BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Miscellaneous Topics => General Discussions => Topic started by: winemakers on June 21, 2006, 12:53:52 PM

Title: Slicer
Post by: winemakers on June 21, 2006, 12:53:52 PM
I would like to take a poll or solicit some feedback regarding slicers.

It's about time to add one to the arsenal and I am hoping to get some advice on brand, size, style, etc.  Owstrich seems to have a funky looking Bosch gizmo that peeks my curiosity.  Obviously, the $2k top end restaurant beast would be best, but I have to store it, move it, and at that price hide it from my wife.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: Oldman on June 21, 2006, 02:10:38 PM
Check out your used restaurant supply houses. If you can you will be better off with a 12" rather than a 10" slicer.
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: Arcs_n_Sparks on June 21, 2006, 06:22:48 PM
winemakers,

I have one similar to owrstrich, but made by Krups. Very nice. Mostly plastic and easily disassembled, so moving it around and clean up are very easy. Gives me paper thin pastrami and is idiot proof, even after a few drinks.

Arcs_n_Sparks
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: owrstrich on June 21, 2006, 06:48:33 PM
wine...

right now at smart & final they have a little stainless counter top slicer for $99...

my slicer was $40 + shipping... it folds up...

http://www.electronicsbonanza.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5028&sku=7233&src=p

(http://www.electronicsbonanza.com/comersus/store/catalog/5028L.jpg)

you gotta eat...

owrstrich
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: asa on June 21, 2006, 07:01:59 PM
Looks like a dandy product, owrstrich, at a good price, especially if you say it works well. I couldn't find any specs on it at the Bosch site. How big is the blade? And do you have any reservations about it?
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: manxman on June 22, 2006, 01:13:42 AM
I am particularly interested in a slicer that will slice my home made bacon, many of the home slicers do not appear to be up to the job? Any thoughts anyone?
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: winemakers on June 22, 2006, 03:14:11 AM
Quote from: Arcs_n_Sparks on June 21, 2006, 06:22:48 PM
winemakers,

I have one similar to owrstrich, but made by Krups. Very nice. Mostly plastic and easily disassembled, so moving it around and clean up are very easy. Gives me paper thin pastrami and is idiot proof, even after a few drinks.

Arcs_n_Sparks

A much maligned and often ignored requirement  (the ability to operate it following lubrication)!
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: whitetailfan on June 22, 2006, 08:21:29 AM
We have a Rival.  I can't find a link on their website to show you :-\  Maybe mine is discontinued, but it is awesome.  Easy clean up and does a great job.
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: Bassman on June 22, 2006, 12:43:51 PM
I have Deni, So far it has sliced anything I put on it. Does a good job, very happy with it.I think it was $100. Here is the web site.

http://www.deni.com/foodslicer_14300.asp
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: winemakers on June 22, 2006, 01:17:34 PM
Looks like i've got plenty to research.  thanks all.

mld
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: whitetailfan on June 22, 2006, 02:16:06 PM
One more quick thought - or more ;).  Don't care what brand you get, but check for ease of break down for cleaning.  Should disassemble with ease and be easy to wash.  And most important, check on the slicers size capacity ie thickness settings.

Never gave it thought before, but you want to be able to slice thin meat (no brainer) but make sure it can adjust out far enough.  Mine is rated at 3/4 inch on the box.  It can actually slice close to a full inch.  This is important in our household because we routinely make smoked pork chops by curing and smoking a whole pork loin.  We then use the slicer to make uniform chops.  Turns out perfect size for grilling after.
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: winemakers on June 22, 2006, 06:27:31 PM
One last though, echo'd by many.  Size matters.  It seems there are a plethora of 7"ers available for <$100, some as low as $40.  I don't mind parting with the cash (cough) for a larger version if it necessary or I will get frustrated and chuck the smaller one soon.

