Vertical vs. Gravity Feed Meat Slicers: Which Do I Need?

Updated 12/11/2024

If you are looking for a slicer to cut meat, cheese, bread or other foods, you might be wondering what are the differences between vertical slicers, gravity feed slicers and fly wheel slicers.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the main features and advantages of each type of slicer and help you choose the best one for your needs!

Vertical Slicers

Vertical slicers have a blade that is mounted vertically on a carriage that moves back and forth.

The food is placed on a fixed platform and pressed against the blade by a lever or a clamp.

Vertical slicers are ideal for slicing hard or dense foods, such as cheese, bacon or ham. They can also handle large or irregularly shaped foods that might not fit on a gravity feed slicer.

However, vertical slicers require more manual effort and can be tiring to use for long periods of time.

Gravity Feed Slicers

Gravity feed slicers have a blade that is mounted at an angle on a carriage that slides along a track. The food is placed on the carriage and gravity pulls it down towards the blade.

Gravity feed slicers are easy to use and can slice soft or delicate foods, such as tomatoes, cucumbers or salami.

They can also slice faster and more evenly than vertical slicers. However, gravity feed slicers have a limited capacity and cannot handle very large or thick foods.

Fly Wheel Slicers

Fly wheel slicers are manual slicers that have a blade that is rotated by a hand crank or a pedal. The food is placed on a carriage that moves back and forth by a lever or a knob.

Fly wheel slicers are designed to mimic the traditional way of slicing meat by hand.

They have a vintage look and feel and can create thin and uniform slices of meat. They are also very durable and easy to maintain.

However, fly wheel slicers are expensive and heavy and require more space and skill to operate.

Automatic Slicers and Manual Slicers

Another way to classify slicers is by whether they are automatic or manual. Automatic slicers have an electric motor that moves the carriage back and forth automatically.

Manual slicers require the user to move the carriage by hand. Automatic slicers are more convenient and efficient than manual slicers, especially for high-volume slicing.

However, automatic slicers are also more expensive and complex than manual slicers and may need more maintenance.

Stacker Slicers

Stacker slicers are a type of automatic slicer that can stack the slices of food after cutting them.

Stacker slicers have a device that collects the slices and arranges them in neat piles on a tray or a plate. They are useful for preparing sandwiches, salads, or platters quickly and easily.

However, stacker slicers are also more costly and bulky than regular automatic slicers and may not be compatible with all types of foods.

Wrapping it Up

In conclusion, selecting the right slicer depends on your specific needs and the types of foods you plan to slice.

Vertical slicers are robust and versatile, making them ideal for slicing dense and irregularly shaped foods.

With ease of use and efficiency, Gravity feed slicers excel in handling soft or delicate items.

Flywheel slicers bring a touch of tradition and craftsmanship, perfect for those who appreciate the precision and a vintage aesthetic.

For those seeking convenience and speed, automatic slicers, including stacker models, offer advanced features that simplify high-volume slicing tasks.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each slicer type, you can make an informed decision and invest in a slicer that enhances your food preparation experience.