How to slice potatoes to make chips?

[r8rpwr]

Since I am on WW, I am trying to do things like make my own baked chips, especially sweet potato chips. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get them sliced thin enough with a knife, as it slips and the slices are always too thick or too thin. How can I get just-right, consistently thin slices of potato so that I can make tasty oven-baked chips? I'm sure there is a gadget somewhere that will enable me to do that.

[ainjel]

There's a great thread started about homemade potato chips in another section. This was for regular potatoes but I would assume that some of the techniques would work well for sweet potatoes as well. Let us know what you find out!

[Mama Mangia]

I am lucky to have a hand slicer that I can use to slice potatoes as thick or thin as I want. It's a cheapie - under $10 - but it's nice for slicing potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, etc. when I am in a hurry or have a lot to prepare. It's the type with the little hand gizmo that has little "fingers" protruding from it to hold the veggies in place and protect you from cutting yourself. And all the slices fall into the plastic container (which is not big enough at times - but it serves its purpose!)

[Mrs. Chipotle]

Thanks for the tips! Sounds like I have yet another kitchen gadget to purchase.

[rt49andellis]

well darnit - i just sold one of these things on ebay -- check there -- they have french fry cutters and tater chip cutters.

Usually I just use a really sharp knife. I'm cheap like that. LOL

[Raquelita]

I think one of those mandolin slicers are what you'd want (is that what they're called? You move the handle part back and forth over the grater/slicer, i've seen it on informercials befores).

[rt49andellis]

Just be careful of exactly which ones you buy. I've had some before that I thought would be great for potatoes...and bout whacked my hand off trying to jam the tater through it. Come to find out, it was really just for hard boiled eggs...for salads & such.

[barbiedoll1973_tn]

I would love to learn to make homemade potato chips I bet that they would taste so good.

[pohto9]

I have tried this quite a few times, I use a cheese grater that has wider, longer slots on it and works for slicing potatoes. However when I make mine, then never get crispy, they just lay limp. I don't think I was made to make potato chips at home.

[Mama Mangia]

pohto - what kind of fat are you frying in? is your temp 375* F?? are you using russet potatoes?? different potatoes have different water content - some will slice thin and place in a large bowl of ice water to "crisp" before draining, drying and frying - also if cut too thick they will "blossom" and too thin will burn in the fryer