After Using a Meat Slicer You Should Clean and Maintain It
Remember to take care of the tools that take care of you! Like any appliance, a meat slicer needs regular maintenance to work smoothly. This guide will give you step-by-step instructions on how to use and maintain your meat slicer.
Using a Meat Slicer
A highly recommended appliance, meat slicers can save you tons of money by slicing your own meats and cheeses the way you like.
Turn on the Slicing Machine
Plug your slicing machine into power and switch it on. At this point, the blade will start rotating pretty fast, so be careful when handling it.
Slice the Meat
Be gentle and careful when you clean the slicer. For electric slicers, push the sliding tray forward slowly. Once sliced, pull the tray towards you.
Unplug the Machine
Once cut, turn the slicer off. Be sure to dial the index knob back to zero. This way, the blade will be up against the rest of the appliance, ensuring you don’t accidentally injure yourself on the sharp blade. After using a meat slicer you should wash, rinse, and sanitize it by following the steps below.
These easy steps will keep your meat slicer in good shape and stop bacteria from growing.
After Using a Meat Slicer You Should:
Understanding how to clean a meat slicer is a key part of using it correctly. You also need to learn basic maintenance to keep it working.
Regular cleaning every day will keep your meat slicer sanitary. Follow these steps to clean your slicer:
Disassemble the Machine
Disconnect the tool from power and remove the blade, the product tray, the blade plate, the guard, and the knife sharpener (or sharpening stone). Every model may disassemble differently. Therefore, refer to the instructions in the product’s booklet.
Wipe Off All the Food Particles
Wipe away all the particles stuck on the appliance using a small brush and a scrub pad. Wipe the entire machine, including the blade, tray, etc.
Create a Cleaning Solution
Prepare one wash and one rinse bucket. The wash bucket should have soapy water rinse to clean the machine properly. This will be useful when you can’t remove the food pieces with a brush.
A simple detergent solution mixed with hot water and dish soap will do the trick.
Give It a Soapy Water Rinse
Soapy water and rinse are key to cleaning your equipment. Rinse with water all the parts that came in contact with the food. After using a meat slicer you should thoroughly wash it with soapy water, as you don’t want any bacteria to grow.
Sanitize Your Slicing Machine
Sanitizers can make disinfecting a meat slicer much easier.
Either way, the sanitizer should be in a spray bottle to easily sanitize your deli slicer. Be generous when spraying this solution.
You can also use a clean cloth and bleach for this step. Once sanitized, let the machine air dry for a few hours or pat it dry with a paper towel.
Once the slicer is clean, oil the slicer to prevent blade rust.
How to Maintain a Meat Slicer
After using a meat slicer, clean it up to keep it working well. Deep clean on a schedule, depending on the frequency of use.
Deep Maintenance for Your Meat Slicer
Beyond regular cleaning, deep maintenance is crucial for your meat slicer’s longevity and optimal performance. Here’s what to consider:
- Blade Sharpening: A dull blade can lead to uneven cuts and potential accidents. Sharpen it professionally for the best results.
- Belt Inspection: Visual Inspection: Check for wear, cracks, or signs of fraying.
- Belt Tension: Correctly tension the belt. A loose belt can cause slippage and uneven slicing.
- Replacement: Replace a damaged or worn belt with a compatible part.
- Lubrication: Food-Grade Lubricant: Use a food-grade lubricant specifically designed for food processing equipment.
- Lubrication Points: Apply lubricant to moving parts such as the carriage, blade guide, and other components that require lubrication.
- Avoid Over-Lubrication: Excess lubricant can attract dirt and debris.
- Electrical Check: Professional Inspection: Consult a technician if you’re not electrically qualified.
- Cord and Plug: Check for damage, fraying, or loose connections.
- Internal Components: Check the motor and other electrical parts for wear and tear.
- Professional Servicing: Consider professional servicing every six months to a year for a thorough inspection, cleaning, and tune-up.
Regular deep cleaning will help your meat slicer last longer and cut better. You will also safeguard your and your customers’ health.
