Our review will help you find the best cheese slicer for your kitchen. A good slicer will allow you to easily cut paper-thin or thick cheese for sandwiches or cube cheese for party platters, hors d’oeuvres and more.
Life is too short to waste your time trying to hack into blocks of cheese using a knife. Not only does it leave you with uneven slices, using a typical kitchen knife can also be dangerous.
Cheese slicers are the ideal way to produce a perfect stack of evenly sliced cheese. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and slice cheese quickly with minimal effort. Even children can master a cheese slicer on the first try.
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Convenient & Time Saving Tool
Whether you want cubes of cheese for a tray or thin slices to add on top of homemade bread (tip: we like these bread makers) with fresh ham, a cheese slicer will do the job faster, better and safer than using a knife. They are also easier on your hand and joints.
You save both time and money by using one of these affordable and convenient kitchen tools. However, it can be challenging to look for a cheese slicer because there are so many on the market of dubious quality.
We researched the best cheese slicers of a variety of types to review for you. These slicers are the highest quality and very easy to use. Anyone of these slicers will last you for years.
Cheese Slicer Comparison Table
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Our Reviews of the Best Cheese Slicers
We have chosen these 7 cheese slicers as the best representatives of their type. We’ve kept an eye on their overall useability, durability and value. Whether you prefer paper thin slices of havarti or perfect cubes of Swiss, there is a slicer on our list that is the perfect match for your needs.
1. Best Pick- Westmark Germany Multipurpose Slicer
If you want the ultimate experience in cheese cutting look no further than this multipurpose board slicer. The Westmark multipurpose was a clear winner for the Best Slicer due to its design, durability and overall utility.
We like the sturdy plastic cutting surface that is easily cleaned by hand. It has rubber feet on the bottom to prevent slippage. The stainless steel blade has an ergonomic plastic handle that slices like it’s an extension of your arm and doesn’t wobble. This is one well constructed, solid cheese slicer.
This slicer is ideal for producing precise slices of hard or semi-soft cheeses at a wide range of thicknesses. This slicer doesn’t do well with cheeses that are very dry, like aged cheddars or Parmesan, since they tend to crumble rather than slice. The best thing about this slicer is it’s versatility.
Since it uses a real blade instead of a wire it can slice more than just cheese. It can also slice soft vegetables like cucumbers, onions and radishes. You can even use it to slice deli meats and summer-style sausages. It is an incredible value for the price since you can use it to slice so many things.
Key Details
The feature that really make this slicer stand out from the others is the thickness guide. Just set the dial for the thickness you desire and push your cheese against the guide on the end of the board. When you bring down the slicing arm it will cut at the exact thickness you set.
No other slicer can produce such thin slices with this level of precision. While this was our overall favorite cheese slicer due to its sturdiness, versatility and value it might not be the best slicer for every family.
The blade is very sharp and can easily slice fingers as well as cheese. It takes up a lot of room on the counter since it measures 9.2 x 9 x 2.1 inches and might be difficult to store. It is designed for use in the kitchen and isn’t really attractive enough to use for a party.
The one design flaw it has is that the cheese falls off the end of the board when you slice. It would be nice if they designed a version with an extension to catch what you are slicing. Lastly, it comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Versatile slicer that can cut hard and semi-soft cheeses, some vegetables and deli meats with ease.
- Easy to set dial controls thickness of your slices with high precision.
- 5 year manufacturer’s warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- Large footprint takes up a lot of counter or storage space.
- Not an attractive cheese slicer for displaying cheese or for use at a party.
- Slices fall off the end of the board when cut, rather than on an extension.
2. Westmark Germany Heavy Duty Wire Cheese Slicer
Another high-quality cheese slicer from Westmark, this handheld wire slicer is a premium product. Its design hasn’t changed much in 40 years. You will feel the difference when you pick up this light but sturdy slicer and see it glide through a chunk of cheddar.
The handle is made from die-cast aluminum which leaves it strong but light in your hands. It is ergonomic to a certain extent but the entire handle just feels really comfortable in your grip.
It slices through cheese really easily. The stainless steel wire and roller are very sturdy and made to last for many years.
