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Learn How to Use a Mandoline fearlessly! These slicers might look intimidating at first, but they are so handy to have in your kitchen and make quick work of slicing foods of all kinds.

how to use a mandoline: Holding the inner compartment of the mandoline containing perfect slices of potatoes

Although using a mandoline slicer may seem intimidating at first, it is much more simple than it seems and makes cutting foods like potatoes so much easier than by hand.

Plus, using a mandoline, you will get perfect, even slices every time. That means dishes like Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes are a breeze to put together!

Jump to:

What is a mandoline?
What does a mandoline slicer do?
How thin does a mandoline slice?
Are mandoline slicers dangerous?
Is a mandoline slicer worth it?
What is the best mandoline slicer?
How to Use a Mandoline
What to Make Using a Mandoline
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What is a mandoline?

Mandoline slicers (also spelled mandolin, outside of the U.S.) are a kitchen utensil used for finely slicing and grating foods.

For example, you can cut perfect french fries, steak fries, or thin potato chips all with the same utensil!

What does a mandoline slicer do?

I gave potatoes as an example, but you can use a mandoline slicer to cut everything from vegetables and fruit to blocks of cheese.

They make quick work, and I mean quick work, of cutting all kinds of food to even and precise slices.

Mandolines are perfect for slicing potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, you name it!

I use mine constantly for making homemade potato chips, scalloped potatoes, or even the julienne vegetables for Beef Bulgogi bowls.

How to use a mandoline: Holding three thin potato slices over a white dish of potatoes after slicing them with the mandoline slicer

How thin does a mandoline slice?

A mandoline slicer can cut slices as thin as paper up to ½ an inch in thickness, so you have options when you’re using one.

Needless to say, it’s perfect if you need an exact thickness and want even slices every time.

Are mandoline slicers dangerous?

Though handy, this tool has quite the reputation for being dangerous! You may even see professional chefs cringe on Food Network shows when the mandoline is brought out.

But the truth is, mandoline slicers are only a danger if you are not paying attention. If you know how to use a mandoline properly and safely and are paying attention, they are not dangerous.

Many mandolines are sold with safety measures already put into place to prevent you from accidentally cutting yourself while using one, such as a guard placed over the food and blade itself.

When I use a mandoline slicer, I use a safety food holder. Most mandolines come with these protective guards. These handy holders allow you to grip the food you’re holding while you slice it, so you can slice quickly without any risk to cutting yourself.

In case yours did not come with a protective guard, you can buy one separately. They are inexpensive and safe!

Is a mandoline slicer worth it?

Without a doubt, yes. Mandoline slicers are easy to use and not as scary as you may have been led to believe. They make it so simple to cut everything from vegetables to cheese. I love my mandoline!

How to use a mandoline: Holding a forkful of scalloped potatoes over a white plate near the casserole dish of potatoes

What is the best mandoline slicer?

If you don’t already own one, you may be wondering which slicer is best for you.

My suggestion for picking a slicer is to find one that fits your budget but is as easy to use and as safe as possible. And of course, you want it to be sharp enough to cut everything you need to cut!

Some slicers are sold with a rubber base to prevent slipping, and most mandolines have a built-in safety food holder so you can safely guide the food over the slicer. Look for a mandoline with these features to find the safest, best mandoline for your budget.