Using a commercial meat slicer to slice whole products like meats and cheeses, as well as vegetables, can bring efficiencies to kitchens when compared to manually cutting these products. Labor, whether in an independent restaurant or K-12 kitchen is at a premium and is better focused on high-value work instead. That includes menu creation, quality control and inventory management — all activities that help streamline processes and improve productivity. In the case of an independent restaurant, high-value work also helps increase profitability.
Why choose the Centerline™ by Hobart EDGE Series commercial slicers?
While investing in a slicer machine brings an upfront cost with it, there are economical options for kitchens to consider. The Centerline EDGE Series machines, for example, offer medium-duty slicing capacity for two to four hours daily, at an affordable price. The series includes four manual models (EDGE10, EDGE12, EDGE13 and EDGE14) and one automatic model (EDGE13A).
So, what are the advantages of using a commercial slicer like one of the Centerline EDGE Series machines?
Lower product costs by buying whole cuts
It is typically less expensive for kitchens to purchase whole chubs of meats and cheeses compared to prepackaged items. Whole products also last longer and help reduce waste by allowing operators to only slice what they need for that day’s production. The Centerline EDGE Series slicers (EDGE12, EDGE13, EDGE13A and EDGE14) feature a ½ H.P. motor to slice larger products with ease. The EDGE10 slicer has a 1/3 H.P. motor and is recommended for slicing two hours or less daily. This makes the Centerline EDGE Series a practical, cost-conscious commercial deli slicer choice for meat and cheese prep. That same ½ H.P. motor is also why the EDGE Series comes up as one of the best ½ HP slicers for deli cheese and other dense, cold-block products.
Uniform slices for better portion control
Commercial slicer machines provide uniform slices and allow the operator to adjust the gauge for the desired thickness of the product. These uniform slices not only are visually appealing, but they also help control portions when slicing meats and cheeses for sandwiches. That offers both cost savings and waste control. The addition of a chrome-plated carbon steel knife on the Centerline EDGE Series slicers stays sharp for consistent slicing, while the knife’s chrome plating extends its life.
Simplified inventory management
Consistent slicing also means that kitchens can better manage inventory and costs. Staff will know exactly how many chubs of meat or cheese to order to meet that week’s production needs. It also allows for the purchase of larger, less expensive chubs, which are easily secured into place by the double-sided meat grip and held by the large product tray on the Centerline EDGE Series slicers.
Faster return on investment (ROI)
In addition to these advantages, commercial slicers can often provide a quick return on investment by maximizing labor and speeding up the process of slicing meats, cheeses and vegetables. Read more about reducing the total cost of ownership of a slicer.
Fast, easy cleaning that maximizes labor
Features that simplify cleaning can also maximize labor by reducing the amount of time required to complete the job. Centerline EDGE Series slicers have a removable meat grip assembly and carriage to make cleaning and sanitizing easier. The one-piece anodized aluminum base is smooth, so it is also easier to clean, and there are fewer areas for bacteria to settle.
Built-In operator assurance features
Operators, even those new to using a commercial slicer machine, can feel confident with the operator assurance features integrated into the Centerline EDGE Series meat slicers. These include a built-in thumb guard and Gauge Plate Interlock that prevents operators from removing the gauge plate until it is fully closed and they have put the product tray in home position. This built-in gauge plate interlock is exactly what operators mean when they search for a meat slicer with gauge plate interlock protection. The No Volt Release prevents the slicer from turning back on in the event of a power loss. Note, these features are not included on the EDGE10 manual slicer.
Training and resources for the Centerline EDGE Series
To simplify training and gain a better understanding about the Centerline EDGE Series slicers, Hobart offers multiple resources:
Or visit the Centerline EDGE Series product page for more information.
About the Author
Grace Strotman is the marketing & K-12 segment manager for Hobart – Food Preparation Products. She has been with Hobart since 2020 and is responsible for marketing communications for the full line of Hobart food preparation equipment, with an added focus on the K-12 segment. See all her blogs here.
