A mandoline makes repeatable slices quickly, but its exposed blade calls for a deliberate setup. Put the slicer on the stable support its manual specifies, choose a blade and thickness for the cut, and keep the supplied food holder between your hand and the blade on every pass. When the remaining piece no longer sits securely in the holder, stop and finish it with a knife.
Set up the slicer for the cut
Read the model’s manual before fitting or changing a blade. Benriner’s current range includes different blade arrangements by model, and its listings identify which parts are supplied. Choose a straight blade for flat slices or a compatible comb blade for julienne only when your model includes it. Set thickness before loading food, so your fingers are away from the cutting area while adjusting.
- Open or position the legs, feet, hook or bowl support exactly as the manual directs. OXO’s Simple Mandoline instructions specify a flat, even surface.
- Place a bowl or board so sliced food has somewhere to land without making the slicer rock or slide.
- Prepare produce to fit the holder. For round foods, OXO’s guide recommends cutting a flat side and placing that side down.
- Press the food holder onto the food using its intended grip. Keep the food aligned with the blade.
Use the holder for every pass
Guide the holder along the slicer in a smooth, controlled stroke. Keep your hand on the holder rather than pushing food with bare fingers. Let the blade do the cutting; forceful pressure can shift the food or tool. If the holder no longer grips the shrinking piece securely, stop. Do not remove the holder to chase the last slice: use a chef’s knife or set the small remainder aside.
For julienne or crinkle cuts, use only the insert and adjustment sequence shown for your exact model. A mandoline’s controls are not interchangeable: Benriner models differ in width and comb-blade provision. If you are choosing among them, the Benriner width and model guide explains what those differences mean for your cuts.
Clean and store it by its manual
When finished, move the adjustment to the model’s locked or safe position before carrying or storing the slicer. Follow the manual to remove a blade or insert; do not improvise by reaching across an exposed edge. OXO’s Chef’s Mandoline instructions warn that blades remain sharp during cleaning and direct users to use the Food Holder. Wash and dry components as the maker directs, then store blades in their case or designated holder when supplied.
The useful routine is simple: set the tool once, keep the holder on the food, make deliberate passes, and stop when the grip is no longer secure. That makes an even batch of vegetables straightforward while leaving the small end piece for a knife.
Sources: OXO Simple Mandoline instructions; OXO Chef’s Mandoline instructions; Benriner product listings.