For many at-home chefs or anyone who take culinary as a serious task, it is important to invest in a wide array of tools. Among others, one that you will possibly need is the best cheese slicer. Using knife for cheese is labor-intensive, plus, you are not assured of consistent slices. Thankfully, cheese slicers have been invented!
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Given the abundance of the options that are available in the market, which one should you choose? This is definitely not easy to answer, especially because of differences in needs and personal preferences. If in case you are having a hard time choosing, however, keep on reading the rest of this post and we’ll help you to make the right choice.
The History of Cheese Slicers
The cheese slicer that we know today is believed to have originated in Norway, a creation of Thor Bjorklund. According to stories, he became frustrated with the use of knife in slicing cheese because of the inconsistent results.
It was in 1925 when Bjorklund obtained a patent for the cheese slicer he invented. During such time, however, it was made specifically for hard cheese. Through time, the design has been improved until it came to be the one that we know today, which can be used for almost any type of cheese.
Types of Cheese Slicer
As you start your search for the best within the product category, the following are the types that you will be confronted with:
- Rolling Cheese Slicer: This is a T-shaped tool that comes with a solid handle, and at the end, there is a vertical roller that works in a simple manner. It is integrated with a wire, which rolls over the cheese to slice it.
- Plane Cheese Slicer: Also known as classic cheese slicer, it has a flat metal at the end, which is usually made from steel. It works by shaving off cheese. The blade is sharp enough so that it can cut with enough force even for hard cheese.
- Wire Cheese Slicer: If you want straight and even cut without exerting a lot of effort, this is the right choice for you. There is a cutting board that has an integrated arm. Which is where the wire is connected. It is simple and easy to clean, but you have to make sure that the wire is strong enough. It can be further grouped into the following:
- Stainless Cheese Slicer: If you are looking for safety and durability, this can prove to be an ideal choice. It is not prone to cracking and discoloration.
- Marble Cheese Slicer: The cutting board in this type is made from marble, which is beautiful, but there are many people who tend to complain about its weight.
- Wooden Cheese Slicer: In this type, there is a hardwood slicing surface. Among others, beechwood is one that is most popularly used.
Here is a short video that shows how you can use a wire cheese slicer:
Essential Factors to Consider
Trying to differentiate the options will not be an easy feat. With this, the following are some of the things that you should consider to easily make the right choice:
- Reviews: The first thing that you have to do is to consult with what other people have to say. You can ask around from your friends, or better yet, go online and learn from the experiences of others. This will allow you to easily narrow down the possibilities.
- Durability: Make sure that you will choose a cheese slicer that can withstand wear and tear. This means that even with frequent and long-term use, it must remain in its tip-top condition. It will be good if it can resist rust and corrosion.
- Blade: If you decide to opt for a cheese slicer that comes with a blade, aluminum and stainless steel are the best choices. They can deliver exceptional slicing performance, aside from the fact that they are not prone to rusting.
- Adjustability: This is not necessary for all users, but it is a good thing if you can adjust the width of the slicer depending on the cheese that will be sliced. This is a good thing if you are going to cut different types of cheese.
- Ease of Cleaning: If you want the cheese slicer to last longer, you should pick one that is easy to clean. It can easily have a foul smell if you do not clean it properly. It will also be good if it is dishwasher-safe.
- Safety: You also have to pay attention to the safety features of the cheese slicer. Make sure that it will be safe to use and will lessen the likelihood that you will suffer from injuries. See to it that the handle is well-designed to prevent the possibility of slipping.
- Warranty: If you want to have peace of mind, you should also consider the warranty that is offered by the manufacturer. Most products will have one-year warranty. It will be best if the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty for their cheese slicer.
Top Picks for the Best Cheese Slicer
Still clueless about which one will make an excellent choice? If you are overwhelmed with the possibilities, I hope that this section will make things easier for you. We will have a rundown of the best models in the market, as well as the features that give them an edge above all others.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-05-24 at 16:16 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- THE ADJUSTABLE WIRE CUTTER DELIVERS CONTROL INTO YOUR HANDS: Rugged stainless steel wire cuts beautiful slices to the perfect thickness. Thick, thin or even paper-thin slices - it’s up to you. The Bellemain Cheese Slicer lets you have it your way
- CHEESE TRAYS, ANTIPASTI AND FANCY GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES: Stop wasting money on pre-sliced cheese. Never serve those pre-wrapped, plasticky cheese slices on your child’s sandwiches again. Slicing your own cheese has never been easier.
