Kitchen Slicers

The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Slicers in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and Top Models

Why the right kitchen slicer changes your cooking game

If you’ve ever tried to slice a block of cheddar with a butter knife and ended up with uneven, frustrating results, you know the difference a proper kitchen slicer can make. A good slicer turns meal prep from a chore into a small, satisfying ritual — think of it as upgrading from a tricycle to a road bike. You’ll slice faster, more safely, and more consistently, whether you’re prepping potato gratin, shaving carrots for salad, or making paper-thin prosciutto for starters.

Where to shop for kitchen slicers in the UK

Shopping for kitchen slicers in the UK? You’ve got solid options. Specialist homeware shops, high-street retailers, and online marketplaces each bring something different to the table: expert picks, competitive prices, and huge selections respectively. Below I’ll break down the best places to visit — both the specialist sellers and the big names you can trust.

Nordic Nest — Scandinavian design and well-chosen tools

Nordic Nest often features clean, minimalist slicers and branded items like the De Buyer Revolution mandoline and sleek cheese slicers. If you appreciate Scandinavian aesthetics and quality materials, this is the kind of shop that curates tools that look as good as they perform. Expect sturdy designs, simple controls, and selections that suit small, stylish kitchens.

Lakeland — a UK favourite for gadgets and gadgeteers

Lakeland is legendary for kitchen gadgets. If you want choice and innovation — from multi-blade mandolines to compact apple and veg slicers — Lakeland delivers. They’re also great for accessory bits like replacement blades and non-slip mats, which can make a big difference when you’re working on a busy prep surface.

John Lewis — trusted quality and top-brand options

John Lewis is where you go when you want brand trust. They stock premium slicers and respected knife brands, which makes it easy to compare upmarket mandolines and cheese cutters side by side. The store tends to attract shoppers who want a little reassurance with their purchase: well-known names, thorough product descriptions, and easy browsing.

Argos and Amazon UK — wide choice, competitive prices

Argos and Amazon UK offer sheer convenience and an extensive range. If price comparison and user reviews matter to you, these retailers are handy. You’ll find everything from basic apple slicers to electric food slicers, and often at lower prices due to sales and marketplace competition. They’re perfect when you want to shop quickly and read what other buyers say.

Types of kitchen slicers and when to choose each

Not all slicers are created equal — they fall into a few main types, each with a clear purpose. Choosing the right one depends on what you slice most often and how much storage space you’ve got in your kitchen.

Cheese slicers: simple, precise, and often manual

Cheese slicers are straightforward tools built for finishing, not heavy prep. From wire-style cutters to blade models, they help you get uniform slices that are perfect for cheeseboards or sandwiches. Models like the Fiskars Functional Form Cheese Slice or the Vargen & Thor Frost cheese slicer excel at producing clean, thin cuts without crumbling soft cheeses.

Mandolines: fast, versatile, but handle with care

Mandolines like the De Buyer Revolution or Benriner models offer adjustable thickness and interchangeable blades for julienne, slice, and waffle cuts. They’re brilliant for batch prep — think chips, gratins, and slaws. But they also demand respect: a mandoline blade is razor-sharp, so always use the safety guard or a cut-resistant glove.

Electric slicers: heavy-duty and consistent

If you’re processing large volumes — deli meats or large hams, for instance — an electric slicer is the tool for you. They take the strain off your wrist and give continuous, consistent slices. For home cooks, look for compact models that balance power with safe features and easy cleaning.

Specialist fruit and veg slicers: quick and tidy

Devices like apple slicers or onion choppers are designed to make one task simple and fast. The Dorre Allie apple slicer (about 6.7 inches) and the Dorre Loke onion chopper are good examples: they reduce prep time and keep your hands away from blades. They’re the small, helpful tools that end up being surprisingly useful.

Top models to consider (and why they stand out)

There are a few models that consistently get recommended — either because of durability, performance, or sheer cleverness. Below I highlight models that are well-suited to UK kitchens and tastes.

De Buyer Revolution Mandoline — professional-grade slicing

The De Buyer Revolution mandoline is engineered to handle a variety of cuts with precision. If you want professional-style results at home — thin potato rounds for crisp chips or uniform veg for casseroles — this is a top choice. It’s built to last and gives consistent, paper-thin slices when used correctly.

Fiskars Functional Form Cheese Slice — everyday simplicity

Simple, clean, and effective: the Fiskars cheese slice is great for everyday use. It’s designed to be ergonomic and easy to store, perfect for those who slice cheese often but don’t want an over-complicated tool. It’s ideal for both soft and semi-hard cheeses.

