Slicing bread and vegetables versus meat and cheese

The most important factor in your choice is the type of product you will be cutting. Bread, vegetables, meat, cheese or even frozen products each require a different type of blade and motor power.

Serrated knives have teeth or notches along the edge. Their firmer grip makes them ideal for crispier or tougher products such as bread or hard vegetables. Most home slicers are equipped with a serrated blade. We also call them “bread slicers.

For fine meats or cheese, it’s better to choose a smooth blade. These provide wafer-thin, tight cuts without tearing or shredding the product. Many people refer to these devices by the term “meat slicers.

There are also slicers with interchangeable blades. This is especially useful if you frequently switch between different products. For intensive use, it pays to choose a machine that comes standard with both blades. Or you can buy both a bread slicer and a meat slicer. Then you won’t have to switch between blades and functionalities every time.

Size of blade and thickness of cut

The diameter of the knife determines the maximum size of the products you cut. For larger breads, cheeses or hams, a knife with a larger diameter is essential. In most household appliances, this is 15 to 20 centimeters.

For professional use, you often need larger knives. In our webshop you will therefore find slicers from NOAW with blades of 33 to 37 centimeters. These are suitable for larger products than an average loaf of bread. Think for example of a large ham, celeriac or a block of Parmesan cheese.

In addition, the adjustable cutting thickness also plays a role. With most machines, you set the thickness from 0 mm to 20 or even 25 millimeters. So for wafer-thin carpaccio of several millimeters or thick slices of bacon of several centimeters, you need a slicer with sufficient range.

Straight or bevel cutter: the importance of carriage position

A slicer with an inclined carriage offers great ease of use. Because your products slide automatically toward the blade, you need to use less force and work more efficiently. Especially with larger volumes or when you cut many products one after the other, an inclined slicer makes a clear difference.

A straight model slicer requires a little more manual pressure, but offers a little more control. With this machine, you make thin, uniform slices of cheese or meat. So the choice between an angled or straight slicer depends on your working method and preference.

Choosing plastic or metal cutting machine?

Cheaper slicers often have a plastic body. This makes them light and easy to move, but also less stable and less durable.

For professional use, a metal housing is the better choice. The machine is heavier, but more robust and safer. In addition, these machines usually have a more powerful motor. This is extra advantageous for long-term use or products that are more difficult to cut.

Safety first when choosing your slicer

The material of the housing has a direct impact on the overall weight of the machine. A heavier unit made of metal is less likely to slide, which increases safety. That remains priority for a machine with a razor-sharp and fast-spinning blade. This is why most devices are equipped with various safety features.

• Thumb guards to keep your fingers away from the blade
• Non-slip feet for added stability
• Safety switches to prevent inadvertent activation
• Cover plates or blade guards to avoid contact with the blade during maintenance
• A residue holder or pusher to push your products toward the blade without your hands coming near the cutting surface

Always read the appliance manual and make sure that you and your staff have a good understanding of how the cutting machine works. Especially with intensive use or when multiple people are working with it, correct instructions may be vital.

Accessories and extensions

Some slicers come standard with useful accessories such as a collection tray for the cut slices or an extra blade. Other models offer the option to purchase additional attachments or blades separately. An appliance that grows with your needs is always a smart investment.

Maintenance and cleaning of your new slicer

An appliance that you use every day should be easy to clean. Therefore, choose a slicer with removable parts that you can quickly clean, preferably even in a professional dishwasher. Stainless steel blades are durable and resistant to corrosion.

Regular maintenance ensures better performance and increased food safety. In appliances with many nooks and crannies or difficult to reach places, dirt gets stuck faster. This is something you prefer to avoid in a professional environment.

Choosing NOAW cutting machines at D’Heldt

At D’Heldt you will find a wide range of slicers from the renowned NOAW brand. These Italian appliances are known for their professional quality, powerful motors and durable construction.

Unsure about choosing the best slicer for your business? Our experts will be happy to help you find the machine that fits perfectly. D’Heldt provides not only a carefully curated range of professional equipment, but also excellent after-sales service.