Whats the consenus?  7" big enough (oh I've got a bad feeling someone's gonna smack me around some :D for this one)

Mark
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: asa on June 22, 2006, 08:03:12 PM
Quote from: whitetailfan on June 22, 2006, 08:21:29 AM
We have a Rival.  I can't find a link on their website to show you :-\  Maybe mine is discontinued, but it is awesome.  Easy clean up and does a great job.
Sir Whitetail:
I thought I'd asked this an hour ago, but can't find my response on the forum now so I'll ask it again. Is yours the 1042-WP as shown at http://www.rivalproducts.com/estore/product.aspx?CatalogId=5&CategoryId=1164&ProductId=16   ?  I like the fold-up aspect as storage space is an issue. I assume from what you said it is easy to take apart and clean. I also assume it has a 7" blade - is that correct. Does that seem adequate for most slicing you do (he said, cleverly avoiding winemakers' pitfall)?  (By the way, Mark, when you say something like that look out for Kirk in your rearview mirror.)

Regards to all,
     Art
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: Bassman on June 23, 2006, 12:46:11 PM
Winemakers,
7" has worked fine for me. I can't think of an occasion when I wished it was bigger :o
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: Oldman on June 23, 2006, 05:38:02 PM
The reason I suggest a larger slicer is there maybe items you wish to slice such as a whole sirloin, or large rib eye.  Plus the larger slicers have sharping tool/ stones on them.

No one could slice this baby with a 10" blade  without taking a real chance with their fingers:
(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/aged-beef/beefwhole.jpg)

Just a thought.  ;)
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: oguard on June 24, 2006, 07:55:58 AM
I have a Braun slicer which works well for smaller cuts of meat.I am still shopping around for a larger more industial type slicer that is easier to clean.I seen a 8" slicer at the sportsman show for $500.Alittle pricey for what I wanted to spend at the time.But after rebuilding my sundeck this june whats $500(just a drop in the bucket) ;)

KEEP ON SMOKIN

Mike
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: Oldman on June 24, 2006, 11:51:38 AM
This is a used entry level 12" BERKEL slicer that went for $462.00.
(http://www.jc-restaurant-equipment.com/UsedRestaurantEquipment_files/P1060113.JPG)

(http://www.jc-restaurant-equipment.com/UsedRestaurantEquipment_files/P1060114.JPG)

If you got the room for slicer like this then IMO this is the way to go. There not hard to clean and as you can see the sharping stones are mounted on the unit.

New depending upon the motor size 1/4 or 1/3 HP the price is from $900.00 to $1200.00. Note: Any 1/4 HP will not cut cheese without it burning out.
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: jaeger on June 24, 2006, 09:31:06 PM
Quote from: winemakers on June 21, 2006, 12:53:52 PM
I would like to take a poll or solicit some feedback regarding slicers.

It's about time to add one to the arsenal and I am hoping to get some advice on brand, size, style, etc.  Owstrich seems to have a funky looking Bosch gizmo that peeks my curiosity.  Obviously, the $2k top end restaurant beast would be best, but I have to store it, move it, and at that price hide it from my wife.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!

You have to ask yourself what you will be happy with including money spent. If you have the room and need, I would highly suggest the type of slicer that Olds pictured. If you are not going to be really using it for heavy duty, there is a lot of convenience to the smaller home versions that a lot of us use. The choice is yours.
Here is the slicer that I bought at linens and things. I like the way the tray is attached, I don't like the way the blade reassembles after a thorough cleaning...(not a huge deal) just not a heavy duty system like I am used to . Here is a link to the slicer I bought.
http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1359925&cp=1331607.1331947.2286971&parentPage=family
Even though they call this the professional model don't be fooled. Overall it works for the jerky that I make and for the porkloins that I sometimes like to slice. That is about all that I use it for.
If you go for the "home version", my biggest observation would be the way the tray is attached. A lot of the slicers out there have a poor set up here. The product you are attempting to slice and the tray that it is sitting on tend to move directly into the blade as pressure is applied to hold product in place as you slice. I don't think the tray hitting the blade will do much for keeping a sharp blade or keeping the correct number of fingers on your hand.
Let us know what you decide.
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: Oldman on June 25, 2006, 08:30:06 AM
jaeger you are a brave man. I don't see a cover for the blade unless it is clear plastic.

