What is a mandolin and why do you need one?
A mandoline is a kitchen tool that helps you slice vegetables and fruits quickly and evenly. It saves time and adds confidence to your cooking. Evenly thick slices cook at the same time and the end result looks professional – whether it's baked potatoes, cucumber salad or a wok.
A mandoline is an excellent tool for the home cook who wants to make cooking easier, but it is also a standard tool in professional restaurant kitchens.
Benriner – Japanese precision
The Benriner is a Japanese classic, considered one of the best mandolins in the world. Its roots go back over 70 years, and every Benriner is still made in Japan.
Advantages of the Benriner mandolin:
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Hand-finished stainless steel blades ensure extreme sharpness.
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The slice thickness can be adjusted continuously, for example between 0.5 and 3 mm.
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Includes several additional blades (julienne, coarser, fine) for different cutting styles.
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Lightweight but durable construction, easy to disassemble and clean.
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Includes a safety guard to prevent fingers from hitting the blade.
Benriner is especially popular among professional chefs. If you want a tool that creates perfect slices of radishes, cucumbers or onions, for example – Benriner is the right choice.
Börner – German quality since 1956
The German Börner is one of the most well-known mandoline brands in the world. The company has been manufacturing high-quality vegetable slicers since 1956, and its products are particularly known for their V-blade technology.
Strengths of the Börner mandolin:
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Blade set in a V-shape at a 45° angle – makes cutting easier and more precise.
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Several model series for different needs: V1 ClassicLine, V3 TrendLine, V5 PowerLine and V6 ExclusiveLine.
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Four different slicing thicknesses and additional blades for julienne strips or cubes.
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Durable ABS plastic and sharp stainless steel blades.
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Ergonomic design and good extras, e.g. safety handle.
The Börner is an excellent choice if you want a versatile mandoline that can handle both thin cucumber salad and thicker potato slices for gratin.
Mandolin vs. knife – why choose a mandolin?
Many people ask why it's worth getting a mandoline if you already have good chef's knives at home. The difference is simple: consistency and speed . A mandoline makes even slices in one stroke – even from ingredients that are difficult to handle with a knife (e.g. soft tomatoes or hard-skinned sweet potatoes).
A mandolin is especially useful for:
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In large quantities – for example, when you prepare a lot of salad, baked potatoes or vegetable stir-fry.
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In dishes that require thin slicing – such as potato chips, ratatouille or carpaccio.
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Visually – even slices make dishes look more beautiful and professional.
Usage tips and safety
A mandolin is a very sharp instrument and requires care when using it.
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Always use the included finger guard or a separate protective glove.
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Select the correct thickness before use and check the blade attachment.
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Wash the appliance by hand immediately after use – most models are not dishwasher safe.
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Store your mandoline in a safety lock or protective case.
Maintenance and blade replacement
Both Benriner and Börner offer spare parts and replacement blades, which makes the products long-lasting. Sharpening the blades can often be done by a professional sharpener. Regular maintenance and cleaning will extend the life of the device and keep it safe.
Summary – Choose a quality mandolin
Whether you're a home cook or a professional, a mandoline makes cooking faster, easier, and more beautiful .
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Benriner is the perfect Japanese option when you value precision and cutting edge.
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Börner, on the other hand, offers versatility, V-blade technology and German durability.
