6 Best Mandolins for Every Musician

If you’re a musician looking to explore the rich, vibrant sounds of the mandolin, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll introduce you to six of the best mandolins available today, catering to various skill levels and musical styles. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these selections will help you find the perfect instrument to enhance your playing experience. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect mandolin for you!

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1

Benriner Mandoline Slicer with 4 Blades

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9.1
Highly recommended
The Benriner Mandoline Slicer impresses with its sharp, durable Japanese stainless steel blades and versatile slicing options, making it perfect for precise cuts of various vegetables. While it offers great quality and easy cleaning, be mindful of the finger guard’s limitations and the julienne attachment’s performance with harder produce.
Pros
  • Sharp and durable Japanese stainless steel blades
  • Adjustable slicing thickness for precision cuts
  • Easy to clean with removable, dishwasher-safe parts
  • Lightweight and compact design for easy storage
  • Comes with a safety guard to protect fingers
  • Versatile for various vegetables and consistent results
  • High-quality construction that lasts over time
Cons
  • The finger guard can be inadequate, leading to safety concerns
  • The julienne attachment may not perform well with harder vegetables

The Benriner Mandoline Slicer is your new kitchen best friend, expertly crafted from Japanese stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. It features four interchangeable blades that allow you to create everything from perfectly sliced veggies for stir-fries to thinly cut potatoes for chips, all while ensuring even cooking and stunning presentation. With its comfortable handle, non-skid rubber base, and safety guard, you can slice confidently without worrying about finger safety or wasted produce.

Designed for both efficiency and ease of use, this mandoline measures 12.75 x 3.625 inches, making it compact yet versatile enough for all your slicing needs. The easy-turn dial lets you adjust the thickness from 0.5 to 8 millimeters, ensuring precision in every cut. Plus, it disassembles for effortless cleaning and is dishwasher safe, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, the Benriner Mandoline Slicer is a must-have for elevating your culinary creations!

Versatile Cutting Precision
  • Handcrafted Japanese stainless steel blades
  • Four interchangeable blades for versatile slicing
  • Adjustable thickness from 0.5 to 8 millimeters
  • Safety guard for finger protection
  • Non-skid rubber base for stability
  • Easy to clean and dishwasher safe

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2

Prepworks Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline, Green

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8.9
Highly recommended!
The Prepworks by Progressive Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline is a versatile kitchen tool that makes slicing fruits and vegetables a breeze with its adjustable thickness settings and sharp blade. While it offers excellent value and easy cleaning, be mindful of the safety guard, as it may not grip food securely, so always handle with care!
Pluses
  • Extremely sharp blade for efficient slicing
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Multiple thickness settings for versatility
  • Easy to clean and store
  • Quick and uniform slicing results
  • Good value for the price
  • Designed with a safety feature to cover the blade when not in use
Drawbacks
  • The safety guard may not grip food securely, leading to uneven slicing
  • The blade is extremely sharp, which increases the risk of accidental cuts

Experience the joy of effortless meal prep with the Prepworks by Progressive Adjust-A-Slice Mandoline in vibrant green. This handy kitchen gadget allows you to achieve perfectly even slices of your favorite fruits and vegetables, from zucchini to apples, with just a simple adjustment of the slicing knob. With three thickness settings and a stable, non-skid base, you can slice efficiently, whether you’re preparing a fresh salad or garnishing a delicious dish.

Designed with safety in mind, this mandoline comes with a finger guard to protect your hands while you slice, although users do recommend using it with care due to the sharp blade. Lightweight and easy to clean, this slicer is dishwasher safe, making it a practical addition to your kitchen. Say goodbye to uneven cuts and hello to a fun, efficient cooking experience!

