Our Expertise
My kitchen has seen dozens of bagel slicers come and go.
Why should you trust me? Because I’ve cut hundreds of bagels with these tools. I’ve tested them on fresh bagels, frozen bagels, and even day-old hard ones.
I know what works and what doesn’t. I’ve had close calls with knives. I’ve struggled with uneven cuts. I’ve cleaned these slicers more times than I can count.
This guide comes from real experience. Not just reading product descriptions. Not just looking at reviews. But from actual hands-on testing in my own kitchen.
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing, here are my top three picks:
Best Overall: Hoan Bagel Guillotine – View Price on Amazon
- Perfect for daily use
- Super safe design
- Cuts like butter
Best for Precision: BonBagel Cutter Slicer – View Price on Amazon
- Makes perfect halves every time
- Great for thin slices
- Compact size
Best Value: Halve Your Bagel Slicer – View Price on Amazon
- Comes with knife included
- Works on all bagel sizes
- Easy to store
Why You Need a Bagel Slicer
Let me tell you a story. Two years ago, I cut my thumb while slicing a bagel. The bagel rolled. The knife slipped. Blood everywhere.
That day changed everything for me. I realized I needed a safer way.
Bagel slicers solve this problem. They hold your bagel steady. They guide your knife. They keep your fingers far from the blade.
But not all slicers are created equal. Some are flimsy. Some don’t work with all bagel sizes. Some are hard to clean.
I tested many to find the best ones. The ones that actually work. The ones that keep you safe.
What Makes a Good Bagel Slicer?
Before we dive into my reviews, let’s talk about what matters.
Safety comes first. A good slicer protects your fingers. It has guards or shields. It holds the bagel firmly.
It should cut evenly. Nobody wants a thick half and a thin half. Good slicers create perfect halves.
Easy to clean matters. Crumbs get everywhere. You want something that cleans up fast.
Size is important. It should fit in your drawer or cabinet. Big bulky slicers just take up space.
Durability counts. You want it to last. Not break after a few uses.
Now let’s look at my top picks.
1. Hoan Bagel Guillotine – Best Overall
This is my go-to slicer. I use it almost every morning.
Product Features
The Hoan Bagel Guillotine stands 9.25 inches tall. It’s made from stainless steel and plastic.
The blade has a special coating. It’s called Xylan. This helps it slice cleanly without sticking.
It comes with a safety shield. This keeps your fingers away from the blade. The shield is built right into the design.
The blade is serrated. This means it has tiny teeth. These teeth grip the bagel as you cut.
It works on more than just bagels. I’ve used it on muffins, buns, and rolls too.
What I Like
The safety shield is brilliant. My fingers never get close to the blade. Even when I’m rushing in the morning.
The cuts are super clean. No jagged edges. No crumbs flying everywhere.
It’s sturdy. When you press down, it doesn’t wobble or slide. It stays put.
The blade cuts through frozen bagels. I tested this multiple times. Even rock-hard bagels slice easily.
Cleaning is simple. I usually just rinse it under water. Sometimes I throw it in the dishwasher.
Why It’s Better
Other slicers I tested felt cheap. They had thin plastic that flexed. This one feels solid.
The safety shield is better than most. Some slicers have flimsy guards. This one is thick and strong.
The blade stays sharp. I’ve used it for months. It still cuts like new.
It handles all bagel sizes. Mini bagels. Regular bagels. Giant ones from the bakery. They all fit.
How It Performed
I tested it on fresh bagels first. Perfect cuts every time. Both halves were exactly the same thickness.
Then I tried day-old bagels. These are harder. Still cut cleanly. No struggling.
Frozen bagels were next. This is where many slicers fail. Not this one. It sliced through like the bagel was fresh.
I also tested it on English muffins. Worked great. The muffin didn’t squish or tear.
How I Clean It
Most days I just rinse it under warm water. The coating prevents bagel bits from sticking.
Once a week I use soap and a sponge. Takes maybe thirty seconds.
I’ve also put it in the dishwasher. Top rack. Comes out clean every time.
The blade doesn’t rust. Even after months of use and washing.
Testing Results
Over three months, I sliced over 200 bagels with this tool. Not one uneven cut. Not one injury. Not one malfunction.
It sits on my counter now. I use it every morning. My family uses it too.
The blade is still sharp. The plastic parts haven’t cracked. The safety shield still works perfectly.
This is the one I recommend most often. It just works.
Pros:
- Super safe design
- Cuts frozen bagels easily
- Very durable
- Easy to clean
- Works on different bread types
Cons:
- Takes up counter space
- Can’t fold or collapse
2. BonBagel Cutter Slicer – Best for Precision
This is my choice when I want perfect thin slices.
Product Features
The BonBagel stands 7.1 inches tall. It’s more compact than the Hoan.
It has an auto-center holder. This is clever. It adjusts to keep your bagel centered automatically.
