Börner

The V3 TrendLine and V6 ExclusiveLine share the same cutting specifications; the difference is the build, as the V6 is made from higher-quality, more durable stainless steel and its Starter Set adds a safety insert to cover the blades. The V5 PowerLine is the most versatile of the three, with four thickness settings rather than the two on the V3 and V6, and it can dice without pre-cutting the vegetable by hand: you rotate the safety food holder 90 degrees before each pass. In short: V3 for the proven classic, V5 for the most cutting options, V6 for the stainless steel version built to last longest.

No. Börner recommends hand washing only. Rinse the slicer under running water after each use, avoid abrasive materials, and dry the blades thoroughly to prevent corrosion. A quick rinse straight after slicing, before anything dries on, is all it needs. Any staining from beetroot, carrot or similar can be wiped away with a little cooking oil.

Yes, and we'd treat it as essential rather than optional. It guards your fingers from a deliberately sharp blade and lets you slice produce right down to the last piece. The safety food holder works with all Börner V-Slicers including the V3, V5 and V6, and also fits the Grater, Rösti, Roko and Wave-Waffle products. Most sets include one; if you're buying a single cutter, check it's in the box.

It comes down to how many inserts and how much storage you get. A Basic set slices only, with the slice insert and safety holder. A Starter set adds the 3.5mm and 7mm knife inserts for julienne, sticks and cubes, plus a storage box. A Pro set adds further storage and a docking station that holds the whole kit together. Pick the set by how much you'll use it: Basic if you only ever want slices, Starter for the full range of cuts, Pro if you want everything stored in one unit.

Every Börner product is made in Germany, in the company's own factory in the Eifel region, where they manufacture every part including the blades themselves. Unlike many brands that design in Europe and produce elsewhere, Börner keeps the entire process, steel included, in-house.