Problems with mandolin/grater

I have a non electric rotary slicer with interchangeable blades that works. Or sometimes I just use a sharp knife to make coleslaw usually with carrot, onion and white cabbage. Effortful and time consuming but it seems to work quite well.

Indigo8

I have a non electric rotary slicer with interchangeable blades that works. Or sometimes I just use a sharp knife to make coleslaw usually with carrot, onion and white cabbage. Effortful and time consuming but it seems to work quite well.

Thanks. I have lovely kitchen knives but I am a bit clumsy and often cutting chunks out of my fingers. I like my coleslaw cut finely.

I bought one of these from Amazon...it was on offer but I think they are pretty reasonable.
Not sure if it's what you are looking for but I find it does a great job!

The mandolin slicer / grater is lethal - almost chopped my finger off - be careful ⚠️

crazyH

The mandolin slicer / grater is lethal - almost chopped my finger off - be careful ⚠️

In a previous thread about mandolins I told of a friend who did exactly this!

Dee1012

I bought one of these from Amazon...it was on offer but I think they are pretty reasonable.
Not sure if it's what you are looking for but I find it does a great job!

Does it keep the items quite firm (not mushy)?

I use a mini electric processor which has a little chopper inside a cylindrical box. It also has a single mini whisk to exchange with the chopper box. Mines old ( bought for mushing baby food!) but similar are available now. I think they are around £25-30. It’s quite good for small quantities of chopped veg and doesn’t mush up if used briefly. The only danger is cleaning the chopper blade which requires a little care of course. So much quicker than using a mandolin.

When I first had a food processor a friend gave me a good bit of advice. Don’t keep it in a cupboard or you’ll rarely use it. Mine sits on the worktop covered with a smart cover.

If you grate a carrot you throw half away. Eat it, don't throw it away 🤣

For small quantities I just grate the carrot on a basic grater and finely slice the cabbage with a big, sharp, cooks knife.

Lisaangel10

Dee1012

I bought one of these from Amazon...it was on offer but I think they are pretty reasonable.
Not sure if it's what you are looking for but I find it does a great job!

Does it keep the items quite firm (not mushy)?

Yes, things appear to remain firm.

I had one a while ago, can't remember the details but it ended up in the bin. Plasters were involved.

I took it back to the shop yesterday but the assistant said without a receipt they could do nothing. I pointed out their price sticker was still on the box. I complained a bit more and a manager rang me back this morning and will give me a credit note.

I still don’t know what to go for. I just want lovely fine strips of carrots, apples etc. I don’t trust sharp knives with my clumsy hands.

I’ve seen one that stands vertically and is supposed to be super safe with no exposed blades.

I think I might go for that.

Thanks for all replies.

Buy some cutproof gloves to wear when you use it so it doesn't feel so dangerous.

I'm not sure why it should make your veg soggy, unless the blades are not sharp enough to slice easily so things are getting 'squelched'.

AreWeThereYet

Buy some cutproof gloves to wear when you use it so it doesn't feel so dangerous.

I'm not sure why it should make your veg soggy, unless the blades are not sharp enough to slice easily so things are getting 'squelched'.

Soggy may be the wrong word. Rather than a nice crisp strip they look floppy even though the ungrated veg is firm.
Thanks

I just cut up what I need by hand. I use a small sharp knife, being careful not to cut myself. Maybe a bit rustic, but at least not mush. It is quicker than setting up equipment, cleaning and putting away.