Cheese cut from the block has no paper between the slices, and you choose the thickness. The trouble is cutting it. A knife wanders, the first slice is thick, and the last piece of a block of Monterey Jack ends up as a wedge. A cheese slicer fixes that, whether you are making tortas for the week or setting out a board for friends.
The word covers three different tools: a flat plane, a wire slicer held in the hand, and a board with a wire or blade built in. This guide compares nine across those types, says which have independent reviews behind them and which do not, and picks the right one for each job. For cutting and serving wedges, see our guide to the best cheese knives.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which cheese slicer to buy
For most kitchens, the best cheese slicer is the Wüsthof Gourmet 4.75-inch Cheese Plane: it is America’s Test Kitchen’s winning plane, and it makes clean, even slices of block cheese. If you want a wire and a dishwasher-safe tool, choose the OXO Good Grips Wire Cheese Slicer. For stacks of matching slices, choose the Westmark Cheese Slicer with Board.
The table below compares five standout slicers. All nine are reviewed in full after it, followed by what to look for and common questions.
Five cheese slicers at a glance
One pick for each kind of cook, with the type and thickness control each maker or listing states.
| Slicer | Best for | Type | Thickness | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wüsthof Gourmet 4.75-inch Cheese PlaneBest overall
|
Even slices of firm cheese | Plane | Set by your hand | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Wire Cheese SlicerBest wire slicer
|
Dishwasher-friendly block slicing | Handheld wire | Set by the angle of your wrist | View on Amazon |
Westmark Cheese Slicer with BoardBest with a board
|
Stacks for sandwiches and tortas | Board with press-down blade | Set on the board | View on Amazon |
Zyliss Dial & Slice Cheese SlicerBest adjustable
|
The same thickness every time | Handheld, adjustable | Dial, extra thin to thick | View on Amazon |
Fox Run Marble Cheese SlicerBest for serving
|
Cheese boards and parties | Marble board with wire | Fixed | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best cheese slicer
1. Wüsthof Gourmet 4.75-inch Cheese Plane – The Independent Test Winner
This is the slicer with the strongest independent backing. America’s Test Kitchen calls the Wüsthof Gourmet 4¾-inch plane its winning cheese plane and says it “produces perfect, clean-edged, even slices of ideal thickness every time.” That is a strong statement for a simple tool: a stamped, high-carbon stainless steel blade on a polypropylene handle.
You draw it across the top of the block and the slice comes up through the slot. Wüsthof aims it at semi-hard and hard cheese, for burgers, grilled cheese and sandwiches, which covers most of what a block of cheddar or Monterey Jack gets used for. It is made in Solingen, Germany, and has a limited lifetime warranty. It is also hand wash only, and that is the main thing to accept before you buy.
Why we like it
- America’s Test Kitchen’s winning cheese plane
- High-carbon stainless steel blade
- Made in Germany
- Limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 9065055402 |
|---|---|
| Type | Cheese plane |
| Cutting edge | High-carbon stainless steel |
| Body | Polypropylene handle |
| Made for | Semi-hard and hard cheese |
| Thickness control | By hand |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits most kitchens: it is one small tool that makes thin, even slices of block cheese and fits in a drawer.
Skip it if you want the dishwasher to do the cleaning, or you mostly cut soft cheese.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong independent verdict
- Simple, with no wire to replace
- Good warranty
Cons
- Hand wash only
- For semi-hard and hard cheese
- A plane’s slices are thin, so thick cuts take practice
2. OXO Good Grips Wire Cheese Slicer – Tension Wheel, Spare Wires
A wire has one main advantage over a blade, which is that there is very little metal for the cheese to stick to. The problem is that wires loosen and snap. OXO deals with both: a tension wheel tightens the wire when it goes slack, and two spare stainless steel wires come in the package.
The body is die-cast zinc with OXO’s soft, non-slip handle. You change the thickness by changing the angle of your wrist, so there is no dial to set, and OXO rates it for medium and hard cheese. It goes in the dishwasher, which sets it apart from the Wüsthof. We found no rigorous independent test, though Chef’s Pencil includes it in its list of cheese slicers.
