What kitchen tool is typically used for slicing vegetables very thinly?

The tool that is typically used for slicing vegetables very thinly is a mandolin. This kitchen utensil is designed specifically for precision slicing, allowing for consistent thickness across a variety of vegetables. It features adjustable blades, which can be set to achieve the desired thickness, making it ideal for tasks like creating thin slices for salads or garnishes.

In contrast, a peeler is primarily meant for removing the skin from fruits and vegetables but does not provide the same level of control for slicing. A spatula is mainly used for flipping or serving food rather than slicing. Lastly, a grater is designed to shred or grate food into smaller pieces, which is different from the slicing action that a mandolin performs. Thus, the mandolin stands out as the correct answer for the specific task of slicing vegetables thinly.