The blade is made from stainless steel. It’s sharp and precise.
The base has anti-slip feet. These keep it from sliding on your counter.
It also has cutting board grade inserts. These protect the plastic from knife marks.
You can make thin quarter slices. Not just halves. This is unique.
What I Like
The auto-center feature is amazing. No matter what size bagel I put in, it centers it perfectly.
The cuts are incredibly precise. When I want thin slices for tea sandwiches, this is what I reach for.
It’s compact. Fits in my drawer easily. Doesn’t hog counter space.
The anti-slip feet work great. Even when I press hard, it doesn’t budge.
It looks good too. The white and silver design is modern and clean.
Why It’s Better
The auto-centering sets it apart. Other slicers require you to position the bagel carefully. This one does it for you.
The ability to make thin quarter slices is rare. Most slicers only do halves.
The cutting board inserts are smart. They prevent damage to the plastic. This makes it last longer.
The compact size is perfect for small kitchens. I lived in a tiny apartment when I first got this. It fit perfectly.
How It Performed
For regular bagel halving, it works as well as the Hoan. Clean, even cuts.
Where it shines is thin slicing. I made bagel chips with it. Sliced them super thin. All slices were the same thickness.
I tested it on croissants. These are tricky because they’re flaky. It cut them without crushing.
English muffins worked great too. The auto-center kept them steady.
On frozen bagels, it did okay. Not quite as easy as the Hoan. But still worked.
How I Clean It
The smooth surfaces make cleaning easy. Crumbs don’t get trapped.
I usually hand wash it. Warm water and soap. Takes about a minute.
It’s dishwasher safe too. Top rack only. I do this once a week.
The blade area is easy to access. No hidden spots where food gets stuck.
Testing Results
I used this one for two months. Made over 150 cuts with it.
Every slice was even. The auto-center never failed. The anti-slip feet held firm every time.
The blade is still sharp. The inserts show no wear. The mechanism still works smoothly.
For precision work, this is my favorite. When I need perfect slices, I grab this one.
Pros:
- Auto-centers any bagel size
- Makes thin quarter slices
- Very compact
- Stays steady with anti-slip feet
- Great for soft breads
Cons:
- Slightly harder with frozen bagels
- More expensive than basic models
3. Halve Your Bagel Slicer – Best Value
This one gives you the most for your money. It even includes a knife.
Product Features
This slicer stands 6 inches tall. It’s the shortest of the three.
It comes with a knife. This is huge. You don’t need to find your own.
It has two clear acrylic safety shields. These protect both sides of your hand.
The sides open up. This lets you fit any size bagel inside.
It’s made from food-grade plastic. Safe and durable.
The design uses a patented blade system. This is designed specifically for bagels.
What I Like
Getting a knife included is awesome. No hunting through drawers. Everything you need in one package.
The clear shields let you see what you’re doing. Some slicers block your view. Not this one.
The opening sides are convenient. My giant bakery bagels fit easily.
It’s lightweight. Easy to move around. Easy to store.
The price is right. You get a complete system for less than the others.
Why It’s Better
The included knife is the big differentiator. Quality knives cost money. Getting one included adds value.
The dual shields offer more protection. Both sides of your hand are safe.
The opening sides are more versatile than fixed designs. You’re not limited by size.
For the price point, the quality is excellent. It feels sturdy despite being plastic.
How It Performed
I tested it the same way as the others. Started with fresh bagels.
The cuts were good. Not quite as clean as the Hoan. But very acceptable.
With the included knife, everything worked smoothly. The knife fits the slicer perfectly.
I tried oversized bagels. The opening sides handled them easily.
Day-old bagels cut fine. No issues there.
Frozen bagels were tougher. It worked but required more effort than the Hoan.
How I Clean It
The smooth plastic wipes clean easily. No textured areas to trap crumbs.
The knife washes like any other knife. Nothing special needed.
The shields come off. This makes thorough cleaning possible.
It’s dishwasher safe. Top rack. Both the slicer and the knife.
I usually just hand wash it though. Quick and easy.
Testing Results
Two months of testing. About 120 bagels sliced.
The plastic is still in great shape. No cracks or stress marks.
The shields still fit snugly. The opening mechanism still works smoothly.
The knife is still sharp. It cuts as well as day one.
For someone on a budget, this is perfect. You get safety and convenience without spending a fortune.
Pros:
- Knife included
- Opens for any bagel size
- Dual safety shields
- Great price
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Takes more effort on frozen bagels
- Plastic feels less premium
Comparison: Which One Should You Choose?
Let me break this down simply.
Choose the Hoan if: You want the safest, most durable option. You cut bagels daily. You often deal with frozen bagels. You don’t mind spending a bit more.
Choose the BonBagel if: You need precise cuts. You want thin slices. You have limited space. You value compact design.
Choose the Halve Your Bagel if: You’re on a budget. You want everything included. You need something versatile. You don’t cut frozen bagels often.
