The best mandoline slicer picks cut paper-thin, even slices in seconds with far less effort than a knife. A good mandoline turns potatoes, cucumbers, onions, and apples into uniform slices for gratins, salads, and chips. For most home cooks, the OXO Good Grips Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0 is the best mandoline slicer pick because it is easy to adjust, stable, and comes with a food holder that keeps fingers away from the blade.
A mandoline is a flat board with a razor-sharp blade. You slide food down the runway, and the blade slices it at a set thickness. Uniform slices cook evenly, which matters for dishes like potato gratin and homemade chips. The catch is safety: mandoline blades are extremely sharp, so always use the food holder or a cut-resistant glove, and never slice with bare fingertips near the blade. If you prep a lot of vegetables, also check our vegetable chopper picks for a safer dicing option.
How we picked
We did not run hands-on lab tests for this roundup. Our picks are based on aggregated owner reviews, published third-party testing where available, and manufacturer specs from Amazon listings. We checked that every product is a real, currently listed product on Amazon US with a verified ASIN. Where a claim comes from the manufacturer or from owners, we say so. Prices change often on Amazon, so check the current listing price before you buy.
1. OXO Good Grips Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0: Best overall mandoline slicer
The OXO Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0 is the best mandoline slicer pick for most kitchens because it balances versatility, safety, and ease of use. A soft dial sets the slice thickness, and the indicator window shows the setting in inches and millimeters. The two-sided blade makes straight slices or crinkle and waffle cuts, and built-in blades handle julienne and French fry cuts.
The spring-loaded food holder has a wide rim that protects fingers, and it stores on the underside of the mandoline. The textured runway keeps food from sticking, and the non-slip handle gives a steady grip. The blade is Japanese stainless steel, angled to slice soft foods like tomatoes with ease. All blades store on board, and the legs fold for compact storage.
Who it is for: Home cooks who want one mandoline that handles slicing, julienne, and waffle cuts. Who should skip: Anyone who wants the simplest possible tool, or a pro-style Japanese slicer.
2. Benriner Super Slicer BN95: Best pro-style mandoline slicer
The Benriner Super Slicer is the mandoline that professional kitchens have used for decades. It is a simple, lightweight board with handcrafted Japanese stainless steel blades and 4 interchangeable blades. The easy-turn dial adjusts slice thickness, and the wide body handles large vegetables like cabbage and daikon.
The Benriner has no bulky frame, so it stores flat and hooks onto a bowl to catch slices. It includes a safety guard that holds food and keeps fingers away from the blade. Owners report that the blade stays sharp and cuts with very little effort. The trade-off is a plainer design: it does less than the OXO out of the box, but what it does, it does extremely well.
Who it is for: Confident cooks and pros who want a razor-sharp, no-frills slicer. Who should skip: Beginners who want guided safety features, or anyone who wants waffle cuts.
3. OXO SteeL Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0: Best premium mandoline slicer
The OXO SteeL Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0 is the stainless steel version of our top pick, and it is the premium choice. It makes straight, crinkle, and waffle cuts plus thin julienne strips and French fries. The straight blade cuts firm produce like potatoes and apples, while the serrated blade glides through soft foods like tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
The steel body feels more solid than the plastic version, and the soft, easy-turn dial selects thickness or julienne settings. The unused side of the blade stays hidden for safety. Owners report that it is stable, smooth, and easy to clean. It is hand wash only, like most mandolines.
Who it is for: Cooks who want a heavy, premium-feeling mandoline that lasts for years. Who should skip: Anyone on a budget, or anyone who wants a lightweight tool.
4. Microplane Adjustable Mandoline Slicer: Best handheld mandoline slicer
The Microplane Adjustable Mandoline is the best mandoline slicer pick for quick jobs. It is a compact handheld slicer with a V-blade and a julienne blade, and a dial at the base adjusts the thickness. The reversible slicing deck and ergonomic soft-grip handle make it easy to hold over a bowl or plate.
The Microplane is dishwasher safe, which is rare for mandolines, and it stores easily in a drawer. Owners report that it is great for slicing a cucumber for a salad or potatoes for a small gratin without setting up a full-size board. The small size means it suits smaller produce, not whole cabbages.
Who it is for: Anyone who wants a compact slicer for fast, everyday prep. Who should skip: Cooks who slice large batches or large vegetables often.
5. Borner V5 Starter Set: Best V-blade mandoline slicer
The Borner V5 Starter Set is a German-made V-slicer with a loyal following. The V-shaped blade meets food at two cutting points, which owners report makes slicing feel smoother with less pressure. The set cuts slices in 4 thicknesses, sticks in 4 cuts, and cubes in 2 cuts, and it includes an insert box for storage.
The V5 is compact, hand wash only, and comes in several colors. The starter set includes the safety food holder. Borner has made V-slicers for decades, and the design is simple and proven. If you like the feel of a V-blade, this is the best mandoline slicer pick in that style.
Who it is for: Cooks who prefer the smooth feel of a V-blade slicer. Who should skip: Anyone who wants waffle cuts or a full-size framed mandoline.
6. Benriner Jumbo Slicer BN120: Best mandoline slicer for large produce
The Benriner Jumbo Slicer is the wide version of the classic Benriner, built for big vegetables. Its extra-wide runway handles cabbage, large potatoes, and daikon with room to spare. Like the Super Slicer, it uses Japanese stainless steel blades with interchangeable blades and an easy-turn thickness dial.
Owners report that the wider board feels more stable for large produce and that the blade stays sharp. It includes a safety guard and hooks onto bowls. It is the best mandoline slicer pick if you regularly slice large vegetables for slaws, pickles, or gratins.