Key Details
This slicer can handle cheese blocks up to 3.5 inches wide, and thus can take on those big two-pound blocks of cheese. You control the thickness of the slice by the angle you use when cutting. This slicer can cut cheese from paper-thin up to ⅛ of an inch thick slices.
This is an excellent choice in a handheld slicer but there are a few downsides. It is a fairly expensive slicer and so may be out of the budget range for some. While this slicer is based on a time-tested design, it isn’t especially attractive and definitely looks old school. This slicer is not dishwasher safe and will corrode if it’s not hand washed.
The biggest problem is that the wire can’t be replaced if it breaks. You have to get a totally new slicer if that happens. Luckily it comes with a 5-year warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- High quality construction makes for a sturdy and functional slicer.
- Can cut from paper-thin to ⅛ inch thick slices with ease.
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- Pricey.
- Wire cannot be replaced if it breaks.
- Not dishwasher safe and parts will corrode if washed in the dishwasher.
3. Best Budget Pick- Bellemain Adjustable Thickness Cheese Slicer
If you are looking for a budget slicer in a premium package, then this may be the slicer for you. The Bellemain is an excellent slicer with a lot of features at a very inexpensive price. It even comes with a back-up slicing wire.
Made from a zinc alloy this slicer is beautiful and light in weight. The handle is ergonomic and fits in your hand perfectly. The stainless steel wire slices easily through hard and semi-soft cheeses and has few problems with softer cheeses like fresh mozzarella.
The feature that really sets this one out from the pack is the adjustable roller. While you can control the thickness of your slices by changing the cutting angle, this slicer also lets you adjust the roller.
Key Details
This allows you to control the thickness with a high level of precision not usually found on budget slicers. This slicer can cut paper-thin up to ¼ inch thick slices easily and has a cutting edge if 3.5 inches wide.
The adjustable roller bar is a huge benefit for some users but can be a little tricky to adjust on the fly. You will need to keep a screwdriver handy if you adjust it frequently.
This is a solid slicer and a great value. However, the warranty is only good for a year.
Pros
- Lightweight handle is beautiful and fits comfortably in your hand.
- Replacemet wire included.
- Adjustable roller allows a wide range of thicknesses from paper-thin up to ¼ inch thick.
Cons
- Roller is a bit tricky to adjust and requires a screwdriver to do so.
- 1-year warranty only.
- No hole to hang slicer from a hook so must be stored in a drawer.
4. Prodyne Thick Beechwood Cheese Slicer Board
If you prefer a slicer built into a cutting board, this Prodyne beechwood slicer is a great option at a very reasonable price. It is very attractive and perfect for parties.
It is also a very functional slicer for daily use. The cutting wire even comes with a lifetime guarantee against breakage.
The slicer is offset so that it can cut into a groove on the board. This allows you to perfectly slice through your cheese without leaving ragged edges.
The groove is a bit tricky to clean and you may need to use a toothpick to really get in there. Otherwise, it is easily washed by hand with soap and water.
Key Details
The board is a good size, measuring 9.5 x 6 x 2 inches, and has a cutting edge of 4.5 inches wide. This slicer can handle those large blocks of cheese with ease and still leaves room to display your slices.
The no-slip rubber feet keep it in place. In addition, the stainless steel u-bar and polypropylene handle are sturdy and comfortable to use.
The main reservations with this slicer is the lack of warranty on any part other than the cutting wire. It’s great that you have lifetime coverage on the wire though.
However, a year or two warranty on the rest of the parts would have been a nice bonus. Still, this is an inexpensive slicer and replacement parts are available from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Natural beechwood board is attractive and the perfect size for parties.
- Stainless steel wire has lifetime guarantee against breakage.
- Rubber feet on the bottom ensure this slicer doesn’t move as you cut.
Cons
- No warranty on any parts other than the cutting wire.
- Groove is challenging to clean and may require using a toothpick.
- Handle is made from polypropylene (plastic) rather than stainless steel.
5. RSVP Polished White Marble Board Cheese Slicer
If you prefer a cheese slicer that is ideal for displaying cheeses at a party, then this RSVP marble slicer may be the one for you. The beautiful marble base of this slicer is especially attractive. It can be pre-cooled in the freezer to keep your cheese chilled during a gathering.