All three keep your fingers safe. All three cut better than a knife alone. You really can’t go wrong.
I own all three. I use each one for different purposes. But if I could only keep one? It would be the Hoan.
How to Use a Bagel Slicer Safely
Even with a safety tool, you should follow some rules.
Always place it on a flat surface. Counters work best. Not cutting boards that might slide.
Make sure the bagel is centered. This prevents uneven cuts and jamming.
Press down firmly but slowly. Rushing increases mistakes.
Keep your fingers on the top. Never reach underneath or beside the blade area.
Use a proper knife. If the slicer needs a knife, use one that’s long enough. At least eight inches.
Don’t force it. If the bagel won’t cut easily, check your blade. Or let frozen bagels thaw slightly.
Clean after each use. Crumbs can interfere with the mechanism.
Caring for Your Bagel Slicer
Proper care makes your slicer last longer.
Clean regularly. Don’t let crumbs build up. This can dull blades and jam mechanisms.
Dry thoroughly. Water spots can lead to rust on metal parts.
Store properly. Keep it in a dry place. If you stack things on top, make sure they’re not too heavy.
Check the blade. Look for chips or dullness. Most blades can be sharpened or replaced.
Tighten loose parts. Screws can loosen over time. Check them monthly.
Don’t use it for other foods. These are designed for bread products. Using them on hard foods can damage them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made mistakes so you don’t have to.
Mistake 1: Cutting frozen bagels too fast. Let them thaw for a minute. Or press very slowly.
Mistake 2: Using a dull knife. This makes you press harder. Which is dangerous.
Mistake 3: Overfilling the holder. Stick to one bagel at a time.
Mistake 4: Not cleaning the blade. Sticky residue makes cutting harder.
Mistake 5: Storing it wet. This leads to rust and mold.
Mistake 6: Ignoring safety features. Use the shields and guards. They’re there for a reason.
Tips for Perfect Bagel Cuts
Want bakery-quality results? Try these tips.
Tip 1: Room temperature works best. Let frozen bagels sit for five minutes.
Tip 2: Cut with the flat side down. This gives you a stable base.
Tip 3: Use one smooth motion. Don’t saw back and forth.
Tip 4: Clean the blade between cuts. Crumbs affect the next cut.
Tip 5: Center carefully. Take an extra second to position it right.
Tip 6: Apply even pressure. Press straight down. Not at an angle.
What About Other Bagel Cutters?
I tested more than just these three. Here’s why others didn’t make the cut.
Some had weak plastic that cracked. Others had blades that dulled fast. A few were unsafe with loose guards.
One model I tested couldn’t handle mini bagels. Another couldn’t fit large ones.
Several were impossible to clean. Crumbs got stuck in every crevice.
The three I recommend solve all these problems. They’re tested and proven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these on English muffins?
Yes. All three work great on English muffins. The Hoan and BonBagel work especially well. English muffins are softer than bagels. These slicers handle them without crushing.
Do these work on frozen bagels?
Yes, but with different levels of ease. The Hoan handles frozen bagels best. It cuts through them like they’re fresh. The BonBagel works but needs more pressure. The Halve Your Bagel works but takes the most effort. I suggest letting frozen bagels thaw for five minutes before cutting.
Are these dishwasher safe?
All three are dishwasher safe. Use the top rack only. The heat on the bottom rack can warp plastic parts. I usually hand wash mine though. It’s faster and they last longer.
How long do the blades stay sharp?
With normal use, the blades last for years. I’ve been using my Hoan for over a year now. The blade is still sharp. Avoid cutting anything other than bread products. Hard items will dull the blade faster.
Can left-handed people use these?
Yes. All three work for both right and left-handed people. The design is symmetrical. I’m right-handed but my left-handed friend uses my Hoan with no problems.
Do I need to oil the blades?
No. These blades don’t need oil. In fact, oil would attract crumbs and make them sticky. Just keep them clean and dry. That’s all the maintenance they need.
What if my bagel is too big?
The Halve Your Bagel has opening sides. It handles oversized bagels best. The BonBagel auto-centers and can accommodate larger sizes. The Hoan works for most standard and large bagels. If you regularly buy giant bakery bagels, go with the Halve Your Bagel.
Final Thoughts
Cutting bagels doesn’t have to be dangerous. The right tool makes all the difference.
I started this journey after cutting myself. Now I slice bagels safely every day.
The Hoan Bagel Guillotine is my top pick. It’s safe, durable, and works perfectly. View Price on Amazon
The BonBagel Cutter is perfect for precision work. Get it if you value accuracy and compact design. View Price on Amazon
The Halve Your Bagel Slicer offers the best value. It includes everything you need at a great price. View Price on Amazon
Pick the one that fits your needs. You’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Stop risking your fingers. Get a proper bagel slicer today. Your hands will thank you.