Understand the Parts of a Mandoline Slicer
Before adjusting the thickness of a mandoline slicer, it is essential to understand its parts. A mandoline slicer consists of a flat platform with a cutting blade. The platform has an adjustable knob that helps to alter the thickness of the slice. Additionally, it has a handguard to protect your fingers while using the slicer. Understanding these parts is critical to ensuring that your slicer is in good shape before use.
Keep Your Hands Safe While Adjusting
Adjusting the thickness of your mandoline slicer involves sliding the knob away or toward the blade to your desired thickness. This can be dangerous if you are not careful. You should always use the handguard when making any adjustments to the knob. This not only ensures your fingers are safe but also offers a firm grip as you slide the knob to the desired thickness.
Use the Correct Technique
Adjusting the thickness of your mandoline slicer requires a straightforward technique. Carefully slide the knob away from the blade to make the slice thinner or toward the edge to make it thicker. Always ensure you do this gently, as forcing the knob may cause it to break or damage the blade. Alternatively, you can consult the user manual or watch how-to videos to understand the correct technique.
Consider the Food You are Slicing
Before making any adjustments to your mandoline slicer, pay attention to the type of food you want to slice. Some foods call for thin slices, while others are best sliced thick. Always consider the texture and density of the food, as well. For instance, a potato is softer than a cucumber and requires a different thickness level. Understanding the food type will help you make a more informed decision when adjusting your slicer.
Test the Thickness of the Slice
Once you have adjusted the knob to your desired thickness, test the thickness of the slice on a small portion of the food you want to slice. This allows you to make adjustments if necessary. For example, if you are slicing tomatoes and the slices are too thin, adjust the knob and check if the thickness is perfect. It is always better to do this before starting to slice the entire portion of the food.