(http://lnt.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pG01-1095054dt.jpg)
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: Habanero Smoker on October 07, 2006, 04:20:54 AM
Winemaker;

Did you ever decide on a slicer? I'm beginning to look for one, but like Manxman I want one that will slice bacon, but not take to big of a slice out of my wallet.
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: manxman on October 07, 2006, 12:02:04 PM
Quotelike Manxman I want one that will slice bacon, but not take to big of a slice out of my wallet.

Yep, HS sums it up perfectly. None of the cheaper ones seem up to slicing bacon satisfactorily from comments here and elsewhere.

Coupled with that I am in the market for a new outboard motor at the moment for one of my dingies plus a new digital camera. The slicer has slipped down the list a tad!!!!  ;)
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: iceman on October 07, 2006, 03:46:18 PM
I gave in and after three slicers went and bit the bullet on a Hobart 1712E. Used.
OUCH!!!!!!!! And they didn't even give Ann a fur coat.
Had to get a roller chefs prep table just to put the 220 lb. thing on!
Now if I could only teach it to do dishes. Hmmmm.....
Boss lady said I sure as heck better get after figuring this bacon making thing out.
Thanks a bunch for spoiling Ann Jimguy!! ;) :D That was GOOD BACON you made!!! :) Anyhow it slices fish real nice for the time being.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d148/olepop/th_Salmoninbowl.jpg) (http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d148/olepop/Salmoninbowl.jpg)
Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: jimguy on October 07, 2006, 07:33:24 PM
Thanks a bunch for spoiling Ann Jimguy!!

I understand Iceman, Nance has been tolerant of my smoking ribs and such but is a true convert after the Canadian bacon.

Adding my 2 bits worth about the slicer. I have a folding model Krups slicer that Nance says we bought around 1986. It has woked well for us slicing ham, roast beef, pastrami, Canadian bacon. We are not volume users so this machine works well for us. I agree with the ease  of use comment, I have used mine while consuming liberal amounts of personal lubricant and even without a blade guard have not cut any fingers. I do have to admit that the times between using have forced me to read the instructions :( but it is easy to disasemble and clean. The unit has a serrated blade which has remained sharp needing no touch up

Title: Re: Slicer
Post by: asa on October 10, 2006, 03:31:17 PM
I went through this several months ago, after trying to slice pastrami with my German plastic pseudo-mandoline V-slicer (it worked, but not great). Gave some of the pastrami to some friends who were helping with an addition to the house, and when I mentioned needing a slicer, one said something like, "We've got one out at the house that used to be in the store." It turned out to be an old white, industrial-strength Hobart that weighed a ton. We could barely move it out of the truck. Unfortunately, I don't have room for something like that (I need to store it downstairs and bring it up for slicing sessions) or I would have picked it up because our friends were not using it and wanted to get rid of it. Made me think that the next house modification needs to be a permanent kitchen for my follies.

Anyway, I shopped around and purchased the Deni from Costco, which seemed to be a good deal for ~100. (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11096444&whse=&topnav=&browse=&s=1)  It is the 14302 and does not include the scale, even though said scale is prominently displayed in the photograph.

The Deni seems to be a pretty good slicer, and it comes with 3 different blades. I have been able to slice my cottage bacon and pastrami very thin with this slicer. Haven't tried cheese yet. I seem to recall a previous flurry of posts about slicers on the forum and at least one other member mentioned that they had a Deni - that was my reason for looking it up in the first place. I read a lot of reviews and, while certainly not perfect, it seemed as good as any at the time so I got it when I saw the Costco price. Others have posted reviews elsewhere on the net, so I suggest you look those up also.