1. Can you give me some tips for cleaning my slicer?
All Chef'sChoice® slicers are designed for easy cleaning. Besides their superior quality construction and performance, it's one of the things that make our slicers unique in the home market. The outside of Chef'sChoice slicers can be hand cleaned with a cloth and mild soap or spray cleaner. Some parts can be easily removed for more thorough cleansing. Try cleaning hard to reach spots with a Q-tip. Please refer to your instruction manual for complete cleaning instructions.

2. Are any parts of my Chef'sChoice slicer recommended for dishwashers?
No, Chef'sChoice does not recommend washing any part of your slicer in the dishwasher.

3. What accessories are available for Chef'sChoice slicers?
Optional blades (fine edge or serrated) and blade sharpeners are available. Some slicers have a built-in blade sharpener.

4. What is the difference between a fine edge and serrated slicer blade? Do I need both?
The obvious difference is that a fine edge slicer blade has a smooth edge while a serrated slicer blade resembles a table saw. Both types of blades are multi-purpose, however, for models that come equipped with a serrated blade, Chef'sChoice offers an optional straight edge blade for ultra-thin slicing of specialty meats such as proscuitto. We also offer an optional serrated blade for our larger, professional slicers, on which the standard blade is fine edge. Serrated blades tend to perform better when cutting into hard crusted breads or fibrous foods. If your slicer is used for normal household purposes, the blade that comes with it will meet your needs.

5. Slicing some meats can be tricky. Are there any tips for easy meat slicing?
Meats should always be boneless. To slice meats (and cheese) wafer thin, chill thoroughly before slicing. As you slice, move the food carriage forward slowly, exerting steady pressure on it. If the meat has an uneven texture (such as an uncooked steak), partially freeze it before slicing. Never try to slice fully frozen foods on a slicer.

6. What about tips for slicing other foods?
Fruits, except tomatoes, should be free of seeds. Foods with an uneven texture like fish or certain uncooked cuts of meat can be partially frozen. Never attempt to slice fully frozen foods. Extra large foods like roasts or slab bacon that extend over the end of the slicer food carriage should be reduced in length before slicing. Bread should be sliced at room temperature. For soft foods, especially soft cheese, wet the face of the blade lightly with a water spray or a clean, damp sponge to reduce friction of the food against the slicer blade.

7. How do I keep my slicer blade sharp?
Chef'sChoice offers two optional professional quality blade sharpeners, the Model 498 and the Model 601, which easily mount onto the food carriage of most Chef'sChoice slicers. These sharpeners incorporate two-stage sharpening using 100% diamond abrasives. The first stage diamond-coated disk sharpens the blade; the second stage hones and polishes the slicing blade edge. Both sharpeners are excellent for straightedge and serrated slicer blades. (Chef'sChoice slicer models 662 and 667 include a blade sharpener).

8. What are the advantages in using an electric slicer?
You can slice virtually any food you can cut by hand. Using an electric slicer is quicker, less strenuous and more precise. Uniform slices are important in preparing many foods…cucumbers for pickles, apples and pears for pies, potatoes for home made potato chips and vegetables for the freezer. When dehydrating fruits and vegetables, a slicer will produce evenly thick or thin slices. If you are entertaining, a slicer can make preparation of party platters quick and professional looking at a fraction of the catered cost. A slicer is the perfect companion for your bread machine. And when it comes to bulk foods, slicing portions as you need them is the economic way to preserve freshness and extend the life of the food.

9. Do some slicers have special features?
Yes, the Chef'sChoice Models 632 and 645 are the first home slicers that can be operated with the food carriage in conventional horizontal or in true gravity feed position (30-degree incline). The gravity feed position is particularly convenient for breads, vegetables and fruits, which will naturally self-feed during slicing. Self-feeding quickens the task and greatly reduces the possibility of damage to food during slicing.

The Chef'sChoice Model 650 slicer can be folded to a compact 3 1/2 inches when not in use. This unique capacity solves the storage problem common to other heavy-duty slicers. A stainless steel bracket for "against the wall" storage is included.

10. How can I purchase a Chef'sChoice slicer?
Chef'sChoice slicers are available from leading department, cookware and specialty stores, as well as mail order and online catalogs. For specific retailers, please call customer service at 800-342-3255. If you prefer to order Chef'sChoice products online, please see our list of online retailers.