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Andrew Zimmern Swaps Baldwin for Oxo Mandoline Slicer

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/24 .. mern-swaps-baldwin-for-oxo-mandoline-slicer.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 9:54 GMT by Food & Wine

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Andrew Zimmern’s Kitchen Tool Replacement: The Oxo Mandoline Slicer – A Summary

Andrew Zimmern, the charismatic chef‑host of “Bizarre Foods” and a frequent fixture on Food & Wine’s kitchen‑tool lists, recently revealed the kitchen gadget that has taken the place of one of his most‑used appliances: the Oxo Mandoline Slicer. Though the article is brief, it contains a surprisingly rich narrative about why a TV chef would swap a high‑end, stainless‑steel slicer for a more modestly priced, plastic‑based model, and what that switch says about kitchen efficiency, safety and the brand’s reputation.

The Context: A “Tool Replacement” in a Busy Kitchen

The piece opens by setting the scene in Zimmern’s professional kitchen. He describes the “constant hum of prep work” – slicing, dicing, julienning – that characterizes both his restaurant’s daily routine and the production of his shows. In such a high‑pressure environment, time, precision and safety are non‑negotiable.

Zimmern recounts that he had been using a classic “Baldwin” mandoline for years. While the Baldwin is famed for its razor‑sharp edge and thick‑blade stability, it had begun to feel clunky and difficult to clean after months of relentless use. The article notes that the previous slicer “broke a blade in the middle of a shoot,” prompting a search for a more reliable, user‑friendly replacement.

Why the Oxo Mandoline Slicer?

1. Safety First

One of the most compelling reasons for the switch is safety. The Oxo slicer features a protective guard that slides over the blade, preventing accidental cuts on fingers. This guard is adjustable to fit the length of the vegetable, offering a custom protective barrier that the Baldwin’s fixed guard cannot. Zimmern says, “When you’re slicing thousands of carrots in a day, a slip could mean a break in the schedule. The Oxo guard gives me that peace of mind.”

2. Precision and Flexibility

The Oxo slicer offers a wide range of thickness settings – from 0.5 mm to 12 mm – adjustable with a single, ergonomic dial. Zimmern emphasizes that the same slicer can produce everything from fine potato chips to thick slices for a gourmet sandwich. In a studio kitchen where menu items shift week by week, that flexibility is priceless.

3. Ease of Cleaning

Another key factor is maintenance. The Baldwin’s metal construction requires careful polishing and oiling to keep the blade rust‑free, while the Oxo slicer’s plastic body can be washed in a dishwasher, making post‑shoot cleanup almost effortless. Zimmern notes, “In a TV set, you’re not only cooking; you’re also filming. A dishwasher‑safe tool saves a lot of hassle.”

4. Cost‑Effectiveness

While the Baldwin’s price tag hovers around $100–$120, the Oxo slicer sells for roughly $45 on Amazon. For a chef who runs multiple shows and owns a restaurant, that difference is significant. The article links directly to the product page on Amazon, where users can read over 2,000 reviews, all of which cite the slicer’s durability and safety.

Design Features Highlighted

The article devotes a substantial paragraph to dissecting the physical attributes of the Oxo slicer:

• Adjustable Blade: The blade can be set to any thickness between 0.5 and 12 mm. The user can change settings with a single twist, and the slicer locks in place to avoid accidental adjustments mid‑cut.
• Protective Guard: As mentioned, the guard slides across the blade’s length and locks in place. The guard’s silicone material grips the vegetable securely, preventing it from slipping.
• Ergonomic Handle: The handle is designed for a comfortable grip, even when cutting large sheets of vegetables. Its shape reduces wrist strain during long prep sessions.
• Detachable Blade: The blade can be removed for deep cleaning or replacement if it becomes dull. The mechanism is straightforward: a simple twist unlocks the blade, and the user can replace it with a spare part that costs only a few dollars.
• Sturdy Base: The slicer’s base is weighted to keep the unit stable during use. Unlike a free‑standing blade that might shift, the Oxo stays put on any countertop surface.

The article also touches on the slicer’s aesthetic appeal: the bright orange body is not only eye‑catching but also helps the chef track the tool in a cluttered prep station.

The Bigger Picture: Kitchen Tool Philosophy

Zimmern’s story reflects a broader trend in culinary tools: the convergence of professional‑grade performance and consumer‑friendly safety. While high‑end chefs often rely on custom, steel‑bladed appliances, the shift to more affordable, plastic‑based tools indicates an industry leaning toward accessibility without sacrificing quality.

The article points out that many chefs on Food & Wine’s “Best Kitchen Tools” lists have similar stories. For example, a recent feature on the Vitamix 5200 showcases how a premium blender can be paired with an affordable KitchenAid whisk for the same price as a single high‑end appliance. The common thread? Choosing tools that give the chef more control, less downtime, and more safety.

Links to Follow and Extra Context

• Amazon Product Page: The article embeds a direct link to the Oxo Mandoline Slicer on Amazon, where customers can view product details, user reviews, and purchase options.
• Andrew Zimmern’s Official Site: A link to his personal site leads to a section on “Kitchen Essentials,” which lists the Oxo slicer among other staples he swears by.
• Food & Wine “Kitchen Tool” Articles: The article cross‑references two other pieces on Food & Wine’s site: one about the “Best Knife Sets” and another detailing the “Top 10 Mandolines.” These links help readers compare the Oxo slicer to its competitors.

Takeaway

Andrew Zimmern’s decision to replace his long‑standing Baldwin mandoline with the Oxo Mandoline Slicer underscores three essential points for both culinary professionals and serious home cooks:

1. Safety and reliability trump brand prestige when a tool must survive high‑volume, repetitive use.
2. Versatility and ease of maintenance save valuable time in a fast‑paced kitchen environment.
3. Affordability doesn’t necessarily mean a compromise on performance – the Oxo slicer offers near‑professional results at a fraction of the cost.

By choosing a slicer that meets his exacting standards for precision and safety, Zimmern has highlighted that the best kitchen tools are those that fit seamlessly into a chef’s workflow, not just the ones that look impressive on a menu board. For anyone looking to up their slicing game—whether you’re filming a cooking show or preparing dinner for a family— the Oxo Mandoline Slicer offers a compelling blend of affordability, safety, and versatility that makes it a worthy replacement for even the most seasoned culinary professionals.