Why we like it
- Tension wheel tightens a loose wire
- Two extra wires included
- Die-cast zinc body
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 1071567 |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld wire |
| Cutting edge | Stainless steel wire |
| Body | Die-cast zinc with non-slip handle |
| Made for | Medium and hard cheese |
| Thickness control | Wrist angle |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Satisfaction guarantee (return for replacement or refund) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family that goes through a block of cheese each week and wants it cleaned in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you want the same thickness every time. Slices depend on your wrist.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fixes the common wire problems
- Spare wires included
- Easy care
Cons
- Thickness varies with your technique
- No rigorous independent test found
- Wires will still need replacing
3. Westmark Cheese Slicer with Board – A Solid Blade That Presses Down
This German slicer works like a small paper cutter. The cheese sits on the board and you press a solid stainless steel blade down through it. Westmark says the solid blade stays stable under pressure and does not flex or snap the way a wire can, and it lists soft and hard cheese as well as sausage, ham and vegetables.
BestReviews chose this type as its top cheese slicer, for the blade design and easy cleaning, and it reports a 5-year warranty and an aluminum handle. Its one complaint is that there is no locking mechanism, so store it with care. Westmark recommends hand washing. It takes up more room than a handheld slicer, but it is the simplest way here to make a stack of same-size slices.
Why we like it
- BestReviews’ top pick among cheese slicers
- Solid stainless steel blade
- Handles soft and hard cheese, per Westmark
- Made in Germany
Key specifications
| Model | 70002260 |
|---|---|
| Type | Board with press-down blade |
| Cutting edge | Stainless steel blade |
| Body | Board with handle |
| Made for | Soft and hard cheese, sausage, ham, vegetables |
| Thickness control | Adjustable on the board |
| Cleaning | Hand wash recommended |
| Warranty | 5 years, per BestReviews |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who slices for a crowd, or for a week of sandwiches, and wants each piece to match.
Skip it if you have little storage space, or you worry about an unlocked blade around children.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast, even stacks
- Works beyond cheese
- No wire to break
Cons
- No blade lock
- Hand wash recommended
- Takes up more space
4. Zyliss Dial & Slice Cheese Slicer – A Wheel That Sets the Thickness
Planes and wires leave the thickness to your hand. This Zyliss has an adjustable wheel that sets it for you, from extra thin to thick, and it is the only handheld here that works that way. That makes it easy to hand to someone else in the house and get the same result.
A stainless steel edge does the cutting, and the blade closes flush with the tool for storage, so it does not sit exposed in a drawer. Zyliss gives it a 5-year warranty. We found no independent test, so we cannot say how it holds up against the Wüsthof on even slicing. The listing does not state whether it is dishwasher safe.
Why we like it
- Dial sets the thickness from extra thin to thick
- Blade closes flush for storage
- Ergonomic handle
- 5-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | E900036U |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld, adjustable |
| Cutting edge | Stainless steel edge |
| Body | Ergonomic handle |
| Made for | Not stated on the listing |
| Thickness control | Dial |
| Cleaning | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household where different people slice the cheese, and anyone who wants a repeatable result.
Skip it if you want the most proven design. The Wüsthof has the independent evidence.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Repeatable thickness
- Safer drawer storage
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- No independent test found
- Care not stated
- More moving parts than a plane
5. Fox Run Marble Cheese Slicer – Slice and Serve on Marble
A marble base with a wire arm is the classic cheese-board slicer. Fox Run uses 100 percent natural marble, a stainless steel wire and rubber feet, and it includes one replacement wire. The marble stays cool to the touch, which Fox Run says helps keep cheese at a pleasant serving temperature for longer.
It also looks good enough to go straight onto the table, which is the real reason to buy one. Fox Run says the wire handles hard and soft cheese. Each piece of marble is different. It is hand wash only, and the maker says that keeps the polished surface from going dull or stained. Chef’s Pencil lists it among its cheese slicers, but we found no rigorous independent test.
Why we like it
- 100 percent natural marble base
- One replacement wire included
- Rubber feet reduce slipping
- Stays cool at the table
Key specifications
| Model | 3841COM |
|---|---|
| Type | Marble board with wire arm |
| Cutting edge | Stainless steel wire |
| Body | Natural marble |
| Made for | Hard and soft cheese |
| Thickness control | Fixed |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants to cut cheese at the table, as part of a spread.
