Berkel

Brice Australia is the exclusive distributor of Berkel Meat Slicers and equipment in Australia. The Berkel-Brice partnership shares the same vision of quality and reliability in all its equipment.

Berkel Slicers and Equipment Distributor Australia

Since 1898 the Berkel name has been synonymous with quality and precision. Willhelmus Adrianus van Berkel was born on 5th February 1869 in Enschot (Netherlands).

At the age of 20, he started to work as a butcher, but his primary passion was always mechanics. Young and very enterprising, he worked tirelessly to develop a system slicing cold meats with a mechanical device.

His idea was to assist the butcher at work and offer the customers more uniform products in their dimensions and thickness of the slice.

In few years he went from a simple butcher to a worldwide successful entrepreneur. In 1898 William van Berkel manufactured the first meat slicing machine. His invention not only met a genuine need it soon became a true status symbol.

Production was up and running after 12 months and the first year’s production was 100 slicers. Demand was swift and production in the second year was 600 slicers. This clearly led the way to additional manufacturing plants and sales outside The Netherlands.

Berkel is the oldest slicing company in the world. After 100 years, the Berkel name still means perfection, reliability, innovation, and durability. Berkel is not just a trademark, it’s a dedication to elegance and quality.

On 4 April 1939, Jack Brice gave life to his commitment by forming Brice Scale & Slicer Co., the only Australian manufacturer of electric slicers, mixers and potato peelers. Fifteen years later, on 2 May 1954, the company was incorporated, and the name changed to Brice Australia.

Nearly 80 years later Brice Australia is justifiably proud of its reputation for providing high quality equipment to the Australian supermarkets, food service and retail industries.

No longer a manufacturer Brice Australia sources and distributes equipment from some of the most prestigious suppliers in Europe.

We service Berkel Meat Slicer Australia-wide, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra & Perth.

Berkel Slicer FAQs

  • What is a Berkel slicer?

    A Berkel slicer is a high-quality slicing machine from the oldest slicing company in the world, and they’ve been at it since 1898! That’s more than 125 years of perfecting the art of precision slicing. These professional machines slice through meats, cheeses, veggies, and more with incredible precision and consistency; a real favourite in commercial kitchens and food service businesses where reliable, accurate results are always needed.

  • Where can I buy a Berkel slicer in Australia?

    You’ll want to get in touch with Brice Australia – they’re the exclusive distributor for Berkel slicers and equipment across the country. They service customers right across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth. Just reach out to them directly for pricing and to check what’s available.

  • Are Berkel slicers suitable for home use?

    Absolutely! Berkel has created some brilliant electric slicers specifically for home kitchens. Their Home Line and Red Line series bring professional slicing quality into a compact design that won’t take over your bench space. Just keep in mind that the commercial models aren’t meant for home use – using them at home will actually void the warranty, so stick with the residential models designed for your needs.

  • How do I maintain my Berkel meat slicer?

    Regular maintenance includes disassembling removable parts, removing food debris, washing with warm soapy water, sanitising surfaces, and applying food-safe lubricant to moving parts. Sharpen the blade daily and clean sharpening stones when they are coated with food fats. Specific maintenance procedures may be outlined in your operator’s manual.

  • What sets Berkel meat slicers apart from other slicers?

    Berkel’s been making slicing machines since 1898, which makes them the world’s original slicer company. They’re famous for their precision engineering and seriously durable build quality – their machines have pretty much set the standard for innovative design. Here’s what makes them brilliant: professional-grade chromed steel blades, built-in sharpeners that make life easier, and adjustable slice thickness. All of this comes in a compact package that still delivers serious power.

  • What makes Berkel meat slicers different from other slicers?

    Berkel slicers require daily cleaning with detergent and hot water, followed by sanitising and air drying. Never clean with water or steam jets. Remove and clean detachable parts separately, paying special attention to the blade, gauge plate, and product table. Make sure you’re wearing protective gloves whenever you clean the sharp components – it’s worth keeping your hands safe!

  • How long does a Berkel slicer last with proper care?

    Here’s the good news – with proper care, users find their Berkel slicers last well over a decade without any dramas. Look after it by regulary maintaining it. With this, your slicer will keep going strong for many years to come. It’s this kind of reliability that makes a Berkel such a solid long-term investment.

  • Is a Berkel slicer easy to use for beginners?

    Using a Berkel meat slicer can be learned in six straightforward steps. Features such as professional push-button panels with LED indicators, adjustable thickness knobs, and inclined food plates make operation user-friendly. Of course, the most important thing is proper training – that’s what keeps everyone safe. Always take the time to read through the operator’s manual and get comfortable with the safe operation procedures before firing up your slicer.

  • What are the advantages of using a Berkel meat slicer in a commercial kitchen?

    Built specifically for busy commercial kitchens, Berkel slicers deliver steady, reliable performance shift after shift. They’ll slice through processed meats, vegetables, and cheeses with ease, and you can pick from blade sizes starting at 12 to 13 inches based on what works best for your operation. One of the biggest advantages of these electric models is the way they help you keep waste to a minimum. You can buy in bulk and then slice exactly what you need as orders come in, which is a clever way to boost your kitchen’s efficiency and save money at the same time.

  • Do Berkel slicers come with a warranty?

    Berkel provides a one-year warranty on parts and workmanship from the original installation date, covering repair or replacement of defective parts and labour charges within 80 kilometres of authorised service agencies. Warranty conditions apply, including proper installation and commercial use only. Contact Brice Australia for specific warranty details.

  • How can I sharpen the blade of my Berkel slicer?

    Berkel slicers feature built-in blade sharpeners. To sharpen, turn off the slicer, close the gauge plate, lift and rotate the sharpener into position, then turn on the slicer briefly. Blades should be sharpened at a minimum, and only when clean. Always follow your model’s specific sharpening instructions.

  • Are Berkel slicers safe to use?

    Berkel slicers include multiple safety features such as blade guards, safety interlocks, and stainless steel product press holders. Operators should wear cut-resistant gloves when changing, sharpening, or using the blade. Proper testing before operation helps avoid injuries. Always follow safety guidelines and training protocols.

  • What sizes of Berkel slicers are available?

    Berkel offers slicers with blade options from 12 to 13 inches. The Red Line series comes in 220mm, 250mm, and 300mm blade diameters. Models range from compact home-use slicers to heavy-duty commercial units. Blade size should match your operational requirements and product volume.

  • What types of meat can a Berkel slicer handle?

    Berkel slicers slice easily through processed meats, vegetables, cheeses, and much more. They handle prosciutto, salami, deli meats, firm cheeses, fruits like apples and pineapple, and even whole pickles. The professional blade profile is such that clean cuts are provided in everything from paper-thin prosciutto to large portions of meat with varied textures and densities.

  • What are the safety features of Berkel meat slicers?

    Standard Berkel slicers are fitted with several safety interlocks, timers, and switches. Blade guards for safe cleaning are installed and fixed in place, with blade covers and standard CE-approved safety certifications. Safety locks are available for home models, automatically closing the gauge plate when the food plate is tilted, which prevents cutting during cleaning.

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