
Last updated: 14 October 2025
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Just as power tools have been replacing manual tools in the field of DIY, so they are starting to replace manual tools in the kitchen. In particular, electric knives and electric slicers, both of which were once seen as gimmicky gadgets, are now being seen as genuine conveniences, which benefit even people who have full use of their hands and which can be invaluable to anyone dealing with mobility issues, such as rheumatism or arthritis, or anyone who has a hand injury.
Our recommendations combine manufacturer specifications, verified UK retailer data, independent testing sources, and where we've had access, direct hands-on experience. We focus on the factors that matter most for home cooks and those with mobility challenges.
Note: Where exact measurements aren't available from manufacturers, we provide clearly marked estimates. We never list live prices—our focus is on function, features, and value.
There are three main reasons why electric knives and electric slicers are steadily growing in popularity and these are safety, consistency and economy.
At the risk of stating the obvious, knives are sharp and so you really need to pay attention to how to handle them. This can become a real problem when preparing tough food as users have to balance the need to use physical strength with the need to maintain good (i.e. safe) technique. This is possibly the single biggest reason why electric carving knives have become so popular. They eliminate the need to use manual force and therefore leave the user free to concentrate on using the knife properly.
One of the most fundamental concepts of cooking is that food items which are similar in size and consistency will cook at about the same rate. This is one of the main reasons professional cooks invest so much time and energy into learning how to cut up food properly. Most amateur cooks can do a decent job of cutting softer foodstuffs but may struggle with tougher foods, hence an electric carving knife, (which can do far more than just carve) can be a great tool for ensuring consistency without frustration.
Not only do electric knives help to reduce food waste, but they are also very economically priced as compared to manual knives of a comparable performance standard. Admittedly, they do draw on electricity, however, their consumption is minimal.
Electric carving knives are much more compact than electric slicers and they are also more flexible in how they can be used, for example if you wanted you could use them to cut shapes other than flat slices. Electric slicers only do one job, i.e. cut flat slices, but they do it very efficiently. Electric slicers are much quicker than slicing meat, bread and cheese by hand and work out much more economical than buying sliced meat, bread and cheese. In other words, if you have the space and budget it can be very worthwhile to have both.
Here are some of the key points to look at when comparing electric carving knives and electric slicers.
If you're planning on using your electric carving knife or electric slicer in much the same place then you may be perfectly happy to have one which is fully corded. If you want a bit more flexibility then you may want the option to use batteries, however, since these will only last for so long before needing charging (or replacing), you may still find it handy to have the option to use your electric carving knife or electric slicer on mains power as a backup.
Having a long cord gives more flexibility but it also gives you a longer cord to manage. Similarly longer battery life gives longer periods between charges (or replacement batteries) but the trade-off for this is that the batteries become bigger, heavier and more expensive.
Most cordless electric carving knives and electric slicers use standard AA batteries but you might want to double-check this so that you have a clear idea where you stand with regard to charging, chargers and replacements.
In terms of quality, stainless steel is the clear winner (at least out of the materials available at the moment). Lower-priced electric carving knives and electric slicers will tend to have blades made out of other materials, such as composites, which might appear to work well in the short term, but over the long term they will generally be more susceptible to becoming dull, rusting and tarnishing.
High-quality electric slicers often provide different blades for different types of foods. Electric carving knives are (currently) less likely to do so, but the good ones will still perform well on a range of foods.
If you're going to be holding something for a long time, then a comfortable handle is a must. In addition to having ergonomic contours, you ideally want the handle of your electric carving knife or electric slicer to be designed in such a way that any buttons are easy to reach. This also promotes safety as it makes it easier to control the electric carving knife or electric with just one hand.
Usually electric carving knives and electric slicers have blades which are dishwasher-safe. In some cases you may be able to put the handle in as well.
If you're buying an electric carving knife or electric slicer from a mainstream UK (or international) retailer, then you can generally take it as read that it will be safe to have in a home and will have some form of measure in place to stop it being accidentally turned on (e.g. by children). If you choose to buy from a more niche retailer, then it's really important to check this.
