Make culinary music with a mandoline slicer

If you cook frequently, you might want to check out our new ConsumerSearch report on the best kitchen mandoline slicers. Most mandolines look like flat graters, but many have feet that hold the slicing plane, or runway, at a 45-degree angle. The bottom half of the mandoline is usually fixed, while the top half pivots to allow for slices of varying thickness. Some can also make crinkle and waffle cuts, dice and julienne. The best mandolines are simple to operate, and they allow you to make dozens of uniform slices in a matter of minutes, cutting down the time it takes to prepare gratins, stir-fried meals, ratatouille, apple tarts and other dishes.

Prices can range from less than $30 for a basic hand-held, plastic mandoline that simply slices, to nearly $200 or more for a freestanding, stainless-steel model that makes a variety of cuts. One of the simplest mandolines we found, the Kyocera Adjustable Mandoline Slicer (*Est. $25), is also one of the best. This plastic, handheld mandoline is a ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed pick and an excellent choice for the casual cook who just wants to simplify slicing. Owners posting to Amazon.com love the Kyocera Adjustable Mandoline Slicer's sharp ceramic blade, which is impervious to rust. This lightweight slicer has four width settings, but it can't julienne, dice or produce waffle cuts.

Another handheld mandoline that makes ConsumerSearch's Best Reviewed list is the Benriner Mandoline Slicer (*Est. $50 for Super size). In comparative reviews, Benriner mandolines earn the highest ratings. They come in three sizes: Standard (*Est. $25), Super (*Est. $50) and Jumbo (*Est. $50), although Jumbo can be difficult to find. The main difference between them is the size of the cutting surface: the Standard is about 2.5 inches wide, the Super is just over 3.5 inches wide and the Jumbo is 4.5 inches wide. All have four interchangeable blades: one for thin slices, one for fine threads, one for coarser ribbons and one for thick sticks. The Benriners cannot make crinkle or waffle cuts, or dice. According to Louisa Chu of Chow.com, the Super Benriner "is well worth it, in its ability to accommodate the diameter of uncut produce."

At the other end of the price spectrum is the De Buyer La Mandoline V Professionnelle (*Est. $180), another ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed pick. This mandoline is constructed entirely of stainless steel and has a razor-sharp, V-shaped slicing blade. It can slice in a range of thicknesses and widths, as well as make waffle and crinkle cuts. Unlike handheld mandolines, the De Buyer is mounted on sturdy legs to keep the cutting surface at a 45-degree angle, so you don't have to hold it over a bowl as you work. To change cuts, you lower one cutting plate and raise another with the help of a dial, which means you don't have to deal with removing and storing blades when they're not in use. De Buyer has an excellent video posted to YouTube that shows this mandoline in action.