The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Electric bread slicer

macette's picture
macette

Electric bread slicer

hi bakers I wanted to know how many of you are using home electric bread slicers....I am baking a loaf and freezing it in slices and am interested in a slicer. Do they work well ...I read that they fold up out of the way and they cut a good slice are the budget version ok for a couple of loaves a week. Any advice much appreciated...

 

IceDemeter's picture
IceDemeter

I've been thinking about it, too.  We would use it just as much for slicing meats and cheeses as we would for bread, so something easy to clean and big enough for large roasted meat cuts / massive sourdough loaves is in order.

Looking around here, and on general recommendations, we're thinking about a Chef's Choice slicer, although haven't settled on the 609 or the 615.  Either way we would get both the serrated and non-serrated blades, since all indicators are that breads and non-frozen meats slice more cleanly with the non-serrated (and it is easier to clean).

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/15902/ultimate-bread-slicer

https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-meat-slicers

https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-bread-slicers

https://www.amazon.ca/Chefs-Choice-Premium-Electric-Slicer/dp/B000PRP288/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1/146-5505142-3769868?ie=UTF8&qid=1502830614&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keyw...

What have you been looking at?

macette's picture
macette

Hi Icedemeter, I have just read about someone with chefs choice 609, they are so happy with it...but thats across the pond and not in UK. I wasn't sure how much to invest because I only need it for bread. I was looking at https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Home-Garden-Store/Lakeland-Easy-Store-Food-Slicer-Vegetables-Bread-Cheese/B01I06P7SK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502858925&sr=8... still trying to make up my mind so will be looking and reviewing, but they seem a worthwhile purchase as long as i can pack it away and don't spend a fortune because its only a couple of loaves  a week, but worth it I think for lovely slices to freeze....

bread_to_be's picture
bread_to_be

Look at them for their feedback on bread slicing. Wattage matters because that is what gives the rpm, which translates into how easily and neatly the bread is sliced. Higher rpm means you need to push less and so less deformity. 

macette's picture
macette

thank you will check that...

MichaelLily's picture
MichaelLily

I have the 610, or some close model that I got for right around 100 USD. It works great.  it takes a teeny bit of effort to get it to run without issue. Overall it is a great machine. I have the serrated blade.

IceDemeter's picture
IceDemeter

endorsement of that slicer!  If it is good enough to stand up to your commercial needs, then I have no doubt that it will do well for us.

Alan.H's picture
Alan.H

I have used a Cookworks food slicer for several years and it has coped with my crusty bakes without complaint. I am a bit gadget prone and couldn't resist when I spotted it in a sale at the Argos catalogue shop (UK) and it does seem to be still available. 

It is not a perfect bread slicer (note the non-specific "food slicer"). It has a 170mm/6.5inch serrated blade so my dutch oven baked loaves have to be cut in half by hand before slicing, and a spring loaded on/off switch which has to be coped with but it has proved to be very reliable and it does fold up to fit into its moderately sized box. At the then sale price of about £10, well what was a chap to do?

 

macette's picture
macette

hi Alan I have been humming and harring over this all day...lol I see it's in argos for £12.99 and they have what looks exactly the same new model for £29.99. i can not see any difference other than them saying the cheaper one doesn't cut as thin, it has 150w just the same so I am going to go for the cheaper one thank goodness you posted...thank you. For a couple of loaves a week when it dies I might go better but wanted to try it and I can get it local.....yayyy

Alan.H's picture
Alan.H

Hi Macette

Yes I noticed the two nearly identical machines, both very similar to my older one and the difference in price. I assume the sale price is for last year's stock as was mine when I bought it.

I would mention again the problem of the on/off switch which is a not very well designed safety feature, you really do need three hands to slice bread but I have managed well enough over the years and it sure beats fighting fresh bread with a bread knife.

Happy slicing

macette's picture
macette

I reserved it Alan at that price you just couldn't leave it...lol I will grow another arm...lol pick it up tomorrow will let you know how I cope...so excited....sad I know...

macette's picture
macette

May need some practice but it's a chance to see if I use it, at £12.99 not sure how long it will last but it's for bread only cheaper than a manual slicer. It comes with a serrated blade only. if I decide it's an essential piece of equipment I would consider investing in a more substantial piece of equipment.

IceDemeter's picture
IceDemeter

At that price, it is most definitely worthwhile, even for only a few loaves each week. 

Thanks again for posting this, since both of us got the endorsement on what we wanted!  Happy baking - and slicing!

UKhomebaker's picture
UKhomebaker

Hi Macette

I wondered how you are getting on with your slicer? I have very crusty sourdough loaves, do you think it would cope? 

macette's picture
macette

I suppose it depends on how thick the crust is my slicer is just a cheap one and it’s been slicing for me now for 2 years. I have found it incredibly useful and will replace it when it dies. But if you are concerned I would go for one with a few replacement blades. Some come with a designated bread blade. That’s what I will get next time. There are no replacement blades for mine so once it’s blunt it’s done. My breads are crusty yeasted bread maybe not as thick a crust as sourdough. 

UKhomebaker's picture
UKhomebaker

Thanks for the update and advice! 

macette's picture
macette

Please let me know what you go for.. I’m sure I will be searching as well. When you slice and freeze it’s a very necessary piece of kit. ??

iamemilywatts's picture
iamemilywatts

In case of the bread you do not need a electric slicer. Normal bread slicer guide will easily done your job. You can get help from here- kitchenthinker.com