A Salumism on Slicing, Slicing Machines and Flavor
Fall 2008

As a result of numerous queries and interest in slicers and proper slicing of our artisan meats, this month's "ism" is meant to give our customers some more knowledge about both.

Slicing is vital to attain the true flavor components. A very sleek thin piece of Salami allows the real true flavor and consistency in the mouth and throat. Thick slices over 3/4 inch tends to mask the true consistency and taste of the product as larger mass masks the delicacy of the product. Ideally, slicing just slightly more than paper thin really allows the proper flavor to come through. One can then slowly absorb the real flavor while chewing, and the thin slice creates a real mouth feel of consistency. Perhaps a better example of this is to slice a piece and put it up to the light. One should see the kaleidoscope of the essence of the Salami product. Besides being beautiful, this thinness enhances the real cross section of ingredients that enhances flavor development in the mouth, when sliced too thick this flavor, beauty and consistency is masked.

Most homes are not equipped with a slicer. If that is the case we advise using a very very sharp thin bladed knife to accomplish slicing a thin piece. Slicing with a knife is not easy but can be accomplished when one takes the proper time and understands that thinner is better.

Currently there seems to be a very high interest in purchasing slicers and so many are advertised in kitchen stores and catalogues. The purpose of this short article is to answer the many questions we get about slicing, to present some background information on the history of slicing and slicers and thinness, and to present what we have found to be an affordable and quality electric slicer for the home kitchen.

There are a few great websites that one visit to see visually the history of slicers and the value of thinness. YouTube, "In Praise of the Berkel Slicer", "Built in Sharpness" and "Demos of the Antique Berkel Slicer", are done by Emilio Mitidieri, an Italian Slicer Maestro in San Francisco. He discusses and shows the development of slicing and slicers a few hundred years back and shows no doubt the most incredible slicers that he brings from Italy and refurbishes. These slicers which show up in some fine restaurants cost from $4,000.00 and up and are so much like an antique car, both in value and beauty.

Emilio is most knowledgeable about slicing and these videos are a great source of knowledge to all that have an interest. You can use these training videos to understand the essence and "ism" of thinness. We have spent some time with Emilio and have been so impressed with his interest in slicing and slicers and Italian traditions.

Of course Berkel is an extremely fine and renowned line of slicers and has been for years. In fact, it was Berkel who first introduced the modern electric slicer most of us are familiar with (that slide back and forth type against the rotating blade). And in the restaurant trade most slicers are referred to as Berkel no matter what the brand since that name is synonymous with slicers (much as Boeing is with airplanes). Berkel also has a great website.

Cost, Size
Cost becomes a big factor for the home user. You can check prices for substantial quality slicers like Berkel on line. A good 8 inch slicer with built in sharpener can run $700.00 and up. Mostly up. Size is also a factor to the home user when purchasing a slicer. Most commercial manufacturers offer slicers from 8 inch blade size and up. More than likely an 8 inch blade slicer is more than adequate for most home usage and allows also the versatility of slicing bacons and hams and beef - thicker items.
Storage
Most 8 inch slicers have a footprint of 11 x 14 or larger. This may or may not be important to you as it has become hip for storing on the kitchen counters where it is available for instant use and it looks sharp.
Availability
At our customer's request, we have tried slicers selling at $50.00 and $200.00 that don't hold up and are nearly impossible to have repaired. They just don't seem to have the power to cut though varying thicknesses and are very difficult and costly to have repaired. We have also tested other commercial slicers. While all these commercial slicers were more than adequate, the cost seemed prohibitive for the home purchaser.

Based on all this, we present here 3 good slicers with great quality with extremely low maintenance, with the availability of spare parts and service should it be necessary. Price and quality were criteria. These machines are available through nella.com. They are offering 3 very good commercial type slicers, Omas Food Machine Services products made in Italy for the American market. They have prepared some special prices for this article.

  • Model 195 S with built in sharpener 8 inch blade - $349.00
  • Model 220 F with built in sharpener 9 inch blade - $449.00
  • Model 250 E with built in sharpener 10 inch blade - $549.00
Prices don't include shipping and handling. Tax may apply.

To order, call Nella toll free number at 1-800-400-3658 and reference this Salumi article for special pricing. Please do not contact Salumi. Should you have any questions please call the above number and ask for Vu. He can provide you more than you want to know about slicers. Please be aware that Salumi receives no compensation for this recommendation, we just have had good experiences with Nella and their products. Therefore we accept no liability or responsibility for any products purchased.

Happy holidays from Salumi Artisan Cured Meats.