Spikey Fire
Products and appliances

Food slicers

Food slicers usage and safety

A food slicer, either handheld or for the worktop, is a handy time-saving device to cut foods such as meat, vegetables or bread. But they can pose a risk if used incorrectly.

Electric food slicers, also known as food slicer machines or meat slicers, can provide consistently thin and uniform slices of meat, cheese, bread, vegetables, and fruit.

Most models come with an adjustable thickness control knob, giving you the choice of how thick or thin the slices should be.

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Key points

  • Food slicers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 

  • Only clean your food slicer when it is unplugged. 

  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 

  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying a food slicer

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
  • You will find lots of online reviews of food slicers but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
  • When selecting an electric food slicer, it's crucial to consider safety features such as non-slip feet to prevent the slicer from slipping, a blade guard to protect fingers from injury, a child safety lock to prevent children turning the slicer on, and removable blades for easy cleaning and maintenance.
  • Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a food slicer safely

  • Place the appliance on a firm and stable surface and, to avoid injury, never hand-feed food to be sliced.
  • Keep the power cable away from the blade of the food slicer. And don’t leave the food slicer unattended while it is running.
  • Make sure the slicer is switched off and unplugged before it is dismantled and cleaned. Ensure the appliance is dry before being used again.   
  • Never immerse the food slicer in water for cleaning and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using and cleaning it. Unplug the food slicer when not in use.
  • Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be cleaned by hand. And inspect the blades for signs of damage.
  • If you notice any odd smells, any sparking, cracks or damage, unplug the food slicer immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying. 
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
  • Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
  • Check which parts are dishwasher-safe for washing.

      

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online.
  • Leaving the food slicer unattended while it is running.
  • Putting the food slicer into water for cleaning.
  • Using the food slicer if you notice any damage or sparks. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Blade sizes typically range from 7-14 inches with larger ones being better for slicing larger cuts of meat.

The motor power is also crucial for determining how well a meat slicer can handle cutting tougher meats and larger volumes without overheating. 

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Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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