The Nesco FS-250 has the biggest blade and strongest motor of the compact slicers we track: 8.7 inches and 180 watts. Smoked BBQ Source liked its thick guard and recessed power switch. Like the Chef'sChoice, it ships with a serrated blade only.
Key specs
| Nesco FS-250 | |
|---|---|
| Price | $184.99 list |
| Blade | 8.7 in serrated stainless |
| Motor | 180 W |
| Slice thickness | Deli-thin to 9/16 in |
| Weight | Not listed |
| Warranty | See Nesco |
| Notable | Die-cast aluminum housing, recessed switch |
How it slices
A 180-watt gear motor and a hardened 8.7-inch serrated stainless blade that comes off without tools. Thickness adjusts from deli-thin to 9/16 inch. The housing is die-cast aluminum and the carriage is stainless.
Safety
Smoked BBQ Source pointed to a thick slicing guard and a recessed power switch that's hard to bump on by accident.
Price
$184.99 list; Nesco had it at $139.99 when we checked.
Slicing for jerky
Most people buy a home slicer for jerky. Partly freeze the meat so it slices cleanly, cut it no thicker than ¼ inch, and heat it to 160°F as USDA advises. See how to slice meat for jerky here and how to make jerky in a dehydrator on The Dehydrator Report.
This review is based on Nesco's published specifications and on independent tests where they exist; we name whose test each finding comes from. We haven't run our own timed tests on this model yet and will add hands-on notes when we do.
Questions
Nesco or Chef'sChoice?
The Nesco has a bigger blade and motor; the Chef'sChoice has more removable parts and a tilted carriage. Both are good.
Can I buy a smooth blade?
Nesco sells it with a serrated blade only.
