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V-Slicer or Mandolin

posted in Knives by Kathy Maister

I love my V-Slicer! It cost $29. and was one of my best kitchen investments. This hand operated cutter is also known as a mandolin. I’m not usually a big fan of buying gadgets. There are many useless gadgets on the market that take up precious storage space and never get used. However, this one actually gets used – a lot!

V-slicers are used to cut firm fruits and vegetables. The shape of the cut depends on the blade used. You can mince, chop, slice and julienne, which means to cut into strips.

My V-slicer is made of heavy duty plastic. You can buy the stainless steel version for about $150. The more expensive models come with more cutting blades and have legs to stand on. Unless you do a TON of cutting or are a professional chef, my advice is to go with the less expensive version.

The blades are REALLY sharp. Always use the holder when cutting. The holder has spikes on it that hold the fruit or vegetable while cutting.

Jam the fruit or vegetable you are using onto the spike. (I’m using an onion.)

The arrows on the holder indicate which direction you should be slicing. Press down firmly and start slicing.

Here I have made incredibly thin slices of onion.

By adjusting the plate under the blade I can make thicker slices.

My V-slicer came with three blades.

If I wanted to make French fries I would use the center blade shown above.

Chopping or slicing, particularly onions literally takes only seconds with a V-slicer — see the picture below.

You can see a V-slicer “in action” on my French Onion Soup video.

Cheers!

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7 Comments

justin said:

I have this fantastic memory of a carney demonstrating one of these at the calgary stampede when I was about 8 years old… he had this crazy pitch going and had mountains of vegtables chopped in all kinds of ways… V-slicers have been super magic in my head ever since.

Kathy Maister said:

It slices…it dices….it….

Yes Justin it IS like magic!

Mary McCarthy said:

I NEED JUST THE SAFETY HOLDER. CAN YOU HELP ME? IF YOU CAN,T IS IT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO GIVE ME A WEB SITE WHERE I CAN PURCHASE ON?

Kathy Maister said:

Hi Mary,
I am not sure where you can order just the safety holder. Try contacting the manufacturer of your V-Slicer or asking at your local kitchen shop.
Good Luck!
Kathy

J said:

How would you recommend using a v-slicer to slice carrots at an angle? Just hold the carrot at an angel (and be very carfeul when getting near the bottom)?

CHERYL-ANNE LAWSON said:

I bought one of these V-Slicers years ago and it was the best thing i did. absolutely loved it but it is now very old and i dont know how i can purchase a new one. if you have the contact details for the suppliers, i would be extremely grateful. by the way i live in South Africa but i dont mind paying for postage.

startcooking said:

Hi Cheryl-Anne,
I am sorry but I do not have any connections to any equipment or food suppliers.
If you Google V slicers there are tons of options to choose from.
Good luck replacing yours!
Cheers,
Kathy

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