Kitchen Mandoline Slicers: Wolfgang Puck v. Oxo

     Shortly after we married, we purchased a cheap $10 mandoline (slicer) from Bed Bath and Beyond with a gift card (Progressive Mandoline).  It cut pretty well and we were quite pleased with our purchase, but over the last year the teeth on the julian slicing piece have broken through the bottom and no longer works well. It was very versatile.

     We decided it was about time to replace our original purchase and this time decided to look at something a little more durable and of a better quality. After our research online and looking around at different models we narrowed it down to the:

 Oxo Good Grips V-blade mandoline slicer and the Wolfgang Puck stainless steel mandoline

     Every mandoline review, regardless of brand, said it was a dangerous kitchen implement--so we disregarded all those comments--besides, sharp is how we need the mandoline. 

     We've been pleased with our other Oxo products:

               Silicone turner

               and the smooth edge can opener.

     However, people who reviewed the mandoline online said that it did not live up to other Oxo products.

     The Oxo mandoline seemed to store all the blades pretty well underneath (this helps to keep it tidy...but might also get them dirty with use) and seemed simple to adjust and the non-slip feet and angle seemed sturdy. We also thought an angled blade might work best.

     In considering the Wolfgang Puck mandoline...it seem the stainless steel would be easier to clean and the blades came with a separate storage case which was convenient. It seemed to also have a fairly sturdy base to prop itself up. I watched videos online and it cut very well.

Retail price:
  Wolfgang: $50
  Oxo: $40

*Other considerations:
     We had a coupon for 20% off a single item at Bed Bath and Beyond (Oxo)
     We have a $65 gift card to  Dillards (Wolfgang)

     Ultimately, they both seemed about equal--the Oxo was a little cheaper, but we'd be paying $34. Initially I wanted to give it to him for Christmas, but since our current Mandoline is in its death throes, and Simon uses it almost every time he cooks, I thought it might be better to acquire before Christmas. I wanted his opinion and therefore could not surprise him. After we narrowed it down he told me to decide. I considered more and decided to use the gift card. I bought it and wrapped it in Christmas paper and told Simon to open his present when he came home. He wanted to know what it was but said he could wait till Christmas. I didn't want him to not like it and be unable to return it in a couple months if he'd really wanted the other. He wanted to know why he should open it and knew he'd like whatever I got for him and so didn't want to open it. I knew he'd figure it out when he kept asking about what mandoline we should get over the next several days and it wouldn't be a surprise anyway if I saved it till Christmas.

     We went on a hike up Battle Creek Canyon, where we got engaged a year and a half ago. We stopped by the grocery store on the way home and got some fruit. As we wandered through the store I saw cheap hash-browns and we grabbed the bag for $0.88 and I absent mindedly commented, 'oh, but we can make these now.' (since our julienne blade is broken on our mandoline).

     About 20 seconds later Simon exclaims "I know what it is!!!" I was confused. He prodded, "Think about what you just said----What's changed so that we can now make hashbrowns!!!!"


     He said I could save it till Christmas. I really wanted to know if it was the one he'd want and I rehearsed the pros and cons I'd thought about for each and when we arrived home I had him open it.

     It was the Wolfgang Puck.  He was sooo excited and immediately decided to put it to use.  We slipped the blades in the side slot and adjusted the height. They didn't seem to slide in all the way, but it seemed good. He picked up a potato and--- it wouldn't cut it. Online some people had complained about dull blades but we thought that was the fluke for theirs. We tried a carrot...with the same result. Instead of a flat blade, the blade was serrated. Serrated knifes make a nice cut when you pull across but not quite as good when you go straight into a food.

     We cleaned up the mandoline and washed it and shined the steel and put it back in the box to return. Two manufacturing defects: the juliene blades not fitting in right...and all the blades not being sharp enough to cut. Simon returned it and we once again have $65 on our gift card.

     Yesterday I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and picked up the V-blade Oxo mandoline. Simon was excited to try this one. It adjusted easily and sliced potatoes wonderfully. The julienne aren't exceptional, but do cut.

     Perhaps  our Wolfgang Puck mandoline problems were a fluke. Simon is very happy with the Oxo.