Meat slicers are part of American food preparation. The product dates back to the 19th century. The first American meat slicers arrived as early as 1909. At one time, they were an integral part of American manufacturing of food preparation products. The development occurred to cut more meat more quickly in deli and butcher shops. As the 20th century progressed, Meat Slicers became part of the kitchens of the United States. With minimal advertising, the products showed value for cutting meats for snacks and meals. Shortly after World War II, the use of the meat slicer became part of healthy lunches for students, as well as those who brought lunch to work in bags and lunch boxes.
As meat consumption increased, so did the use of meat-prep products for meals such as lunches and dinners. The meat slicers and their use helped families and their competitors to provide families with a more important food preparation product for cutting and slicing meats as purchased at nearby delicatessens and butchers. All were now able to do this with simple crank movements.
Once electric motors became common in small kitchen appliances, their addition to meat cutting products added modern convenience for families across the country. Mothers and wives could more easily prepare lunches for husbands and children. As the stress of the 20th century increased, so did the need to complete tasks more quickly and efficiently. Meat slicers became increasingly common as the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s progressed. What was once part of a ‘status item, ‘meat slicers were another little kitchen gadget’every home must have. The engines were available in all product lines. Product details became the main focus of marketing. Products detail such as:
- Sheet size
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Easy to clean
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to disassemble
- Easy to assemble
All of the above fueled the advertising and marketing of meat slicers throughout the 20th century. People continued to seek ease in food preparation. The meat slicers provided ease along with speed to provide high quality slices of meat and other foods. They were transformed into food slicers to show versatility. After established versatility, food slicers evolved into an appliance capable of preparing healthy food in a healthier way. This attracted more people along with the opening of a new market segment in the latter part of the 20th century.
Healthy food preparation exploded in the 1990s and continues today. Now, well into the second decade of the 21st century, more and more people are looking to improve their health. This improved health comes from the desire to eat a healthier diet. A healthier diet is made easier with healthy food prep appliances.