Benriner slicers — the choice of chefs and enthusiasts

Benriner mandolines, like the BN-95 and BN-120, are favoured for their super-sharp blades and thin, precise slices. Many professional kitchens use Benriner because it’s reliable and compact. Just remember to handle it with care — these are serious blades.

Microplane adjustable slicer and zesters — fine control

Microplane tools are great when you need finesse. The adjustable V-blade slicer and the Master Series zester are both excellent for fine grating and delicate slicing tasks. They’re terrific for citrus, Parmesan, and other items where texture matters.

Wüsthof accessories — keep your knives and slicers sharp

Wüsthof’s pull-through sharpeners and sharpening tools are useful for maintaining blades. A keen blade is a safer blade — it lets you slice with less force, which reduces accidents and improves the finish on every cut.

How to choose the right slicer for your kitchen

Choosing the right slicer boils down to three questions: What will you slice most? How much storage space do you have? And how comfortable are you with using sharp equipment? Answer these and you’ll narrow the field fast.

Consider your most common tasks

If you mostly slice cheese, a dedicated cheese slicer is faster and safer than a mandoline. If you prepare large salads, a mandoline or food processor with slicing discs might be better. For occasional, single-task jobs, specialized tools like apple slicers do the trick without taking up much space.

Think about storage and cleaning

Some slicers dismantle for easy cleaning; others have crevices that trap food. If you don’t relish spending time washing gadgets, choose models with dishwasher-safe parts or simple assembly. Also, compact designs or foldable mandolines are great for kitchens with limited cupboard room.

Prioritize safety features

Look for non-slip feet, protective guards, and locking mechanisms. If a slicer has a safety hand guard or a food-holder, it’s usually worth it. Many accidents happen when people skip safety gear for speed — don’t be that person. A small glove or the provided guard is a minor extra step that pays off.

Maintenance tips to keep slices consistent

With a little TLC, your slicer will last for years. Keep blades sharp, dry parts thoroughly, and store safely. Here are the essentials to treat your tools well.

Regular sharpening and inspection

Check blades periodically for dull spots or chips. For knives and some replaceable blades, a quick touch-up with a sharpener like the Wüsthof pull-through keeps edges keen. Mandoline blades may be replaceable — consult the manufacturer for guidance.

Clean right after use

Rinse or wash once you’re done to prevent food drying in nooks and blades. For stubborn bits, soak briefly in warm water and use a soft brush. Avoid wringing or flexing blades — keep cleaning gentle and thorough.

Budgeting: what to expect to pay

Prices vary widely. Basic apple and cheese slicers can be inexpensive, while premium mandolines or compact electric slicers cost more. Think of it this way: a cheap tool might save money now but could frustrate you and need replacing. If you use a slicer often, investing a bit more usually pays off in convenience and longevity.

Affordable: under about 40 pounds

Entry-level manual slicers and basic apple/cheese tools often fall into this range. They’re perfect for occasional use and for those on a tight budget.

Mid-range: about 40 to 120 pounds

This bracket includes higher-end manual mandolines, quality cheese slicers, and some compact electric models. It’s the sweet spot for most home cooks who want durability without splashing out on professional gear.

Premium: over about 120 pounds

If you’re serious about performance — thin, consistent slices and professional build quality — premium mandolines and larger electric slicers live here. These are for enthusiasts who value precision and longevity.

Where to compare prices and read reviews

If you want to compare stores and prices quickly, use sites that aggregate listings from multiple retailers. Comparison platforms help you spot the best deals and read user feedback so you know how a slicer performs in real kitchens. Combine reviews with spec comparisons to narrow down your shortlist before buying.

Final buying checklist — quick and handy

Before you click “buy,” run through this checklist: does it have a safety guard, is it easy to clean, are replacement blades available, is the size right for your kitchen, and what do reviews say about durability? If most answers are positive, you’re ready to buy with confidence.

Conclusion

Choosing the right kitchen slicer in the UK is about matching the tool to your habits. Whether you pick a simple cheese cutter, a versatile mandoline from Benriner or De Buyer, or a compact electric model, focus on safety, ease of cleaning, and reputable retailers like Nordic Nest, Lakeland, John Lewis, Argos, and Amazon UK. With the right slicer, your kitchen prep becomes faster, neater, and more enjoyable — and that’s a small upgrade that shows in every meal.