5 Best Jerky Slicers To Make Perfect Homemade Jerky
When making homemade jerky, having the right jerky slicer is crucial. Choose from the TSM Products Jerky Cutting Board, Weston Manual Single-Support Jerky Slicer, or 2-in-1 Jerky Slicer and Tenderizer Attachment, based on your needs and preferences.
This guide will help narrow down the best jerky slicer for your home use that fits your needs. Based on our own staff’s experience, in-depth research in premium trade subscriptions, and crunching publicly available user reviews, we’ve curated the thousands of options on the market for a few that fit each typical use.
Whether you are looking for a better way to slice tried and true cuts or are trying your own exotic jerky meat brand, the jerky slicer is a must-have for pro-level jerky.
|
Best Standalone Option
|
||
|
|
|
|
Best for...:
Best Manual Option
|
Best for...:
Best Standalone Option
|
Best for...:
Best Attachment Option
|
It’s the perfect food to process at home and experiment exactly to your taste, especially with a good dehydrator. Jerky slicers make the job that much easier by helping you slice your jerky into perfect, think slices to dehydrate consistently and absorb flavorings well. All the better to make your jerky a bit less expensive by making a better product and making the most of your cuts.
The problem with jerky slicers is they’re not always easy to use and clean up after which makes them less than desirable as an investment. That’s where these jerky slicers come in! These machines will help you slice your meat into perfect thin strips without any effort at all.
Plus they’re easy to clean and compact enough to keep stored away until you’re ready to use them. They are usually more compact and specialized than large home meat slicers.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
TSM Products Jerky Cutting Board and 10-inch Slicer Knife
TSM Products Jerky Cutting Board and 10-inch Slicer Knife have a unique design for cutting thin strips of meat. It is made out of food-grade stainless steel, top rack dishwasher safe, and pre-set to cut 1/4 inch slices.
This jerky slicer will also last a long time while being easy to clean in the dishwasher. The simple adjustment for thickness makes it possible to create jerky slices with this tool that does not take up space or require any special skills!
- Create jerky slices with a simple tool that does not take up space.
- Lasts a long time.
- Easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Weston Manual Single-Support Jerky Slicer
A Weston Jerky Slicer is the perfect solution for making flavorful, healthy, and safe jerky at home. This manual slicer is made of high-quality stainless steel that can be adjusted to accommodate up to 5 inches of meat.
The Weston Manual Single-Support Jerky Slicer also features 32 blades that will slice your meat into fifteen 1/4 inch thick strips in one go!
This unit does not need electricity or batteries. Best of all, the Weston Manual Single-Support Jerky Slicer C-clamps onto any surface measuring 2 inches thick so that you can enjoy healthy jerky anytime without having to worry about expensive equipment failure.
- Stainless steel combs prevent the meat from jamming.
- No more messy work of slicing by hand.
- Fits any counter or kitchen.
2-in-1 Jerky Slicer and Tenderizer Attachment
If you’re looking for a jerky slicer that will be the envy of all your friends, this 2-in-1 Jerky Slicer and Tenderizer Attachment is perfect. This attachment gives you two different tools in one, so whether you want to slice or tenderize meat up to 1-1/4″ thick with your grinder, it’s an option.
The 2 features are easy to use and make 14 perfect jerky strips sliced and ready for the oven or dehydrator in seconds! Not only does it work great but it also has a durable powder-painted aluminum body that easily disassembles for cleanup.
All around this is one of the best jerky slicers on the market today! It does require a LEM Kitchen Grinder.
- No more manual slicing with crank or knives
- Slice and tenderize meat up to 1-1/4″ thick with your grinder.
- Makes 14 perfect jerky strips sliced and ready for the oven or dehydrator in seconds.
How To Choose the Best Jerky Slicer for Your Kitchen
Like most kitchen tools, there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a jerky slicer. The main question that you need to consider is whether you want a Manual Grinder, Guided Knife, or Grinder Attachment.
Manual Slice Jerky Slicers
These slicers require you to manually turn the crank. To use, first cut meat into 1/4 inch strips on a cutting board. Then place the strip of meat on the tray with the track and push down using your palm or forearm in a smooth and quick motion until finished.
Cleaning is super easy with these slicers. Just disassemble and either hand wash or place on the top rack of your dishwasher.
Guided Knife Attachment
The Guided Knife Attachment is exactly what it sounds like, it’s an attachment for a grinder that can slice your meats into jerky slices.
Instead of using a crank or manually slicing with knives, the meat is fed through the blade housing which makes it super easy to get all kinds of sliced meat consistency.
Grinder Attachments for Kitchen Appliances
If you have a kitchen appliance with a grinder, one of the best jerky slicers is an attachment. These are great if you already own this type of appliance because it will allow you to slice all kinds of meats into strips that are perfect for easy storage and rehydration!
But for all types of jerky slicers, you also want to think through what you are looking for. A stainless steel grinder is the ideal material. LEM Products is the name brand in this space.
Durability
The general rule of thumb for any slicer is if it’s not durable, it’s not worth your time or money. You’ll want to look for a metal body with a stainless steel blade.
Make sure the teeth are sharp and centered so that you can cut through even the toughest meat without much effort.
Ease of Cleaning
How will you be cleaning your jerky slicers? All kitchen equipment that touches raw meat has to be cleaned after each use. If you’re hand washing, pick one that is dishwasher-safe.
If you prefer automated kitchen appliances, make sure there is an easy way to dismantle the machine after each use.
