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The Japanese mandoline is a kitchen utensil that is becoming increasingly popular in western households, because it offers many advantages to your kitchen work on a daily basis. Thanks to it, you can cut fruits and vegetables more easily, but you will also be able to add more elegance and style to your dishes. However, while there are now dozens of Japanese mandolins out there, not all of them are as sophisticated as it may appear at first, making it difficult to choose the right one.
To help you find the best Japanese mandolin slicer, we are going to look at few of the best available and will also give you some valuable tips.
First, we should explain what a Japanese mandolin is and then we will introduce you to the three best models of the moment.
What is A Japanese stainless steel mandolin?
The Japanese mandolin is a manual cutting device that allows you to cut fruits or vegetables into slices that are more or less thick depending on your needs. Having one or more blades, it is mostly made of stainless steel, for professional models, or ABS plastic for the most common models. Thanks to this equipment, you will be able to create vegetable juliennes without having to carry a kitchen knife, for example, and without having to have the skills of the greatest chefs.
It is the ease of use of Japanese mandolin that has greatly contributed to its success, so that today, millions of consumers around the world have chosen to equip themselves with such a device whereas until a few years ago, Japanese mandolin was found only in professional kitchens.
Short history of Japanese Mandoline Slicers
Japanese mandoline slicers, also known as “Benriner” slicers, have a fascinating history rooted in Japanese culinary tradition. The concept of mandoline slicers originated in France, where chefs used these tools for precise and uniform slicing of fruits and vegetables. However, it was in Japan that the mandoline slicer design evolved into a more compact and efficient tool suitable for home kitchens and professional settings.
The first Benriner mandoline slicer was introduced in Japan in the 1940s by Uyuki Yamamoto, the founder of Benriner Co., Ltd. The company’s goal was to create a kitchen tool that could easily and quickly slice vegetables and fruits into thin, uniform pieces. This innovation was especially valuable in Japanese cuisine, which emphasizes the presentation and texture of ingredients.
Over the years, Benriner mandoline slicers gained popularity not only in Japan but also internationally due to their quality construction, sharp blades, and ease of use. Chefs and home cooks worldwide began incorporating these slicers into their food preparation routines, appreciating their ability to create precise cuts for salads, garnishes, stir-fries, and more.
Today, Japanese mandoline slicers are regarded as essential kitchen tools all, around the world. They continue to be a favorite among culinary enthusiasts and professionals alike, reflecting the ongoing legacy of innovation and craftsmanship in Japanese kitchenware.
Japanese mandoline Slicer Benriner
The Japanese mandolin Benriner, made in Japan, has the main advantage of having excellent quality overall and yet being offered at a perfectly affordable price. In your kitchen, you will be able to embellish with it your dishes very easily while always getting cuts with impeccable precision.
Measures: 333 mm height, 115 mm in length and 76 mm in depth. The dimensions of this Japanese mandolin vary slightly from those of the previous models and for a good reason. It benefits from a bin for the fruit and vegetable slices. What may appear unneeded gadget remains very useful at the time of cutting and does not make it a hard to store utensil. With its weight of 594 grams it remains easy to use, especially as the handle is also there for a good grip. Made of plastic, it has a safety pusher to protect yourself from possible cuts during use.
An essential option is that the cutting edge of the blade can be adjusted with a central screw to change its cutting height.
This Benriner Japanese mandolin offers cutting thicknesses of 1.5 millimetres, 3 millimetres or 6 millimetres and is equipped with three interchangeable blades. But what makes it very strong and durable is the fact that each of these blades is made from a very high quality stainless steel that will not wear over time, allowing you to enjoy your equipment for many years without it ever showing any weakness whatsoever.
Japanese Chef’s INSPIRATIONS Premium V-Blade Mandolin Slicer
REDUCE YOUR PREPARATION TIME TO 50% AND GET A PERFECT CUT EACH TIME. With the V-blade mandolin cutter, you will spend less time preparing your food and more time enjoying it. Check our Japanese Shiso-Miso Slaw Recipe which will certainly put this Japanese mandoline slicer to good use.
FAST AND EASY TO USE. Cut your fruits, potatoes and vegetables quickly and easily into uniform slices or julienne slices with the V shaped slicer.
NO BPA, SECURE AND EASY TO CLEAN. MAON safety handle and protective blade handle included. Non-slip Design. Includes a blade case to safely store unused Blades….
MADE TO LAST. A sturdy stainless steel frame and the blades are designed to last a lifetime. Forget the cheap mandolin food slicers. This one will survive everything.
The Japanese mandolin Benriner is probably the best in terms of Blade quality. And while it gets an excellent rating in our mandolin comparative guide, it is not to be recommended to all cooks, especially beginners.
With an exceptional price/quality ratio, the Japanese mandolin Chef’s Inspirations is a model designed entirely of stainless steel that will allow you to decrease the time spent cutting your fruits and vegetables because it is extremely ergonomic while offering an unbreakable reliability. Immediately after using it for the first time, it is certain that you will be convinced that you have made the best choice possible.
To offer you cuts that match your requirements, this Japanese mandolin inspired by the pro Chefs is equipped with 5 interchangeable blades that will allow you to obtain cutting thicknesses of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 7 or 7.5 millimetres. And finally, this model comes with a protective sleeve so that you can work quickly without taking any risk of cuts.
