My original slicer had a plastic upper housing and chute. This stainless unit will be much more durable. This unit really works fast. Avoid letting too big a piece of meat into the chute. If it jams you really have to be careful how you dislodge the meat. I would suggest turning off the grinder and working the meat free otherwise you run the risk of having the blades grab your tool and then possibly damaging things. Trust me!