Julienne cuts turn vegetables into long, narrow matchsticks that cook quickly and create a consistent texture in salads, slaws, stir-fries, garnishes, spring rolls, vegetable noodles, and other dishes.
Making a large quantity of uniform julienne strips with a knife takes time and careful technique. A mandoline equipped with a julienne blade can perform the same repetitive cutting pattern much faster while keeping the strips closer to a consistent width.
The six mandolines below range from professional countertop systems with multiple julienne widths to compact handheld slicers for cooks who want matchstick vegetables without storing a large kitchen tool.
Best Mandoline Slicers for Julienne Cuts at a Glance
| Mandoline | Julienne Options | Other Cuts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0 | Built-in julienne + French fry | Up to 21 cuts | Best Overall |
| de Buyer Mandoline ACCESS | 4 mm + 10 mm | Slice, crinkle, waffle | Best Premium Pick |
| Joseph Joseph Multi-Grip Mandoline Plus | 2 julienne thicknesses | 3 slice thicknesses | Best Safety-Focused Pick |
| Microplane Adjustable V-Blade Mandoline | Reversible julienne deck | Adjustable slicing | Best Handheld Pick |
| Prepworks Dial & Slice Chef’s Mandoline | Thin + thick julienne | 4 slice thicknesses | Best Simple Adjustable Pick |
| OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline | Julienne + French fry blades | Straight + crinkle | Best Versatile Pick |
1. OXO Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0
The OXO Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0 is our best overall choice for julienne work because it combines fine and coarse strip cutting with an unusually broad range of conventional slicing options.
OXO specifies up to 21 different cuts. Thickness adjustments move in 0.5-millimeter intervals, allowing the slicer to handle everything from very thin vegetables to considerably thicker preparations.
The built-in julienne system includes a fine configuration for narrow matchstick vegetables as well as a wider French-fry configuration for thicker strips.
An indicator window shows the active setting from above, making it easier to confirm blade configuration before repeatedly running vegetables over the cutting surface.
- Fine julienne and thicker French-fry options.
- Up to 21 cutting configurations.
- 0.5-mm thickness adjustment intervals.
- Top-view setting indicator.
- Larger than simple handheld mandolines.
- More adjustment options require a short learning period.
2. de Buyer Mandoline ACCESS
The de Buyer ACCESS is a professional-style choice for cooks who want clearly defined julienne sizes and a substantial stainless-steel mandoline.
Its double julienne blade provides 4-millimeter and 10-millimeter spacing. The narrower side works well for vegetable matchsticks, while the wider configuration produces substantially heavier strips suitable for potatoes and other firm vegetables.
Slice thickness can be adjusted from very thin up to 10 millimeters, and the horizontal blade provides smooth, serrated, crinkle, and waffle-style preparation in addition to julienne.
The composite carriage and ergonomic pusher help control ingredients while keeping fingers away from the cutting zone. Anti-skid feet add countertop stability.
- Clearly defined 4-mm and 10-mm julienne widths.
- Stainless-steel professional construction.
- Thickness adjustment up to 10 mm.
- Waffle and crinkle cuts included.
- Premium purchase cost.
- Larger and heavier than handheld alternatives.
3. Joseph Joseph Multi-Grip Mandoline Plus
The Joseph Joseph Multi-Grip Mandoline Plus is particularly attractive for julienne work because the manufacturer has put substantial emphasis on controlling vegetables as they become smaller.
It offers two julienne thicknesses as well as three conventional slice settings. That is enough flexibility for fine vegetable strips and somewhat heavier matchsticks without introducing loose blade cartridges.
Its food holder supports three gripping modes. Pinch grip handles small ingredients, centre grip works with round foods, and flat grip supports longer pieces.
Non-slip feet and a folding handle improve stability, while the blade can be locked when the mandoline is stored.
- Two julienne thicknesses.
- Three-position food grip.
- Non-slip feet.
- Blade locks for storage.
- Hand wash only.
- No dedicated very coarse French-fry cartridge.
4. Microplane Adjustable V-Blade Mandoline
Microplane’s Adjustable V-Blade offers julienne functionality without requiring a large freestanding mandoline.
The built-in reversible deck switches between conventional slicing and julienne cutting. This avoids having to store a separate loose julienne blade in a drawer.
The V-shaped cutting edge is made from surgical-grade stainless steel, while an adjustment dial changes the regular slicing thickness.
A spring-loaded food pusher helps maintain pressure on vegetables while keeping fingers separated from the cutting edge. Microplane also includes a hand guard.
- Compact handheld format.
- Reversible slicing/julienne deck.
- Spring-loaded food pusher.
- Dishwasher-safe construction.
- Does not provide several distinct julienne widths.
- Less suitable for very high-volume prep than a tabletop frame.
5. Prepworks Dial & Slice Chef’s Mandoline
The Prepworks Dial & Slice is a straightforward option for cooks who want both narrow and wider julienne strips without the complexity of a professional multi-blade system.
It provides thin and thick julienne settings plus four conventional slicing thicknesses. That combination makes it useful for carrots, zucchini, potatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables that may require several different finished shapes.
The supplied produce guide uses stainless-steel prongs to hold the ingredient while it passes over the blade.
Dishwasher-safe cleaning is also convenient after processing starchy or strongly colored vegetables.
- Thin and thick julienne options.
- Four regular slice thicknesses.
- Produce holder with metal prongs.
- Dishwasher safe.
- No waffle-cut capability.
- Fewer premium adjustments than high-end mandolines.
6. OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer
The OXO V-Blade is a useful middle ground between compact one-piece slicers and the much more complex Chef’s Mandoline 2.0.
Julienning uses the straight V-blade together with either the dedicated julienne blade or the wider French-fry blade. Slice thickness is selected with the mandoline’s adjustment dial.
That gives you both fine vegetable strips and thicker fry-style pieces from the same base unit.
The system also includes straight and crinkle slicing configurations. Folding feet and a locking mechanism reduce the amount of space the mandoline occupies when stored.
- Separate julienne and French-fry blades.
- Adjustable thickness.
- Straight and crinkle slicing.
- Folding storage design.
- Loose blade pieces require careful storage.
- Less precise adjustment than the Chef’s Mandoline 2.0.
How to Choose a Mandoline for Julienne Cuts
What Is a Julienne Cut?
Julienne refers to long, narrow strips of food. With vegetables, the finished pieces resemble thin matchsticks.
A mandoline creates the cut by combining a horizontal slicing blade with a series of perpendicular julienne teeth. Each pass slices the vegetable and divides it into multiple strips at the same time.
Fine Julienne vs Thick Julienne
Fine julienne is useful for carrots, cucumber, zucchini, radish, slaws, salad toppings, garnishes, and vegetables that will be eaten raw or cooked quickly.
Wider julienne blades create heavier strips suited to potatoes, root vegetables, stir-fries, and fry-style preparations.
If julienne is your main reason for buying a mandoline, choose a model with at least two strip widths rather than relying on a single fixed julienne setting.
4 mm vs 10 mm Julienne
A 4-millimeter blade produces relatively narrow strips suitable for many vegetable dishes.
A 10-millimeter blade creates much thicker pieces and is closer to a substantial French-fry or batten-style cut.
Built-In vs Removable Julienne Blades
Built-in systems reduce loose components and make it easier to switch between cuts with a dial or reversible mechanism.
Removable blade cartridges can offer more widths and specialized cuts, but each sharp component needs a secure storage location.
Look for Adjustable Slice Thickness Too
The julienne teeth determine strip width, while the height of the primary slicing blade influences the other dimension of each finished piece.
Adjustable thickness therefore gives you more control over the final proportions of your matchsticks.
Carrots and Other Firm Vegetables
Carrots, potatoes, and other firm vegetables require a sharp blade and stable mandoline because more force is needed than with softer produce.
Use controlled strokes rather than excessive downward pressure.
Zucchini and Cucumber
Softer vegetables generally require less force and can produce attractive julienne strips quickly.
Very soft or overripe produce may compress instead of passing cleanly through the teeth.
A julienne insert has multiple sharp teeth in addition to the main cutting blade. Never attempt to clear trapped vegetables with bare fingers while the blade system is exposed.
Food Holders Are Essential
A food holder should maintain control over the vegetable as it becomes progressively shorter.
Tracked, spring-loaded, or multi-grip systems can make repetitive julienne cutting easier because they reduce the temptation to hold the final piece directly with your fingertips.
Handheld vs Countertop for Julienne
Handheld mandolines are easier to store and are practical for moderate quantities of vegetables.
Countertop models provide greater stability and are usually better for high-volume work or when you want several julienne widths.
Mandoline Julienne vs Knife Julienne
A knife gives you complete control over dimensions and works with irregularly shaped ingredients, but producing a large pile of matching strips requires considerable knife skill and time.
A mandoline prioritizes speed and repeatability once the cutting system has been configured.
Cleaning Julienne Blades
Vegetable fibers can become trapped between narrow julienne teeth. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and use an appropriate brush rather than pulling food away from sharp teeth with your fingers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when the mandoline includes an appropriate julienne blade or built-in julienne setting. Not every basic slicing-only mandoline has this capability.
Common choices include carrots, zucchini, cucumber, potatoes, radishes, beets, turnips, and other firm vegetables that fit securely in the mandoline’s food holder.
Fine strips work well for salads, garnishes, slaws, and quick cooking. Wider strips are better for potatoes, substantial stir-fries, and fry-style preparations.
Not exactly. Julienne typically refers to relatively narrow matchstick cuts. French-fry blades often create much thicker strips, although the same basic cutting principle is used.
Yes. Carrots are a common use for julienne blades. Because carrots are firm, make sure the mandoline is stable and use the supplied food holder rather than excessive hand pressure.
Yes. Zucchini passes easily through many julienne blades and can be prepared for salads, stir-fries, garnishes, and quick-cooking dishes.
A julienne peeler is compact and convenient for small quantities. A mandoline is generally faster when you need a larger quantity of consistent strips or multiple julienne widths.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid placing fingers directly between the cutting teeth. An appropriate dish brush can help remove trapped vegetable fibers while keeping hands farther from the blade.
Final Verdict
The OXO Chef’s Mandoline Slicer 2.0 is our best overall mandoline for julienne cuts because it combines built-in fine julienne and French-fry blades with 0.5-millimeter thickness adjustments and up to 21 total cutting configurations.
For a premium professional-style tool, the de Buyer Mandoline ACCESS provides clearly defined 4-millimeter and 10-millimeter julienne widths along with smooth, crinkle, and waffle cutting capability.
The Joseph Joseph Multi-Grip Mandoline Plus is a strong choice when food control is a priority, while the Microplane Adjustable V-Blade offers julienne capability in a more compact handheld form. The Prepworks Dial & Slice keeps thin and thick julienne selection simple, and the OXO V-Blade Mandoline remains an excellent versatile choice for cooks who want both fine julienne and thicker French-fry cuts.