So, your parents bought you an electric knife for your birthday, and you’ve finally plucked up the courage to use it. But you don’t really know where to start. Don’t worry – we have created a simple guide on how to use an electric carving knife below.
Using an Electric Carving Knife – A Step-By-Step Guide
These appliances are quite easy to use compared to a regular knife, but there are still some key steps you should follow. Below, we have created a simple guide on using electric carving knives. Please remember that the exact features and buttons may vary depending on the knife manufacturer.
Step 1: Read the Instructions
Before using any electrical appliance, we advise reading the instructions thoroughly. The manual will show how the device works and its safety features, and it may contain some dos and don’ts too.
There will typically be a diagram for electric knives showing how the blades attach and how to power them. Remember that you can get both cordless and corded models.
Once you have read the instructions, familiarise yourself with the device. Make sure you know how to attach the blades, switch them on, and stop them if you encounter a problem.
Step 2: Attach the Blades
New electric knives are typically supplied with blades that aren’t attached yet for safety purposes. Therefore, you will have to fit them manually. Regardless, we advise detaching them after each use anyway for safety and cleaning.
The blades usually clip into a slot which is in turn connected to the motor that powers their movement. The exact mechanism will vary depending on the manufacturer. Just make sure that they are connected properly to prevent potential injury.
Step 3: Cut Your Food
With the blades secured, it’s time to start cutting. There is usually a power switch or trigger that you have to press or hold to activate your electric knife. Ensure you keep a firm grip on the handle to counteract the vibrations and prevent slips.
You should then use a gentle slicing motion to cut your food. There is no need to move your arm back and forth – the blades perform this motion. All you need to do is apply a gentle downward force to slice through the food.
Don’t try and force the cutting motion. Let the blades do their work and apply pressure as needed. If you put too much force on the blades, you could risk burning the motor out or causing a jam.
Step 4: Unplug/Switch Off
When you have finished, switch the device off and unplug it if it is a corded model. This will prevent any potential electrical faults while you enjoy your meal.
Step 5: Detach the Blades
Before tucking into your roast, detach the blades too and consider soaking them in warm soapy water. This will start removing any meat juices and grease so you can clean them more easily.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Grub
With the blades detached and the device turned off, you can enjoy your delicious food.
Electric Knife Maintenance
As with any appliance used to cut or make food, cleaning and maintenance are important. You should clean your electric knife after each use to keep the blades in good quality. To do this, do the following:
- Detach the blades from the motor unit.
- Leave them to soak in warm soapy water while you eat.
- Remove from the water and rinse under a warm tap.
- Wipe with a damp cloth, warm water, and washing-up liquid.
- Leave to air dry.
- Wipe the motor housing with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Leaving the blades to soak while you eat will help remove and dissolve any meat juices. Just make sure you don’t wash them in the same water. Empty your sink or washing bowl and wipe the blades with fresh water.
Take Away the Manual Effort of Carving Meat With an Electric Knife
You should now be able to use your electric knife with confidence. Cleaning and maintenance are essential for these appliances if you want to use them regularly. Regardless, you can slice through those delectable meat joints with ease now.