Not to put too fine a point on the matter, but mainstream retailers tend to stick to well-known brands which can be counted on to provide reliable products and to stand by their warranties on the rare occasions when there is a problem. If you choose to buy from a more niche retailer or an unknown brand then be aware that your warranty may be meaningless.
Even though electric carving knives are growing in popularity there still seem to be surprisingly few of them and even fewer which we would be happy to recommend, however, after extensive research we have managed to find four electric carving knives on the UK market today which, we feel, offer a good balance of performance, reliability and overall value.
Best for: Home chefs requiring versatile carving of meats and bread with minimal effort
The VonShef Electric Carving Knife delivers powerful 150W performance for precise cutting across various foods. Its ergonomic handle reduces vibration and noise for comfortable extended use, while the dual stainless steel blades tackle everything from tough meats to delicate bread and vegetables.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 150W |
Blades Included | 2 (stainless steel) |
Power Type | Mains-powered only |
Handle Design | Ergonomic safety handle |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades only |
Safety Features | Dual safety switch |
Warranty | 2 years |
Best Food Types | Meats, bread, vegetables |
User Suitability | General household use |
Quietness Level | Low noise |
The VonShef stands out for its combination of power and versatility, making it suitable for everything from Sunday roasts to daily bread slicing. The included storage case is particularly practical for keeping blades organized and protected between uses.
Best for: Users needing a stable mains-powered knife with long cord
The Reemix Electric Carving Knife features a 100W motor providing fast, even slicing with two interchangeable stainless steel blades for meats and bread/vegetables. The generous 1.8M power cord offers extended reach, while ETL safety certification provides peace of mind.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 100W |
Blades Included | 2 (food-grade stainless steel) |
Power Type | 1.8m wired only |
Handle Design | Ergonomic |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades |
Safety Features | Dual safety lock (ETL certified) |
Warranty | Manufacturer warranty |
Best Food Types | Meats, frozen food, bread, fruits |
User Suitability | Users with fixed kitchen setup |
Quietness Level | Moderate |
The Reemix is ideal for users who value stability over portability. The extra-long cord means you won't be limited by plug placement, making it particularly suitable for those who carve at the dining table or need flexibility around a larger kitchen.
Best for: Basic carving tasks for users with limited hand strength
The Daewoo Electric Carving Knife SDA1806 combines a powerful 180W motor with safety release blades to handle meats, bread, and vegetables effectively. Particularly suitable for arthritis sufferers or those with limited hand strength, it takes the strain out of cutting.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 180W |
Blades Included | 1 (stainless steel) |
Power Type | Mains-powered only |
Handle Design | Standard |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades |
Safety Features | Safety release blades |
Warranty | 2 years |
Best Food Types | Meats, bread, large vegetables |
User Suitability | Users with arthritis or limited strength |
Quietness Level | Moderate |
The Daewoo's standout feature is its safety release mechanism—when blades encounter significant resistance, they detach from the handle rather than causing injury or damage. This makes it particularly reassuring for users with reduced grip strength or dexterity.
Best for: Users seeking a compact budget-friendly carving knife
The Tower T19003 delivers 180W of power through twin stainless steel serrated blades. While some marketing claims overstate its capabilities—particularly regarding frozen foods and crusty bread—it performs well for its intended purpose of carving cooked meats and soft bread.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 180W |
Blades Included | 2 (stainless steel) |
Power Type | Mains-powered only |
Handle Design | Ergonomic |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades |
Safety Features | Safety release blades |
Warranty | 1 year (extendable to 3) |
Best Food Types | Soft meats, bread |
User Suitability | Budget-conscious users |
Quietness Level | Low noise |
The Tower T19003 is compact, budget-friendly and quiet with minimal vibration in operation. If you're looking for a straightforward electric carving knife for cooked meat and soft bread—and willing to overlook some exaggerated marketing—it offers decent value.
