Even jerky starts with even slices. Uneven strips dry unevenly: thin ones go brittle while thick ones stay underdried. A slicer cuts a whole roast into identical strips in minutes. For jerky you want a motor that doesn't bog in dense, partly frozen meat and a thickness dial that holds its setting.
- Best overall for jerkyChef'sChoice 615A Electric Food Slicer$189.99 list
- Best for big batchesBESWOOD 10-Inch Electric Meat Slicer (BESWOOD250)About $340
- Best bigger bladeNesco 180-Watt Food Slicer (FS-250)$184.99 list
Side by side
| Model | Price | Blade | Motor | Slice thickness | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chef'sChoice 615A Electric Food Slicer | $189.99 list | 7 in serrated stainless | 120 W | Deli-thin to about ¾ in | 1 year (limited) |
| BESWOOD 10-Inch Electric Meat Slicer (BESWOOD250) | About $340 | 10 in chromium-plated carbon steel | 240 W | 0 to 12 mm (about ½ in) | See BESWOOD |
| Nesco 180-Watt Food Slicer (FS-250) | $184.99 list | 8.7 in serrated stainless | 180 W | Deli-thin to 9/16 in | See Nesco |
Chef'sChoice 615A Electric Food Slicer
- Price
- $189.99 list
- Blade
- 7 in serrated stainless
- Motor
- 120 W
- Slice thickness
- Deli-thin to about ¾ in
- Warranty
- 1 year (limited)
Strong enough for dense, partly frozen roasts and easy to clean between batches.
Pros
- Removable parts
- Tilted carriage
Cons
- 7-inch blade
BESWOOD 10-Inch Electric Meat Slicer (BESWOOD250)
- Price
- About $340
- Blade
- 10 in chromium-plated carbon steel
- Motor
- 240 W
- Slice thickness
- 0 to 12 mm (about ½ in)
- Warranty
- See BESWOOD
A 10-inch blade slices a whole eye of round in a few passes, and Smoked BBQ Source found it handled semi-frozen meat.
Pros
- 10-inch blade
- Handles semi-frozen meat
Cons
- 33 lb
Nesco 180-Watt Food Slicer (FS-250)
- Price
- $184.99 list
- Blade
- 8.7 in serrated stainless
- Motor
- 180 W
- Slice thickness
- Deli-thin to 9/16 in
- Warranty
- See Nesco
180 watts and an 8.7-inch blade, for about the price of the Chef'sChoice.
Pros
- Bigger blade
Cons
- Serrated only
Slicing for jerky
The National Center for Home Food Preservation suggests partially freezing meat to make slicing easier and cutting strips no thicker than ¼ inch. Slice with the grain for chewy jerky, against it for tender. See how to slice meat for jerky.
Then make it safely
USDA advises heating jerky meat to 160°F (poultry 165°F) before or after drying. The Dehydrator Report covers making jerky in a dehydrator and the best dehydrators for jerky.
Sources
- Chef'sChoice: Electric Food Slicer Model 615A
- Front Desk Review: BESWOOD250 specifications and prices
- Nesco: 180-Watt Food Slicer with 8.7-inch Blade (FS-250)
- Smoked BBQ Source: The best meat slicers for home use
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: Drying
- USDA FSIS: Jerky and Food Safety
- The Dehydrator Report: How to make jerky in a dehydrator
