Choose a slicer blade by the largest product you slice and how long the slicer runs each day. In common practice, 9 and 10 inch blades suit light slicing in cafes and small delis, a 12 inch blade is the general purpose size for restaurants and busy delis, and a 14 inch blade suits large cuts and long slicing sessions. Our Prepline HBS manual slicers come in all four sizes, and the number in each model tracks the blade.
Shop the equipment in this article: Prepline HBS220 9″ Blade Manual Meat Slicer, Prepline HBS250 10″ Blade Manual Meat Slicer and Prepline HBS300 12″ Blade Manual Meat Slicer. Freight is included on every order.
The four sizes side by side
From the product pages:
- HBS220, 9 in. blade: 17.7 W x 14.8 D x 13.7 H in., 28 lbs, built-in sharpener, ring guard, 110 V.
- HBS250, 10 in. blade: 21.4 W x 19.1 D x 16.4 H in., 37 lbs, built-in sharpener, ring guard, 110 V.
- HBS300, 12 in. blade: 22.7 W x 19.4 D x 17.1 H in., 53 lbs, ring guard, removable carriage, 110 V, 60 Hz, 1 phase, 250 W.
- HBS350, 14 in. blade: built-in sharpener, slices from 1/16 to 1/2 in., plugs into a standard 120 V outlet, with a dedicated circuit recommended.
All four are manual feed slicers: you push the carriage by hand. They are in our meat processing machinery category.
9 and 10 inch: light duty
The HBS220 and HBS250 are the compact choices. Their product pages say they are built for meats, soft cheeses and vegetables, not frozen product or bone. They suit a cafe slicing deli meat for sandwiches, a small deli counter, or a kitchen that slices a few items for prep. The 9 inch model has the smallest footprint, which matters on a short counter.
12 inch: the general purpose size
The HBS300 is the size many restaurants and delis choose for daily slicing. Its page says it is built for meats and soft cheeses, not frozen product or bone. At 53 lbs it is heavier and more stable than the smaller models, and the removable carriage makes cleaning easier.
14 inch: large cuts and long sessions
The HBS350 suits whole roasts, large deli logs and long slicing sessions, and it slices from 1/16 to 1/2 in. thick. Plan a dedicated 120 V circuit, and a sturdy table, because it is the largest of the four.
How to choose
Common practice for picking a size:
- Measure the largest product you slice. The blade and carriage need to handle it in one pass without forcing it.
- Estimate how many hours a day the slicer runs. Longer sessions favor a larger, heavier machine.
- Measure the counter or table. Leave room for the carriage to travel and for product and plates on each side.
- Check your outlet. All four run on a standard 110 to 120 V outlet, and the 14 inch page recommends a dedicated circuit.
Where to put the slicer
A slicer needs a level, solid surface that does not move when the carriage is pushed. A stainless work table is the usual choice; see our work tables. Keep a cutting board and pan beside it for sliced product, and keep the slicer away from the edge of the table. Our cutting boards come in many sizes for the landing area.
Cleaning and the Food Code
A slicer is a food-contact surface. The FDA Food Code says equipment food-contact surfaces used with time and temperature control for safety food must be cleaned throughout the day at least every four hours (section 4-602.11), with some exceptions for refrigerated rooms. Sliced deli meat and many cheeses fall in that group. Your local health department has the final say. Follow the manual for taking the slicer apart, keep the ring guard in place while cleaning near the blade, and unplug the slicer first. See how to clean a meat slicer safely for the steps.
Safety basics
- Train staff on the blade guard and the carriage before first use; the product pages say the same.
- Unplug the slicer and set the thickness to zero before cleaning.
- Keep hands away from the blade and move product with the carriage as the manual describes.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves for cleaning, as your kitchen’s policy requires.
What you get when you order
Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price, with liftgate service on freight orders. Powered items such as slicers have a 7 day return window, and lease-to-own financing is offered on items from 500 dollars. The Prepline slicers list a 1 year parts and labor warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What size meat slicer do I need for a deli?
A 12 inch blade is the common choice for a busy deli. A 9 or 10 inch blade suits light slicing.
Can these slicers cut frozen meat or bone?
No. The product pages say they are built for meats and soft cheeses, not frozen product or bone.
How thin can the 14 inch slicer cut?
The HBS350 lists slices from 1/16 to 1/2 in.
How often do I have to clean a slicer?
At least every four hours when it is used with time and temperature control for safety food, under Food Code section 4-602.11, unless an exception applies.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Prepline HBS220 9″ Blade Commercial Manual Meat Slicer (model HBS220)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline HBS250 10″ Blade Commercial Manual Meat Slicer (model HBS250)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline HBS300 12″ Blade Commercial Manual Meat Slicer (model HBS300)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline HBS350 14″ Blade Commercial Manual Meat Slicer (model HBS350)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.