Best for: Simple carving tasks for older users desiring ease of use
The Judge JEA76 prioritizes simplicity above all else. With a 150W motor, stainless steel blades, and one-button operation including blade ejection, it's designed for users who want straightforward carving without complexity. The comfort grip handle with thumb tip control makes it particularly suitable for older users.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 150W |
Blades Included | 1 (stainless steel) |
Power Type | Mains-powered only |
Handle Design | Comfort grip with thumb tip control |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades |
Safety Features | Over-18 safety interlock |
Warranty | 2 years |
Best Food Types | Cooked meats, bread |
User Suitability | Older users and novices |
Quietness Level | Moderate |
While the Judge isn't built for the long haul, it is affordable, very simple and comfortable to use, as well as reasonably quiet. The one-button operation makes it ideal for an older person for whom simplicity in use and cleaning is the main consideration.
Best for: Left- and right-handed users wanting premium performance
The Princess 492952 stands out with its 180W motor and four high-quality blade sets—two for frozen food, two for softer products. The ergonomic rotating handle makes it genuinely comfortable for both left- and right-handed users, a rarity in electric carving knives. The included storage station keeps everything organized.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 180W |
Blades Included | 4 (high-quality steel) |
Power Type | Mains-powered; 1m cord |
Handle Design | Rotating ergonomic |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades |
Safety Features | Safety switch; finger guards |
Warranty | 2 years |
Best Food Types | Frozen foods, bread, cakes |
User Suitability | Ambidextrous premium users |
Left-Handed Comfort | High |
Quietness Level | Moderate |
The Princess 2952 may look like a miniature chainsaw, which probably contributes to its robust cutting performance alongside the powerful motor. While it's more complicated to use than simpler models and sits at the premium end of the price range, these factors reflect its superior quality. The removable cord is purely for storage—this is mains-operated only. Right-handed users might struggle to justify the higher price, but left-handed users may find the rotating handle the most comfortable available.
Best for: Users seeking reliable brand performance with good value
The Russell Hobbs 13892 features a 120W motor with a 203mm serrated stainless steel blade. The comfort grip handle with thumb tip control makes operation straightforward, while the easy wrap cord storage keeps kitchen cupboards tidy. Convenient power and blade release buttons add to the user-friendly design.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 120W |
Blades Included | 1 (stainless steel, 203mm) |
Power Type | Mains-powered with easy wrap storage |
Handle Design | Comfort grip with thumb tip control |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades |
Safety Features | Power and blade release buttons |
Warranty | 2 years (via registration) |
Best Food Types | Joints of meat, general carving |
User Suitability | Brand-conscious home users |
Quietness Level | Moderate |
The VonShef Electric Carving Knife offers the best combination of power, versatility, and value for most users. With its 150W motor, dual blades, and included storage case, it handles everything from Sunday roasts to daily bread slicing. The Princess 492952 offers superior performance with its four blade sets and ambidextrous design, but the premium price is primarily justified for left-handed users. For those prioritizing simplicity, the Judge JEA76 and Tower T19003 remain solid choices despite their limitations.
We were actually quite surprised to find how many good electric slicers there were on the UK market and it was more difficult than we'd expected to whittle down the options to just five, however, we've managed to do so and here is our list of recommendations, again based on performance, reliability and overall value.
Best for: Home users desiring deli-style slices of meats and breads
The Andrew James Electric Food Slicer delivers deli-quality results at home with its 150W quiet motor and three specialized 19cm stainless steel blades for bread, meat, and universal use. The adjustable slice thickness from 1–15mm with safety carriage and non-slip stabilizing feet ensure secure, consistent operation.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 150W |
Blades Included | 3 (stainless steel, 19cm) |
Power Type | Mains-powered only |
Slice Thickness Range | 1–15mm |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades |
Safety Features | Food press with finger protection; non-slip feet |
Warranty | 2 years |
Operation Modes | Intermittent/continuous |
Best Food Types | Cold meats, cheese, bread, vegetables |
User Suitability | Home delis and roast enthusiasts |
Quietness Level | Low noise |
The Andrew James has been designed to be a somewhat smaller version of the electric slicers you see in food shops. It runs more quietly than expected and the blade guard with spikes helps keep food in place during slicing. The three specialized blades ensure optimal results across different food types.
