If you own a small restaurant or deli, you likely handle a lot of animal protein throughout a typical day. Whether you specialize in poultry, beef, pork, or a combination of each, it is crucial to ensure that you have the right equipment for every job you perform. If you regularly need to slice meat for sandwiches or consumer purchases, a deli meat slicer may be a worthwhile investment. To help you make an informed purchase, the team at Raimac Industries has compiled some information outlining how to choose the right meat slicer and some important factors to consider.

Learn about some important food preparation equipment.

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Meat Slicer

To choose the perfect slicer for your operation, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Blade Size

The size of the blade is extremely important for every meat slicer. Blades range in diameter between 8” and 14”. The smaller 8” blades are typically found on light-duty slicers while the 14” blades are found on heavy-duty models. Larger blades will cut through meat faster and with less effort, but they also increase the total size of the slicer and require more space. Larger blades are also more equipped to handle products like cheese and frozen meats or vegetables, making them a versatile addition to many operations.

2. Product Tray Size

The tray size determines how large the meat, cheese, or other food product can be before it impedes the function of the slicer. Product trays vary in sizes anywhere from 5” x 6” for smaller models to 13” x 15” for large heavy-duty slicers. In addition to ensuring that your food products will fit in the tray, it is crucial to ensure that they do not exceed the rated weight capacity.

3. Cleaning & Maintenance

Proper cleaning and sanitation are vital for all food equipment. That is why it is always best to choose a meat slicer that is easy to clean whenever possible. Removable parts, large gaps in between components, and the absence of small spaces or cracks that trap bacteria are all features you should look for to ensure easy cleaning. Some units even come with a convenient collapsible leg that lets you easily clean under and around your meat slicer.

4. Safety

A safe operation is a consistently productive operation. That is why safety features on meat slicers should never be overlooked. Look for slicers equipped with knife guards that cover as much of the blade as possible to minimize the risk of injury to operators during operation. Some slicers will also lock in place unless the operator holds the blade in a certain way, helping to further reduce the risk of injury.

To learn more about our selection of meat slicers and other products, get in touch with the team at Raimac Industries. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.