Versatile Slicing Made Easy
  • Adjustable thickness settings (thin, medium, thick)
  • Angled blade for efficient slicing
  • Non-skid base for stability
  • Ridges for use over bowls
  • Easy to clean (dishwasher safe)
  • Versatile for various fruits and vegetables

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3

OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer

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8.9
Efficient slicing tool
The OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer is a compact and user-friendly tool that makes slicing a breeze, thanks to its adjustable thickness settings and stable design. While it excels in efficiency and easy cleaning, keep in mind that it may not accommodate larger vegetables or provide thicker slices for every preference.
Benefits
  • Compact and easy to store
  • Simple to clean after use
  • Sharp blades for quick and efficient slicing
  • Adjustable thickness for versatile cutting
  • Stable design for safe operation
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • User-friendly safety grip included
CONS
  • Slices may be too thin for some users’ preferences
  • The slicer might be too narrow for larger vegetables

The OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer is your new kitchen companion, perfect for creating uniformly sliced vegetables with ease. With adjustable settings for three different thicknesses, you can customize your slices whether you’re prepping for a salad or a gourmet dish. The convenient design allows you to slice directly onto a plate, cutting board, or over a bowl, making clean-up a breeze.

Built with a non-slip handle, knob, and foot, this slicer provides stability and control, allowing you to slice effortlessly. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so you can spend more time enjoying your meals and less time on tedious clean-up. Just remember to use the safety gripper to protect your fingers, and you’ll be on your way to perfectly sliced fruits and veggies in no time!

Precision Cutting Made Easy
  • Adjustable for slices in 3 thicknesses
  • Clear window to view slices
  • Versatile slicing options (directly onto plate, cutting board, or bowl)
  • Non-slip handle, knob, and foot for stability
  • Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

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4

ONCE FOR ALL Adjustable Mandoline Slicer

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8.9
Highly recommended!
The ONCE FOR ALL Upgrade Safe Mandoline Slicer Plus is a fantastic kitchen tool that makes slicing and dicing a breeze with its versatile cutting modes and safety features. Its easy-to-clean design and sturdy construction make it a reliable addition to your culinary arsenal, although you might need a little practice to master all its settings.
Pluses
  • Safe to use with minimal risk of cuts
  • Easy to adjust for different slicing thicknesses
  • Sturdy construction and stable on countertops
  • Quick and efficient vegetable slicing and dicing
  • Easy to clean and disassemble
  • Compact design for easy storage
  • Versatile for various vegetable types and cuts
Cons
  • Non-replaceable blade may dull over time
  • Learning curve for dicing and settings can be a bit challenging

The ONCE FOR ALL Upgrade Safe Mandoline Slicer Plus is your new kitchen companion, designed to make food prep a breeze! With a larger feeding port and adjustable thickness options, you can effortlessly slice, julienne, or dice a variety of vegetables, from potatoes to cucumbers, all without the hassle of changing blades. Safety is paramount, as the sharp hidden blade ensures you can chop away without worrying about cuts or scrapes.

Not only is this slicer efficient, but it’s also easy to clean and store thanks to its collapsible design. You’ll love the included brush for quick clean-ups, making it a perfect addition to any kitchen. Ideal as a gift or a personal upgrade, this mandoline is sturdy, versatile, and designed for those who want to enjoy cooking without the fuss!

Versatile Slicing Made Easy
  • Safety Design: Features a sharp hidden blade for fast and uniform slicing without the need for gloves or blade changes
  • Larger Capacity: Equipped with a larger feeding port and container for processing more food at once
  • Versatile Cutting Modes: Offers four cutting modes (julienne, matchstick, slicing, dicing) with adjustable thickness (0.1-8mm)
  • Easy to Clean: Collapsible design for simple cleaning, includes a small brush for residue removal
  • High-Quality Materials: Made from 420 stainless steel, ensuring safety and durability
  • Warranty Assurance: Comes with a 24-month warranty for customer peace of mind

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5

Vangoa A Style Acoustic Electric Mandolin

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8.7
Highly recommended
The Vangoa Mandolin A Style Acoustic Electric Mandolin is a fantastic choice for beginners, offering great sound quality and an attractive vintage red sunburst finish at an excellent value. With essential accessories included and a well-built design, you’ll find it easy to play and perfect for exploring various music styles, though keep in mind that initial setup might require a bit of patience.
Benefits
  • Great value for the price
  • Attractive vintage red sunburst design
  • Comes with essential accessories (gig bag, tuner, extra strings)
  • Good sound quality, both amplified and acoustic
  • Well-built with better-than-expected fit and finish
  • Suitable for beginners and those looking to try out the mandolin
  • Easy to play with reasonable action
Cons
  • Not ideal for professional use
  • Initial setup may be challenging for beginners

