Different bread formulations will affect the way blades wear as well as the quality of the slice obtained. Wheat bread products, for example, normally use the same type of blade as for white bread.

Coarse-grained products and those with multi-grain toppings, however, may require more frequent hone operation than white breads. If these products have a hard crust, look to a single-bevel blade, according to Slicer Maintenance and Instruction (Hansaloy, Davenport, Iowa).

Raisin, nut and other breakfast-type breads quickly damage the blades’ edges. A single-bevel blade is preferable for longevity. These blades must be honed often to maintain sharpness.

Any product with a very hard crust or a very dense texture such as a European rye will require a durable blade edge. Use of a single-bevel blade will maximize blade life.

When evaluating bread slicing machines, a frame slicer is more suitable when you have a range of needs, while a variable thickness slicer does the job when you need to produce different slice thickness.

The Varia Pro automatic variable thickness slicer from JAC Machines has the capability of 120 slices per minute and up to 120 loaves per hour. With enhanced safety and increased focus on efficiency and hygiene, the Varia Pro meets JAC Machines’ highest standards of quality.

Retail bakeries, cafes and bread shops may want to consider selling multiple types of sliced bread in one bag to appeal to customers, especially the growing number of smaller households, who are less inclined to buy a whole loaf.

Randy George, owner of Red Hen Baking Co. in Middlesex, Vermont, says he recently upgraded his retail and wholesale slicers with JAC models. “Amazing machines,” he says, “no complaints at all. Very quiet and fast and it appears that the blades last a long time.”

Paul Molyneux of JAC-Machines points out that slicer innovation has come a long way since the days of using a lever to push the bread through the slicer. The following are examples:

• no more exposed blades, as JAC slicers are supplied with an automatic safety cover
• state-of-the-art safety features, interlocking doors, safety covers and photo eye sensors
• much quieter than older models
• with customer self-service slicing a growing market, JAC has a range of self-service slicers including variable thickness models

Oliver Packaging & Equipment Company recognizes that self-service is a growing trend, particularly among younger customers who are looking for a more fluid shopping experience.

New from Oliver, the SimpleSlice Pro-Serve and Self-Serve on-demand bread slicers easily slice up to 18-inch long loaves, the largest capacity in the industry. The Pro-Serve model is used by bakery staff, while the Self-Serve model offers consumers a simple and quick slicing experience. 

Since 1890, Oliver Packaging & Equipment Company has been manufacturing simple yet robust quality equipment. In 1932 Oliver introduced the first bread slicer. This tradition of quality built equipment is evidenced in its bakery equipment, including bread, bagel and bun slicers to dough make up equipment.