Select a manual bread slicer for occasional use

If you'll use a bread slicer only a few times a year, a home bread slicer will do. If you'll only use a bread slicer occasionally, or if you simply don't have the capital for a more expensive automatic model, choose a commercial bread slicer that's manual. Most manual slicers are of the tabletop variety, but you can find models that can handle soft to hard bread quite well.

I recommend: ChefsFirst offers a good selection industrial, medium-duty manual bread slicers. Instawares carries a fine line of manual bread slicers, including medium- and heavy-duty commercial machines. Your Delight Appliances offers manual bread slicers for both hard and soft breads.

Choose automatic bread slicers for heavier duty

If you use a bread slicer every day, you will need an automatic electric bread slicer for industrial use. Choose a model that's compact and noted for safety. It should also be easy to clean. You may purchase either a tabletop or floor model.

I recommend: TMB Baking offers a quality collection of industrial bread slicer appliances, including compact models considered some of the safest on the market, and adjustable models that work as thick or thin bread slicers. Unisource Food Equipment Systems Inc. also carries a good line of industrial bread slicers that are either automatic or semi-automatic.

Buy used bread slicers to save money

Both manual and automatic bread slicers are available secondhand. Look for suppliers who specialize in refurbishing food equipment and who are willing to back up their products. Many companies that sell refurbished slicers will also repair your existing equipment.

I recommend: For used bread slicers, including manual and automatic slicers in tabletop or floor models, check out Independent Bakery Equipment Company. Horizon Equipment LLC also carries used, refurbished commercial bread slicers, including gravity fed, tabletop and automatic models.