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Review of the Gourmet ES Semi Automatic Meat Slicers

Review of the Gourmet ES Semi Automatic Meat Slicers

Designed for ease, efficiency and accuracy in slicing and cutting cold cuts and cured meats of all kinds, the Gourmet ES Series Semi Automatic meat slicers are our go-to slicers here at Consiglio’s - but what are they really made of? Having owned and extensively used these slicers, we bring our experience and expertise to the forefront, and take a close look at the powerful Gourmet ES semi automatic slicers.

Strapped for time? Click here to jump directly to our Pros vs. Cons. Summary!

Years ago, I worked at a shop that offered a small deli off to the side. This deli, however, catered to a community that had a deeply rooted love, not for your typical deli fare such as salami, proscuitto, or even roast beef - no, the community I worked within loved salted ham loaf and bologna with a passion that might seem unreal to those who have never had the pleasure of visiting Canada’s (far) east coast. Running the slicer behind this small deli counter, rapidly slinging inch thick slabs of ham loaf and bologna shaved so thin you could (almost) read through it (on a good day), I quickly learned that a sharp blade and steady carriage is the difference between a beautiful deli slice and a chunky, half-shredded bologna massacre.

Though it’s been years since I’ve last set foot behind a deli counter, I’m fortunate enough to still work with meat slicers, prep equipment and food machinery, albeit in a (very) different context. When given the chance to work with the 195-300ES Slicers for a possible review article, I jumped at the chance.

Gourmet ES Series Semi Automatic Meat Slicers - The Specs

At their core, the Gourmet ES Slicers are professional-caliber meat slicers scaled down for varying levels of home use. Made of heavy duty hardened anodized aluminum, the Gourmet ES line offers four models (195ES, 220ES, 250ES and 300ES), with the slicers ranging in blade size from 7 inches to 12 inches, getting progressively more powerful as they get larger. 

Model

Blade Size

HP

Weight

195ES

7in (17.7cm)

0.2hp

28lbs

220ES

8.6in (21.8 cm)

0.25hp

35lbs

250ES

10in (25.4 cm)

0.25hp

45lbs

300ES

12in (30.5 cm)

0.33hp

57lbs

All four models of Gourmet ES Slicers operate at 300 rpm, are belt-driven, offer a permanently lubricated carriage, and feature a removable carriage and blade for easy, thorough cleaning. The hardened stainless steel blades are designed to hold their edge and stay sharp, and the units all come with built-in sharpeners for easy upkeep. The 195ES220ES, 250ES and 300ES all feature both a ring guard and hand guard to ensure safe operation.

The Breakdown - Pros vs. Cons

Pros - What makes these slicers some of the best available?

The biggest strength of these slicers comes in their accuracy, with the adjustment knob able to accommodate both large and fine adjustments in slicing thickness. Want to slice capicola or prosciutto so thin it's almost transparent to achieve that authentic “melt in your mouth” texture? These slicers have got you covered! While most meat slicers available for the home market struggle to achieve anything below a 2mm thickness, these Gourmet ES Slicers can execute even, paper-thin shaved slices.

Prefer thicker cuts for salami or soppressata? A simple adjustment of the thickness knob on these units have got you covered. While any meat slicer worth its weight should be able to accommodate both thick and thin slices, what sets these slicers apart for us is their ability to hold fine tune adjustments - many competing lines will feature a clunky adjustment between general thickness settings, while the Gourmet ES Slicers can hold even tiny adjustments easily.

With a belt-driven motor and lubricated carriage, the Gourmet ES Slicers are surprisingly quiet and smooth to operate - features similar to the commercial-grade slicer I used to work with.

Coming with a replacement belt and built-in sharpener, the Gourmet ES Slicers are built to be long-lasting and easy to maintain yourself. The easily removable carriage and blade are great features for thorough cleaning - though standard cleaning can accomplished by wiping the blade down with a cloth after use, periodically removing the blade for a thorough cleaning is both fast and easy.

Cons - Important things to consider

The biggest set-back about these machines? Their heavy-duty construction makes them heavy - a quick look at the spec chart above shows the largest 300ES slicer coming in at over 50lbs! This can, quite obviously, be an obstacle for some users. Those being mindful of weight can consider the smaller 195ES and 220ES (coming in at 28 and 35lbs respectively) though the trade-off of the smaller blade size means losing the ability to work with whole prosciutto legs, which typically require a 10-12” blade. If lifting and moving the larger slicers are a potential concern, I recommend delegating a counter space or work space specifically for these slicers.

The other real downside to these slicers is that their straight-edged blade is not recommended for slicing cheese, which typically requires a serrated blade to avoid having cheese bunch and stick during the slicing process. While the Gourmet ES slicers are excellent for cold cuts, cured meats and deli slices, if you are looking for a slicer that can work with cheeses, this line is sadly not for you.

Pros vs. Cons (Summary)

Pros

Cons

  • Ability to produce paper-thin slices.

  • Fine adjustment knob provides greater versatility in thickness options, and holds fine-tune adjustments better than competing lines.

  • Belt driven motor provides quiet operation.

  • Lubricated carriage makes for smooth, easy slicing - much like commercial slicers.

  • Replacement belt and built in sharpener are great for DIY upkeep and maintenance.

  • Blade easily removed for cleaning.

  • Heavy-duty construction makes gives these slicers some serious weight - making them difficult to move for some. Assistance in lifting the slicer or assigning a designated counter space or work area may be necessary for some users, especially for the 250ES and 300ES slicers.

  • Smaller 195ES and 200ES are lighter and easier to maneuver, however their 7 and 8.6 inch blade sizes lose the ability to work with whole prosciutto legs.

  • Straight-edged blade not recommended for slicing cheese, which typically requires a serrated blade.

 

Conclusion - The Verdict

With a 2 year warranty, easy do-it-yourself maintenance and cleaning, and operating more akin of commercial meat slicers than what you find with typical home-use machines, you’d be hard pressed to find a line that can compete with the Gourmet ES Slicers - their ability to produce even, super-fine slices puts them well above other lines available. That said, if you are considering these premier slicers be mindful of their size - their serious quality comes with some serious heft.

 

Previous article The Incredible Slicing Capability of the Gourmet ES Meat Slicers

Comments

Arlene Bailey - September 17, 2018

Which of your slicers would be ideal for the slicing eye of round beef into thin strips for jerky making? I need it for the sole purpose of cutting beef.

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