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How to Specify a Berkel Volano Slicer for a Luxury Kitchen or Interior Project
Choosing a Berkel Volano for a project is about more than blade size or slicing capacity. For many luxury kitchens, wine rooms, private dining spaces, restaurants and hospitality interiors, the slicer will remain permanently on display and become part of the character of the room.
If you are new to Berkel, a Volano is a manually operated flywheel slicer. Instead of relying on an electric motor for the slicing action, the large flywheel is turned by hand, giving the operator precise control while creating the distinctive appearance for which these machines are known. Berkel has been producing flywheel slicers since 1898.
The story began with Dutch engineer Wilhelmus Van Berkel, who developed a mechanical way of reproducing the action of slicing by hand and established his first factory in Rotterdam in 1898. The invention quickly spread internationally, and over time the red Berkel flywheel became as much a design icon as a piece of precision equipment. By the 1950s, Berkel slicers had evolved beyond purely functional equipment and had become recognised as status symbols in their own right.
That heritage is still visible in today’s Volano range, but the machines are not simply reproductions of historical slicers. Different models combine traditional flywheel operation with modern engineering, materials and design, giving designers and clients a choice between compact, heritage-inspired and more contemporary interpretations.
That means the right model needs to work visually as well as practically. Overall proportions, available space, supporting stand, finish, intended use and the scale of the surrounding interior can all influence the final choice.
This guide is intended to help designers, architects and private clients understand the main considerations when specifying a Berkel Volano, before looking at the individual models in more detail.
1. Consider the Volano in the Context of the Space
A Volano is often selected as much for its visual presence as for its function. The six models we supply vary considerably in scale and character, so the relationship between the slicer and the surrounding interior can influence which model is most appropriate.
Positioning also affects how the Volano can be specified. A machine intended for a worktop presents different considerations from one displayed on a Berkel pedestal, while larger models naturally create a stronger presence within the room.
Understanding the intended position and approximate available space gives us a useful starting point when helping to narrow down the most suitable models for a project.
2. Decide Whether the Volano Will Sit on a Worktop or Stand
Where the Volano will be positioned is worth deciding early in the design process. In some projects the slicer will sit on a suitable worktop or counter, while in others a Berkel pedestal allows it to become a free-standing feature within the room.
Berkel offers dedicated pedestal options for the B2 and P15, while the B3, Tribute and B114 can use a shared pedestal design. This gives designers the option of treating the slicer and its stand as a single visual element rather than simply placing the machine onto existing cabinetry.
The B114X takes a different approach. It is supplied with a stand designed specifically to complement its more contemporary appearance and forms part of the overall design developed by Berkel with Rizoma.
For an interior project, the choice between worktop and free-standing installation can influence the amount of space required, the surrounding cabinetry and how prominently the Volano is seen within the finished room.
3. Check the Overall Dimensions and Working Space
The blade diameter is useful when comparing Volano models, but it does not tell you how much space the complete machine will occupy. Across the six models we supply, blade sizes range from 265 mm on the B2 to 319 mm on the B114 and B114X, with the P15 at 285 mm and the B3 and Tribute at 300 mm.
For an interior project, the overall dimensions and operating space are more important than blade diameter alone. Allow room not only for the body of the slicer, but also for the flywheel, moving carriage and comfortable access when the machine is being used.
This is particularly important where a Volano is being incorporated alongside cabinetry or positioned on a worktop. Berkel specifically designed the compact B2 so that its flywheel extends only around 33 mm below the work surface, helping to reduce interference with drawers below.
Where space is tight, we recommend checking the dimensions of the chosen model during the design stage rather than leaving the decision until the kitchen or interior has already been installed. We can provide the relevant technical information when helping with a project specification.
4. Choose a Model to Suit the Space and Intended Use
There is no single Volano model that will suit every project. The best choice depends on the available space, how prominently the slicer will feature and the balance you want between compact proportions, capacity and visual character.
The B2 is the most compact of the six models we supply and is specifically positioned by Berkel for users with limited space. That makes it a natural starting point for smaller kitchens, wine rooms and other interiors where a full-size Volano may feel too dominant.
The P15 is also relatively compact, but has a different character. It is based on Berkel’s Model P from the 1940s, so it can be particularly appealing where the interior calls for a stronger sense of heritage and traditional detailing.
The B3 moves up to a 300 mm blade and offers more capacity while remaining smaller than Berkel’s larger professional-style flywheel machines. For many projects it represents a useful middle ground between physical presence and practicality.
