Joyce Chen 12.25-in. Benriner/Asian Mandoline Plus

For fast slicing and fine juliennes (and easy cleaning), many professional chefs use this Japanese-made mandoline, consisting of a simple plastic tray that holds a razor-sharp straight blade set at an angle. To adjust the thickness of your slice, from nearly transparent to 1/8", a knob moves the front of the tray up or down. Simply stick the fruit or vegetable on the finger guard and slide it down the tray and over the blade; a perfect slice falls below. The cutter comes with three julienning blades, which produce strips ranging from hair-thin to 1/4" wide.