About 3 years ago, I bought a mandoline. I can count on one hand the number of times I've used it. It's a great little gadget but mine is an OXO and it's very hard to reassemble after I've taken it apart to clean. That defeats its purpose. I think I bought it because the price was right at BB&B.
I just used one about an hour ago to cut cabbage for slaw. It's a cheapie I bought probably 20 years ago for about $6, I think. I don't use it daily, but for some things it works like nothing else.
Not anymore. I sliced my right thumb and nail vertically open when I got to the end of the potato I was holding and gave it one last stroke through the blade than necessary. My brother's wedding was in a few days and I'd so nicely grown out my nails for a beautiful manicure! The specialized hand surgeon met me at the ER and did a great repair job. I was able to keep the nail and nail bed was not permanently damaged.
Posts: 2167 | Location: Midwest | Registered: Nov 29, 2007
I have a cheap plastic one that I use for certain recipes like shaved Brussels sprouts. I don't use it enough to warrant buying an expensive one. I always use the guide and wear a cut-resistant glove because I can be uncoordinated.
I use one my mother's old salad maker. I have to watch my fingers with hers.
We were in Mena Arkansas one time killing time until a restaurant opened for lunch and found an estate sale. Husband spotted this Rival salad maker still in the box! Looked brand new. I paid $5 for it and kept it until one of the kids asked about it. I took it out, showed him, and son took it home with him. This one has a food shover to protect the fingers.
Yes, I have two, one that has suction cups and adheres to the counter so it doesn't slide around. I use them all the time, I love them. One of my sons loves a cucumber ensalada and it slices the cucumbers so thin, then I marinate them in Ken's Italian salad dressing and fresh cracked black pepper. Also great for making a sweet potato casserole!
Posts: 593 | Location: East Coast of Sunny Florida | Registered: Aug 22, 2003
Sherry, on my PC, on the lower left corner of your post, there's a red circle with a red slash through it. I assume this might be a photo?? I'm wondering if anyone else is getting this red circle or are you able to see a photo?
It took me about 15 minutes to reassemble that darn OXO. I'm sure if I used it more, things would get easier.
I did a google search just to see other brands of mandolines. Now I have another question. My slicer has a V-shaped blade. Several of the other brands only have one angled blade. Does one perform better than the other? I had a hard time slicing my 5 carrots. I was making Daphne Oz's Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew. IMHO it's certainly not as delicious as The Chew cast expressed, but it's edible and, I'm sure, very healthy. I wouldn't make it again.
We have two of them----they do have their purpose, but even with the finger guard, I am still very timid about it---those sharp blades really scare me! When I use it, I like it, but honestly, I rarely pull it out of the cabinet.
I have learned to to use my palm to guide the last of the piece of food over the blades, keeping knuckles and nails facing the ceiling and out of the way. If the food slips, you're at minimal risk of slicing the tough part of your palm.
I also learned (the hard way) to focus complete attention to the task at hand, not diverting my eyes from it for one split second. Do not attempt conversation or TV watching while using a mandoline. This message has been edited. Last edited by: nettiejay,
Yes I have a pricy one and use it infrequently in part due to the fact that I also have a processor and there are only two of us in the home now. I use the slicing disk in my processor more. BTW, I ALWAYS use the "grabber" to attach to the food to avoid cuts to my fingers.
Posts: 16824 | Location: Right here, duh! ;) | Registered: Nov 03, 2005
Originally posted by CA Lori: Sherry, on my PC, on the lower left corner of your post, there's a red circle with a red slash through it. I assume this might be a photo?? I'm wondering if anyone else is getting this red circle or are you able to see a photo?
It took me about 15 minutes to reassemble that darn OXO. I'm sure if I used it more, things would get easier.
I did a google search just to see other brands of mandolines. Now I have another question. My slicer has a V-shaped blade. Several of the other brands only have one angled blade. Does one perform better than the other? I had a hard time slicing my 5 carrots. I was making Daphne Oz's Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew. IMHO it's certainly not as delicious as The Chew cast expressed, but it's edible and, I'm sure, very healthy. I wouldn't make it again.
Some people find a V-shaped blade cuts food easier because of the angle. I've never tried one so I don't have an opinion.
nettiejay, I logged in and it worked. I can see Sherry's photo now. But what I don't understand is why I could see all the photos on the quilting site yesterday when I wasn't logged in!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: nettiejay, 
