The Benriner and OXO mandoline slicers approach kitchen prep from two different angles: Benriner focuses on professional-grade precision with razor-sharp Japanese blades, while OXO prioritizes user safety, ergonomics, and accessibility. The key difference lies in philosophy - Benriner is a minimalist, high-performance tool favored by chefs, whereas OXO is a feature-rich, safety-first slicer designed for the everyday home cook.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right mandoline for your slicing, dicing, and chopping needs.
Benriner Japanese Mandoline Slicer
Benriner is a Japanese brand that has earned a legendary reputation in professional kitchens for its incredibly sharp, precise mandolines. Coveted for their simple efficiency and durable Japanese steel blades, these slicers deliver paper-thin, uniform cuts with minimal effort. The design is utilitarian and straightforward, stripping away bells and whistles to focus purely on performance.
- What it is: A professional-grade, no-frills mandoline slicer with interchangeable blades for various cuts.
- Key features: High-quality, razor-sharp Japanese stainless steel blades, multiple julienne blades included, manual thickness adjustment, plastic safety guard included.
- Price: Around $40 - $70, depending on the model and retailer.
- Style: Minimalist, functional, and compact. It has a classic, utilitarian look that prioritizes function over form.
- Materials/Construction: The body is made of sturdy, food-safe plastic, while the blades are crafted from high-carbon Japanese stainless steel that's known for holding an edge.
- Pros: Blade is exceptionally sharp, producing clean cuts without bruising vegetables. Lightweight and easy to set up, clean, and store. Offers incredible precision once you learn how to use it. Replacement blades are available, extending the tool's lifespan.
- Cons: Has a steeper learning curve compared to OXO. The included safety guard is basic, requiring more user care and attention to avoid injury. Thickness adjustments are less intuitive than a dial system.
This is the ideal slicer for serious home cooks and culinary professionals who prioritize blade quality and precision above all else and are comfortable with a more traditional kitchen tool.
Shop this product: crateandbarrel.com/benriner-vegetable-slicer/s325055
OXO V-Blade Mandoline Slicer
The OXO V-Blade Mandoline Slicer is designed with the home cook in mind, focusing heavily on safety, versatility, and ease of use. It incorporates thoughtful features like an easy-to-use adjustment dial, non-slip feet, and a substantial food holder to keep fingers away from the blade. This approach makes it a great entry point for those who are new to mandolines or prioritize safety.
- What it is: A user-friendly, feature-packed mandoline slicer with straight, wavy, and julienne blades integrated into the unit.
- Key features: V-shaped blade for easy slicing, easy-turn dial for selecting slice thickness, multiple cutting options (straight, crinkle-cut, julienne), textured food holder that protects hands.
- Price: Around $50 - $80.
- Style: Modern and ergonomic, featuring OXO's signature soft-grip, non-slip handles and a practical, user-friendly layout.
- Materials/Construction: Made with a durable, BPA-free plastic body, a hardened stainless steel V-blade, and rubberized non-slip grips on the handle and feet.
- Pros: Abundant safety features provide peace of mind. Easy dial makes adjusting thickness simple and clear. Non-slip feet and comfortable handle ensure stability during use. Integrated blades mean fewer loose parts to store.
- Cons: Bulkier and takes up more storage space than the Benriner. The V-blade, while effective, is generally considered less sharp than the Benriner's single straight blade. More complex design means more nooks and crannies to clean.
This slicer is perfect for casual cooks, families, and beginners who want a versatile, safe, and adjustable mandoline without an intimidating learning process.
Shop this product: oxo.com/v-blade-mandoline-slicer-610.html
Benriner vs. OXO Mandoline Comparison
Quality & Materials
Both slicers are built to last, but they prioritize different materials. The Benriner's claim to fame is its high-carbon Japanese stainless steel blade, which is renowned for its extreme sharpness and edge retention. The body is simple but durable plastic. The entire construction feels light yet solid, designed for years of professional use, and the blades can even be replaced or sharpened.
The OXO V-Blade Mandoline uses quality hardened stainless steel for its blades and durable, BPA-free plastics for the body. The real focus is on the ergonomic materials, like the soft, non-slip handle and rubberized feet that add stability and comfort. While Benriner focuses on the blade's metallurgical quality, OXO focuses on the quality and safety of the user interface.