- THE MOST ELEGANT SLICER ON THE MARKET IS ALSO THE STRONGEST: Cast from a single piece of zinc alloy, the Bellemain Cheese Slicer is one heavy duty piece of of kitchen equipment. It is guaranteed to last for years to come.
- EASILY HANDLES CHEESE BLOCKS UP TO 3.5” WIDE: Adjust the slicer to give you wafer thin slices or nice, chunky slices up to ¼” thick. No matter the thickness, the Bellemain Slicer handles the cheese with ease.
- IF YOU DON'T LOVE IT, YOU’RE COVERED FOR UP TO ONE FULL YEAR: We’re so sure that your new Bellemain Cheese Slicer is going to exceed your expectations that we want to take all the pressure off by giving you a full 1-year warranty and a replacement cutting wire.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-05-24 at 16:16 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Measures: 9. 5" x 3" x . 5" / 24cm x 7. 5cm x 1. 25cm.
- Made of professional gauge stainless steel, this cheese plane is the perfect accessory for the cheese lover in your life!
- The perfect tool for slicing all of your favorite hard or soft cheeses. Also, use to shave chocolate or frozen butter!
- 2-inch wide, sharp angled blade ensures thin, even slices.
- Rounded handle shape fits perfectly in your hand for effortless work and features a convenient hang hole for easy storage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-05-24 at 16:16 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Made of 100% Marble with a stainless steel wire cutter and lever- a natural elegant stone with unique patterns and colorations due to natural variations in genuine marble color may differ from images
- Stay-cool marble surface has natural non-stick properties the ideal surface for cutting and serving all types of cheese for appetizers snacks an antipasti tray charcuterie board or sandwich!
- Stainless steel wire never needs sharpening unlike a knife and easily slices through hard or soft cheeses with precision from wafer thin to thick chunky slices - adjustable to suit your preference
- Includes 2 replacement wires and plastic feet on the bottom to provide protection for your countertop and table board measures 8 x 5 x 0 75 inch Overall measurements 8 5 x 7 75 x 1 88 inch including lever and feet
- Cleaning instructions - Hand wash only with mild soap and warm water rinse thoroughly as detergents and soap can leave a trace taste or scent due to porous properties of natural stone towel dry
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-05-24 at 16:16 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- MADE IN GERMANY HIGH QUALITY KITCHENWARE: Westmark’s Wire Cheese Slicer is among the best in the world and is rated to be one of the best KITCHENWARE brands available today. Thickness of slices varies from the angle at which the slicer is held.
- MATERIAL: Each product is made using a high quality stainless steel wire with a high quality cast aluminum handle. See below for more details.
- EASY AND READY TO USE: This easy to use product slices not only your soft and semi hard cheeses, but can adjust the thickness of your slices by modifying the angle at which you hold the product. Equipped with an ergonomic handle, Westmark’s product is efficient and comfortable to use.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Simply use soap and water to clean the product.
- Backed by Westmark for 5 years.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-05-24 at 16:16 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Made of beautiful natural marble with a stainless steel lever and wire cutter - each piece has a unique pattern and color
- An elegant way to slice, cut and serve a variety of different cheeses - perfect for entertaining
- Our clever design allows the wire to pass completely and efficiently through the cheese into the groove below ready for your party cheese plate
- Measures 5-inches by 8-inches - comes with two replacement wires
- Handwashing recommended
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-05-24 at 16:16 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
So, what is the best cheese slicer? At the end of the day, it all boils down to your personal decision. Your budget, for instance, is one of the most important things that should be considered. How often will you use it? This is another thing that will have an impact on the right choice.
From the products that have been mentioned above, if there is only one that I can personally recommend, it would be Bellemain Adjustable Thickness Cheese Slicer. There are many positive feedbacks about this product, especially with regards to its affordable price and durable construction. You will also love the simplicity of this product. Even if you are using it for the first time, there is no need to worry about complications.
