It’s a common question in the culinary world – can you cut frozen meat with a meat slicer? The answer, as with most things in the kitchen, is it depends.
If you work in a kitchen, then you know that having a quality meat slicer can make all the difference. With a high-quality meat slicer, you can easily and quickly prep meats for meals. But what if you need to slice frozen meat? Is it possible? And if so, is it safe?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using a meat slicer on frozen meat. We’ll also talk about how you can make the most informed decision for your kitchen. I’ll also share how my wife used to slice the frozen meat into the meat slicer. Keep reading to find out.
Can You Cut Frozen Meat with a meat slicer?
Yes, you can slice frozen meat with a meat slicer. However, we do not recommend doing so. Slicing frozen meat is not only dangerous but it also produces subpar results.
Frozen meat is more likely to slip and slide on the slicer blade, which increases the risk of injury. Additionally, trying to slice frozen meat will dull your blade more quickly.
So, if you need to slice frozen meat, our recommendation is to thaw it in the fridge overnight before attempting to slice it. Not only will this make the slicing process easier and safer, but it will also produce much better results.
Fresh Sliced meat that has been properly thawed will be more tender and flavorful than sliced meat that has been frozen. However, you can still use a meat slicer to cut the frozen meat.
How To Slice Frozen Meat With A Meat Slicer?

Meat that’s fresh off the farm is best, but sometimes you need to slice frozen meat. Here’s how to do it quickly and easily with a meat slicer.
Method 1: Unfreeze the meat in the microwave
Step 1: Place the frozen meat on a microwavable plate.
Step 2: Microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until the meat is partially thawed.
Step 3: Now it’s time to put meat in the slicer.
Step 4: Make sure the meat slicer is turned off and unplugged.
Step 5: Remove the meat from the microwave and place it on the slicing table in any direction you want to slice it.
Step 6: Raise the carriage arm and slide the meat onto the blade.
Step 7: Lower the carriage arm and slice the meat.
Step 8: Enjoy your perfectly sliced meat!
Method 2: The meat must be defrosted
Step 1: It is recommended that you place the meat in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
Step 2: If you’re in a hurry, you can place the frozen meat in a bowl of cold water.
Step 4: Change the water every 30 minutes until the meat is thawed.
Step 5: Once thawed, slice the meat using a meat slicer.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Method 3: Unfreeze the meat in by soaking it in warm water

Here is the method my wife uses:
Step 1: Place the frozen meat in a bowl of warm water.
Step 2: Soak the meat for 10-15 minutes, or until it is partially thawed.
Step 3: Now it’s time to put meat in the slicer.
Step 4: Slice the meat according to your desired thickness.
Step 5: You’re going to love your freshly sliced meat!
Using a reliable quality meat slicer to slice frozen meat is extremely beneficial. Here are some factors to consider before purchasing a meat slicer.
Tips For Cutting Frozen Meat With A Meat Slicer?
A meat slicer is a handy tool to have in any kitchen, especially if you frequently cook or entertain. If you’re working with frozen meat, however, it’s imperative to take a few extra precautions to avoid any accidents. Here are some tips for safely slicing frozen meat with a meat slicer:
- Make sure that your meat slicer is securely fastened to a stable surface. A countertop or table is ideal.
- Always use a sharp blade when cutting frozen meat. A dull blade will not only make the job more difficult, but it can also be dangerous.
- Start by slicing the meat into thin, even slices. The thinner the slices, the easier they will be to work with.
- Be sure to use a pushing motion when slicing the meat, rather than a pulling motion. This will help keep the meat from getting stuck in the slicer.
- Always use caution when handling a meat slicer. Keep your fingers away from the blade at all times, and be sure to unplug the slicer when you’re finished slicing it.
With these tips in mind, slicing frozen meat will be a breeze! Meat slicers are available in a multitude of varieties in the market, but generally, there are 2 types: automatic and manual. Since we’ve discussed machine meat slicers, let’s take a look at a manual one.
How To Cut Frozen Meat With A Manual Meat Slicer?
If you have a manual meat slicer, it’s easy to cut frozen meat. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Divide the partially frozen meat into three pieces.
Step 2: Place the frozen meat on the slicer and adjust the thickness to your liking.
Step 3: Push the meat gently through the slicer.
Step 4: Do not stack the meat on top of each other, as this could cause uneven slicing.
Step 5: If needed, use a butter knife to help guide the slices off of the blade.
Step 6: Apply pressure evenly to the meat as you slice. Do not push down too hard or you could damage the machine or injure yourself.
Step 7: Keep your hands and fingers away from the blade at all times. The blade is extremely sharp and can easily cut through skin and flesh.
Step 8: Enjoy your freshly sliced frozen meat!
Final Thoughts
So, you can cut frozen meat with a meat slicer, however, it depends on a few factors, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
If you have the time to thaw the meat before slicing it, we recommend doing so for the most effective results. However, if you’re in a hurry and don’t mind potential imperfections in your slices, then go ahead and give it a try!
When it comes to slicing meat, we always recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge before attempting to slice it. This method is safer and produces better results.
In the event that you find yourself in a bind and need to slice frozen meat, you can do so by using extra caution. Beare that your results may not be as good as they would be if the meat was properly thawed first.
Hope you liked this article. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
How do I clean my meat slicer?
Clean your meat slicer after each use. Here’s how:
Unplug the slicer and disassemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wash all parts in hot, soapy water.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Sanitize the slicer by soaking all parts in a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water for at least 5 minutes.
Rinse and dry thoroughly before reassembling the slicer.
How often should I sharpen my meat slicer blade?
You should sharpen your meat slicer blade every few months, or as needed. If you notice the slices of meat are not as thin as they used to be, it’s time to sharpen the blade.

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!