It cuts bread very effectively, even fresh bread and the slice thickness mechanism is easy to use. If I were to improve the slicer I would make the shaft of the crank handle a little longer so it has less tendency to hit the slice of bread being cut as it rotates around. Alternatively provide a guide to keep the handle away from what's being sliced. The slicer wasn't cheap and the price reflects the very good quality of German manufacture, it's very well made indeed and you get what you pay for.