Design & Usability
The Benriner's design is starkly minimalist. Adjusting slice thickness involves loosening screws on the underside of the unit - a process that is effective but less convenient than a dial. Its compact, straightforward design makes it quick to set up and store. However, its effectiveness is highly dependent on user technique and caution.
OXO's mandoline is the opposite, designed for maximum accessibility. A simple turn of a dial locks in the slice thickness, with clear markings telling you the exact measurement. The large food holder is more protective, and the foldable, non-slip leg makes operation stable and secure. This makes it far more approachable for cooks who might be intimidated by an exposed blade.
Price & Value
The Benriner generally comes in at a lower price point, around $40-$70. For that price, you get a tool with a world-class blade that, with proper care, can last a lifetime. The value is in its professional-level performance and longevity. You are paying for the blade quality above all else.
Priced slightly higher at $50-$80, the OXO offers value through its extensive safety features, versatility (straight, crinkle, and julienne cuts), and user-friendly design. You're paying for peace of mind, ease of use, and an all-in-one system that requires no prior experience to master.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Benriner Mandoline is built for cooks who value precision above all. If you're particular about creating consistent, whisper-thin slices of potato for gratins or perfect julienned carrots, and you are comfortable handling very sharp tools, this is your slicer. Professional chefs and serious home cooks have relied on it for decades for its unmatched cutting performance.
The OXO mandoline is for anyone whose top priority is safety and convenience. If you are nervous about using a mandoline, cook with kids, or simply want a foolproof tool that works predictably right out of the box, the OXO is the better choice. Its forgiving design and array of features make it excellent for weekly meal prep and general kitchen tasks.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these mandolines are excellent tools, but they serve very different types of cooks.
Choose the Benriner if:
- You prioritize razor-sharp blades and perfectly uniform cuts.
- You are a confident and experienced home cook or a professional.
- You plan to use it for delicate tasks like making paper-thin vegetable ribbons.
- You prefer minimalist tools that are built to last and have replaceable parts.
Choose the OXO if:
- Safety is your number one priority when working with sharp kitchen tools.
- You are a beginner or a casual cook looking for an easy-to-use slicer.
- You want multiple cutting styles (like crinkle cuts) in one device.
- You prefer intuitive controls, like a dial for adjusting thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Benriner and OXO mandoline?
The main difference is their design focus. The Benriner is a minimalist, professional tool concentrating on a single, ultra-sharp Japanese blade for precision. The OXO is a consumer-focused tool designed with comprehensive safety features, adjustable dials, and built-in versatility for the home cook.
Which mandoline is sharper?
Out of the box, the Benriner is widely considered to have a sharper blade. Its high-carbon Japanese steel is engineered for extreme sharpness and edge retention, making it a favorite in professional kitchens for clean, effortless slices.
Which is safer for beginners?
The OXO V-Blade Mandoline is significantly safer for beginners. It has a larger and more effective safety guard, clearer settings, and non-slip feet making it much more stable and forgiving for someone not accustomed to using a mandoline.
Which is easier to clean?
The Benriner is slightly easier to clean due to its simple, streamlined design with fewer parts and crevices. The blades can be removed for thorough washing. The OXO mandoline has more integrated parts, which can take more time to clean properly.
Can you replace the blades on these slicers?
Yes, replacement blades are readily available for the Benriner, which extends its lifespan considerably. The blades on the OXO slicer are not designed to be easily user-replaceable.
How do they handle tougher vegetables like sweet potatoes?
The Benriner's exceptionally sharp, straight blade excels at cutting dense vegetables like sweet potatoes and beets with minimal force. The OXO's V-blade is also effective, but may require a bit more pressure compared to the Benriner.
Which mandoline is a better long-term investment?
Both are durable, but they represent different kinds of investment. The Benriner is a long-term investment in pure cutting performance, especially since you can replace the blades. The OXO is an investment in safety and convenience that encourages frequent, stress-free use.
How do you store them safely?
Both mandolines should be stored with care. The Benriner is compact and can be stored in a drawer, ideally with a blade cover or in its original box. The OXO mandoline's blades lock into a "zero" position, covering them nicely, and its leg folds up for more compact, safe storage.
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