. If you use the tool frequently, then you have a valid reason to choose a comfortable and stable handle. It is not merely about aesthetics; the handle must have an ergonomic design so that your hands do not strain even in extended use.
Cleaning and Maintenance
For someone who plans to use the cheese slicer daily, then you should consider buying something easy to clean and maintain. While the performance of the slicer is the primary consideration, you likewise must think about the effort needed to clean the tool.
Best Cheese Slicers for 2020
If you find it challenging to choose the ideal cheese slicer, this review will help you narrow down your list of options.
1. Westmark Germany Multipurpose Stainless-Steel Cheese and Food Slicer
Westmark is synonymous with quality when it comes to kitchenware. One of the company’s latest offerings is its cheese and food slicer that comes with a board for added convenience. The slicer’s blade is made from premium stainless-steel, reinforced by a solid cast aluminum handle. The board is made from ABS and polypropylene material.
What makes this slicer stand out is its versatility. Other than cheese, you can use it to cut and slice fruits and vegetables. It may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other products in this list, but its main selling pitch is its durability and versatility. You will like this product is you do not mind the lack of a premium design.
Pros
• Can work on other ingredients and food
• Stainless-steel blade can last for years with minimal maintenance
• Adjustable blade contributes to the slicer’s versatility
• One of the few slicers in the market that offer a five-year warranty
Cons
• Bland design
• Not intended for hard cheese varieties and nuts
• Lacks some essential safety features
2. Prodyne 805B Thick Beechwood Cheese Slicer
This cheese slicer takes the cake when it comes to aesthetics. It features a sleek black arm and handle grip. It uses a cutting wire made from stainless steel to cut cheese. If you are looking for something that can get through and effortlessly slice hard cheese, this product is for you. The stainless steel wire is replaceable, but the product’s initial sales pitch is its lifetime warranty against breakage.
The Prodyne 805B comes with a standard beechwood board and non-slip rubber feet for added safety. Cleaning and maintenance are easy, too. All you need is water and mild detergent to clean the slicer after every use.
Pros
• Can slice through hard cheese
• Lifetime warranty for the stainless-steel cutting wire
• Capable of producing thin cheese slices
• Non-slip rubber feet add to the safety
Cons
• Not compatible for dishwashers
• Beechwood board will most likely peel with constant use
3. Boska Holland 307063 Monaco Cheese Slicer and Plane
Boska is a leading manufacturer of cheese slicers, with over a century of experience in designing products that cut through hard cheese. The Boska Holland 307063 offers reliability through a one-piece premium stainless-steel material. The concept of one-piece steel guarantees durability and sturdiness, even with constant use and abuse.
Nicknamed “Monaco,” this product stays true to Boska’s tradition of creating cheese slicers that stand out from the rest. Aside from the stainless-steel blade and handle, its aesthetics is beyond the industry standard, too. Creating thin cheese slices is possible and an almost effortless task.
Pros
• Uses commercial-grade stainless-steel blade
• Sleek design
• Industry-best 10-year warranty
• Does not use wires for cutting and slicing
Cons
• No way to adjust the thickness
• The small size means it cannot work on large blocks of cheese
4. Bellemain Stainless-Steel Cheese Slicer
Bellermain’s version of a cheese slicer is unique because it uses a stainless-steel wire that can be adjusted according to your thickness needs. It means that you can come up with a variety of thickness in your cheese. It is a feature that not all cheese slicers in this list possess. You will love this product if you plan to make a handful of cheese slices for different uses like when making sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
The design is highlighted by a cast zinc alloy construction that looks gorgeous. The material construction ensures durability and resilience even after several years of use. This Bellermain cheese slicer eliminates the burden of producing uneven slices. Instead, you can create the specific thickness you desire with minimal effort.
Pros
• Adjustable stainless-steel cutting wire offers versatility
• Replacement wires come in handy
• Easy to learn
• Built and designed for durability
Cons
• Does not perform well for hard cheese
• There is a likelihood for the cord to break
5. Barmix Heavy Duty Stainless-Steel Cheese Slicer
Like all the other cheese slicers we already talked about, this one is made from stainless steel. The premium blade is heavy-duty, too. It means that it can handle both soft and hard cheese with ease. The angled stainless-steel blade is combined with a rubberized handle to prevent straining your hands even on extended use.
Convenience is epitomized by the addition of a hang hole so that you can quickly grab it when you need to slice some cheese. As for cleaning and maintenance, the Barmix cheese slicer is dishwasher safe and has a non-stick surface.
Pros
• Has a non-slip rubberized handle for convenience and safety
• Durable construction yet lightweight
• Can cut and slice other ingredients
• Safe to use with the dishwasher for quick cleaning
Cons
• Durability is a question mark
• Can only cut thin slices, no adjustable feature
• Thickness can be inconsistent at times
Final Thoughts
Slicing cheese should no longer be an arduous task if you invest in a dependable cheese slicer. When you are about to decide which product to buy, my advice is to look beyond the aesthetics and price. The most critical factors are the blade or wire quality, build, and warranty. But the truth is that you can never go wrong with the products we reviewed in this article.
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