Skip it if you need several thicknesses, or want a tool for the dishwasher.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Attractive at the table
- Cool, stable base
- Spare wire
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Heavy and fragile compared with a handheld
- No rigorous independent test found
6. BOSKA Monaco+ Cheese Slicer – Quilted Blade, One Solid Piece
BOSKA is a Dutch cheese-tool maker going back to 1896, and this plane is its take on firm block cheese. It is one solid piece with no moving parts, and a quilted non-stick pattern on the head is there to reduce resistance as the slice comes up. BOSKA rates it for cheddar through to Parmesan and gives it a 10-year warranty.
Chef’s Pencil includes the Monaco in its list, but we found no rigorous independent test of this model. BOSKA’s cheese knives already appear in our best cheese knives guide, so if you own those, this will match.
Why we like it
- One-piece stainless steel construction
- Quilted non-stick pattern
- Rated from cheddar to Parmesan
- 10-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 307085 |
|---|---|
| Type | Cheese plane |
| Cutting edge | Stainless steel |
| Body | One piece |
| Made for | Semi-hard and hard cheese |
| Thickness control | By hand |
| Cleaning | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who regularly slices very firm, aged cheese and wants a long warranty.
Skip it if you want the plane with the independent test win. That is the Wüsthof.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long warranty
- Solid build
- Designed for firm cheese
Cons
- No rigorous independent test found
- Care not stated
- Not for soft cheese
7. Prodyne Thick Beechwood Cheese Slicer – Plain Beech With a Wire
If marble feels too formal or too fragile, Prodyne makes the same idea in wood. The board is thick beechwood, about 9½ by 6 inches and ⅞ inch deep, with a replaceable stainless steel wire and rubber feet that protect a table.
The listing says very little, which is typical of a plain kitchen tool like this. Prodyne does not state cleaning instructions or say which cheeses it suits. It guarantees the board against defects in materials and manufacture. We found no independent test of this model. Treat it as you would any wooden board and keep it out of the dishwasher.
Why we like it
- Thick beechwood board
- Replaceable stainless steel wire
- Rubber feet protect tabletops
Key specifications
| Model | 805B |
|---|---|
| Type | Wood board with wire |
| Cutting edge | Stainless steel wire |
| Body | Beechwood |
| Made for | Not stated on the listing |
| Thickness control | Fixed |
| Cleaning | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | Free of defects in materials and manufacture |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a simple board slicer that doubles as a small serving board.
Skip it if you want details, since the listing offers few.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Warm, simple look
- Replaceable wire
- Protects the table
Cons
- Very little listing information
- No independent test found
- One thickness
8. Rösle Wire Cheese Slicer with Prongs – Two Wires, One Serving Fork
Rösle’s slicer is a wire tool made entirely of stainless steel, with no plastic grip. Two wires run along the sides, each fixed at a different distance from the central rod, so you flip the tool to choose between two slice thicknesses. A pronged tip lets you lift the slice and serve it.
The wire span is 4¼ inches, and Rösle says it slices soft and semi-hard cheese. That makes it the better fit on this page for softer cheese, where a plane drags. It has a lifetime warranty. We found no independent test, and the listing does not give care directions.
Why we like it
- Two fixed slice thicknesses
- Prongs lift and serve
- All stainless steel, 9.8 inches long
- Lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 12723 |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld wire |
| Cutting edge | Two wires |
| Body | 18/1 stainless steel, satin handle |
| Made for | Soft and semi-hard cheese |
| Thickness control | Two fixed settings |
| Cleaning | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who likes soft and semi-hard cheese and wants one tool that also serves it.
Skip it if your cheese is hard and aged. Rösle aims this at softer types.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Serves as well as slices
- Long warranty
- Handles softer cheese
Cons
- No independent test found
- Not meant for hard cheese
- Care not stated
9. BOSKA Cheese Commander Pro+ – NSF Certified Counter Cutter
This one belongs in a cheese shop or a serious home kitchen. The Cheese Commander Pro+ is a compact counter cutter with a wire that returns automatically, anti-slip feet and six spare wires that swap in seconds. It is NSF certified, which BOSKA describes as meeting health and safety standards for professional kitchens.
It makes straight, repeatable cuts, and BOSKA says it is best suited to smaller, softer cheeses, so it cuts portions off a block more than it slices sandwich-thin. For most homes it is more than you need. It has a 10-year warranty, but we found no independent test.