This slicer is a bit smaller than the other board slicers, as it measures 5 x 8 x 1 inches and has a cutting edge of 4 inches wide. It is the perfect size to slice artisanal cheese blocks but may be a bit small for the large 2-pound blocks from the grocery store.
The stainless steel lever and wire can be a little wobbly at times during use. You may need to adjust the wire’s tension when you unpackage it. The marble handle is both attractive and comfortable to use.
Key Details
This slicer is a good deal and would be a terrific addition for parties. However, there are some downsides to using it on a daily basis.
The feet on the bottom of the board are a hard plastic instead of rubber. So the slicer may slip around on countertops. You might need to put something under it to help it stay in place.
The slicer comes with two replacement wires. The arm and handle are not terribly sturdy and seem to require frequent adjustment. This slicer does not come with a warranty.However, replacement parts are available from the manufacturer at a fairly reasonable price.
Pros
- Marble board is sturdy, attractive and easy to clean by hand.
- Handle is marble and fits nicely in the hand when slicing.
- Two replacement wires are included.
Cons
- Wires require frequent adjustment and come loose easily.
- Cutting lever is a bit wobbly and not terribly sturdy.
- Hard plastic feet mean this board easily slips on tile or concrete counters.
6. BOSKA Holland Stainless Steel Cheese Slicer and Grater
If you enjoy eating thin slices of cheddar cheese, then the Boska Holland cheese plane might be the slicer for you. This lovely stainless steel cheese plane is made in the Netherlands.
It is the ideal slicer for semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, cheddar and Swiss. So if you love having perfectly toasted artisanal bread (tip:try using a long slot toaster) with Gouda cheese, this is a great cheese plane to use.
The solid stainless steel construction makes for a durable cheese slicer. The handle is tapered and fits nicely in your hand. The handle is longer than some less-expensive planes which allows you more control as you slice your cheese.
This slicer has a cutting edge of 2.25 inches. It does a great job at producing reliably thin slices of cheese and is sturdy enough to last for years.
Key Details
The main drawback to the Boska is that it isn’t ideal for slicing harder or drier cheese. Some aged cheddars will crumble when cut with this plane, or the slices may wrinkle along the edges.
Also, while it is described as being dishwasher safe doing so may cause your plane to corrode. To be safe, you should wash your Boska by hand instead.
Other than these slight limitations the Boska is a sturdy and easy-to-use cheese plane. It is part of Boska’s Monaco collection and you can coordinate the plane with their other cheese-cutting tools. Buying the Boska plane is almost risk-free as well, since it comes with a 10-year satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction is attractive and durable.
- Cutting edge of 2.25 inches.
- 10-year satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Only slices cheese thinly and can’t be adjusted to variable thicknesses.
- Not ideal for dry-aged or hard cheeses.
7. OXO Good Grips Cheese Plane & Slicer
If you are a fan of thinly sliced cheese and the Boska plane is out of your budget, then consider this OXO cheese plane as an alternative. It has a couple of advantages over the Boska and it is less expensive too.
The Oxo has an oversized, ergonomic rubber handle. It is so easy to grip you would think it was custom made to fit your hand. This is a cheese plane that is never going to slip in your grip and is really easy to use. If your hands often hurt when cutting cheese with other slicers then this slicer may be the solution you need.
Some users feel that this plane is flimsy in construction because it flexes as you shave your cheese. This is actually a design feature of the plane. It is made from spring steel which is more flexible than standard stainless steel.
The flex allows you a bit more control over the thickness of your cheese slice. If you push harder while shaving the cheese you will get a thicker slice. When you use less force the slice is thinner. This is a feature not often found in cheese planes.
Key Details
The plane also has a ribbed base which makes it easier to remove your slice of cheese. It is a little narrower than the Boska, with a cutting edge of 2 ⅛ inch.
The downside to the spring steel construction is that is isn’t as durable as stainless steel. The flexibility of the plane also makes it more subject to breakage.
Officially, we were not able to confirm that this product has a written warranty. However, when we inquired the company offered to send us a replacement with no questions asked.