The Vangoa Mandolin A Style Acoustic Electric Mandolin is a beautifully crafted instrument featuring a vintage red sunburst finish that catches the eye. Made from quality mahogany, it delivers a warm and bright sound, perfect for a variety of musical styles, whether you’re strumming along to bluegrass or adding a unique touch to rock and country tunes. Its right-handed design, along with chrome-plated closed gear tuners, ensures that you’ll stay in tune as you play.

Perfect for beginners and adults alike, this mandolin comes with everything you need to get started, including guitar picks, a digital clip-on tuner, extra strings, a strap, and a padded gig bag. With a one-year warranty for added peace of mind, you can confidently dive into your musical journey. Many users praise its impressive sound quality and overall value, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the world of mandolin playing.

Versatile Sound, Exceptional Craftsmanship
  • 8-string traditional A-style design suitable for various music styles
  • Mahogany body and solid wood bridge for enhanced sound quality
  • Chrome plated closed gear tuners for easy tuning and string adjustments
  • Comes with essential accessories for beginners, including picks, tuner, and gig bag
  • Attractive glossy red sunburst finish for a vintage look
  • One-year warranty for added peace of mind and protection against defects

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6

Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Slicer with Gloves

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8.4
Versatile and efficient
The Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Food Slicer is a versatile kitchen tool that offers adjustable slicing thickness and multiple cutting modes, making it perfect for a variety of fruits and vegetables. While it has some cleaning challenges and a tricky vegetable holder, its sturdy stainless steel design and included cut-resistant gloves make it a safe and efficient choice for your food prep needs.
Advantages
  • Adjustable slicing thickness (0-9mm) for versatility
  • Includes cut-resistant gloves for safety
  • Dual settings for julienne cutting
  • Easy to clean and store
  • Sturdy construction compared to plastic alternatives
  • Provides consistent and fast slicing results
  • Effective for a variety of vegetables, including softer and firmer types
Drawbacks
  • A bit challenging to clean thoroughly
  • The vegetable holder may be difficult to use effectively

The Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Food Slicer is your new best friend in the kitchen! With its adjustable blade, you can effortlessly slice a variety of fruits and vegetables to your preferred thickness, ranging from paper-thin to a hearty 9mm. Plus, the included cut-resistant gloves and convenient dial for switching between slicing and julienne modes ensure that you can prepare your meals safely and efficiently.

Made from durable stainless steel, this mandoline is not only built to last but is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Whether you’re tackling potatoes, tomatoes, or onions, you’ll appreciate how quickly and consistently it gets the job done. Just remember to respect the sharp blades and keep that glove on while you slice away!

Slice with Precision and Safety
  • Adjustable blade for versatile slicing options
  • Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
  • Multiple cutting modes (slicing, dicing, julienne)
  • Includes cut-resistant gloves for safety
  • Suitable for various fruits and vegetables
  • Durable stainless steel construction

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Your Mandolin Questions Answered

What are some common maintenance tips for keeping a mandolin in good condition?

Keeping your mandolin in good condition requires some regular maintenance. Here are some common tips to help you out:

  1. Clean Regularly: After each use, wipe down the strings and body with a dry cloth to remove sweat and oils. This helps prevent corrosion and keeps your mandolin looking nice.
  2. Change Strings: Depending on how often you play, change your strings regularly. Fresh strings not only sound better but also reduce the risk of breakage.
  3. Check the Setup: Over time, you may need to adjust the action (the height of the strings above the fretboard) and intonation (the tuning accuracy across the fretboard). If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider taking it to a professional.
  4. Humidity Control: Keep your mandolin in a stable environment. Wood can warp or crack with extreme changes in humidity. Ideally, maintain a humidity level between 40-60%.
  5. Store Properly: When not in use, store your mandolin in a case to protect it from dust and accidental damage. A hard case is particularly good for protection.
  6. Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t leave your mandolin in places with extreme heat or cold, like a car. Sudden temperature changes can damage the wood and the finish.
  7. Inspect for Damage: Regularly check for any cracks, loose parts, or other damage. Catching these issues early can save you from more extensive repairs later.

