A mandoline is equally great at two things: making precise cuts thanks to its super-sharp blade and, on a more gruesome note, severing fingertips.
Although the latter should by no means deter you from adding this kitchen workhorse to your arsenal, any culinary expert will tell you—from experience—that you must proceed with caution when using it.
Unfortunately, not everyone is so careful. Take, for example, Logan Moffitt, aka “cucumber guy,” whose recipes for eating a whole cucumber in one fell swoop have taken over TikTok. While his recipes might make great snacks, there’s something to be desired about his slicing technique. (And not to be a buzzkill, but we strongly advise against using a mandoline while treading water.)
We asked five Wirecutter writers and editors—including senior staff writer Lesley Stockton, who spent over 50 hours researching and testing mandolines for our guide—about the best ways to spare yourself a trip to the ER.