Oxo has a good reputation for customer service. There is really no risk in trying out this cheese plane, and for the price it is a great deal.
Pros
- Wide, ergonomic rubber handle is extremely comfortable and won’t slip.
- Spring steel construction allows for a variety of thicknesses in your cheese slices.
- No written warranty but Oxo will replace plane if there is a defect.
Cons
- Narrowest slices of all the slicers in this review at 2 ⅛ inch maximum.
- Spring steel is less-durable than stainless steel.
- Takes some practice to master the art of cheese shaving.
Cheese Slicer Buyer’s Guide
Buying a cheese slicer can be a challenge. There are so many products and designs on the market. It can be confusing and intimidating to select the right one for your needs. Here are some points to consider when shopping for a slicer for your home.
How to Select the Best Cheese Slicer
A good cheese slicer should be able to cut your preferred type of cheese into the thickness you desire with minimal effort.
There is no one cheese slicer that is perfect for everyone. Each user will have their own preference for type of slicer and how thick or thin they like their cheese. That said, there are a bunch of little details in cheese slicer design that can make a big difference in the end result.
Safety
Even though they are safer than using a knife, cheese slicers can still cause an injury if you are not careful when using them. Your cheese slicer should have safety features to prevent problems during use. These features will vary depending on the type of slicer.
Ergonomic, Comfortable Handles
On handheld slicers, look for ergonomic handles that are comfortable in your hands and that prevent the slicer from slipping in your grip. The slicer should be sturdy and heavy enough to handle the cheese cutting without deforming. At the same time, the slicer should be light enough that it doesn’t strain your hand when using it for an extended period of time.
No-Slip Feet
Rubber feet are essential on slicers with cutting boards. The feet prevent them from moving on the counter as you cut. The cutting edge should be adjustable and attached tightly to the board so it doesn’t wobble while using it. The handle should fit comfortably in your hand and help your grip as you slice. Avoid types that look flimsy or lack these safety features.
Flexibility
Different types of slicers are ideal for cutting different kinds of cheese (see Types below).
Pick a slicer that can handle the kinds of cheeses you typically use. Most slicers can easily cut hard and semi-soft cheeses and some are also very good at slicing soft cheeses.
Look for features that allow you to control the thickness of the cheese slices produced. Some handheld wire slicers have adjustable rollers that can be set to different thicknesses. Others control the thickness through the angle you use while slicing.
If you like to buy large blocks of cheese, then be sure your slicer is large enough to cut the block. Otherwise, you will have to break the block into smaller segments before slicing.
Durability
A cheese slicer should last for years even if used every day. You may need to replace the wire on slicers that use them but the overall device should be strong enough to take the wear and tear of frequent use. Look for slicers made from durable materials like stainless steel with zinc or aluminum handles.
Hand Wash
While many slicers can technically be washed in a dishwasher, they will last longer if you hand wash them. This will protect the finish and prevent any corrosion from forming.
Types of Cheese Slicers for Hard & Soft Cheese
There are many kinds of cheese slicers on the market.However, they can be best described by breaking them into three common types.
Choosing a cheese slicer type depends on what kind of cheese you usually cut and the variety of thicknesses you prefer.
Cheese Plane
Cheese planes are handheld cheese slicers that produce exquisitely thin slices of cheese. They are ideal for hard and semi-soft cheeses but don’t tend to work well with soft cheeses like Brie.
Take a look at this video and see how you can use a cheese plane to shaves slices off a block of cheese.
Cheese planes are similar in design to a carpenter’s plane. They have a flat metal base with an angled edge cut into it. You use them by running the cutting edge against the top or side of the cheese block. As the edge runs down the block a perfect slice of cheese is shaved away and presents on the flat surface of the plane.
These slicers take a bit of dexterity and practice to master. Since they do have a sharp edge, you need to be careful or you could end up shaving the skin off your hand.
Cheese planes are the most limited type since they can only shave thin slices with cheese. But they are the best at producing really thin slices.
