We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. What to Buy Appliances Small Appliances The 5 Best Meat Slicers for Safe, Effective Slicing at Home That meat isn’t going to slice itself, so let’s cut to the chase. By Summer Rylander Summer Rylander Summer is a freelance food and travel writer who began by writing about Swedish cheesemaking traditions in 2018. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 26, 2024 In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsOur Favorite Meat Slicer Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise Photo: Food & Wine / Amazon Not all of us have the counter space for a meat slicer. But if you’ve got some room and you’re passionate about perfectly sliced meats, this is a luxury appliance worth splurging on. It can bring the convenience of mediocre pre-packaged deli meats straight to your kitchen — but without sacrificing quality — or even cut your prep time for that delicious mid-week dinner in half. “The size of the machine depends on the amount of meat you plan to slice and how often you’ll be using it,” says Melanie Marcus RD, a registered dietician and chef from the greater Charlotte area. Slicing by hand can be tedious, repetitive, and even potentially dangerous when you’re on slice number 22 and perhaps not paying quite as much attention as you were when you started. But a great meat slicer will produce consistent, even slices with ease — and let you adjust the thickness as you go. We talked to Marcus to gather her expert insight and performed in-depth research to determine the most important things to look out for when shopping for a meat slicer for home use. So if you’re looking to level up your kitchen, these are our five favorite meat slicers for at-home meat mastery. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Chef'sChoice 615A Electric Meat Slicer For Home Use at Amazon ($167) Jump to Review Best Value: OSTBA 200W Electric Deli Food Slicer at Amazon ($120) Jump to Review Best Splurge: BESWOOD 10" Premium Meat and Cheese Slicer at Amazon ($348) Jump to Review Best Compact: OSTBA Foldable Meat Slicer at Amazon ($100) Jump to Review Best Commercial-Grade: KWS Commercial 320W Electric Meat Slicer at Amazon ($403) Jump to Review Best Overall Chef'sChoice 615A Electric Meat Slicer For Home Use PHOTO: Amazon $167 at Amazon $190 at Williams-Sonoma $240 at Walmart Pros This is a sleek-looking, effective meat slicer that works well with other foods. Cons The industrial look may not appeal to everyone. This meat slicer not only looks like the real deal, it has the performance to back it up. We appreciate the tilted carriage, which holds food at a natural angle for safer slicing that’s also easier to see. A powerful motor ensures there’s no overheating with frequent use, and the sharp blade whizzes right through meats, firm cheeses, and even crusty breads without a hitch — and you can even add fruits and vegetables to its repertoire. While the industrial-grade look won’t fit in with the design of every kitchen, the quality and functionality of this machine make up for it in spades. And, clocking in at a reasonable price point, the Chef’sChoice 615A meat slicer makes an excellent buy for home cooks looking to upgrade their slicing game. Size: 15.5 x 10.4 x 11 inches | Weight: 10.61 pounds | Blade: 7-inch round stainless steel Best Value OSTBA 200W Electric Deli Food Slicer PHOTO: Amazon $120 at Amazon Pros It’s an effective meat slicer with two blades and a fair price. Cons It lacks the build quality of more expensive models. We get it — a meat slicer might be nice to have, but you don’t want to drop a bunch of cash on one until you’ve determined it’s something you’ll actually use. If that sounds like you, then this modest model from OSTBA is a great gateway slicer. But don’t think that, just because it comes at a lower price, you’re sacrificing quality or functionality. While it may lack the superior build of some of the more expensive models on this list, it does come with two blades and a motor that will power through more than just meat. So for less than $150, you can have a multi-purpose food slicer that’s easy to clean and won’t stick out on your countertop. Size: 14.6 x 9.4 x 10.2 inches | Weight: 10.14 pounds | Blade: 7.5-inch round stainless steel blades, one smooth, one serrated Best Splurge BESWOOD 10" Premium Meat and Cheese Slicer PHOTO: Amazon $348 at Amazon $509 at Walmart Pros This is a legit slicer that’s as effective in the deli as it is in your home kitchen. Cons It’s big, and it’s pricey. If you’re serious about your slicing, Beswood is the go-to for a long-lasting, reliable slicer. The large, 10-inch blade is super-sharp and won’t require frequent sharpening to maintain its edge, allowing you to slice meats, vegetables, cheeses, bread, and much more. This splurgy slicer definitely errs on the side of commercial grade with its size and performance, but it’s just compact enough to use at home and make life easier — especially when you’re feeding a crowd. