Mandoline: To Buy or Not to Buy? Questions Answered

[Brandie]

I love my UM, have sold quite a few, but I cut myself on it today during my demo! My own dorky fault--check out my thread in Product Tips for the story! I think it does take some getting used to--especially for those of us who owned the USG, and even the Vario-Slicer (yes--I still have that old thing!). It's very different, but I do really like it!

 

[PCGINA]

Wish you had another catagory...sell many but would like to love it more!! Tomatoes have been a freaking disaster for me. It's too bad because the USG could tolerate something other than a hard as a rock tomato!

Ditto ~ Double Ditto ~ Triple Ditto!! Need I say more?

 

[schel]

I wonder if HO is aware of all of this.... If we are having such a hard time with this item, what do our customers think of it?
Schel

 

[jenniferknapp]

I didn't sell any Mandolines, but had a few people impressed by slicing lemons and making homemade lemonade in the family size pitcher! 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 3 sliced lemons, add water and plunge! MMMMM... (I did sell a few pitchers though...)You definitely have to use it to get comfy with it. If you are wondering whether you want to invest in one, ask a cluster-mate to borrow theirs for a week and try a few things with it!

 

[louisecurtishome]

The mandoline is very unpopular with my customers. A friend of mine was considering buying the mandoline so as she was a friend I suggested she borrow mine for a month to see how she got on. This would also provide me with an accurate assessment of its benefits. She was delighted. However, within 24 hours she returned it and said it was just a waste of time and that it was quicker and easier to use a sharp knife. I checked she had been using it correctly and she had. It's been put in my cupboard never to see the light of day again!

 

[[email protected]]

I voted yes, but I'm not really sure. I've sold a couple. After the first show I tried it and ended up slicing the tip of my finger off AT THE SHOW, I've been very reticent. But, now after I've used it quite a bit for the Lime-Berry Mousse Trifle demo, I'm getting the hang of it. It's not for everyone.

 

[ivykeep]

I had problems with the UM at the first two shows I tried to demo it at -- worked ok at home, but couldn't make it work at a show, so I was REALLY hesitant when my SIL asked me to do recipes that focused on the UM (she got it in March at her mom's show when she bought the host bonus from her). I did the show tonight (and made sure I was prepared and watched the video on CC three times). It went relatively smoothly, but don't think grating carrots in it is very effective (limes, tomatoes, cucumbers and zuchini all worked well). I did sell one.

I did have two different people ask me about sharpening the blades... anyone know the answer to that?

 

[pamperedpsalmstress]

Okay I'm new but have to chime in. People keep stating that you need to practice w/mandoline to get the hang of it. Is that what we're telling our customers?!!! Personally I like the mandoline now, but I definitely had to make myself use it and still believe I need more practice w/it. However I would not promote this item strongly as I feel for the cost a person should be able to pull it from box and fall in love w/first use.

 

[mbh06]

I have sold many of them, before they were the host special. I enjoy it mainly for making fried potatos, that is all I have used it for. Does anyone know how to make it work for tomatos?? THey just squish, I have to tomato knife and like it better. Sometimes it just seems easier to get out a knife, but if you keep it handy it is quicker for those of us that aren't very good w/ knives.

 

[ivykeep]

I did tell everyone at my show last night that you have to practice to get a smooth rhythem with it and went over how to make sure that the food holder is on correctly, but they were impressed with the crinkle cut items.

For me personally (not at shows), I'll use the crinkle cut blade on it but that's probably about it -- I have a REALLY large family and we frequently have cookouts and birthday parties for 20+ people (I have 8 siblings, plus parents, spouses, and 12 nieces and nephews and my husbands family) so when I'm doing large amounts of grating or slicing I do use my food processor.

For small quantities of family dinner cooking (DH, DD and I) it's easier and simpler to just use a knife. But for someone without a food processor it's a great tool.

 

[Chef_Tami]

I can't fall in love with the UM because the couple of times I've tried to show it, it won't work. It's embarrassed me twice and I'm dreading doing another trifle show!! I couldn't even get my March host to buy one at 60% off because it didn't work at her show!

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

Does anyone have this problem: as I use it, say on a lime for the Lime Berry Trifle, I slide it down to make a slice but when I try to bring it back up, the lime catches on the plastic that is the lower edge of the blade where it slides in. I get both clicks like I'm supposed to, it just always seems to catch in that same spot as I slide it back. Is it me or might it be defective?

 

[Chef Diane]

I love my mandolinebut I havent sold many. I sold 2 last month to the hostess and past host.

 

[dwyerkim]

I do like it a lot, and sold several in March as the special and one two shows ago when I used it for the trifle. At that show actually I let a guest do the limes and the first time she slid the pusher she pushed to hard and it went flying off--a tad bit embarassing. Part of what I discovered with the limes is that it helps to start with a flat surface against the blade--cut a little slice off of the end with a knife, otherwise that "knobby" thing on the end of the lime means all your pressure is going on a tiny little area.

I tell people that between the food chopper and mandoline, I havne't used my food processor in quite awhile, and it is the truth! Haven't pulled it out once since we moved in January.

 

[schel]

Again.... If we can't get it to work properly.... how can we expect guests or even hosts to get it to work right?
Does anyone agree with me?
Schel

 

[ChefinHarmony]

Stains?!?!?I used mine at home to slice 3lbs of carrots for a soup sale. Now, the cream parts on the guard, blade, and whole thing is STAINED orange!! I tried baking soda and no luck. Any suggestions? Mine sticks a lot too - I think I may have a defective one. I may call HO about it for the stains and the sticking.
Thanks!
Joanne

 

[pamperedpsalmstress]

I definitely agree w/you Schel

And Joanne, first time I used mine I grated carrots and it stained. Freaked me out. I used diluted bleach w/water and it came right off.

 

[schel]

Glad I am that I still have my USG. Wonder if those will be in surprise boxes at conference???!!!!
Schel