What Is the Difference Between a Mandolin & a Spiral Slicer?

While both are used to slice vegetables--and each makes a beneficial addition to any cook's lineup of kitchen tools--mandolins and spiral slicers differ widely with regard to function, versatility and even appearance.

Appearance

The mandolin slicer is flat and board-like, propped up on one end with a stationary blade semi-embedded in its surface. The spiral slicer features a horizontal or vertical rod or other mechanism for holding the vegetable to be sliced, and a hand crank at one end or on top.

Purpose

The mandolin is used to quickly slice, dice or julienne fruits and vegetables, while the spiral slicer produces long, attractive "ropes" of the fruit or vegetable being sliced.

Function

Turning the crank on the spiral slicer rotates the vegetable against a small blade. The mandolin, on the other hand, is used by running the vegetable repeatedly over the wide, fixed blade.

Versatility

Many mandolin and spiral slicers feature swappable blades to achieve different results, but the spiral slicer is a less versatile tool, used mainly to create aesthetically interesting dishes and garnishes.

Fun Fact

The mandolin, or "mandoline," first achieved widespread popularity around the time of World War II.

References

• Chef Harvey's World of Garnishing: History of the Mandoline Slicer
• Kitchen Conservatory: Mandolins and Slicers
• Kitchen Fantasy: Dicers, slicers, cutters, French Mandoline, and some unique food prep items