Would you recommend a specific brand of mandolin? Answered

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mastrad-F21000-Mandolin-Multigrater-Black/dp/B0009IZ1X4/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1347446368&sr=1-4

I use one like this with several blades and a veg holder to protect the fingers.

As far as I can see it works well although there is a lot to wash it does come in separate bits to make this easier.

Works for me.

Cook's Illustrated tested and compared a bunch of mandolins a few years ago:

http://www.cooksillustrated.com/equipment/overview.asp?docid=13281

I got one based on their reviews, but have not actually used it yet. The stinkbugs ruined my squash crop, so I did not have a giant pile of zucchini to shred.