If you are looking to whip up your own gourmet cuisine at home you don't need to shell out a fortune on expensive gadgets. In fact, Jason Atherton, the Head Chef and Social Eating House in London has revealed his cooking must-have will cost you just £20
Related: See why this is the only suitcase you'll need this summer – it has a BBQ inside!
When it comes to whipping up incredible gourmet cuisine the Michelin-starred chef told Femail that a Japanese mandolin is a cooking essential. Whether you are slicing a salad or cooking a delectable dish, it is a must-have for nailing those extra thin slices.
'A good knife is your best friend in the kitchen - I prefer my Florentine's cook knife,' he explained. 'But for extra thin-slicing, you need a Japanese mandolin.
'Get wafer-thin potatoes for dauphinoise or boulangère. It's great for salads and makes light work of slicing.'
Japanese mandoline
A Japanese mandolin is also known as a vegetable slicer and you can pick one up for as little as £20 in most cookware shops. However, they can vary hugely in price depending on the quality of the blade, with some costing as much as £70.
They work just like a cheese grater, except they only have one blade. All you need to do is push the item against the blade in a downward direction.
If you are looking to add a mandoline to your cooking kit, we're fans of this little black number from John Lewis & Partners. Priced at £20 the mandoline is a versatile gadget for julienning fruit and vegetables, or slicing cucumber and fennel for salads.
Buy now: Mandoline, £20, John Lewis & Partners
The mandoline has a curved shape and a stainless steel blade to make slicing seamless. You can also alter the size of the slices using the knob at the size.
Always using the mandoline on a dry, flat surface and hold the handle securely. And make sure you use the plastic guard to protect your fingers when slicing.
If you are looking for a smaller handheld mandoline, this OXO mandoline slicer is also a great option. Plus it only costs £15.99.
Related: John Lewis & Partners reveal sales of this very British kitchen item are soaring
Will you be getting your cooking up to restaurant standard with a Japanese Mandoline?
-
Is your garden room breaking the law without you realising it? Experts explain how to tell and what to do if it isYour garden room might give you an ideal bit of extra space, but is it falling foul of rules and regulations?
-
When to cut back ivy for fresher, denser growth — garden experts warn against cutting it back too earlyIts glossy green leaves add a welcome pop of colour in winter months, but knowing when to cut ivy back is key to its upkeep
-
Are sage green kitchens still trending in 2025?This classic shade is still turning heads this year with these subtle updates