Best for: Users seeking versatile slicing of meats, breads, and cheeses
The Cooks Professional Food Slicer Machine features a 150W motor with three 19cm stainless steel blade types (straight, serrated, and wave). Adjustable thickness control from 1–15mm accommodates various slicing needs, while the choice of constant or intermittent operation modes adds flexibility. The safety handguard and end-piece holder provide protection during use.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 150W |
Blades Included | 3 (straight, serrated, wave, 19cm) |
Power Type | Mains-powered only |
Slice Thickness Range | 1–15mm |
Dishwasher Safe | Blades |
Safety Features | End-piece holder; suction feet |
Warranty | 30 days return; manufacturer terms |
Operation Modes | Continuous/intermittent |
Best Food Types | Meat, cheese, soft bread, vegetables |
User Suitability | Kitchen enthusiasts wanting multi-use slicer |
Quietness Level | Moderate |
The Cooks electric slicer is one of the more affordable options and performs best with food that's compact and slightly moist—fresh meat, cheese, and softer bread rather than frozen or dry items. The suction feet provide good grip during operation.
Best for: Users wanting premium ease-of-cleaning and versatile home slicing
The Kitchener MS-106215 Electric Food Slicer features a 150W motor with a removable 8⅝" stainless steel blade that cuts deli-thin to 5/8" (19mm) slices with precision. The compact design with die-cast aluminum housing delivers premium build quality, while the easy disassembly makes thorough cleaning straightforward.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 150W |
Blades Included | 1 (stainless steel, 8⅝") |
Power Type | Mains-powered only |
Slice Thickness Range | Up to 19mm |
Dishwasher Safe | Food carriage only |
Safety Features | Finger protector carriage; suction base |
Warranty | Not specified |
Operation Modes | Single-mode |
Best Food Types | Meat, cheese, vegetables |
User Suitability | Home users wanting easy cleaning |
Quietness Level | Low noise |
The Kitchener really looks and feels like a premium model and copes very well with both fresh and cooked food including fruit and vegetables (manufacturer guidance advises avoiding frozen food). Out of all the electric slicers reviewed, this was one of the easiest to take apart for cleaning and reassemble. The food pusher with teeth provides excellent control and finger protection.
Best for: Premium slicing with eco-efficient German engineering
The ritter 515021 Electric Food Slicer represents the premium end of the market with its 65W eco motor that delivers high performance with exceptional energy efficiency. The 17cm serrated electropolished stainless steel blade handles a 1–20mm thickness range, while the detachable carriage and food tray enhance convenience. German build quality ensures exceptionally quiet operation.
Pros:
Cons:
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Motor Power | 65W (eco motor) |
Blades Included | 1 (electropolished stainless steel, 17cm) |
Power Type | Mains-powered only |
Slice Thickness Range | 1–20mm |
Dishwasher Safe | Carriage and tray |
Safety Features | Continuous/intermittent switch; food holder spikes |
Warranty | German manufacturer warranty |
Operation Modes | Continuous/intermittent |
Best Food Types | Bread, cold cuts, cheese, vegetables |
User Suitability | Eco-conscious premium users |
Quietness Level | Very quiet |
The ritter electric slicer is the most premium option available, delivering excellent performance from its 65W eco motor. Despite the lower wattage, it performs at least as well as 150W motors in other slicers and operates exceptionally quietly. The serrated blade works well on all kinds of food and can produce slices between 1mm and 2cm in thickness. The detachable carriage and food tray are genuinely handy conveniences. Rubber feet in the base improve stability, and the food holder with spikes provides extra grip and safety.
The Andrew James Electric Food Slicer offers the best combination of performance, features, and value for most home users. With three specialized blades, quiet operation, and adjustable thickness from 1–15mm, it delivers deli-quality results without the premium price tag. The ritter 515021 objectively offers the finest performance with its eco motor and German engineering, followed by the Kitchener's premium build and easy cleaning, but both command significantly higher prices. The Cooks Professional isn't intended for heavy-duty work, but if you mainly want an electric slicer for meat, cheese, and soft bread, it provides good budget-friendly performance.