For people who love to cook, there can never be too many gadgets or appliances in the kitchen. Whether it’s to make you more efficient or to allow you to create dishes with restaurant-worthy presentations, you need to be properly equipped. One of the best tools for cutting your vegetables is the mandolin.
While not the most complex device, there is a wide range of them available and each model differs from the other in its features. Whether your goal is to make a gratin dauphinoise in record time or to easily prepare julienne vegetables for spring rolls, you need a gadget that will meet your needs.
We’ve decided to simplify your search. After analyzing 40+ products within 50 hours and considering the opinions of 1000+ consumers, we have selected some of the best mandolines on the Canadian market. We’ll also tell you about our selection criteria and everything you need to know about using a mandolin.
Following our last update, our favorite model is the Swissmar V-1001 Plus: its sharp blade cuts evenly and efficiently to save you a lot of time in preparing your dishes.
Don’t forget to check out our list of the best food steamers in Canada, use a mandolin to chop and process your ingredients, and you can whip up a meal for yourself and your family in no time.
1. Swissmar V-1001 Plus – Best Mandolin With a V-shaped Blade
The most popular mandolin
You don’t have to be a great chef to appreciate the efficiency of a mandolin. However, if you prefer to choose a model based on the recommendations of kitchen professionals, then you need the Swissmar V-1001 Plus.
Swissmar V-1001 Plus Features:
- Very sharp V-blade for uniform cuts.
- Made of durable white plastic.
- Slices and julienne 3.5 mm or 7 mm.
- Blades are on interchangeable tips.
- Comes with a pusher and a storage case.
- Dimensions: 38.1 x 13.5 x 9.4 cm/15 x 5.3 x 3.7 in.
- Weight: 1.31 lb/594 g
What We Think of The Swissmar V-1001 Plus
First of all, you should know that the Swissmar V-1001 Plus is not the cheapest model. However, its quality is highly appreciated and even earned it the title of best mandolin according to the American Test Kitchen, which is no mean feat.
It has a V-shaped blade that is very sharp and cuts evenly. This type of blade is very practical for cutting more fragile foods, such as tomatoes.
In terms of design, this mandolin has non-slip feet on one side, while the other must be held up in your palm when in use.
It is made of durable white plastic. However, this color is not the best if you use your gadget to cut carrots and tomatoes. This is because these foods can tend to stain it.
Three interchangeable tips come with the Swissmar V-1001. The first one is reversible and allows you to slice your vegetables. One side is for thin slices while the other is for thicker ones.
The other two tips are for julienne slicing. One cuts into 3.5 mm thick sticks while the other is 7 mm.
Some people find that this maximum thickness is not thick enough to make fries, but it really depends on your taste.
This mandolin comes with a pusher to protect your fingers when the sliced vegetable starts to get small. A case is also included that allows you to place the unit and its attachments inside to keep your cabinets organized.
The Swissmar V-1001 is truly an efficient kitchen accessory that can cut your vegetables in no time. Recommended by many chefs, its V-shaped blade is ideal for more fragile foods. You will have no trouble using it and you will get a uniform result.
2. Onadrive – Best Adjustable Mandoline Slicer
The Most Versatile Mandoline Slicer
Are you looking for a versatile tool that will allow you to be more efficient when cutting your vegetables? If you also don’t want to have to change blades every time you want to change the shape of your food, then the Onadrive may be the mandolin for you.
Onadrive Features:
- Straight blade for flat or embossed slices.
- Made of solid plastic and stainless steel.
- Four thicknesses available: 1, 3.5, 5.5 and 7.5 mm as well as two julienne sizes.
- The blades are all integrated, so no changes are required.
- Comes with a pusher to protect your fingers.
- Dimensions: 35.3 x 12.7 x 13.7 cm/13.9 x 5 x 5.4 in.
- Weight : 2.7 lb/1220 g
What We Think of The Swissmar V-1001 Plus
First of all, you should know that the Swissmar V-1001 Plus is not the cheapest model. However, its quality is highly appreciated and even earned it the title of best mandolin according to the American Test Kitchen, which is no mean feat.
It has a V-shaped blade that is very sharp and cuts evenly. This type of blade is very practical for cutting more fragile foods, such as tomatoes.
In terms of design, this mandolin has non-slip feet on one side, while the other must be held up in your palm when in use.
It is made of durable white plastic. However, this color is not the best if you use your gadget to cut carrots and tomatoes. This is because these foods can tend to stain it.
Three interchangeable tips come with the Swissmar V-1001. The first one is reversible and allows you to slice your vegetables. One side is for thin slices while the other is for thicker ones.
The other two tips are for julienne slicing. One cuts into 3.5 mm thick sticks while the other is 7 mm.
Some people find that this maximum thickness is not thick enough to make fries, but it really depends on your taste.
