Demystifying the Roast Beef Slicer: Your Complete Guide

As a longtime meat lover and sandwich enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by those perfectly sliced roast beef sandwiches from the deli. The even, paper-thin slices layered neatly between bread – how do they do it?! Well, the secret is out: it’s the mighty roast beef slicer!

In this article, I’ll explain exactly what a roast beef slicer is, the different types, how to use them properly, and why they’re so invaluable for achieving roast beef perfection. Let’s slice into it!

What is a Roast Beef Slicer?

A roast beef slicer is a specialty knife designed specifically for slicing large cuts of roasted meat like prime rib, brisket, pot roasts etc. The long, narrow blade allows clean, even slices to be cut from the roast.

The blade length varies, typically ranging from 12-16 inches. Some blades are more rigid while others are flexible. Rigid works best for slicing cooked roasts while flexible blades excel at cutting cold deli meats.

Roast beef slicers differ from other types of meat slicers in their versatility to handle different textures and temperatures of meat

Types of Roast Beef Slicers

There are a few different types of slicers used for roast beef:

Ham Slicer A ham slicer has a narrow, flexible blade optimized for slicing cold deli meats like ham, turkey, roast beef. The blade is usually around 13 inches long.

Electric Meat Slicer: Electric slicers are fast and efficient, using a motorized rotary blade to slice meats and cheeses for delis or food service operations. The thickness can be adjusted.

Carving Knife: A long, narrow carving knife can also be used to manually slice roasts. It requires more skill but offers affordable simplicity.

Using a Roast Beef Slicer Safely

Safety should always come first when using any sharp slicing tool. Follow these tips:

• Secure the roast beef slicer firmly in place on a stable surface before use.

• Always use the safety guard when holding the meat to prevent injuries.

• Slice away from yourself using smooth, even motions. Never force the blade.

• Let roasted meat rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute for clean cuts.

• Always slice against the grain of the meat fibres.

• Disassemble, clean and dry thoroughly after each use.

Slicing Roast Beef Effectively

Follow these steps for perfect slices every time:

1. Trim off any excess fat or string.

2. Place trimmed roast on a cutting board or tray to stabilize it.

3. Position the roast beef slicer blade at one end of the roast.

4. Steadily guide the blade along the roast using the guard handle, slicing with the grain. Apply gentle pressure.

5. Repeat, working around the roast and adjusting angle to follow the grain, until desired number of slices are cut.

6. For deli-thin slices, refrigerate meat before slicing when partially frozen.

Why Use a Roast Beef Slicer?

Using a roast beef slicer has many advantages:

• Achieves uniform, elegant slices for professional presentation

• Allows better portion control compared to hand carved meat

• Saves time and effort when dealing with large roasts

• Reduces waste by enabling optimal use of the entire roast

• Easy to clean for safety and hygiene

• Creates tender, chewable meat by cutting against the grain

• Adaptable for many other foods like bread, cheese, vegetables etc.

For meat lovers and chefs alike, a quality roast beef slicer is an indispensable tool for serving impressively sliced roasts that look and taste incredible. It makes roast beef sandwiches especially a thing of beauty!

Top Roast Beef Slicers

Here are some of the best roast beef slicers for home or commercial use:

• Chef’sChoice 615A – Reliable home electric slicer with 7” blade

• Cuisinart FS-75 – Affordable, good for occasional use

• BESWOOD 10” Premium – Heavy duty chrome-coated carbon steel blade

• KWS MS-10NT – Commercial grade, stainless steel blade

• MaxiMatic Elite Platinum – High quality for the price

• EdgeCraft 610 – Manual non-electric slicer with quality carbon steel blade

• Globe 500W – Powerful commercial electric slicer

No matter which model you choose, be sure to read the manual thoroughly and use proper safety precautions when slicing. Maintain the blade regularly for best performance.

Now that you know all about using a roast beef slicer, you can finally achieve expert-level, deli-style roast beef slices at home. Impress your family and friends with your uniform, picture-perfect roast beef platters or piled high sandwiches. Just imagine the possibilities!