Troubleshooting Mandoline Issues: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Mandoline

[Yakmama]

I always bring my mandoline to shows for people to see it- but I never use it myself.
A few days ago I made the Moroccan chicken pitas at home for dinner and i had to slice up a lemon. I used the mandoline and it worked like a charm.
So yesterday I had a show where I made the artichoke bread bowl dip. I had half a lemon left over, so I thought I would show off the mandoline.
It was a complete disaster! The lemon just went to complete mush and the V blade didn't slice it at all! It was so embarrassing trying to explain why it wasn't working. The lemon was firm and not too mushy- so I don't know what happened!
Anyone have any suggestions? I'm afraid to ever try it in public again.

 

[PamperedDor]

I use a firm cucumber in the demos.

 

[lauradahl]

I had several issues in the beginning and they were all "operator" issues. Most often I did not get the slide on correctly and could not slice at all. I, like you, wanted to just leave it at home but I knew it was a good item to take/sell because of the price point. So, I used it and used it and used it at home with all the different blades until I finally bonded with it. And bonded I have! I am honest with the guests and tell them I had issues but they were all my own issues and it was based on the construction of the product for safety. It all boils down to the fact that unless the slide is mounted on the base correctly, it won't cut! I hope this will help some. Don't be afraid, just spend some quality time with it and I think you, like me, will bond with it and come to love it....and even take it to shows!!! Oh, and on issue I have with citrus is when I have a half of one to cut, I insert the "cut" end onto the holder so that the mandoline makes it's own fresh cut on the uncut end of the lemon/lime. That seems to have worked better for me...don't know why.

 

[DebbieJ]

Also I have had times when I didn't have the blade all the way in. Push it in and make sure it is secure.Also, do not push down so hard on the food holder--just gentle pressure with your palm. Let the blade do the work.

 

[zmom58]

I had a embarassing show moment with the Mandoline...all because I didn't have the holder on properly and my adjustable slicing blade was not in either one of the positions.
It is so true, practice, practice, practice.
Deb

 

[Cape_PC]

This happened to me at a show. I went home and played with it and discovered I wasn't bringing the holder up all the way, which was not triggering the blade to rise due to the safety feature. Not sure if that was your issue but that's what happened to me

 

[gailz2]

I used the wrong blade for cheese at a show, very embarrassing.

 

[dhclemons]

Remember, If You Can't Pick It Up By The Food Handler, It Is Not On
Properly.