Benriner Large Mandoline Review

Why This Is in My Daily Toolkit

After 40 years of cooking, I know that consistent slicing is the difference between amateur and professional results. When every potato slice in your gratin is exactly the same thickness, they all cook at the same rate. No raw centers, no burnt edges.

The Benriner is the mandoline you see in every professional kitchen. It's sharper and more precise than expensive French mandolines, and at $40, it costs a fraction of the price. The Japanese design philosophy: simple, sharp, effective.

I use this for potato gratins, cucumber salads, vegetable chips, fennel slices - anything that needs uniform thickness. The adjustable blade lets you go from paper-thin to thicker cuts. Just respect the blade and use the guard. I've seen too many chefs with mandoline scars.

What Makes This Mandoline Work

Razor-Sharp Japanese Blade

The stainless steel blade is incredibly sharp out of the box. Slices through vegetables with minimal pressure, creating clean, uniform cuts. The blade stays sharp through regular use and can be replaced when needed.

Adjustable Thickness Settings

Easy-to-use dial adjusts slice thickness from paper-thin to 5mm. Settings are precise and consistent. Perfect for everything from delicate garnishes to hearty vegetable slices. The adjustment mechanism holds securely.

Large Cutting Surface

The jumbo size handles large potatoes, cucumbers, and vegetables with ease. Wide surface provides stability while slicing. Non-slip feet keep the mandoline secure on the cutting board.

Real Restaurant Experience

From managing kitchen operations at Mellow Mushroom to working the line at fine dining restaurants, I've used this mandoline to:

Slice potatoes for gratins and chips
Create paper-thin vegetable garnishes
Prep uniform cucumber slices for salads
Make vegetable carpaccio presentations
Slice onions and fennel for even cooking

Consistency is everything in a professional kitchen. When you're cooking for 200+ covers, every component needs to cook at the same rate. The Benriner makes that possible. It's also incredibly fast - you can prep a case of potatoes in minutes.

Honest Assessment

What Works

✓ Razor-sharp blade for clean, uniform slices
✓ Adjustable thickness settings
✓ Professional quality at reasonable price ($40)
✓ Large surface handles big vegetables
✓ Used in professional kitchens worldwide
✓ Includes safety guard

Limitations

✗ Extremely sharp - requires careful use
✗ Plastic construction feels less premium
✗ Hand wash only (blade is too sharp for dishwasher)
✗ Safety guard can be awkward with small items

Who This Mandoline Is For

Perfect If You:

• Make gratins, slaws, or dishes requiring uniform slices
• Want professional-level consistency
• Value speed and precision in prep work
• Are comfortable using sharp tools safely
• Want the same equipment used in professional kitchens

Skip If You:

• Rarely need uniform slices
• Are uncomfortable with very sharp tools
• Have limited storage space
• Only slice occasionally (knife works fine)

How to Use It Safely

Safety First:

• ALWAYS use the safety guard - no exceptions
• Keep fingers well away from the blade
• Use on a stable, non-slip surface
• Pay attention - mandoline injuries are serious

Daily Care:

• Hand wash carefully (never dishwasher)
• Dry completely before storing
• Store with blade protected or guard on

Maintenance:

• Check blade sharpness periodically
• Replace blade when it dulls (replacements available)
• Clean adjustment mechanism of any debris

Ready to Add This to Your Kitchen?

This is one of the 11 tools I use most in my home kitchen after 21+ years of professional cooking. If you want professional-level consistency in your cooking, this is the tool.

💡 Also available at restaurant supply stores and Japanese kitchen retailers