Mini Review: OXO Good Grips Hand Held Mandoline

Participant · 5 Jan 2014 at 18:40

I've posted a few times recently asking for people's recommendations for mandolines, but in the end I just went for one that was popular on Amazon.

At less than a tenner delivered, this is very clearly a budget slicer for the amateur cook, and it some ways it very clearly shows.

It can create slices of 1, 2, and 3mm thickness by adjusting the black slider on the side. This slider just moves a plastic brace back and forth which accordingly pushes the blade closer or further from the base of the mandoline. Move the slider to the padlock safety position for storing, and it's pretty much impossible to make contact with a sharp part of the blade.

I made a gratin on NYE and this made it an absolute doddle. Must have saved me 45 minutes of intricate knife work (those handy with kitchen knives might notice less of a time saving!).

Pics:

Food gripper:

Pros:

Cheap
Sharp blade
Dishwasher safe
Rubber base so it doesn't slip
Small and light so easy to store and use

Cons:

Food gripper isn't the best
Cuts are not even (see blade angle in the pic above)
Lack of versatility (only cuts slices...no julienne or chip function etc.)

molinari · 5 Jan 2014 at 19:29

I've thought about getting a mandoline for slicing, but the fear of taking slices of my fingers just scares me

.

Jolteh · 5 Jan 2014 at 20:05

Good review dude, thanks for this. I think mandolins are really good for home cooks - they can save time and give really nice looking vegetables.

I got one of these a few years ago as a gift. I used it a few times, but the thing was massive and ended up being a pain to clean. The blades weren't great either.

I've been meaning to try one of these which is the best reviewed one on Amazon US and recommended on a bunch of food forums.

I probably get a glove like this also.

Rich_L · 5 Jan 2014 at 20:22

As a rule you can't go far wrong with the Good grips stuff, fairly priced and as an aside the plastic they use is virtually indestructible, I dropped our potato peeler down the waste disposal sink and it made an almighty racket

Pulled it out expected it to look dog-chewed and it didn't even have a scratch

monkeyspank · 5 Jan 2014 at 20:22

molinari said:
I've thought about getting a mandoline for slicing, but the fear of taking slices of my fingers just scares me .

You won't slice bits of your fingers off more than once or twice at most. You'll soon learn

monkeyspank · 5 Jan 2014 at 20:24

And you'll have a big plate of dauphinoise to ease the pain

Participant · 5 Jan 2014 at 21:16

molinari said:
I've thought about getting a mandoline for slicing, but the fear of taking slices of my fingers just scares me .

Added pics of the food gripper...as long as you use this religiously, it's pretty difficult to cut yourself.

randomshenans · 6 Jan 2014 at 10:58

I wouldn't be without one now. We have 2 and the cheaper one I have is actually better as the other one has the same issue as the above with the blade level.
I use it for a load of things too. Mushrooms (as long as they're out the fridge, so firm) for stir fries etc. are such a doddle. I love them.