Preventing Foodborne Illnesses
The FDA links many restaurant foodborne illness outbreaks to leftover bacteria on deli slicers.
Cleaning a meat slicer can involve many steps. Don’t let this deter you from regularly cleaning and sanitizing your meat slicer regularly to prevent such illnesses.
An important rule is not to run cooked meat through the slicer right after cutting raw meat. Bacteria from raw meat can easily spread to cooked meat, causing several foodborne illnesses.
How to Store a Deli Slicer
Lock the blade when storing your slicing machine. Disassemble and secure the blade before storing the machine.
After using a meat slicer you should also cover it to protect it from airborne dust. Store it in a dry and safe space that doesn’t see a lot of dust and activity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most important things to know about using or maintaining a meat slicer is knowing what you should not do:
- Do not put the machine in the sink: The machine was not intended to undergo any submerging. Doing so can harm the internal components, the motor, etc., with water damage.
- Do not pressure wash the slicing machine: Avoid pressure-washing your meat slicer, as the high-pressure water can damage it.
- Never use a steel wool brush: Steel wool will scratch the finish, leaving ugly scrapes.
- Neglecting Cleaning: Clean your slicer regularly to prevent bacteria and keep it working its best.
- Ignoring Blade Sharpening: A dull blade can lead to uneven cuts and accidents.
- Overloading the Slicer: Overloading can strain the motor and damage the slicer.
- Using the Wrong Cleaning Agents: Using harsh chemicals can damage the slicer’s components.
- Improper Storage: Storing the slicer in a damp environment can lead to rust and corrosion.
Other Key Tips Once You’ve Used Your Meat Slicer
We know that after using a meat slicer you should wash it with a soapy water, rinse, and sanitize it. Additional steps you can take to use your meat slicer safely:
- Wear cut-resistant gloves. Cut gloves can save a finger!
- Always keep your eye on the tool.
- Use a food pusher or tamper to push the meat towards the slicer blade instead of bare hands.
- Lock the blade when not in use.
- Don’t reach across the blade without turning it off.
- Turn off slicers whenever changing cuts/foods.
Benefits of Owning a Meat Slicer
If you need to slice a lot of meat, it may be time to buy your own slicer! Here’s why:
- Precise Slicing: Achieve consistent, even slices every time.
- Time-Saving: Quickly slice large quantities of meat.
- Cost-Effective: Buying meat in bulk and slicing it at home can save money.
- Versatile: Use it for slicing deli meats, cheeses, vegetables, and more.
- Enhanced Culinary Experience: Elevate your cooking and entertaining with perfectly sliced meats and cheeses.
Key Features to Consider
If you’ve had it with your current appliance, or are buying your first, these are some things to look for. When purchasing a meat slicer, keep these features in mind:
- Blade Size: A larger blade allows for thicker cuts and can handle larger pieces of meat.
- Blade Material: Stainless steel durable blades are easy to clean.
- Slice Thickness Adjustment: You can adjust the slicer to make thick or thin slices.
- Motor Power: A powerful motor ensures smooth and efficient slicing, especially for tougher cuts of meat.
- Safety Features: Look for features like blade guards, non-slip feet, and emergency stop buttons.
- Ease of Cleaning: A simple design and removable parts make cleaning easier.
Types of Meat Slicers
Before discussing the details of meat slicer maintenance, we should understand the different types of slicers available. Though they all work similarly, different needs create different types of meat slicers.
- Commercial Meat Slicers: Businesses use commercial meat slicers heavily, as that is their intended purpose. They are strong and last a long time. Many have advanced features like automatic blade sharpeners and adjustable slicing thickness.
- Home Use Meat Slicers: These slicers are smaller and more compact, perfect for home kitchens. Designers create home meat slicers for occasional use and easy cleaning and storage.
- Deli Slicers: Deli counters use deli-grade slicers to slice cheese, cold cuts, and other deli meats.
To Sum It All Up
After using a meat slicer you should know how to care for it properly. We hope these tips have helped you learn how to clean, maintain, and safely use your meat slicer!