Handheld Cheese Wire Slicer
Wire cheese slicers are the most common type and can be handheld or attached to a cutting board. They are the easiest to use and are very safe. They produce uniform slices of cheese at a wide range of thicknesses. For a demonstration on how to use a handheld wire cheese slicer, check out this How To video.
Wire slicers work with all kinds of cheeses from hard to soft. They do a great job of producing even slices. Soft cheeses may be more challenging to cut since the slices tend to stick to each other.
Most wire slicers control the thickness through an adjustable wheel or by changing the angle you use while cutting. If the wire breaks, you can often replace it with a new wire.
A wire slicer is the safest kind you can use because there is no cutting edge. The slicer works by using the tension in the wire to separate the cheese slice from the block. This is the best design to get if you have children and is easily mastered by users of all ages.
Wire handheld slicers are more versatile than cheese planes but are still limited by their dimensions. Sometimes you have to trim a block of cheese so that it fits your slicer.
Cutting Board Cheese Slicer
A very popular option for entertaining, cutting board slicers are a useful and attractive option for cheese slicing. They are the most versatile of cheese slicers. They can cut cheese at a wide range of thicknesses from paper thin to cubes.
These slicers are made with a sturdy base, usually marble or wood, with a handle attached to the side. The cutting wire or blade fits into a groove in the center of the board.
Just lift the handle, place the cheese on the board and bring the slicer down. The wire cuts through the cheese and continues into the groove which produces a perfect slice of cheese of uniform thickness.
Cheese board cutters can slice cheeses of all types from hard to soft. You can cut a stack of cheese slices and then slice through them again, producing cubes of cheese. They are the easiest tool for producing a beautiful selection of slices for a party and you can use the board to serve the cheese on as well.
They are a little harder to store and clean than handheld cheese cutters but if you entertain often or frequently cut a lot of cheese, you will really love having one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best type of cheese slicer to buy?
A: It depends on the kind of cheese you want to cut and how thick you prefer your slices. Cheese planes are the best for very thin slices of hard and semi-soft cheese. Handheld wire slicers work well on hard and semi-soft cheeses and they can produce a variety of thicknesses by changing the angle you use while slicing. Cutting board slicers are the most versatile and work well with hard to soft cheeses at a wide range of thicknesses.
Q: What are the best cheese slicers made out of?
A: Look for slicers made from light but durable materials such as aluminum, zinc alloys and stainless steel. For those slicers with a cutting wire instead of an edge, look for stainless steel and/or zinc coated wires. Avoid handheld slicers made from plastic or more fragile materials. Although some cutting board slicers are constructed from a very durable plastic that actually hold up very well.
Q: Can a cheese slicer be washed in a dishwasher?
A: Yes, some are rated dishwasher safe but most slicers will last longer if washed by hand. Even when constructed from stainless steel many slicers will corrode if washed in a dishwasher. Cheese slicers made from aluminum or zinc alloys do not handle dishwashers well at all. Check with the manufacturer of your slicer for more detailed care instructions.
Q: How long do cheese slicers usually last before they need to be replaced?
A: A cheese slicer should stand up to years of daily use without breaking. Some slicers may need to have their cutting wire replaced but the handles and other parts should not wear out quickly. The best slicers have warranties that cover them for at least a year and some even have a lifetime warranty on the cutting wire.
Conclusion
The right cheese slicer for your family will depend on the kind of cheese you want to cut, how thick you prefer your cheese and the style of slicer you like. Cheese cutters are inexpensive and even a premium product should fit into the most modest budget.
The Westmark multipurpose board slicer is our top choice for a cheese slicer. It really is everything one could want in a slicing tool. This slicer is the most versatile one on our list.
It can cut cheese, vegetables and even deli meats with ease. It has some great features like a dial-controlled thickness guide that makes precision slicing super simple. For the ultimate experience in slicing cheese and other foods, this multipurpose slicer is the best option.
So whatever your slicing needs or budget there is an option on our list that will suit you. A good cheese slicer should cut your cheese easily and without a lot of effort. It should have features that offer you slicing flexibility and prevent injuries. A good cheese slicer should be easy to clean and maintain while also lasting many years.
We hope that after reading our detailed cheese slicer reviews and comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best cheese slicer that is perfect for your needs.
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