Who it is for: Cooks who slice cabbage, large potatoes, and big vegetables often. Who should skip: Small kitchens, or anyone who mostly slices small produce.
7. OXO Handheld Mandoline: Best budget mandoline slicer
The OXO Handheld Mandoline is the simplest and cheapest way to get mandoline-thin slices. It is a compact plastic tool with ultra-sharp, angled stainless steel blades that slice soft fruits and firm vegetables with ease. Non-slip feet keep it steady on a cutting board or bowl.
There are no dials or extra blades, which is the point. You pick it up, slice, and put it away. Owners report that it works well for cucumbers, zucchini, radishes, and apples. It is hand wash only. For beginners who want to try mandoline slicing without spending much, this is a smart first buy.
Who it is for: Beginners and budget buyers who want thin slices for salads and garnishes. Who should skip: Anyone who needs adjustable thickness or julienne cuts.
Best mandoline slicer picks at a glance
| Pick | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Chef’s 2.0 | Framed, dial | All-around slicing and julienne |
| Benriner Super Slicer BN95 | Japanese board | Pro-level sharpness |
| OXO SteeL Chef’s 2.0 | Framed steel | Premium feel and durability |
| Microplane Adjustable | Handheld V-blade | Quick everyday slicing |
| Borner V5 Starter Set | V-slicer | Smooth V-blade cuts |
| Benriner Jumbo BN120 | Wide Japanese board | Large produce |
| OXO Handheld | Simple handheld | Budget and beginners |
What to look for in the best mandoline slicer picks
How do I use a mandoline slicer safely?
Always use the food holder or a cut-resistant glove, and never slice with bare fingertips near the blade. Keep the mandoline stable on a flat surface or over a bowl, and work slowly with even pressure. Stop when the piece gets small, and slice the last bit with a knife instead. A sharp blade is safer than a dull one because it needs less force, so keep the blade clean and dry.
Which blade type is best for a mandoline slicer?
Straight blades give the cleanest cuts on firm produce like potatoes and carrots. Serrated blades grip soft foods like tomatoes and peppers without crushing them. V-blades meet food at two points and feel smoother on many vegetables. For most home cooks, a mandoline with both straight and serrated options, like the OXO models, covers the widest range of foods.
What thickness setting should I use?
For gratins and chips, aim for 1 to 2 mm so slices cook evenly and crisp well. For salads and sandwiches, 2 to 3 mm gives slices with more bite. For pickles and slaws, a thin setting keeps the texture crisp. Start thin and test one slice before committing a whole batch, since settings vary between models.
Can a mandoline slicer cut tomatoes and onions?
Yes, a sharp mandoline cuts tomatoes and onions well, but blade choice matters. Use a serrated blade for tomatoes so it grips the skin instead of sliding. For onions, keep the root end attached and use the food holder, since onion halves get slippery. Work slowly, and expect some juice. A sharp knife, kept sharp with one of our knife sharpener picks, is still the safer choice for very small pieces.
How do I clean and store a mandoline slicer?
Rinse the blade right after use, before food dries on it. Most mandolines are hand wash only, so wipe the blade from the back side with a sponge and dry it fully. Store blades in their guards or with blades retracted, and keep the mandoline where the blade cannot catch a hand. Never leave a mandoline loose in a drawer with the blade exposed. Browse more prep tools in our Prep Tools category.
Verdict
The best mandoline slicer picks make even, thin slices fast, but the right one depends on how you cook. The OXO Good Grips Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0 is our top pick because it handles the most jobs safely and stores neatly. If you want pro-level sharpness, the Benriner Super Slicer is the classic. For quick jobs, the Microplane handheld is hard to beat.
Slice onto a sturdy surface from our cutting board picks. Pair it with our nonstick pan picks for easy cooking. For small-batch chopping and pureeing, see our mini food processor picks. For fast weeknight sides, see our air fryer picks for small kitchens. Whichever you choose, use the food holder every time, work slowly, and respect the blade.
For garlic, our garlic press picks compare squeeze and rocker designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mandoline slicer worth it?
Yes, a mandoline slicer is worth it if you slice vegetables often. It makes uniform slices far faster than a knife, and even slices cook more evenly. If you only slice a cucumber now and then, a cheap handheld model is enough.
Is a mandoline slicer safe for beginners?
Yes, a mandoline slicer is safe for beginners when used with the food holder and a cut-resistant glove. Never use bare fingertips near the blade. Start with firm vegetables like cucumbers, work slowly, and stop when the piece gets small.
What is the best mandoline slicer for potatoes?
The OXO Good Grips Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0 is the best mandoline slicer for potatoes because its dial sets exact thickness and its julienne blades make fries. Use the straight blade for gratin slices and the julienne blade for fries.
Can I put a mandoline slicer in the dishwasher?
Most mandolines are hand wash only, but a few, like the Microplane Adjustable Mandoline, are dishwasher safe. Check your model’s listing before dishwashing, since dishwasher heat can dull blades and damage plastic parts.
How do I sharpen a mandoline blade?
Most mandoline blades are not meant to be sharpened at home. When a blade starts to tear instead of slice, buy a replacement blade from the manufacturer or replace the slicer. Keeping the blade clean and dry helps it stay sharp longer.
What can I make with a mandoline slicer?
You can make potato gratin, homemade chips, cucumber salad, coleslaw, pickled onions, apple chips, and zucchini noodles. A mandoline also makes fast work of slicing radishes, carrots, and beets for salads and garnishes.
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