Oxo Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer

I have 2 different mandolines to compare this one too. I'll tell you which one I prefer at the end. This is a great kitchen tool. It will quickly slice and chop your vegetables and fruits. I got this to save time and it definitely does save time. You can instantly dial the thickness of the cuts. With some other tools, you have to change a plate or pull things apart and slide another piece in. With this, just dial and it's done. It not only save a lot of time, it saves you hand/finger pain from those that are arthritic. It can also save you from possible cuts, if you use it properly with the handheld holder. Finally it saves you water and money and the agony of washing. You simply quickly rinse with hot water and you're done. Obviously you need a bit more work if you slice messy items.

Good:
1. Saves time. Cuts/chops easily (kind of, see Bad below).
2. Instantly dial the thickness of cuts.
3. Saves from joint or hand pain.
4. Saves from possible cuts if dexterity is poor.
5. Saves money and pain of washes appliances or multiple items. Just rinse.

Bad:
1. In some cases, you may have to really ram the item across the blade to cut. On a few occasions, the bell pepper fell off the holder because the blade did not cut it. So it just dragged it. This is probably likely because of 2 things. 1) not as sharp as it can be 2) the angles of the 2 blades need to make a closer V. The closer the V shape, the easier it cuts (from my experience)

My recommendation:
For effortless and easy cuts, go with Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus unit. I have that one too. That thing can really cut. I'm not exaggerating either because many others say the same thing. It's got total of 4.5 stars. Even some woman states in her review "I'm shocked Amazon is selling this item because it is so sharp. It should be banned." Yes, it's looks like cheap flimsy plastic but man does it cut!! You'll just have to overlook the looks.

For a rigid, quick thickness dialer mandoline, go with this OXO. It's heavy gauge plastic and has a non-slip feet and comfortable handle. It got a 4 rating because it's not as sharp as it could be.

Best price on the net, bought this as a requested gift, never used it myself. Reasonable and very fast shipping.

I've used a few different mandolines/slicers in my life, so I think I have a good feel for things that work/don't. Althought I do most of my food prep the old fashoned way (knife), there are definitely times when consistency counts so I believe a good slicer has a place in a working kitchen.

The unit performs great while working. Its cuts are consistent, it operates pretty smoothly, the safety handle works, etc. The place where this item let me down was how it was all put together.

First, the thickness detentes need to be more positive. It's easy to inadvertently change settings. This most disconcerting when you want it on safe.

Second, the totally self-contained loading of all the blades and parts onto the unit makes it heavier than it needs to be and a total pain to clean. Since everything is loaded on board so you either have to take every blade/etc. off before you use it or you have to clean EVERY blade, etc. when you're done. If they had thought to simplify the unit itself and keep all the parts in a caddy this unit would rock.

For similar money, go with the Borner, you only have 2 slice thicknesses, but for most cooks that's enough. It comes with a caddy to safely stow the extra pieces, is simpler and still works great.

Was going to use this to dice carrots, but didn't come out the way I wanted it. I julienned them instead, but they came out uneven. The carrots keep on slipping, even with the holder. Very dangerous if not careful. The carrots stain the plastic right away.

It's one of the best kitchen thingies I've ever had. I can whip through mounds of vegetables, slicing, julienning or matchsticking them with easy changes of blade. It cleans up well and is easy to store. Plus, it doesn't use a lick of electricity. Best of all, it's quite inexpensive. Way to go, Oxo.