A food slicer – both handheld or for the worktop – is handy time-saving kitchen device used to cut foods such as meat, poultry or bread. Because these items are electric, they pose a safety risk if used incorrectly.
Food Slicer Safety
Safety First
- When buying a new food slicer, always buy from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always register a new food slicer with the manufacturer. That way you can be contacted easily if a safety recall is required. While the chances of a faulty product causing serious damage are small, the risk is still there and returning a faulty product or ordering its repair is very easy to do. To register all your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our Product Recalls checker to find out if any of your electrical items have been recalled.
- Check that your food slicer has a UK plug, but if it doesn’t, do not use a UK travel adaptor. Seek advice from the manufacturer or retailer., Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.
- Ensure your home is fully protected by an RCD (residual current device), which can generally be found in your fuse box (also known as a consumer unit). An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
- If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider installing an RCD socket or use an RCD plug, to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
- Sometimes, appliance fires are caused by something beyond your control. Smoke alarms and heat detectors are essential in keeping you safe by raising the alarm in the event of a fire. There should be a minimum of one alarm/detector per floor and fit enough to cover all areas where a fire could start, and make sure they are tested regularly.
- If a fire does start, don't try to fight the fire. Get out and call 999 immediately.
Safe use
- Always be careful to keep power cord away from the blade of the food slicer.
- Place the appliance on a firm and stable surface
- To avoid injury, never hand-feed food to be sliced
- Do not leave the Food Slicer unattended while it is running.
- Make sure item is switched off and unplugged before it is dismantled and cleaned. Ensure the appliance is dry before being used again. Do not immerse the food slicer in water for cleaning Always turn off the appliance when not in use.