The Best Meat Slicers for Home Cooks Who Want Deli-Quality Results

The Cuisinart Kitchen Art Food Slicer is another meat slicer that we tested in our Lab. It's the least expensive, at under $130, and does well for the price. The downside of this model is that the thickness controls are less visible. The serrated 7-inch blade produces even slices; however, we noticed that the cuts weren't as clean as those of our best overall and best value picks.

When testing meat slicers, we evaluate their performance, including the ability to cut clean slices and speed. We also consider specs such as noise level, size, and weight. Lastly, we evaluate the ease of use by analyzing safety features, controls, and overall intuitiveness.

Performance: We test each machine using a roasted turkey, multiple tomatoes, one head of iceberg lettuce, and a loaf of sourdough bread. We attempt to cut each on the thinnest setting and gradually increase the thickness. When slicing, we note the difficulty of cutting and how clean each slice comes out, looking for unevenness, snags, and jagged edges.

Ease of use: When evaluating ease of use, we look at features and overall intuitiveness. This includes how easy it is to access controls like the on and off button and how clear the controls are to read. We assess safety features, including the hand guards, pushers, and handles. We also consider how easy it is to clean each machine after testing, which includes disassembling and reassembling the machine.

✔️Size and weight: At-home meat slicers come in various sizes and weights depending on the model. We found that less expensive meat slicers like the Weston and Cuisinart models were lighter. This is great for those who plan to store them when not in use. They were also more compact than our top overall pick from Berkel. That said, while the Berkel is more challenging to move, and almost twice the size of the other two, it also feels more stable.

✔️Power and speed: Similar to blenders and food processors, the power and speed contribute to the end result. Machines that are higher in power help result in faster cuts, allowing you to slice your meat at a quicker rate. Models with slower motors take slightly longer to cut through foods, especially thick and dense foods like turkey breasts.

✔️Thickness control: Meat slicers have an adjustable thickness control that allows you to achieve those thin slices like your local deli counter. Some machines have more thickness setting options than others. Every model varies, and some have fewer than others, so if you want very thin slices or a large variety, keep that in mind when shopping.

✔️Blade: Meat slicers come with either plain-edge or serrated blades. While both blades get the job done, the plain-edge blade was much sharper and did a better job of producing thin and even cuts in our tests. Less expensive models often have serrated blades, which work well but may not produce clean cuts for delicate foods like tomatoes or bread.

✔️Safety Features: Meat slicers are powerful machines with extremely sharp blades, so it’s important to keep safety features in mind, such as the pusher. The pusher helps you guide the meat towards the blade when slicing, while simultaneously protecting your hand. Some pushers, like the Berkel, have a handle attached, which makes for a more comfortable experience. Large and easily accessible power buttons are also important, in case you need to stop the machine quickly.

Using a meat slicer isn’t as complex as one may think; if you can use a mandolin, you can use a meat slicer. Set up the slicer on a flat, sturdy surface, away from water sources and out of reach of children. Place the slicer in the vertical position and make sure to always use the hand pusher and protection included with your slicer. Set the desired thickness setting first, and add your meat or produce. Then secure it with the pusher; you still have to apply force, but let the machine do the work as you guide. Papantoniou notes, “Professionals will let the sliced food fall into their hand, but for home users, keep fingers away."

Meat slicer blades are very sharp, so read and reread the directions before disassembling and cleaning your slicer. If hand washing your parts, be sure to use extra caution. We recommend using a sponge or a non-abrasive scrub brush.

• Meat: Turkey, ham, prosciutto, raw beef, roast beef, salami, chicken breast
• Cheese: American, gouda, Swiss, provolone, cheddar
• Fruits: Apples, pears, pineapples
• Vegetables: Cucumber, eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, carrots
• Breads: Various freshly baked breads and baguettes