Looking for a high quality electric rotary slicer...

[GlowingGhoul]

I've wanted a deli-style electric slicer for quite a while. I am unimpressed with the "pro-sumer" models out there. All the sub $400 units seem flimsy.

-I like to buy sppliances like this once, so quality trumps all.

-I don't need automatic slicing.

-I don't want to buy a used unit.

-This will not have a permanent home on my counter, so a max weight of 50lbs is what I can handle.

-The largest thing I would be slicing would be a brisket of approximately 12 inches in width.

-Budget up to $1,000

Which brands should I be looking at? What features are must haves?

[Country]

Allied Kenco has these slicers, but I don't know anything about them. Maybe someone else here does.

[Edward J]

If you want to slice cheese, you will need a minimum of 10" blade and 1/3 hp motor--anything else will just wimp out. For most meats, any kind of a slicer will do

The better quality slicers will have a built-in sharpening attachment, a carriage that glides smoothly, and a thickness adjuster that adjusts easily and gradually with no "jumps" or sticky areas.

You will find such units at restaurant equipment suppliers and places that sell cappucinno machines and pannini grills. It is important to stress that you should buy from a brick-and-mortar store, where you can return the unit if needed, and for repairs/warranty work, if needed. If buying via internet you will get dinged for all shipping costs.

[David Sundstrom]

I recently bought the following slicer from this vendor:

http://www.atlantafixture.com/ItemDetail.aspx?ItemGuid=150413af-6845-4d49-809a-4029abe18a5f&CategoryGuid=ae01258a-c8bc-4c00-b1ac-65289cea49da&Manf=Food+Machinery+of+America&Sku=195S

My budget was < $500. This slicer is Chinese made but robustly built. This unit comes with a built-in sharpener. The only issue is the carriage will not accommodate large portions. Neither the carriage itself nor the travel range is very large. For my use this is fine. They have larger units that might interest you more since your budget is twice what mine was.

This vendor seems to have good prices. Their shipping is a little slow, but everything I've purchased (a large 8 foot work table and various smaller things) all arrived as advertised in good condition. If you give them a call they can help you with your choice.

Good luck!

Edited December 22, 2011 by David Sundstrom (log)