Mandoline Slicer Buying Guide

What Is a Mandoline?

A mandoline creates perfectly uniform slices for gratins, chips, salads, and garnishes - something nearly impossible to achieve with a knife. It's the difference between restaurant-quality presentation and home cook unevenness.

Critical Safety Note

⚠️ Mandolines are THE most dangerous kitchen tool. ALWAYS use the hand guard. Consider cut-proof gloves. Emergency rooms see mandoline injuries weekly.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Blade Type

V-Blade (OXO, many modern mandolines)

• Two blades meet in V-shape
• Pros: Better for soft foods (tomatoes, onions), cleaner cuts
• Cons: More resistance (harder to push), can struggle with very hard vegetables
• Best for: Delicate work, tomato/onion slicing

Straight Diagonal Blade (Benriner, Japanese style)

• Single blade angled across platform
• Pros: Easier to push through, better for hard vegetables, more even slices
• Cons: Slightly more pressure on delicate foods
• Best for: Potatoes, carrots, volume prep

Verdict: For most home cooks, straight blade (Benriner) is more versatile and easier to use.

2. Blade Material & Sharpness

Japanese Hand-Sharpened Steel (Benriner)

• Extremely sharp
• Stays sharp for years (10-17 years reported)
• Can be sharpened on whetstones at home
• Replacement blades available (~$15-47 AUD)

Stainless Steel (Progressive, OXO)

• Sharp initially
• May dull with use
• Often cannot be sharpened or replaced
• May need to replace entire unit when dull

Critical Issue: Many mandolines (including Progressive PL8) have blades that cannot be replaced - when dull, you throw away the whole $90 unit. Benriner blades are replaceable AND sharpenable.

3. Stand/Base Design

Elevated Legs (Western style - Progressive, OXO)

• Stands above counter
• Slices fall into bowl/tray underneath
• More comfortable for prolonged use
• Takes more storage space

Flat with Bowl-Hook (Japanese style - Benriner)

• Lays flat on counter OR hooks onto bowl rim
• Requires holding or hooking
• More compact storage
• Less convenient for large batches

Stability Features:

• Rubber/non-slip feet (essential)
• Weight (heavier = more stable)
• Wide base

4. Thickness Adjustment

Continuous Adjustment (OXO - 21 settings)

• 0.5mm increments
• Very precise
• Reality check: Most people use 2-3 settings regularly

Fixed Settings (Progressive - 4 settings, Benriner - adjustable to 3-9mm)

• 1mm, 3.5mm, 5.5mm, 7.5mm (Progressive)
• 0.5mm to 3-9mm (Benriner models)
• Adequate for 95% of home cooking

Verdict: Unless you need micro-adjustments for professional work, 4-5 settings is plenty.

5. Platform Width

• 64mm (Benriner Classic): Handles most vegetables, compact
• 95mm (Benriner Super): Wider vegetables
• 120mm (Benriner Jumbo): Large eggplants, cabbage, professional use
• Standard Western (~90-100mm): Good middle ground

6. Dishwasher Safe?

Dishwasher Safe (Progressive PL8)

• Convenient
• BUT: Water can still corrode blades over time
• Manufacturers still recommend hand wash

Hand Wash Only (All Benriner models)

• Preserves blade sharpness longer
• Not difficult (quick rinse and dry)

Reality: Even "dishwasher safe" mandolines last longer with hand washing.

Top Recommendations

Best Value & Longevity: Benriner Regular (64mm) ($65-85 AUD)

Price: $64.99 at The Blade Runner (on sale from $99.99) Link: https://www.thebladerunner.com.au/products/benriner-mandoline-classic-64mm Pros:

• ✓ Japanese hand-sharpened blade (razor sharp)
• ✓ 10-17 year lifespan reported by users
• ✓ Blade can be sharpened on whetstones (easy, 15 min job)
• ✓ Replacement blades available in Australia ($15-47)
• ✓ Compact storage
• ✓ Better blade angle for thin slicing
• ✓ Total lifetime cost: ~$65 (vs Progressive at $450+ if replacing every 2 years)

Cons:

• ✗ No elevated stand (hooks on bowl or lays flat)
• ✗ Hand wash only
• ✗ Max thickness 3mm (adequate for most uses)
• ✗ Narrower platform (64mm)

Best for: Value-conscious buyers, anyone who can sharpen or willing to learn, compact storage

Wider Platform: Benriner Jumbo (120mm) ($94 AUD)

Price: $94 at AGC Equipment (RRP $199!) Link: https://www.agcequipment.com.au/benriner-jumbo-vegetable-slicer-white-120mm Pros:

• ✓ Same sharp Japanese blade as Regular
• ✓ Only $29 more than Regular Benriner
• ✓ Handles large eggplants, cabbage, big potatoes
• ✓ Up to 9mm thickness
• ✓ Rubberized feet (more stable than Regular)
• ✓ Sharpenable/replaceable blades
• ✓ Ships 1-3 days
• ✓ Can bundle with other AGC items

Cons:

• ✗ Hand wash only
• ✗ Larger storage footprint
• ✗ Bowl-hook design (no elevated stand)

Best for: If you cook with large vegetables regularly, exceptional value at $94

Western Style: OXO Chef's Mandoline 2.0 ($107 AUD)

Price: ~$107 Available: Various retailers Pros:

• ✓ Elevated stand with legs
• ✓ 21 cut options (though you'll use 3-4)
• ✓ V-blade (better for delicate foods)
• ✓ Comfortable to use for extended periods
• ✓ Well-designed safety guard

Cons:

• ✗ Blade dulls faster than Benriner
• ✗ Cannot easily replace blade - if dull, buy new unit
• ✗ More expensive than Benriner
• ✗ Bulkier storage
• ✗ Hand wash recommended despite "dishwasher safe" label

Best for: Those who want Western-style elevated design, don't mind eventual replacement

AVOID: Progressive PL8 ($90 AUD)

Why avoid:

• ✗ Customer reviews report blade dulls after "5 uses to 2 years"
• ✗ Blade is NOT replaceable despite marketing claims
• ✗ Cannot be sharpened
• ✗ Must replace entire $90 unit when dull
• ✗ Total cost over 10 years: potentially $450-900
• ✗ Poor long-term value

What Should You Pay?

Model	Initial Cost	Blade Replacement/Sharpening	10-Year Total Cost
-------	--------------	------------------------------	-------------------
Benriner Regular	$65	Sharpen yourself (free) or replace blade ($47)	$65-112
Benriner Jumbo	$94	Sharpen yourself (free) or replace blade ($47)	$94-141
OXO Chef's 2.0	$107	Cannot replace, may last 5-10 years	$107-214
Progressive PL8	$90	Cannot replace - must buy new unit	$450-900 (if replacing every 2 years)

Critical Decision: Blade Replaceability

Benriner Philosophy: Tool for life

• Blades designed to be sharpened
• Replacement blades readily available
• Users report 10-17 years of use
• "Super easy to sharpen" on whetstones
• Think of it like a good kitchen knife

Western Mandoline Philosophy: Planned obsolescence

• Integrated blades cannot be removed
• No replacement parts sold
• When dull, buy new unit
• 1-5 year lifespan depending on use

This is THE deciding factor for long-term value.

Sharpening Benriner Blades

How easy is it?

• "Benriner blades are super easy to sharpen"
• Takes 15-20 minutes
• Use coarse (1000 grit) and fine (6000 grit) whetstones
• Lay bevel flat, grind until burr, flip and deburr
• Blades are soft steel - grind quickly
• YouTube tutorials available

Cost: $50-100 one-time investment in whetstones (useful for all knives too) Alternative: Replacement blades ($15-47 AUD in Australia) every 10+ years

Buying Options in Australia

Benriner Regular (64mm)

• The Blade Runner: $64.99 (sale from $99.99, only 6 left)
• Link: https://www.thebladerunner.com.au/products/benriner-mandoline-classic-64mm

Benriner Jumbo (120mm)

• AGC Equipment: $94 (RRP $199)
• Link: https://www.agcequipment.com.au/benriner-jumbo-vegetable-slicer-white-120mm
• Stock: 1-3 days dispatch
• Can bundle with knives, peeler, thermometer, etc.

Benriner Replacement Blades

• Bladeology Australia: $47 (often sold out)
• Well Cooked: Price varies
• My Cookware: Sydney-based
• Amazon Australia: Check availability

OXO Chef's Mandoline

• Kitchen Warehouse
• Robins Kitchen: $106.99
• Various retailers

Making the Decision

Choose Benriner Jumbo from AGC ($94) if:

• Cook with large vegetables
• Want best long-term value
• Don't mind hand washing
• Willing to learn simple sharpening (or pay $47 every 10+ years for blade)
• This is the smart choice for most people

Choose Benriner Regular ($65) if:

• Mostly slice medium vegetables
• Want most compact option
• Prefer cheapest entry point
• Same lifetime value as Jumbo

Choose OXO Chef's 2.0 ($107) if:

• Must have elevated stand
• Prefer Western-style design
• Don't mind replacing unit eventually
• Willing to pay premium for convenience

AVOID Progressive PL8:

• Non-replaceable blade that dulls
• Poor long-term value
• Customer reviews confirm durability issues

The Bottom Line

Best Overall Value: Benriner Jumbo from AGC Equipment for $94

• Only $29 more than Regular Benriner
• Handles all vegetables including large ones
• 10-17 year lifespan with sharpening
• Total cost: ~$94-141 over 10 years
• Can bundle with other AGC kitchen items
• Ships 1-3 days

Most Compact: Benriner Regular for $65

• Same blade quality
• Smaller footprint
• Save $29

Premium Western Style: OXO Chef's 2.0 for $107

• IF elevated stand is essential to you
• Know you'll eventually replace it
• Worth it for ease of use IF you accept the replacement cycle

Quick Recommendation

For your mum: Benriner Jumbo from AGC Equipment ($94) Why:

1. Best long-term value (one purchase, lifetime tool)

2. Wide enough for all vegetables

3. Can add to AGC cart with:

• Bread knife ($29.50)
• Paring knife (~$12)
• Vegetable peeler ($12.50)
• Thermometer ($6.50)
• Mixing bowls ($20)
• Cutting board set ($56.50)
• Total bundle: ~$231 + mandoline

4. Blade maintenance is simple (sharpen every few years or replace blade for $47)

5. Rubber feet make it stable

6. Ships fast (1-3 days)

Bonus: Include a note about sharpening or budget $47 for replacement blade in 10 years.

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Last updated: October 2025