There are many options available when it comes to meat. You can stick with lean meats or fatty meats. You can get your meat fresh or frozen. Even if the meat was once alive, you can decide whether you want to eat it or not. Many people wonder whether meat slicers can cut through bones. Don’t worry, we’re here to clarify things.
The purpose of this guide isn’t to tell you whether a meat slicer can cut through bone. Instead. We will also show you how to properly use a meat slicer to avoid any accidents. Let’s get started.
Is it possible to cut through bone with a meat slicer?
No, meat slicers are unable to cut through bone. Because bones are dense, If you try to put a piece of bone into a meat slicer, the blade will just bounce off and will seriously damage the slicer. So, if you’re looking to slice meat with bones in it, you’ll need to remove the bones first. The same applies for other rigid objects, like frozen meat or gristle. So, if you’re looking to slice through bone, you’ll need to use a different method, like a saw or knife. Otherwise, you’ll just be risking damage to your meat slicer.
Why should not we use a meat slicer to cut through bone?
There are a variety of reasons why one should avoid using a meat slicer when cutting through bone. The following are a few of them:
1. Bone to shatter:
When cutting through bone with a meat slicer, there is a risk that the blade will shatter the bone. This can cause serious injury to both the operator and anyone in the vicinity.
2. Blade dulling:
Cutting through bone will cause the blade to become dull more quickly. This means that the slicer will have to be replaced or sharpened more often, which can be costly.
3. Contamination:
There is also a risk of contamination when cutting meat with a slicer. If the blade comes into contact with bone, it can transfer bacteria to the meat, which can cause food poisoning. When using a slicer, it is critical to ensure that the blade is clean and free of any contaminants.
4. Safety:
It is not safe to use a meat slicer to cut through bone as the blade can easily slip and cause injury to the user. As you are dealing with a sharp object, there is always a risk of cuts and lacerations
5. Quality:
When cutting meat with a slicer, the quality of the meat can be affected. If the blade is not sharp enough, it will tear the meat, which can cause it to become tough and chewy. On the other hand, if the blade is too sharp, it can cause the meat to shred.
6. Time-consuming:
Cutting meat with a slicer can be time-consuming as you have to be careful to avoid hurting yourself or damaging the slicer. It is also helpful to ensure that the meat is properly positioned before cutting, as this can make the process easier and quicker.
7. Maintenance:
Slicers can also be damaged by cutting through bone with them. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs or even replacement. Nevertheless, regular maintenance can help to prolong the life of your slicer.
7. Efficiency:
Cutting through bone with a slicer is not an efficient way to cut meat. It takes longer and requires more effort than simply removing the bones from the meat before slicing.
How to properly use a meat slicer?
Most people think that using a meat slicer is as simple as turning it on and slicing away, but there is a bit more to it than that. Here are some tips on how to properly use a meat slicer:-
1. Start with a clean slicer:
Before you start slicing, make sure that your slicer is clean. A dirty slicer can lead to meat contamination and food poisoning. So, always clean your slicer before use.
2. Choose the right blade:
There are different blades available for different types of meat. Choose the right one according to the type of meat you are going to slice.
3. Adjust the blade:
Once you have chosen the right blade, you need to adjust it to the thickness that you want. Most slicers have a knob that allows you to do this. In addition, some slicers also have a gauge that lets you know how thick the slices will be.
4. Place the meat on the slicing platform:
Make sure that the meat is placed firmly on the slicing platform before you start slicing. If it is not, it can slip and cause an accident. Likewise, you need to be cautious not to place your hands in the blade’s path. Otherwise, you will cut your hand and the meat as well.
5. Slice the meat:
Once everything is in place, you can start chopping the meat. Apply even pressure as you slice and be careful not to put your fingers in the way of the blade. If you are intending to slice the meat, it is also a smart idea to cut it in a single motion so as not to tear it.
7. Wash the slicer:
Always clean the slicer after use. A dirty slicer can lead to food contamination and illness. You can clean the slicer by disassembling it and washing all the parts in hot, soapy water. Before reassembling the slicer, dry all the parts.
What are the types of meat slicers?
There are three types of meat slicers. Just check out these:
1. Manual meat slicer:
A manual meat slicer is a handheld tool that is used to slice meats. It consists of a blade that is attached to a handle. The user holds the handle and uses the blade to slice the meat. The majority of manual meat slicers are driven by electricity and include a selection of blades depending on the thickness of the meat being sliced.
2. Automatic meat slicer:
An automatic meat slicer is a machine that is used to slice meats. Like a manual meat slicer, it has a carriage mechanism that includes a motor to allow it to move meat on its behalf. This type of slicer is more expensive than a manual slicer, but it is faster and easier to use.
3. Flywheel meat slicer:
A flywheel meat slicer is a machine that is used to slice meats. It consists of a large wheel that is attached to the slice carriage. The user pushes the meat towards the wheel where it is then sliced by the blades that are attached to the wheel. Furthermore, the flywheel provides momentum to the carriage which makes it easier to slice the meat.
Final Verdict:
A meat slicer is a great tool to have in the kitchen if you eat a lot of meat. You may find it easier to slice the meat equally. However, cutting bone via a meat slicer is not advised since it could harm the slicer blade. A meat slicer should also be used with caution because the blades are very sharp. After each usage, be sure to clean the slicer and keep the blade periodically sharpened. If you’re considering purchasing a meat slicer, be sure to conduct some preliminary research to choose the slicer that is ideal for you.
In this guide, we have discussed all meat slicers. We have also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about meat slicers. We hope that this guide will be helpful to you in choosing the right meat slicer for your needs. In case we have missed anything, please feel free to let us know in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs:
Why bone-in meat is not good for slicing?
Bone-in meat is not good for slicing because it may harm the slicer blade or make slicing more challenging.
How does a meat slicer help with portion control?
Portion control is important when you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. A meat slicer can help with portion control by slicing the meat into uniform pieces that are all the same size. This way, you can measure the correct amount of meat for each meal.
What are the benefits of using a meat slicer?
It helps to slice the meat evenly which results in more consistent cooking, and it also helps with portion control.
How do I clean my meat slicer?
You should disassemble the meat slicer and wash all the parts in hot, soapy water. Make sure to dry all the parts before reassembling the slicer.
Does a meat slicer need to be sharpened?
Yes, a meat slicer needs to be sharpened regularly to maintain its performance. You can either sharpen the blade yourself or you can take it to a professional.
Mark is the founder and head writer of Meat Savory. He’s a passionate meat lover who has been cooking and writing about meat for over 10 years. He is also a meat safety specialist and has been testing and inspecting meat products for over 5 years. Learn More!