This mandolin comes with a pusher to protect your fingers when the sliced vegetable starts to get small. A case is also included that allows you to place the unit and its attachments inside to keep your cabinets organized.
The Swissmar V-1001 is truly an efficient kitchen accessory that can cut your vegetables in no time. Recommended by many chefs, its V-shaped blade is ideal for more fragile foods. You will have no trouble using it and you will get a uniform result.
3. Oxo 1119100 – Best Mandolin For Low-Budget
Cheap and Easiest to Use
Not a big fan of cooking? Mandolins can simplify your life and save you time. If you don’t want to invest in a model with multiple functions that you won’t use, you’ll still be happy to have the Oxo 1119100 on hand.
Oxo 1119100 Features:
- Straight stainless steel blade.
- Simple plastic design with curved handle and clear tray.
- Three thicknesses available: 1 mm, 2.5 mm and 4 mm.
- Blades are all integrated, so no changes to be made.
- Comes with a pusher to protect your fingers.
- Dimensions: 29.2 x 9.5 x 1.3 cm/11.5 x 3.7 x 0.5 in.
- Weight: 0.26 lb/118 g
What We Think of The Oxo 1119100
The Oxo 1119100 is very easy to use. It offers a very simple design with a comfortable curved handle. This allows you to keep the mandolin at the right angle when using it.
Its shape also allows you to place it over a bowl so that cut vegetables fall into it. The handle and tip are made of rubber, making the device stable whether on a countertop or a bowl.
This mandolin is not the most versatile. It doesn’t offer you the ability to julienne like many other models. However, it is very handy for slicing any kind of vegetable.
The surface of the tray is transparent so you can see your cut food. The tray is flexible and bends under the pressure of use.
A plastic crosspiece locks it in place so that the vegetable is at the right height in relation to the blade, giving you the desired thickness. Simply slide the sliding knob to adjust the thickness among the three available: 1 mm, 2.5 mm and 4 mm.
A pusher is included with the Oxo 1119100, allowing you to stick a food item in and manipulate it until it is completely sliced, without your fingers being near the blade.
The blade is made of stainless steel and is very sharp. When you’re done with the mandolin, you can lock the tray with the slide button so that it can no longer expose the blade. The pusher hangs over it, preventing any chance of injury.
The Oxo 1119100 does one thing, and that is to slice vegetables, and it does it wonderfully. While it’s not very versatile, it’s still handy for anyone who wants to save a ton of time preparing vegetables for a meal. At the price it’s sold for, it’s a small price to pay for a powerful gadget in your kitchen.
4. Benriner N4290 – Best Precision Mandoline Slicer
If you’re looking for superior cutting quality, a Japanese-style mandolin may be of interest. You’ll be able to slice your vegetables with great precision and efficiency, by opting for a proven model such as the Benriner N4290.
Benriner N4290 Features:
- Straight blade with sharp edge.
- Japanese mandolin made of durable green plastic.
- Allows you to slice to the thickness of your choice.
- Four interchangeable blades, three of which are for julienne slices of 1.5, 3, and 6 mm width.
- Comes with a small plastic pusher.
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 9.5 x 2.3 cm/12.4 x 3.7 x 0.9 in.
- Weight: 0.64 lb/290 g
What We Think of The Benriner N4290
At first glance, the Benriner N4290 may seem a bit expensive for what it is. Indeed, its design is rather simple. But think again. Its sharp blade is worthy of Japanese knives and slices food evenly.
It is made of durable green plastic. This is not the widest model. If you want to slice cabbage, for example, you need to cut it into smaller pieces. It is still able to handle most vegetables.
To use it, you have to lift it by the handle at one end and place the other end on a stable surface. It can also be placed on a bowl.
This mandolin comes with four blades. Unfortunately, they are small and do not have a dedicated space to store them. So be careful not to lose them.
One of the blades is for making straight slices. The other three are serrated and are used to make juliennes or sticks. They differ in the width between their teeth. You can choose between 1.5 mm, 3 mm and 6 mm.
Once the blade you need is installed, you can adjust the thickness of the cut. Simply turn the knob on the bottom of the deck. The Benriner N4290 offers great precision in this area.
Unlike most mandolins that force you to choose from the available options, this model can be adjusted to your desires. It is even possible to reach a finesse that is practically unmatched.
A plastic pusher is included with the purchase. Some people may find it small, so don’t hesitate to bring anti-cutting gloves if this makes you feel insecure.
The Benriner N4290 is a mandolin that offers you maximum precision, mainly in terms of thickness. Its blades are very sharp and of good quality. You will be able to cut your vegetables with increased efficiency and speed that will be much appreciated.
5. Medove – The Most Durable Mandolin
When you buy a product, you choose something of good quality that will last a long time? This also applies to your cooking accessories, like the mandolin. If you want to focus on durability and ease of use, choose the Medove.
