Some kitchen appliances are easily overlooked, one of those being the meat slicer. Although many don't realize it, it can be numbered among the other essential appliances such as toasters, blenders, and even coffee makers. Someone who isn't experienced or educated about the conveniences that a meat slicer brings to everyday meals may not see all the many perks of owning one. In this article I will very simply explain why you may enjoy the addition of a meat slicer to your kitchen.
What is a meat slicer?
Meat slicers are commonly used commercially in delis or by professionals. However, there are less expensive meat slicers available for home use. There are two kinds of meat slicers, a manual slicer, or an electric slicer. Electric slicers are the most common simply because they are more user friendly. Because electric slicers are most prevalent, that is the kind of slicer I will be describing in my article. The price of a meat slicer is dependent upon a variety of factors. Commercial deli slicers tend to be thousands of dollars, whereas a meat slicer for home use can cost from $50 to $500.
The many uses of 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
* The power of the motor. Larger and tougher meats will require a more powerful motor whereas a simpler motor would be satisfactory for less hefty meats and foods.
* Size of the blade. Blades typically run from 6 to 9 inches. The larger the blade, the larger pieces of food you can cut. However, this also means you'll need a more powerful motor.
* 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.
* Non-slip feet to prevent sliding
How to Know if it's the Right Meat Slicer For You
There are two major concerns by users of meat slicers; difficulty of cleaning and lack of power. First you must determine what kind of meat slicer you will need, whether you are going to be doing tougher, heftier jobs, requiring a more powerful motor... Or if you are satisfied with a simple meat slicer. User reviews are often very helpful to take note of before making a purchase.
What is a meat slicer?
Meat slicers are commonly used commercially in delis or by professionals. However, there are less expensive meat slicers available for home use. There are two kinds of meat slicers, a manual slicer, or an electric slicer. Electric slicers are the most common simply because they are more user friendly. Because electric slicers are most prevalent, that is the kind of slicer I will be describing in my article. The price of a meat slicer is dependent upon a variety of factors. Commercial deli slicers tend to be thousands of dollars, whereas a meat slicer for home use can cost from $50 to $500.
The many uses of 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
* The power of the motor. Larger and tougher meats will require a more powerful motor whereas a simpler motor would be satisfactory for less hefty meats and foods.
* Size of the blade. Blades typically run from 6 to 9 inches. The larger the blade, the larger pieces of food you can cut. However, this also means you'll need a more powerful motor.
* 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.
* Non-slip feet to prevent sliding
How to Know if it's the Right Meat Slicer For You
There are two major concerns by users of meat slicers; difficulty of cleaning and lack of power. First you must determine what kind of meat slicer you will need, whether you are going to be doing tougher, heftier jobs, requiring a more powerful motor... Or if you are satisfied with a simple meat slicer. User reviews are often very helpful to take note of before making a purchase.
About the Author:
Christopher Handy writes the web's top reviews. Visit his website to learn more about the best meat slicers. Also, click on the following link to watch a neat video on meat slicers for home use.