Why we like it
- NSF certified
- Auto-return wire
- Six spare wires included
- 10-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 550601 |
|---|---|
| Type | Counter wire cutter |
| Cutting edge | Spring-steel wire |
| Body | Compact counter unit with anti-slip feet |
| Made for | Smaller, softer cheeses |
| Thickness control | Set by placement of the cheese |
| Cleaning | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small food business or a home cook who portions a lot of cheese at once.
Skip it if you only want slices for a sandwich. A handheld will do that for far less trouble.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Professional certification
- Plenty of spare wires
- Repeatable cuts
Cons
- Too much for most homes
- Not a thin slicer
- No independent test found
Plane, wire or board: how they differ
A plane looks like a small flat spatula with a slot and a sharp edge. It suits firm cheese and gives thin slices. It has nothing to break, but soft cheese can drag on it.
A handheld wire uses a tight wire and a roller or frame. It sticks less and copes better with softer cheese, but wires loosen and snap, so check that spares are sold.
A board slicer holds the cheese in place while a wire or blade comes down. It gives the straightest cut and looks good on a table, but it needs storage space. Pair a handheld slicer with a good cutting board and you can skip this type, unless you want the serving piece.
How to choose a slicer for your block cheese
- Your usual cheese. Aged, firm cheese suits a plane. Young melting cheese, such as Chihuahua or asadero, suits a wire. Our guide to Mexican cheeses explains which is which.
- Block width. Check that the tool spans your block. Rösle’s wire spans 4¼ inches, for example, and Fox Run’s handheld wire slicer takes blocks up to 3½ inches wide.
- Thickness control. A plane or wire depends on your hand, while a dial or a board gives a repeatable slice.
- Spare parts. On a wire slicer, spare wires decide how long it lasts. OXO, Fox Run, BOSKA and many others include them.
- Cleaning. OXO’s wire goes in the dishwasher. Wüsthof’s plane and Fox Run’s marble board are hand wash only, and Westmark recommends hand washing.
- Where it lives. A plane fits a drawer, and a board needs a shelf.
How we picked these nine slicers
We have not used these products ourselves. We looked through the cheese slicers sold on Amazon in the United States, kept only items in stock when we checked, and read each maker’s listing. Our strongest independent source is America’s Test Kitchen, for the Wüsthof. BestReviews chose the Westmark and described the research behind its choice, but it does not report individual trials. Chef’s Pencil says it tried many slicers without giving a method, so we treat its list as a pointer and nothing more.
We were strict because these tools touch food. Many Amazon-first sellers offer near-identical wire slicers and marble boards, and we left out the ones with no independent review we could find, even when they looked useful. No Amazon-first brand appears on this page. Most of these picks have no rigorous independent test, as the reviews above say. We kept those because the makers are established and identify their materials. We found no cpsc.gov recall for a cheese slicer from any of these makers.
Cheese slicer questions, answered
What is the best cheese slicer for block cheese?
For most kitchens, the Wüsthof Gourmet 4.75-inch Cheese Plane, for its clean, even slices. For a wire, choose the OXO Good Grips. For many matching slices, choose the Westmark with its board.
Is a wire slicer or a plane better?
A plane is simpler and has nothing to replace, and it suits firm cheese. A wire sticks less and copes better with softer cheese, but the wire can loosen or snap, so spares matter.
Can a cheese slicer cut queso fresco or Oaxaca?
Not well. Fresh, crumbly cheese tends to break, and stringy Oaxaca cheese is usually pulled apart instead of sliced. Chill semi-soft cheese first and use a wire, and crumble or shred the rest by hand. For shreds, see the best box grater.
How do I stop cheese sticking to the slicer?
Slice cold cheese and wipe the tool as you go. A wire leaves less metal in contact, and BOSKA’s Monaco+ uses a quilted pattern on the head to reduce resistance.
Can cheese slicers go in the dishwasher?
It depends on the slicer. OXO’s wire model is dishwasher safe, while Wüsthof and Fox Run say hand wash only and Westmark recommends it. Several listings do not say, so hand wash those.
Our final pick for slicing a block
Buy the Wüsthof Gourmet plane for even slices of firm cheese. Choose the OXO wire for dishwasher-friendly daily use, the Westmark for stacks, the Zyliss for a set thickness and the Fox Run for the table.
Related guide: Best cheese wire.
Related guide: Best cheese plane.
For the rest of the cheese board, see the best cheese knives and the best charcuterie board. And if you would rather skip the slicing tonight, see the menu or call to order.