By following these tips, you’ll help ensure your mandolin stays in great shape for years to come!

How can beginners effectively learn to play the mandolin?

Learning to play the mandolin can be a rewarding experience, and as a beginner, you can follow several effective steps to get started:

  1. Choose the Right Mandolin: Ensure you have a quality mandolin that suits your budget and comfort level. An A-style or F-style mandolin are common choices for beginners.
  2. Familiarize Yourself with the Instrument: Get to know the parts of the mandolin (body, neck, strings, etc.) and learn how to hold it properly. This will help you play more comfortably.
  3. Learn Basic Techniques: Start with basic strumming and picking techniques. Practice holding a pick and plucking the strings to get a feel for the instrument.
  4. Start with Simple Chords: Learn a few basic chords such as G, C, and D. These are the building blocks for many songs and will help you play along with others.
  5. Practice Regularly: Set aside time each day to practice. Consistent practice, even if it’s just for 15-30 minutes, will help you improve steadily.
  6. Use Online Resources: Take advantage of online tutorials, videos, and courses specifically designed for beginners. Websites and platforms like YouTube can offer valuable visual aids.
  7. Play Along with Songs: Once you’re comfortable with chords, try playing along with your favorite songs. This makes practice more enjoyable and helps you apply what you’ve learned.
  8. Consider Lessons: If possible, consider taking lessons from a qualified instructor. Personalized guidance can help you progress more quickly.
  9. Join a Community: Engaging with other mandolin players, whether online or in-person, can provide support and motivation. You can share tips, ask questions, and make new friends.
  10. Be Patient and Have Fun: Remember that learning an instrument takes time, so be patient with yourself. Enjoy the process and celebrate your progress along the way!

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient mandolin player. Happy strumming!

11 Comments
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  1. I’ve been using the Vangoa A Style Acoustic Electric Mandolin for a while now, and I absolutely love it! The sound quality is fantastic, and it’s super easy to play. If you’re looking for something beginner-friendly that still sounds great, this one’s a winner!

  2. I love the idea of the ONCE FOR ALL Adjustable Mandoline Slicer! But can anyone give me more details on how easy it is to clean? I hate when kitchen gadgets are a pain to maintain!

    • Great question! The ONCE FOR ALL is designed for easy cleanup. Most parts are removable and dishwasher safe, making it a breeze to keep clean after slicing away!

  3. Does anyone have experience with the OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer? I’m looking for something compact but effective for quick prep work. Would love to hear some personal stories!

  4. I think the Benriner Mandoline Slicer is a game-changer in the kitchen! I used it to prep veggies for a stir-fry last week, and the slices were so even and quick. If you’re a home cook, you need this in your arsenal!

  5. You should totally check out the Zyliss Classic Mandoline Slicer too! I’ve been using it for years, and it’s super reliable. Just thought it might be a good addition to this list!

  6. Does anyone have a favorite recipe they use with these slicers? I’m looking for some new ideas to try out in the kitchen with my mandoline!

    • That’s awesome! I’d love to hear some recipe ideas too! Mandolines are perfect for making things like homemade potato chips or vegetable salads. Let’s get some inspiration flowing!

  7. Out of all these, I gotta say the Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Slicer with Gloves is my favorite! The gloves are such a smart addition; I always worry about cutting myself while slicing. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to use!

    • Great choice! The gloves do add an extra layer of safety, which is so important when using a mandoline. Glad to hear you appreciate that feature!

  8. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Vangoa! It really does offer great sound and playability, especially for beginners. Glad to hear you’re enjoying it!

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