Meat slicer recommendations

[ViperXX]

I want to buy a commercial meat slicer $300-$400 has anyone here at Anandtech bought one that they would recommend? I make my own jerky and I'm not going to buy another $100 cheap ass model. It broke within the first year of use.

 

[zinfamous]

dang, meat slicer for jerky--are you trimming an entire animal?

I have no experience with slicers, but if you haven't tried this before and assuming you are cutting from steaks or cutlets, try freezing the meat first. You can cut super thin or at least controlled thickness slices if the meat is mostly frozen. It's really easy and doesn't cost $400 (this assumes you have a real knife, though). then it thaws quickly and is ready for seasoning and drying.

 

[ViperXX]

dang, meat slicer for jerky--are you trimming an entire animal?

I have no experience with slicers, but if you haven't tried this before and assuming you are cutting from steaks or cutlets, try freezing the meat first. You can cut super thin or at least controlled thickness slices if the meat is mostly frozen. It's really easy and doesn't cost $400 (this assumes you have a real knife, though). then it thaws quickly and is ready for seasoning and drying.

Yeah, I've cut beef roasts frozen. It's do-able. But it's a pain. I want a meat slicer that gives me a consistency of meat thickness with the ease of a meat slicer.

 

[ViperXX]

I've also had the guys in the meat department do it for me at me local grocery store. But sometimes they fudge it up. They'll cut it to thick or against the grain and tear up the roast. A meat slicer is the way to go.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

For three to four hundred you're looking at used which I recommend anyways. Berkel is the go to but, any used commercial slicer is preferable to consumer level. You want at least a 12 inch blade with as few "safety " features as possible.

 

[ViperXX]

For three to four hundred you're looking at used which I recommend anyways. Berkel is the go to but, any used commercial slicer is preferable to consumer level. You want at least a 12 inch blade with as few "safety " features as possible.

Where is the best place to find a used model?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Where is the best place to find a used model?

Local used restaurant equipment. The best prices can be found in Los Angeles.

 

[DrPizza]

For three to four hundred you're looking at used which I recommend anyways. Berkel is the go to but, any used commercial slicer is preferable to consumer level. You want at least a 12 inch blade with as few "safety " features as possible.

This. You're not even in the right ballpark for a new commercial meat slicer with the price in the OP.

Personally, I've been quite pleased with the results of grinding the meat, then extruding it either in thin sheets, or like slim jims.

 

[Pardus]

Not to get off topic, but i find it easier to buy jerky on Amazon. Local stores sell these tiny expensive 8oz bags, at least online i can get 2lbs that will last. I keep a bunch of sticks with me on long drives, beats the hell out of fast food.

https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Bills-Smokies-Saddlebag-saddlebag/dp/B000FYVKUA/

I'm sure it's cheaper to make your own, but I don't have the patience.

 

[TheGardener]

I had one of those cheap ass slicers that I bought maybe in the late 80's. I never felt safe using it. I found it more convenient for the deli guy to do the slicing. After not using it for at least a two dozen years, I finally tossed it out this spring.

 

[Schmide]

^ I love my meat slicer, I give it 3 nubbs up

 

[DrPizza]

^ I love my meat slicer, I give it 3 nubbs up

I had a cheapy $100 slicer; eventually a part on the slicer broke. By coincidence, another member here had a slicer and needed a new motor, so I shipped him the motor from mine. I never feared that slicer; compared to a commercial slicer, it was slow, very slow.

When I trained new people how to use a commercial slicer, I always warned them that Ouija boards aren't really possessed by evil spirits, but all commercial meat slicers are. They're all out to get a blood sacrifice. The slightest mistake, look away while you're working with it, or not incredibly incredibly careful while cleaning it, and you're going to be bleeding.

And years later, thank Flying Spaghetti Monster for kevlar gloves for when you're cleaning the slicer. I still have one scar from the thing, and 2 or 3 nicks on my fingers over a couple of decades; all while cleaning it.