A mandoline—with an e at the end—is a kitchen tool no one should be without. The key benefits to using a mandoline are speed and uniformity in slicing, shredding and sometimes grating. Traditionally used to cut prep time to a minimum when making gratins, slaws and french fries, mandolines are tremendously versatile.

Do you really need a mandoline?

You don't need a mandoline (but they're damned handy). A mandoline is part of every working chef's toolbox. ... If you have even modest knife skills and don't do a lot of entertaining, you can do anything and everything you ever need to do in a kitchen with just a chef's knife and paring knife.

Is a mandoline slicer worth it?

Mandoline slicers are useful for getting perfectly even cuts, especially when you're trying to make them extra thin. Sure, a sharp knife will do the trick, but mandolines guarantee perfection and uniformity. They can be used for everything from potatoes for scalloped potato dishes to eggplant for parmesan or grilling.