A cheese slicer gives you clean, even slices that a knife struggles to match, especially on semi-soft blocks that stick and crumble. Wire slicers cut with a thin, taut wire that glides through cheese without dragging, while cheese planes shave thin ribbons off the top of a block. This guide compares the best cheese slicers and wire cutters so you can match the tool to the cheeses you love.
The best cheese slicers cut consistently, adjust for thickness, and resist sticking. Here are five reliable options.
| Rank | Product | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OXO Good Grips Wire Cheese Slicer (Replaceable Wires) | Adjustable thin-to-thick slices | View on Amazon |
| 2 | OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Cheese Slicer | Soft and sticky cheeses | View on Amazon |
| 3 | OXO Good Grips Cheese Plane & Slicer | Quick shavings and slices | View on Amazon |
| 4 | Bellemain Stainless Steel Wire Cheese Slicer | All-metal slicer with spare wires | View on Amazon |
| 5 | Progressive Cheese Slicer | Simple, colorful everyday slicer | View on Amazon |
Top Picks
1. OXO Good Grips Wire Cheese Slicer (Replaceable Wires)
A sturdy die-cast slicer whose wire glides through hard and semi-soft cheese, with a tension wheel to dial in thickness. Replaceable wires mean it keeps working for years instead of becoming landfill.
2. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Cheese Slicer
The non-stick coating helps the wire release from softer, stickier cheeses that normally gum up a plain blade. A good choice if you slice a lot of fresh mozzarella or havarti.
3. OXO Good Grips Cheese Plane & Slicer
A handheld cheese plane that shaves thin slices off a block with a simple pull, great for hard cheeses on sandwiches and boards. Compact and comfortable in the OXO Good Grips handle.
4. Bellemain Stainless Steel Wire Cheese Slicer
A single-piece zinc-alloy handheld slicer that adjusts from paper-thin to quarter-inch and ships with two extra wires. Built to glide cleanly through cheddar, gruyere, and more.
5. Progressive Cheese Slicer
An affordable handheld wire slicer in bright colors that handles everyday block cheeses with an easy pull. A practical, low-cost pick for casual cheese lovers.
Wire Slicer vs Cheese Plane
A wire slicer uses a thin wire stretched across a frame; you press it down or pull it through a block to get even slices, and many let you adjust thickness. Wires excel on semi-soft and medium cheeses because they part the cheese cleanly instead of compressing it. A cheese plane is a flat blade you drag across the top of a firm block to shave thin slices, ideal for hard cheeses on sandwiches and boards. Many cheese fans keep both: a wire slicer for blocks and a plane for shavings.
Matching the Slicer to the Cheese
- Hard cheeses (cheddar, gruyere, parmesan blocks): A wire slicer or plane both work; wires give thicker, even slabs.
- Semi-soft (havarti, gouda, mozzarella): A non-stick wire helps the slice release cleanly.
- Very soft cheeses: Skip the slicer; these are best spread or cut with a dedicated soft-cheese knife.
Why Replaceable Wires Matter
The wire is the one part that eventually wears or snaps, so a slicer that accepts replacement wires lasts far longer and saves money over buying a whole new tool. Models like the OXO replaceable-wire slicer and the Bellemain, which ships with spares, are smart long-term buys. To keep wires lasting, let the cheese come up slightly from fridge-cold so it slices with less force, and rinse the slicer promptly so residue does not harden on the wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a wire slicer instead of a knife?
A thin wire parts cheese cleanly without compressing or crumbling it, giving more even slices, especially on semi-soft blocks that stick to a knife.
How do I keep cheese from sticking to the slicer?
Let the cheese warm slightly from fridge-cold, slice with a smooth motion, and consider a non-stick model for soft, sticky cheeses. Rinse between cuts if needed.
Can I adjust slice thickness?
Many wire slicers offer adjustable thickness via a tension wheel or repositionable wire, so you can go from paper-thin shavings to thick slabs.
What do I do when the wire breaks?
Choose a slicer with replaceable wires, like the OXO replaceable-wire model or the Bellemain that includes spares, and simply swap in a new wire.
Are cheese slicers dishwasher safe?
Many are, but a quick hand rinse right after slicing protects the wire and prevents cheese residue from hardening on the frame.
Building a Better Cheese Board
The right slicer makes a cheese board look polished. Use a wire slicer for even slabs of cheddar or gouda, a plane for delicate shavings of a firm aged cheese, and reserve a small knife for soft, spreadable styles. Slicing cheese just before serving keeps it fresh and prevents the edges from drying out. Arrange a mix of thicknesses and shapes for visual interest, and let firmer cheeses sit at room temperature for fifteen to twenty minutes so they slice cleanly and taste their best. A good slicer means consistent pieces that fan out neatly on the board.
Storing Block Cheese So It Slices Well
How you store cheese affects how cleanly it slices later. Wrap block cheese in cheese paper or parchment rather than tight plastic so it can breathe without drying out or sweating. Keep it in the warmer part of the fridge, such as a dedicated drawer, and bring out only what you plan to use. Cheese that is bone-cold straight from the back of the fridge tends to crack under a wire, while slightly tempered cheese parts smoothly. Properly stored and lightly warmed, a block gives you clean, even slices with almost no crumbling.
The Bottom Line
The right cheese slicer turns a messy job into clean, even slices, whether you favor a wire slicer for blocks or a plane for shavings. Models with replaceable wires, like the OXO and Bellemain, save money and last for years. Slightly temper the cheese before slicing, rinse the tool promptly, and you will get tidy slices that elevate everything from grilled cheese to a holiday cheese board.
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