www.sausagemaking.org

Could / would someone please enlighten me as to the difference & advantage / drawback of slicer types please folks, ..keen to learn, not much (i've found) on the difference etc..

Cheers

Anyone!?

Also, what's the opinion on both Mirra brand & electrolux branded slicers, any experience / advice here??

Large professional flatbed slicers are considered 'better' for things like bacon. I have a large gravity feed Berkel and a flatbed (even larger) Bizerba. Both are great. Although I prefer the Bizerba it needs a good service and a sharpener. Pauline prefers the Berkel and this gets the most use.

I know that Brican rates the Bizerba. Berkel have a better resale value.

Regrettably, I can help with Mirra or Electrolux.

Phil

Ok, thanks Phil, that's good to be going on with.

I'm guessing then "in essence" it comes down to the presentation (raggedyness) of a cut for a professional outfit then & less waste if you use the seemingly correct kit for your application.

just cutting for ones own sandwiches & butties then, no-one cares!?

& checking my last post, it's a Sirrman brand for the "Mirra" range, may take a punt it's near me (well you actually) & only 3 or so years old.

It goes without saying to check the blade and sharpener. Expect a discount for any missing or damaged guards etc. Parts tend to be very expensive - if it's anything like Bizerba/Berkel.

Phil

Be sure to get the price for a new blade so you know ahead of time.

Yes, that's another reason to go for something more current.
I rang Electrolux this pm, talk about skirting round directly asked questions regarding consumables was a real FFS moment after hanging on the phone with "Michael" for in excess of 10 minutes ..really disappointing.

How long should a blade be anticipated as a typical lifespan for hobby use / light commercial?
& why the stupid prices for a cutting disc? ...my stihl cutter is cheap on part by comparison.

That's disappointing.

My expectation is that the blade will outlive me!

Blimey, I've just had a look on ebay; someone's taking the wee-wee with those prices!

I'd give it a couple of weeks Gus; these things tend to go in cycles.

The asking prices can't stay so high for long. A check of completed listings shows that up to £150 is as much as the market will stand.

It's really jumpy I agree, gum tree's also crazed. ..& those prices for many dirty, spattered units, folks don't seem to get the fact that purchase cost does not equate to 're-sale value!

Nor do any sellers list even the most basic details of their goods, yet expect to achieve top dollar.

This means I've either discounted their machine through presentation or because I need to spend a good 30 mins trawling to get near some possible details of what their model "might" be.
Clueless muppetry, how do they keep their fingers!?


..probably on ice!

If time's on your side, and you're prepared to do a bit of research, there's deals out there.

I got my Berkel cheap because I realised that the ebay username of the seller related to an office supplies company. They'd picked the slicer up with a job lot of office stuff and were asking £300. I offered £150 for collection that day, and because they'd had no other bids two hours later, they let me have it. I was surprised as the auction had 5 days to run.

The moral is: "Don't be scared to make a cheeky bid"

Phil

I'd stay away from home appliance names like electrolux, a lot of their stuff is not professional quality. There are some very good Chinese slicers out there, the problem is making sure you have a good local source for support and spare parts, no matter what brand you choose.
Especially when you buy from an online source I'd first check and make sure someone in your area, country, etc can provide spare parts. A lot of the stuff online can be gray market.
For us here its quite easy to choose a mainland chinese brand. But with that means we have a local source for spare parts.
Another good brand that is prevalent here is Sirman, we have one slicer I purchased used and its a very good unit.

No to the electrolux as viable slicers, based on 30 minutes faffing (new total) still no prices & a cr@pola phone system. ..that should be warning enough to prospective purchasers, I'd have had a faster conclusion if i'd simply used the white goods forum people... lesson learnt.

Mirra / Ital ...waited but at least the lady told me to call again, smae number & ask for dave their service manager.

its not easy looking to spend some money on a slicer that will last, (perhaps you aren't meant to think far ahead in life these days!? ..for the love of all that is holy!

Bizerba were very helpful when I rang them: expensive, but helpful!

Berkel parts should also be widely available.