The Tribute also uses a 300 mm blade, but its design is inspired by Berkel slicers from the 1920s. Its decorative details and historic styling give it a noticeably different character from the B3, making the visual direction of the project an important part of the choice.
At the larger end, the B114 delivers the proportions and classic appearance associated with Berkel’s traditional flywheel slicers. It is particularly worth considering where the Volano is intended to have a strong presence within a substantial kitchen, restaurant or hospitality setting.
The B114X uses the same 319 mm blade size but takes the design in a much more contemporary direction. Developed by Berkel in collaboration with Rizoma, its cleaner, more minimalist styling makes it especially relevant to modern architectural interiors.
5. Consider Colour, Finish and the Surrounding Materials
Because a Volano is often left permanently on display, its colour and finish can be considered alongside the other materials in the room rather than treated as an afterthought.
Across the range, Berkel offers different colour and finish options depending on the model. For example, the B3 and B114 are currently available in Berkel’s traditional red and black finishes, while the B114X takes a much more contemporary approach with white matte and glossy versions.
The different finishes give the models noticeably different characters. Berkel’s traditional red can make the Volano a deliberate focal point, while black offers a more restrained interpretation. The white finishes of the B114X take the design in a distinctly more contemporary direction.
Berkel also provides its official Atelier Berkel configurator for exploring customised Volano options, giving designers and clients another route when the standard finishes are not the right fit for a particular project.
6. Look Beyond the Standard Range: Berkel Special Editions
Berkel has also created a number of highly distinctive Volano special editions that demonstrate just how far the slicer can be taken as a piece of interior design. These have included limited and capsule collections based largely around the B114, with specialist finishes, engraving, precious materials and artist collaborations.
Examples include the Signature Capsule Collection, created in just five unique pieces, together with limited editions such as Passion, Journey, Abundantia and Italia. Some of these editions are no longer available, but they are useful references for designers because they show how a Volano can become a genuine focal point within a highly individual interior.
For exceptional projects, it is therefore worth speaking to us about what may currently be available from Berkel rather than assuming that the standard catalogue is the only possibility.
See some of these remarkable B114 Volano special editions in Berkel’s official films: Signature | Italia | Passion | Abundantia | Journey
7. Use Atelier Berkel to Explore a More Individual Specification
For projects where the standard finish is not quite right, Berkel’s official Atelier Volano configurator provides a useful way to explore a more individual specification before making a final decision.
It can be particularly helpful during the early design stage, allowing a designer and client to consider how different colours and details might work within the wider interior scheme before progressing to the final product choice.
Once you have explored the available options, you can return to Pasta Kitchen and discuss the preferred configuration with us. We can then help with the UK-side practicalities, including the appropriate model, dimensions, availability and project requirements.
Berkel currently presents Atelier as part of its wider approach to personalising and visually specifying its Volano range, so it fits naturally into the design process rather than being treated simply as an accessory selection tool.
8. Include the Volano in the Specification Early
A Volano needs more space than the main body of the slicer alone. The flywheel, moving carriage and, where specified, pedestal all add to the overall space required.
Where the Volano will sit alongside bespoke cabinetry, worktops or fitted furniture, choosing the approximate model early allows the correct dimensions and practical requirements to be built into the specification before those surrounding elements are finalised.
We can provide the model-specific information needed at this stage and help check the proposed specification before the project progresses.
9. Get the Specification Right Before Ordering
Before placing an order, it is worth confirming the complete specification rather than looking only at the slicer model itself. The chosen colour, pedestal, overall dimensions and any Atelier options can all affect the final configuration.
Pedestal compatibility varies between models. Berkel currently provides dedicated pedestal options for the B2 and P15, while the B3, Tribute and B114 use a shared pedestal design.
For projects involving bespoke cabinetry, stonework or a specifically allocated position, final dimensions should be checked against the exact model being ordered rather than relying on general Volano measurements.
Availability and expected lead time should also be confirmed before the project programme is finalised, particularly where the slicer forms part of a wider installation.
We can help confirm the final model, configuration and practical requirements before an order is placed.
10. Discuss Your Berkel Volano Project With Us
Choosing the right Volano is much easier when the model, position and finish are considered together rather than as separate decisions.
At Pasta Kitchen, we can help designers, architects, hospitality professionals and private clients compare suitable Volano models, check dimensions and stand options, discuss finishes and consider practical requirements before an order is placed.
If you are planning a Berkel Volano for a luxury kitchen, wine room, private dining space, restaurant, hotel or other interior project, tell us a little about your project using our Berkel Project Enquiry form. We can then help with model selection, dimensions, finishes, stands, lead times and specification.
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