v-slicer/mandoline recommendation

[swingbolder]

Hi all,

I'm in search of a mandoline/v-slicer thingy that has a knob by the blade for adjusting the thickness of slices. In other words, I don't like the kind of mandoline that requires you change the inserts (blades) each time you want to change thickness. . . anyone know of a good brand?

If not, could anyone recommend another kind they like? What kind do you use? Cost?

Many thanks.

[Shivananda]

I have a bunch of these of various ilk. The high end $150 French mandoline with the infinitely adjustable blade? I hardly ever use it any more. The $50 Swiss made Zyliss V-Blade (yes, with the inserts for different thickness slices and strips - it actually works very well.) requires much less effort and makes nicer slices. The Benriner Japanese mandoline I've had for 20 years ar more is variable with a knob but is more delicate, more of a garnish maker than a heavy duty vegetable processor.

The Oxo is OK, but doesn't work as well as the Zyliss, and is $10 more. The Norpro, cheap knockoff of the French Matfer, has the same weakness as the device it copies... straight cutting blades require more effort to use than angled ones.

But in side by side demos I used to do at Bloomingdales, when people tried them all, they almost always picked the Zyliss. Their insert system (and the nifty holder that keeps all the inserts organized) actually works better than you might think. Using a knob adjustment you might get a thicker slice today, and a thinner slice tomorrow. But grab the insert for a .5 millimeter slice and it will always be the same.

[Rawmommyof2-Sacramento]

Borner OVS V Slicer is great. $34.95 plus $5.00 ship
it cuts 1/4", 1/8" chopping, ect It is not adjustable but has removable inserts that go in back of the V blade itself. It has a storage caddy. I got it @
www.drying123.com

[swingbolder]

Thanks to both of you for your suggestions. Anyone else?