Japanese Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Double-edged Mandolin Slicer
The reason we wanted to talk about the Japanese Kyocera mandolin is because it is a unique cooking equipment that has received a great deal of attention from the manufacturer. Every detail has been thought up to your satisfaction, and there is no doubt that after trying it out, you will no longer be able to do without it. It’s also one of the cheapest Japanese mandolins of the moment, which will allow you to combine the useful features with the pleasant experience of using it.
It’s sad not to have the option to choose the thickness of the cuts, however, this Japanese mandolin is remarkable in the sense that it offers an exceptional quality cutting edge. And for good reason. Its blade is made of ceramic material, which makes it ten times sharper than a steel blade while ensuring your slicer never oxidize and never alter the taste of your food.
The advantages of a mandolin
Of course, the advantages of a Japanese mandolin are numerous, and depending on your needs, some of these advantages will seem to you more important than others. In any case, for you to know exactly what to expect, here is a list of all these benefits. Some of them are well known, others are much more surprising, but just as enjoyable.
Easy to cut: of course, the main purpose of a Japanese mandolin is to be a very simple accessory to use. Even if you’re not a cordon bleu at heart, getting accurate cuts will be a breeze.
Uniform cuts: without the slightest effort, you will get perfectly similar cuts. In practical terms, all you have to do is go back and forth with your food to get slices that are all the same to each other.
Ease of use: no matter which style of mandolin you choose, you will always have a breath-taking ease of use. It is mainly this criterion that explains the great success of these devices today.
Respect for food: unlike knives, the Japanese mandoline will cut your food finely without tearing it. This way, their flavours will be perfectly respected, offering more aromatic power to your dishes.
Decorative cuts: depending on the model chosen, you will be able to obtain decorative cuts without the slightest effort that will further enhance your dishes.
Purchase price: as you can see, the price of a Japanese mandolin is not excessively high. For less than $30, it’s perfectly possible to find a very decent and high-quality equipment.
Ease of maintenance: And finally, the last purpose of a Japanese mandolin is to be very simple to clean since it is composed of only a few elements. In short, everything has been thought out so that you can be as efficient as possible in the kitchen.
The cons of a Japanese Mandolin
As with any other product, Japanese mandolin also has some negative sides which, although relatively few in number, deserve to be taken into account.
The risk of cutting yourself: while some Japanese mandolins have protection, others do not. And in these specific cases, it will be very important that you use your equipment with extreme caution. Since the blade is always extremely sharp, unprotected and with a second of inattention, an accident could quickly happen.
The wide choice of products: today, dozens of brands are developing their own Japanese mandolins, and it should be noted that, not all are necessarily recommendable. While some models are exceptional, others are unfortunately much less efficient, hence the importance of taking the time to choose your Japanese mandolin properly.
How to Choose Your Japanese Mandolin?
Now, let’s talk about finding the perfect Japanese mandoline for you. It’s not rocket science, but it’s worth taking a bit of time to make sure you get one that ticks all your boxes and leaves you totally satisfied.
The types of cuts a mandolin offers
As a first step, you will need to look at the number of cuts proposed by your next mandolin. And at this level, you will be spoilt for choice as some models offer a unique cut while others, thanks to their interchangeable blades, offer you the benefit of more than ten different types and styles of cuts.
Intended use
When it comes to picking out a Japanese mandoline, it really boils down to how you plan to use it. If you’re someone who only needs to slice tomatoes or veggies every now and then, a simple and budget-friendly mandoline will suffice.
However, if you’re a professional chef or someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen regularly, investing in a high-quality Japanese mandoline that offers various cutting options can be a game-changer. These top-notch mandolines are not only reliable but also incredibly practical, helping you save time and effort in your daily cooking endeavors.
So, before making a decision, think about your cooking habits and needs. A mandoline that aligns with your usage frequency and desired functionalities will ensure that you get the most out of this handy kitchen tool!
The general quality of Japanese Mandoline Slicers
In any case, whether you are looking for a Japanese mandolin for occasional or intensive use, it is essential that you choose a model with excellent quality. This way, your investment, no matter how small, will be greatly rewarded, and your satisfaction will remain at its highest level. In addition, by choosing a Japanese quality mandolin, you will put aside any risk of breakage that could cause cuts or accidents.
Consider The price
Finally, the Japanese mandolin remains a kitchen accessory that will make you more comfortable to work with in each of its uses. But it’s important that your purchase is not harmful to your budget. So, make sure you set a maximum price that you cannot exceed under any circumstances, which will help you to make a purchase without any regret later.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, choosing the best Japanese mandoline slicer can significantly enhance your kitchen experience and cooking efficiency.
With their precision engineering, versatile blade options, and durable construction, these mandolines offer a level of performance that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, investing in a top-quality Japanese mandoline slicer can take your culinary skills to new heights. Take your time to consider your needs, explore the features of each model, and select the one that best suits your requirements.
Happy slicing and enjoy creating beautiful, uniform cuts effortlessly in your kitchen!
Feel free to drop a comment below if you’ve used a Japanese mandoline before or if you have any questions. We’d love to hear about your experience!