Medove’s Features:
- Straight blade for 0, 3, 6 and 9 mm slices.
- Made of durable and strong stainless steel.
- Two slice thicknesses are available, 4.5 mm and 9 mm.
- The blades are all integrated, so no changes are required.
- Comes with a large pusher and a pair of anti-cutting gloves.
- Dimensions : 42.6 x 17.8 x 8.4 cm/16.7 x 7 x 3.3 in.
- Weight: 2.1 lb/948 g
What We Think of The Medove
The Medove has a thumbwheel that allows you to change between different cutting options. It is connected to a cylinder where there are blades that can come out on the plate when you want to make juliennes.
These can be of two widths, 4.5 mm and 9 mm. Many people find that the maximum width is ideal for making French fries. However, the thickness of the juliennes is not adjustable.
Instead, you have up to four possible thicknesses when making simple slices. You can choose between 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm and 0 mm, which is as thin as a sheet of paper.
The mandolin is made of stainless steel, which gives it good strength. This material also does not stain. The tray lifts up to remove the cylinder for easy cleaning. It is also dishwasher safe.
It is equipped with two folding, non-slip legs that keep it elevated during use. There is also a handle on one end for even more stability.
A large pusher is included and offers you a good safety when vegetables get smaller and your fingers get dangerously close to the blades.
For those who don’t like to use the pusher, a pair of cut-resistant gloves is also included. This way, you can handle the food on the mandolin without risk of injury.
The Medove is a durable and efficient tool. All the blades are included in the mandolin and make it easy to use. You have a variety of options for the thickness of the slices. The anti-cutting gloves ensure maximum safety.
6. Starfrit Pump’n’Slice – The safest Mandolin
Interested in the benefits of a mandolin, but not too comfortable with these types of sharp tools? There are safer mandolins that work differently than most on the market and can even be used by children. This is the case with the Starfrit Pump’n’Slice.
Starfrit Pump’n’Slice Features:
- Straight blade protected by a food holder for more safety.
- Original plastic design with pump system.
- Eight possible thicknesses between 0.5 and 8 mm as well as two julienne sizes.
- Comes with a pusher, a cleaning brush and a container to collect the cut food.
- Dimensions: 32 x 12 x 5.2 cm/12.6 x 4.7 x 2 in.
- Weight: 1 lb/454 g
What We Think of The Starfrit Pump’n’Slice
The Starfrit Pump’n’Slice has a design that prevents any contact with the blades. A food holder is located on the blades. The food holder cannot hold very large vegetables, so you have to cut them in half if necessary.
To use it, you must place a vegetable in the holder. Then, you have to apply pressure on it with the pusher while using the handle in a pumping motion that moves the blade. It is not the vegetable that slides on the blade, but the opposite.
This model is positioned almost vertically with the help of its legs. It comes with a container that is placed behind the blades and collects the cut vegetables.
For a low-cost appliance, it still offers good versatility in terms of cuts. You can choose from eight thicknesses between 0.5 mm and 8 mm. To do this, simply turn the knob on the back of the device.
Two small tabs are located in the same place. By turning one of them, a series of blades is raised and allows you to make thicker julienne strips. For thinner julienne strips, simply turn both tabs.
Since this is a slightly more complex mandolin in terms of design, it goes without saying that cleaning it is more complicated. Fortunately, a small brush is included to make it easier.
As for storage, make sure you have the space you need. While the legs fold up and the pump retracts, you’ll also need to find room for the container and food holder.
A cover fits over the blades when you’re not using your gadget for added safety.
The Starfrit Pump’n’Slice is so safe that your kids can use it with you. Although it’s a bit bulky, it offers a wide range of thicknesses to slice your vegetables to suit your needs. Just pump and the container will hold all the pieces.
7. Oxo 1155700 – The Most Stable Mandolin
Are you one of those people who are willing to invest a little extra money for a versatile and safe device? If you have a preference for mandolins that offer a V-shaped blade, then you will certainly be interested in the Oxo 1155700.
Oxo 1155700 Features:
- V-shaped blades for straight or embossed slices.
- Made of solid white plastic.
- Four thicknesses available, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 mm as well as two julienne sizes.
- Blades are on interchangeable tips.
- Comes with a large pusher to protect your fingers.
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 15.2 x 5.8 cm/15.6 x 6 x 2.3 in.
- Weight : 2.38 lb/1080 g
What We Think of The Oxo 1155700
First of all, the Oxo 1155700 offers a design that advocates superior stability. Its non-slip legs allow it to stand at an ideal angle for use. A comfortable handle is also present to hold it in place.
The V-shaped blade of this mandolin cuts vegetables symmetrically, which is an advantage for the most fragile of them. This means tomatoes are sliced without coming apart.
The thickness of the slices can be adjusted by means of a knob. The options are: 1.5 mm, 3 mm, 4.5 mm and 6 mm. A color is assigned to each of them.
