Assuming you're not referring to the musical instrument, a mandoline is a type of food slicer to help you make precise cuts as you prep fruits and vegetables. It's known for its characteristic flat surface and the gliding motion required to cut slices to your perfect size.

If you love preparing dishes from grilled vegetables to eggplant parm, to potatoes au gratin or creating uniform-sized veggies for your charcuterie board, then you'll find the mandoline to be an essential tool. After all, it's nearly impossible to achieve the same precision with just a knife, unless you have a few hours to spare.

Learn what is a mandoline, its most common uses, and features to look for when shopping for one.

In this guide:
What Is a Mandoline?
How Does a Mandoline Work?
Types of Mandoline Slicers
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Mandoline?

A mandoline slicer is a tool that has a flat surface and is fitted with sharp blades in the center so that you can glide foods over them to create uniform, precise slices.

Versions of the mandoline (or at least sketches of similar looking slicing machines) existed for centuries in Europe, though there's some debate as to its true origin. One theory is that Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin (yes, that Guillotin!) invented it and named it after his girlfriend Mandy, but we wouldn't be surprised if that's more of an urban legend.

One thing's for certain is that today, it has become a kitchen prep staple all over the world.

How Does a Mandoline Work?

Just like the back-and-forth strumming motion used to play the musical instrument mandolin (which is one theory as to where the name for the kitchen gadget came from), using a mandoline is all about moving the food item back and forth over the blades to create your perfect slices.

The mandoline itself remains stationary, making it distinct from other chopping tools in which the blades move over the food.

Types of Mandoline Slicers

The two main types of mandoline slicers are Handheld and Countertop. The main difference has to do with how it's supported. With a handheld one, you hold onto a handle end and then use the other hand to cut your veggies. These are usually more compact with a simple operation. A countertop mandoline has a kickstand that keeps the device at an angle for you, making for slightly easier operation.

What a Mandoline Can Do for You

A mandoline slicer is most often used to prepare vegetables that are sliceable, like zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, or cucumbers. You can also make super thin sliced onions for sandwiches, shred cabbage for coleslaw, make your own veggie chips, or use it to make thin apple slices for pie.

Depending on the type of mandoline you get and its features, you may also be able to create other shapes like crinkle cut, waffle, shoestring, or matchstick.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Mandoline

Now that you know the answer to “what is a mandoline?" you can start looking for the right one for your needs. Some of the features to consider include:

Adjustability: Mandolines can be simple machines that make one kind of slice, or intricate ones with several different thickness settings. Think about how much versatility you are looking for when selecting a mandolin.

Different cuts: If you want to do more than slice, including julienne some carrots or make different types of French fries (even waffle cut!), look for a mandoline with interchangeable blades that let you get fancy.

Safety features: With blades so sharp, you should go for a mandolin that has a good safety guard or an operation that doesn't involve you coming into contact with the blade.

Ease of use: Whether you're setting it up and slicing or taking it apart to clean, you shouldn't need a Ph.D. to figure out how to do it. The whole point is to make your life easier and speed up food preparation.

Written by Dawn Papandrea

Ready to Shop? Check These Out!