Everyone's Going Electric
An electric knife is a knife used for cutting and slicing foods that are difficult to handle or that get damaged easily. Electric knives are easy to use and can produce thin slices much more effectively than using a knife by hand.
How It Works
So, you may be wondering, how, exactly, an electric knife is able to produce such thin, even slices without damage to bread. Here's how. An electric knife consists of two serrated blades that are clipped or attached together. When the knife is turned on, the blades move rapidly from side to side, which produces a sawing action.
Beyond Bread
Most electric knives come with two options: a serrated blade for bread and a regular blade that can be used for carving vegetables, meats, or cheeses. This makes electric knives both versatile and useful. Some people even say they prefer using an electric meat slicer on bread because it produces even slices of similar thickness.
Get a Guide
Many experts recommend using a bread guide for slicing bread with an electric knife. Slicing guides are usually made out of wood or plastic and allow you to cut slices of the same evenness and thickness. The only drawback to a slicing guide is that they don't allow you to vary the thickness.
Why We Love 'Em
Here are some of the reasons why electric knives outdo handheld knives:
Electric knives are easy to operate. All you have to do is flip the switch. No more sawing action for your tired arm, either.
Electric knives create fewer crumbs than a bread knife. Not only is this less messy, but it's also less wasteful.
Electric knives can be used on many foods. When you aren't slicing bread, you can carve meats or cut cheeses.
Some Popular Brands
Some of the most trusted makers of electric knives include CuisinArt, Chicago Cutlery, Black and Decker, Toastmaster, and Hamilton Beech. Many sets come with a carrying case, and some even come with a bread guide. Look for these popular items online, in specialty stores, or in department stores.
More information on Bread Knives