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and Beswood delivers. Size: 20 x 17 x 14.75 inches | Weight: 33 pounds | Blade: 10-inch round chromium-plated stainless steel Best Compact OSTBA Foldable Meat Slicer PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon Pros A compact meat slicer that really lives up to its claim — this one folds away. Cons Don’t expect commercial performance. If you’d like to have a meat slicer but are limited when it comes to space, this foldable model might be a good choice. At just 120W, OSTBA’s electric meat slicer has a less powerful motor than other models on our list, but it’s plenty for at-home use, especially with 18 millimeters of adjustable thickness. What’s more, this machine is easy to clean and folds up for safer, more compact storage than conventional slicers. This is a great little entry-level slicer that won’t slice right through your budget — or your counter space. Size: 13.93 x 10.86 x 8.92 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Blade: 6.7-inch round stainless steel Best Commercial-Grade KWS Commercial 320W Electric Meat Slicer PHOTO: Amazon $403 at Amazon $459 at Walmart View on Kitchenwarestation.com Pros This is a heavy-duty slicer that really does what it says on the tin. Cons It comes with the price tag to match. Most of us probably don’t need a commercial-grade meat slicer in our kitchens — though it would make a nice accompaniment to a swanky meat grinder or gas grill. But if you’re going to go all-out, we recommend this one from KWS. Its powerful 320W motor and large, 10-inch blade will slice right through just about anything and keep going all day long. If this slicer looks like the one you see at your local deli, well, it just might be. Size: 20.1 x 18.5 x 15.5 inches | Weight: 36 pounds | Blade: 10-inch round stainless steel and Teflon Our Favorite Meat Slicer Striking a nice balance between price, performance, and good looks is the Chef’sChoice 615A Electric Meat Slicer. It’s our pick for best overall because it will suit most at-home meat-slicing needs. Factors to Consider Motor Wattage A meat slicer’s motor determines how quickly and efficiently it can slice. It also contributes to how much you can slice, because a weaker motor is more likely to overheat or otherwise exhibit symptoms of overwork than a more powerful version. If you have lots of slicing to do, look for a motor that is 200W or above. Blade Type and Care Blades can always be sharpened, but it’s nice when you don’t have to before every use. Some meat slicers include a built-in blade sharpener to make maintaining the blade a breeze. Also, keep in mind that larger blades will allow for larger cuts. So if you’re trying to slice a whole ham, you might opt for a 10-inch blade over, say, a 6-inch blade. You should also look out for the type of blade your meat slicer uses. Most come standard with a smooth-edged blade, but if you'll also be cutting a lot of bread you may want to look for a model that includes a serrated blade as well. Safety Features It doesn’t take a culinary expert to understand that meat slicers can be dangerous. Look for one with a tilted food carriage that offers a clear grip for your hands, and be sure to never force food through the slicing blade. Some models also come with a child-lock feature, which is important if you have small children in the kitchen frequently. Ease of Use For safety (and sanity), a great meat slicer should be easy to use. A smooth-gliding carriage and sharp blade will offer a much more enjoyable experience than the alternative. And, easy to use typically also means easy to clean! Frequently Asked Questions What size meat slicer do I need for home use? This depends mostly on the size and quantity of meat you plan to cut. “As a rule of thumb, a 7-inch blade is suitable for smaller cuts of meat, while a 12-inch blade is better for larger cuts and is considered industry standard for commercial use," says Marcus. "A smaller 7- to 9-inch blade is suitable for infrequent home use.” What blade is best for a meat slicer? Stainless steel blades offer the strength and durability for years of safe slicing. If you’ll be slicing bread often, a serrated blade may prove helpful — otherwise, a smooth blade is standard. Can I use a meat slicer to cut bones and joints? “Do not use a meat slicer to cut through bones and joints,” cautions Marcus. “Doing so can damage the machine and cause injury. If you need to slice through bones, it’s best to use a knife or cleaver specifically designed for that purpose. If a large cut of meat has a central bone, be sure to remove it before slicing.” How do you clean a meat slicer? “During home use, it’s important to lightly clean your meat slicer between products, in addition to thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing at the end of each session or day,” says Marcus. She advises that light cleaning starts with unplugging the machine and removing any large debris before wiping down the blade and carriage.“For a more thorough cleaning, perform a deep clean by disassembling the blade and other removable parts,” she says. “Wash them thoroughly with hot water and soap, ensuring all parts are properly rinsed and sanitized. Allow everything to air dry before reassembling.” How do you prevent meat cross-contamination? “Washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling meat is one of the best ways to prevent cross-contamination — I often use gloves for added protection,” says Marcus. “Another way to prevent cross-contamination is by separating raw meats from cooked meats. It’s also important to use clean utensils and cutting boards when handling different types of meat.” Our Expertise This article was written by Summer Rylander, a food and travel journalist who has written about food, beverage, and cooking products for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. She made her selections based on in-depth research and conversation with chef and dietician, Melanie Marcus. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit