Our table compares the best 6 models of 2021. Models are sorted by our score that represents our opinion on the product. BEWARE: price score varies based on the current price (updated multiple times everyday), so the standings are variable. For every model, you can read the complete review, or click and see the Amazon offer.
The best electric slicer: comparison table
Best choice Ritter Duo Plus E 16The Ritter Duo Plus E16 slicer fits into the low end, but it is a very versatile appliance, suitable both for cutting bread, thanks to the wavy blade, and for cutting cold cuts, with the smooth blade. The blades, however, have a rather small size, with a diameter of 7 inches, and therefore do not allow cutting large salami. The price is right, it relates well to the quality and performance of the appliance.
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Great RGV Ausonia 220The RGV Ausonia 220 is a mid-range slicer, with a good loading capacity thanks to the blade which measures 9 inches in diameter. Like all slicers, RGV has a good availability of spare parts and assistance. The price is remarkably low, also thanks to the frequent discounts that can be found on Amazon. Recommended for those who want to spend little but have a robust product.
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
On the podium RGV Lusso 195 GLThe RGV Lusso 195 GL slicer is the cheapest among the semi-professional ones, but it does not offer less than the others. Made of anodized aluminum, it guarantees strength, stability and easy cleaning, which are accompanied by excellent cutting precision. What is missing is the sharpener, which must be purchased separately to ensure the durability of the blade. For those who use it little, however, it is possible to postpone the purchase of this accessory and have a smaller initial investment.
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Ritter Icaro 7The Ritter Icaro 7 slicer is suitable for those who need to save space, using the slicer only when necessary and then placing it comfortably in a drawer. In fact, this appliance closes on itself, becoming thin and giving the possibility of having a slicer at home without occupying a good part of the kitchen worktop. This feature, although very desirable, does not come for free: the price of the Ritter Icaro 7 is high-end, but the overall performance, unfortunately, is not.
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Graef Vivo V 20Graef Vivo V 20 is a high profile domestic slicer with a truly enviable value for money. Stable, resistant and capable of slicing at an almost professional level, it is one of the most interesting models in this whole market niche.
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Severin AS 3915Severin AS 3915 is a slicer that is part of the low cost range in the range of these products, available at a really low price. Precisely by virtue of this, it presents some critical issues, even if the machinery still appears usable by occasional users and without too many pretensions.
|
|
Until a few years ago, the electric slicer was a professional appliance, and we were used to seeing it only from the delicatessen seller. Today, however, slicers have also entered the world of small kitchen appliances and it is possible to buy domestic slicers at an affordable price, of any size, and try the pleasure of tasting freshly sliced salami at home.
You may have noticed it too, but the cold cuts sliced at the shop, after a few hours, change their flavor: especially quality raw ham. Unfortunately, the steel of the blades, like all materials, leaves its mark on food and alters its flavor. This is as true as the finer the slices are. We are used to using the knife to slice salami, and it is also possible to use it to cut raw ham, if you want to buy a whole one (or if you happen to have one as a gift); however, you will inevitably have thicker slices, and the ham in particular will be quite bulky.
In fact, I bought my first slicer right after I received a ham as a gift. In the family, it was decided to have it cut into pieces by the butcher and to put the pieces under vacuum. After the first attempts with the knife, with which the slices were too thick, I decided to opt for an electric slicer, and since then this has become, for my family, an indispensable appliance. In fact, I realized that cold cuts, if bought in pieces, cost much less than sliced over the counter. And there is no queuing! My first slicer has allowed me to save a lot of money over the years, and I have also used it to slice other things, such as bread and, why not, fruit and vegetables too. The slicer has increased the quality of my table, and has saved me time and money.
How does a slicer work?
The slicer has a simple operation. An electric motor moves a belt or gears to rotate a circular blade, and by pushing the sausage back and forth, regular slices are obtained, of the desired thickness depending on the setting used. However, the operation slightly different depending on the type of slicer, so it is good to start understanding which types of slicer are on the market.
Belt or gear slicer
This feature concerns the transmission of movement from the motor to the rotating blade, which can, precisely, use a belt or gears. The belt drive slicer is simpler, from a technological point of view. However, the movement may not be at perfectly constant speed, and the quality of the cut may be affected. By contrast, a gear slicer is very precise and often slightly more expensive.
Vertical or gravity slicer
Here we are talking about the position of the blade. If the blade is vertical, this means that the salami, or anything else you intend to slice, must be “slightly pushed” from right to left to adhere to the wall of the appliance, so that by pushing it forward it meets the blade. In gravity slicers, the blade is more or less inclined, so that the force of gravity gives a hand in the cut. In this case, the salami is always positioned to the right of the blade (there are no left-handed slicers, that I know of), but in an inclined position, so that it rests partially on it. This feature is particularly useful for soft cold cuts, such as cooked ham or mortadella.
Manual or electric slicer
Yes, there are also manual slicers, and it is not only the vintage models of the 1950s that some old grocery store still use. There is still a market for crank slicers, and there are those who prefer them to electric. Let’s say that with a manual slicer you have more control; however, it is also true that more experience and manual skills are needed to obtain a good result. Do not underestimate the fact that manual slicers are an ecological choice, they save energy and are also the only choice in case you are fond of camping or outdoor life in general.
Folding slicer
Space problems? Some brands of slicers offer folding or resealable models, if you prefer this term. They are usually low-end slicers, but they are still a great aid in the kitchen and are not bulky. My first slicer was of this type.
Which are the main producers of domestic slicers?
These are mostly German companies, with an Italian in the middle.
RGV, a leading Italian company in the market based in the province of Como, keeps the tricolor high. The domestic slicers of this brand reproduce, more or less in miniature, the slicer you see at the delicatessen shop. They are high quality made in Italy objects.
German companies include the giants Bosch and Siemens, but also smaller companies such as Ritter, Clatronic, Severin and Graef. German slicers are present in every price range, but I must say that the famous “German quality” is found above all in the medium-high price ranges. In fact, the cheaper slicers are mainly made of plastic. German companies were responsible for the invention of folding slicers. German slicers usually have a more modern and less traditional design.
How to choose a slicer
When choosing, there are several factors to consider. There is no best slicer on the market, only the best one for you. In fact, the choice must depend on the use that you want to make of it. Do you need it every day or occasionally? Are you only going to slice cold cuts or bread, fruit and vegetables? How much space do you have in the kitchen? What is your budget?
The type of blade
Another thing to consider is the type of blade: on the market there are slicers with smooth, wavy and serrated blades.
Smooth blade
This is the blade that you are used to seeing at the delicatessen shop. It is the perfect blade for cutting sausages and meat, and allows maximum precision, to obtain all the same slices and with minimal waste. In addition, the smooth blade is the only one that can be easily sharpened.
Wavy blade
Have you ever been to a bakery in Germany? Well, you will usually see a slicer quite busy cutting bread. The Germans, in their exaggerated efficiency, usually get the loaf they buy immediately sliced, indeed it is the clerk who asks all customers if they want it sliced. It is a barbaric practice … in fact, sliced bread hardens and spoils much faster and we certainly prefer to cut it at home, as needed.
However, I think that’s why German slicer brands usually offer wavy blades. A wavy blade is less precise in cutting cold cuts or meat, but it is certainly much better for cutting bread. And, I can guarantee you, cutting bread with the domestic slicer is an excellent practice: the slices are precise and you save time and effort.
So let’s say that if you are a purist of the cut of the salami, you cannot ignore the smooth blade, but if you want a more versatile object, a slicer with a wavy blade is a great choice.
Serrated blade
There are some domestic slicers with a serrated blade. Personally, I advise against it: your home is not a sawmill! The serrated blade is impossible to sharpen and will fray your meat, so it is not recommended for cutting roast beef, arista or other similar types of meat. In addition, it could fray softer sausages.
Dimensions
Size matters, especially if you have a small kitchen. In this case, no problem: opt for a folding model. After each use, it can be easily cleaned and stored. If you want a more traditional model, consider that the weight of the object will be quite relevant. For this, it is good that the slicer has its predetermined place, on the kitchen countertop or elsewhere. There are all sizes, but also consider buying a slicer cover. Of course, you don’t want to have to clean it even before use, right?
Blade diameter
Usually, the size of the blade of a domestic slicer is around 8 inches in diameter. This allows you to cut more or less everything, except for a giant mortadella. However, evaluate well based on the product description and our reviews: there are slicers with blades ranging from 6 to 10 inches, and the difference is remarkable.
Easy disassembly and cleaning
This is an important aspect to consider. The blade and all the shelves where the sausages, bread, or whatever you intend to cut will rest, must be cleaned after each use. Today, normally, domestic slicers do not need complicated tools and can be easily dismantled.
Materials
Steel is preferable to plastic, no need to say it. All the blades are made of steel, even if lately they have been covered with Teflon. But here I am talking about the materials with which the slicer is made. A steel slicer is much easier to clean, and steel does not release metals that are harmful to health. Of course, steel is more robust, more expensive and also heavier than plastic.
Power
The power of a slicer is important. The more powerful it is, the easier and more precise the cut will be. Have an eye on electricity consumption, but do not choose slicers with insufficient power, or you will be disappointed: the blade will slow down as soon as it comes into contact with the salami to be sliced, the more the more they are seasoned. This will also cause more strain on the electric motor, which will have a shorter lifespan.
Pricing
Sometimes, the price determines the choice, especially if you have a low budget. My first slicer was chosen with this criterion. I can’t say it was a bad choice … Only after a while I made too frequent use of it and moreover I moved house. With a larger kitchen, I was able to afford a better model, and I’m happy with it.
Clearly, if you decide to spend 30 on a low-end item, you cannot expect the same benefits that you will get with a 200 pound slicer. The important thing is to choose the one that is right for your needs. Let’s see what are the price ranges of domestic slicers.
Have you chosen the perfect slicer for you?
As you have seen, choosing a slicer is a combination of power, quality and price, with regard to space, and therefore there is no absolute best, but only the best for you.
Consider carefully the space you have. Try to predict the frequency of use. Finally, give yourself a budget and choose for the best. I hope this article helped you in your choice. We have done our best to analyze all the aspects to consider when choosing a slicer.
For individual models, you can find several reviews on this website. And if you have any comments, leave them below, we will be happy to answer!