Four tips can be installed on this gadget. They have small colored lines indicating which thicknesses they can be used with. This color-coded concept is very handy.
The first two tips are for making straight or wavy cuts. The other two are for julienne cuts. You can choose between a thin and a thicker format.
A pusher is included to protect your fingers from cuts. You only have to stick a vegetable in it to handle it safely.
The white color of the Oxo 1155700 is prone to staining. Be sure to clean it after use. Fortunately, it only requires a quick run under the tap.
There is one small design detail to mention. The tips are stored on the bottom of the mandolin, at the level of the blade. They have to be removed every time you use it because food could fall on them and they will have to be cleaned.
On the other hand, this saves space in your cabinets when storing. Moreover, the legs fold up and the pusher is fixed on the tray. So there are no loose pieces.
The Oxo 1155700 may not be the cheapest, but it is very efficient and versatile. It is easy to use and color coded to ensure the right thickness for the type of cut you are making. Its stability is an asset for your safety.
What You Should Know Before Buying a Mandolin
A well-equipped kitchen greatly improves the efficiency of the person using it. The mandolin is one of those gadgets that really deserves its place in your kitchen. If you are still not convinced, take the time to read the various answers to frequently asked questions below.
Why Use a Mandolin?
The mandolin is the time-saving tool of choice. Whether you’re in a hurry at night or just don’t like the idea of chopping a ton of vegetables for a recipe, a mandolin is the solution to that problem. In seconds, you can turn a potato into slices or fries.
If presentation is important to you, it will allow you to get uniform cuts at all times. It also has the advantage of cooking your vegetables as well. In addition, it is possible to make more complicated cuts, such as a cucumber sliced very thinly along its entire length.
Also, if you take precautions and use a pusher, it can be safer to julienne vegetables with the mandolin than with a knife.
What Types of Cuts Are Possible With a Mandolin?
Depending on the mandolin you choose, it is possible to make different types of cuts. Here are the main ones:
- Slicing: This is the cut that is most often used and the one that can be made with all mandolines. Whether you want to slice cucumbers and tomatoes, or onions and peppers, this is the perfect cut. There are usually several thicknesses to choose from.
- Sticks: You can often choose between two sizes of sticks when your mandolin offers this option. The smaller one makes excellent julienne vegetables, perfect for spring rolls. The larger size is ideal for making fries with your potatoes.
- Waffle: Some models offer a wavy cut for your slices. This is great for cucumbers or homemade chips.
How to Use a Mandolin Properly?
First and foremost, it is important to understand that the mandolin is a very sharp tool and safety precautions must be taken to avoid injury. Be sure to work on a stable surface. Also, use the pusher available to you or, if you don’t have one, cut-resistant gloves.
If you are using your hands, place your palm on the vegetable to be cut. Open your hand as wide as possible, keeping your fingers well above the food.
To slice evenly, simply slide the vegetable up and down. The vegetable should remain in contact with the tray at all times and should not have too much pressure on it.
How to Maintain a Mandolin?
It is generally not complicated to clean a mandolin. Just run it under the tap. Be careful not to cut yourself while handling the blades. Some models are also dishwasher safe, which makes the task even easier.
Our Criteria of Choice to Buy The Best Mandolin
Now that you have decided to buy a mandolin, you need to find the one that best suits your needs. Here are the criteria to take into account when shopping.
The Price
The price of a mandolin can vary depending on the quality of its construction and the number of features it offers. Count between $20 and $100 for a tool of this type.
The Blades
The first thing to check is the shape of the blades. The most commonly used ones are the straight type, which cuts vegetables with good efficiency. The V-shaped ones, on the other hand, are convenient for more fragile foods like tomatoes.
Another thing to consider is the material of the blade. Most are made of stainless steel and are very sharp. Some models offer ceramic blades, which stay sharp longer and are not likely to rust.
The Thicknesses
Mandolins usually come in a variety of thicknesses. Choose yours based on what you want to cook. Some can cut as thin as a sheet of paper, while others can slice as thin as 9 mm.
Versatility
If you just want to make slices or rounds, there is no point in choosing a more complex mandolin. On the other hand, if you want to make juliennes, fries or waffle slices, then you need a device that will be able to do it.
Some require you to change the tip or blade to change the type of cut. Others have built-in blades, speeding up the process.
The Material
By choosing a plastic model, you ensure that it will never rust and you can have more options in terms of its color. A stainless steel mandolin, however, will be stronger and easier to clean.
Safety
With this type of device, safety is important. Prefer a stable mandolin that comes with a pusher or anti-cutting gloves. Those that are on legs ensure greater stability.
We do our best to offer you a comparison of products allowing you to choose the best possible mandolin. If we have missed any information or new models, feel free to leave a comment below or send us a message.