Stability
You don’t want your jerky slicer to wobble all over or be too wobbly when in use, especially if you’re slicing a lot of meat.
Look for a sturdy table clamp or a machine constructed with a metal base to keep it from moving.
Ability to slice thin strips
One of the keys to making good jerky is cutting it into thin strips (or shredding the final product). This ensures that you’re able to dry all of the meat evenly and it has a uniform flavor. If you’re looking for a jerky slicer that will do this quickly, look for one with an adjustable blade.
For these types of blades, you can easily adjust the blade so that when you slice your meat it will be much thinner than if you didn’t adjust the blade beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large are the sliced jerky slices?
Typically, for jerky strips, they are around 1/4-inch thick.
What make a perfect jerky meat?
The perfect meat for jerky includes lean, thinly sliced cut of protein that doesn’t have a lot of fat. This will help it to dry evenly without becoming too chewy or tough, which you don’t want in jerky. Pork shoulder is the most popular type of meat for making homemade jerky because it’s full-fats are easy to remove after baking or cooking.
What to consider about the best manual jerky slicer?
When choosing, consider how durable it is (metal body with stainless steel blades), the ease of cleaning (dishwasher safe or easy to remove) and if you can adjust the blade to thinner cuts for faster slicing. Most manual slicers will cut slices around 1/4-inch thick.
Why should you use a meat slicer to make jerky?
A meat slicer is a really handy tool for anyone who wants to make their own jerky. A basic slicing machine can feel like a luxury, but they’re common in catering operations and we love them too! Some people prefer the texture of sliced meat and find it easier than manually cutting with knives. Using a manual slicer also makes it easy to slice thin strips of meat for even drying times and flavor or making your jerky taste just how you wanted it to be. A good quality slicer will last years without significant maintenance, so you won’t have to replace your appliance regularly either. It’s also worth pointing out that food safety is more easily managed with these types of machines as there is less chance of cross-contamination and they can be easily cleaned.
What meat should you use for homemade jerky?
The leaner meats, like beef or pork, are best for making your own homemade jerky because they dry evenly and maintain shape and tenderness well. Poultry – notably turkey – is also a common choice but we think the browned taste of beef and pork is more delicious.
What are the benefits of making homemade jerky?
Making your own jerky at home is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re using high-quality meat and controlling all of the ingredients in your finished product. You can also save money by purchasing larger cuts of meat and cutting them down to smaller strips yourself, which is great for the budget.
Can you use jerky slicers for other things?
If you do decide to buy a meat slicer, keep in mind that it’s not just limited to slicing meats like jerky. You can also use this machine for cheese, vegetables and even hard fruits like apples.
Do you use serrated blades or smooth blades for slicing jerky?
Serrated blades are often used by home cooks because they can get a thinner, more consistent cut. However, usually this is only because home cooks don’t have truly sharp knives. The best answer is to use a sharp knife that will slice through your meat evenly and consistently.
Should I use a meat slicer for jerky?
Using a meat slicer for jerky is a good idea. If you’re making a large quantity of jerky, you can even motorize the slicer so you don’t have to manually turn the handle. An Electric Meat Slicer is also a convenient tool to consider. With this tool, you simply need to adjust the dial to the desired thickness, and slicing jerky becomes effortless.
Can you use a mandoline to slice jerky?
You can use a mandoline to slice jerky, but it is crucial to exercise caution due to the extremely sharp blades that can cause cuts or scrapes. To slice jerky with a mandoline, ensure that you cut against the grain of the meat and utilize a guard to safeguard your hands from potential injuries.
What is the best thickness to cut jerky?
The best thickness to cut jerky is between 1/8″ and 1/4″, with the ideal thickness being 3/16″. As for how you prefer your jerky, please let us know.
How thick is too thick for beef jerky?
The ideal thickness for beef jerky is between 1/8 and 1/4 inch when sliced with the grain. If the roast is too thick to slice easily, it is recommended to cut it in half horizontally before slicing.
Is it better to cut jerky with or against the grain?
The question of whether it is better to cut jerky with or against the grain has a subjective answer. However, we suggest slicing against the grain as it is commonly preferred by most beef jerky consumers who enjoy a more tender texture. If you are open to experimentation, you can also try slicing the meat with the grain and then using a mallet to tenderize it.
How thick should homemade jerky be?
The homemade jerky should be around ¼” thick to ensure proper drying and preservation. To achieve this thickness, partially freeze the meat for 1.5-2 hours before slicing. For a tender jerky, slice against the grain, while slicing with the grain will result in a traditional chewier texture. It is important to avoid slicing it thinner than ¼” as it may become too dry, and slicing it thicker will make it difficult to dry and preserve as it will retain too much moisture.
How thick to slice deer jerky?
The thickness of deer jerky slices should be one-quarter of an inch in order to achieve consistent and high-quality results. Slicing the venison thinner will result in a firmer texture, while thicker slices may not fully dry during the jerky-making process.
Should I trim fat for jerky?
The answer to the question of whether you should trim fat for jerky is that it is recommended to trim and discard all fat from the meat. This is because fat can become rancid quickly. If you prefer a chewy jerky, it is advised to slice the meat with the grain. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tender and brittle jerky, it is recommended to slice the meat across the grain.
Next Steps
With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which jerky slicer is the best for you. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of 3+ meat slicers that are sure to fit your needs no matter what type of budget or lifestyle you have. With these resources at your disposal, confidently make an informed decision about how you want to enjoy this delicious snack!
