In the world of kitchen gadgets, few tools promise to revolutionize your prep time like a good mandoline slicer. But with so many models on the market, from simple handheld versions to complex multi-blade systems, finding the right one can be a challenge. The PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline Slicer enters the fray with a compelling proposition: infinite, tool-free thickness adjustment. As someone who has tested dozens of slicers, from the classic Benriner to modern all-in-one choppers, I was intrigued. Could this green, adjustable-thickness model deliver the precision and ease it promises, or is it just another gimmick destined for the back of the cabinet? This review dives deep into its design, performance, and safety to help you decide if it's the right food prep tool for your kitchen.
First Impressions & Design: A Focus on Simplicity
Unboxing the PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice, the first thing you notice is its vibrant green color—a departure from the standard stainless steel or white. It feels sturdy but not overly heavy, a good sign for a tool you'll be handling frequently. The core innovation is immediately apparent: a large, easy-to-turn dial on the front. Unlike mandolines with preset slots or interchangeable plates, this dial promises a seamless transition from paper-thin slices for potato chips to thick cuts for steak fries. The non-slip feet are substantial, and the food holder feels secure. The overall design philosophy seems to be user-friendliness, eliminating the need to fumble with extra blades or guess which slot corresponds to which thickness. For home cooks intimidated by more complex kitchen mandoline models, this simplicity is a major selling point.
Performance Test: Putting the "Adjust-A-Slice" to Work
Vegetable Slicing: Consistency is Key
I put the PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice through its paces with a variety of produce. Starting with cucumbers and zucchini for a salad, the adjustable dial made it effortless to achieve uniform, 2mm slices. The blade is impressively sharp, requiring minimal pressure. Moving to carrots and potatoes for a gratin, I dialed up the thickness to about 5mm. The consistency across all slices was excellent—no wedges or uneven ends. This is where a dedicated vegetable slicer with a fixed blade often outperforms flimsier multi-tools. The chute for julienne and waffle cuts (accessed by turning the dial to specific marked settings) worked well, though these cuts require firmer vegetables. Soft tomatoes can become mushy, a common issue with most mandolines, not unique to this model.
Fruit & Delicate Items
For apples and firm pears, the slicer performed admirably, creating perfect slices for pies or snacks. The adjustable thickness is a boon here, allowing you to choose between thin, delicate slices for tarts or thicker ones for baking. However, the lack of a dedicated "crumb tray" or catch basin underneath is a minor drawback. You'll need to slice directly onto a cutting board or plate, which can lead to a bit of mess with very juicy fruits.
The Adjustable Thickness Dial: Game-Changer or Gimmick?
This is the heart of the PrepSolutions model. In practice, the dial works smoothly. You can make micro-adjustments with a simple twist, which is fantastic for recipes that call for specific thicknesses. It eliminates the guesswork of "which slot is 1/8-inch?" However, there is a learning curve. The dial markings are clear, but achieving an *exact* measurement every time requires a bit of practice and visual confirmation. For most home cooking, where "thin" or "thick" is sufficient, it's brilliant. For professional chefs needing micrometer precision, they might still prefer a model with locked-in blade positions. The major advantage is speed—you can adjust thickness on the fly without stopping to swap parts.
Safety Features: A Critical Evaluation
Let's be honest: the biggest concern with any mandoline slicer is safety. The PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice includes a food holder/pusher, which is absolutely essential and should *always* be used. The holder has spikes to grip food securely, protecting your fingers. The non-slip base is also crucial, preventing the unit from sliding during use. The blade guard for storage is a thoughtful addition. However, the blade itself is exposed when adjusting the dial or cleaning. This is a standard design in many mandolines, but it demands respect and careful handling, especially during cleaning. Always use the provided tool or a brush. This model scores well on basic safety but doesn't introduce any revolutionary new features beyond the standard safe-practice protocol for these tools.
Cleaning & Maintenance: Easier Than Most?
Cleaning is relatively straightforward. Most parts are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended), but hand washing the main unit with the blade is advised for longevity. The lack of multiple small plates to lose is a huge plus for the adjustable mandoline design. The dial mechanism seems robust, but it's important to rinse it quickly after use to prevent food particles from jamming it. Drying thoroughly is key to prevent rust on the high-carbon steel blade.
Who Is The PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice For?
This adjustable thickness slicer is an ideal fit for the enthusiastic home cook who values versatility and hates clutter. If you make a lot of roasted vegetables, gratins, salads, or homemade chips and want one tool to handle various thicknesses without extra attachments, this model excels. It's also great for those with limited storage space, as it's a compact, all-in-one unit.
It might *not* be the best choice for someone who needs ultra-heavy-duty, daily commercial use or requires specific, specialized cuts like ultra-thin ribbons or perfect brunoise that a dedicated Japanese mandoline provides. It sits comfortably in the middle ground: more capable and adjustable than a basic handheld slicer, but simpler and more streamlined than a professional multi-blade system.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Contender in the Mandoline Arena
The PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline Slicer delivers on its core promise. The adjustable dial is a genuine innovation that adds real convenience and flexibility to food preparation. It produces consistent, clean slices and julienne cuts with minimal effort. While it doesn't solve all the inherent challenges of mandoline safety (that comes down to user caution), it includes the necessary safeguards. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, making it a less intimidating entry into the world of high-speed slicing. For the home cook looking to upgrade their prep game without investing in a complex, part-heavy system, the PrepSolutions Adjust-A-Slice is a compelling, effective, and space-efficient choice that can handle the vast majority of fruit and vegetable slicing tasks with ease.
