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Many home cooks would agree that peeling vegetables is not the most exciting kitchen task, though it certainly is an important one. Peeling fruits and vegetables does not require a ton of skill or practice, but it does require a durable, sharp tool that can work properly on a variety of produce and last you a long time.
When it’s time to stock your kitchen with a reliable vegetable peeler, there are a handful of factors to consider. Do you want a straight or serrated blade? Do you prefer to have the blade oriented vertically or horizontally? Do you want a swivel blade that can adapt to whatever it is that you’re peeling or something a little stiffer? Are you looking for an electric peeler, or do you prefer to peel manually? Below, something for everyone.
Here are the best vegetable peelers.
Best Overall: Oxo Good Grips Pro Y-Peeler
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Interchangeable blade replacement
Stainless steel blade is sharp and durable
Can peel in both directions
Slightly more expensive
When it comes to peelers, Oxo makes a variety of different models for your specific peeling needs (its swivel peeler and peeler set are also on this list). This Y-peeler model is a go-to for professionals and home chefs, alike. The extra-durable, stainless steel swivel blade can work through produce of all shapes, sizes, and toughness, and should the blade ever become dull, you can change it out for a new blade replacement cartridge (sold separately).
This peeler is designed with a sharp eye that can carve out eyes or blemishes on potatoes or other produce, and the comfortable, non-slip contoured handle allows for the user to choke up or grip farther back depending on how they prefer to hold the tool. The Y-peeler design allows for more control and customization than any other shaped peeler, plus you can use it in both directions. Reviewers are immensely pleased with this product, noting that they’re able to peel more difficult produce items, such as butternut squash.
Dimensions: 10.2 x 4.5 x 0.8 inches | Blade Material: Stainless steel
Best Swivel: Oxo Good Grips Swivel Peeler
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Inexpensive
Works for righties and lefties
Non-slip, comfortable grip
Not as ergonomic as a Y-peeler
This Oxo peeler, which is a cheaper model than the Oxo Y-peeler, offers the same trusted durability and sharpness that you can expect from any Oxo product. Instead of a Y-peeler design, the blade runs perpendicular to the handle, and it operates using swiveling twin blades, so both lefties and righties can peel in either direction. The blades offer a slight flex, too, allowing them to bend in order to cut larger ribbons than that of a rigid blade.
The cushy, oversized handle is designed for comfortable strokes, plus it’s non-slip, so you don’t need to worry about it falling if your hands are wet or oily. The conveniently designed potato eye remover is an added plus.
Though this peeler is advertised as dishwasher safe, it’s best to keep the blade out of the dishwasher because that can promote dulling. This model is also available in a similar pro version, though it's slightly more expensive because of the sturdy, zinc construction around the blade, which is slightly more durable than the plastic material used for this peeler.
Dimensions: 7 x 1.25 x 0.75 inches | Blade material: Stainless steel
“I love using a Y-peeler to make fruit and vegetable roses to top cakes, frittatas, and more. Just peel the fruit or veggie of choice into long strips, and then roll them up into a rose shape. For firmer veggies, like carrots, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to soften them up just a bit. I also use a peeler to shave chocolate on top of cake and pies, it gives the most adorable chocolate curls. Start with frozen chocolate for the best, perfectly formed curls.” — Molly Adams, Senior Food Editor at Feedfeed
Best Set: Oxo Good Grips 3-Piece Peeler Set
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Offers swivel, julienne, and serrated blades
Comes in variety of colors
Grips are comfortable and non-slip
Great value for three peelers
Very sharp, so use with caution
If you’re in the market for several peelers to outfit your kitchen, this Oxo set is the way to go. Not only do you have the option to go for a colorful set—one swivel peeler with a green handle, one julienne peeler with an orange handle, and one serrated peeler with a red handle—but these peelers also offer versatility and durability.
The three-piece set includes a Y-peeler and two straight swivel peelers, and each one boasts a stainless steel blade that’s ultra-sharp and strong. The peelers are also designed with a clear safety cover that flips out of the way while you peel, but when it’s in storage, it will lock back into place as a protective cover. If a vegetable peeler is a tool that you use infrequently, this might be more than you need, but if you want the variety of blades and design, then this a great set.
Dimensions: 11.3 x 6.8 x 1.25 inches | Blade Material: Stainless steel
Best KitchenAid Attachment: KitchenAid Spiralizer Plus Attachment
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Requires much less manual work
Medium, fine, and extra-fine spiraling blades
Six quick-change blades
Peel multiple fruits or vegetables at once
Expensive
Requires a stand mixer
Vegetable length is limited
Lopsided fruits might be hard to position
If you’d rather put your stand mixer instead of your wrists to work, then this attachment is about to become your new best friend when it’s time to peel veggies. Equipped with six, quick-change blades, you can use this attachment for basic vegetable peeling as well as creating large, medium, and ultra-thin noodles. Of course, you’ll need access to an outlet as well as a stand mixer in order to use this attachment.
Our tester found that it worked wonders on bushels of apples and large quantities of potatoes, but longer foods, like larger zucchini, had to be trimmed or cut in half to fit the machine (which was simple). As for the process as a whole? Our tester described it as "fun and awesome."
Though it’s considerably more expensive than a manual peeler, this would be a major help if you find yourself peeling produce in large quantities (or you’re just trying to give your hands a break). The attachments are even dishwasher safe, which makes clean up super straightforward.
Dimensions: 5.8 x 12.4 x 2.9 inches | Blade Material: Stainless steel
"Of course, this spiralizer made short work of zucchini, and I also had success with a fat carrot." — Donna Currie, Product Tester
Best Electric: Starfrit Electric Rotato Express
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Electric
Blade is interchangeable
Quicker than peeling manually
Doesn't work with thin produce
Requires access to an outlet or batteries
Loud
If you’re wanting an automatic peeler, but you don’t own a stand mixer, you can opt for this freestanding electric peeler. It can work on most produce items, such as potatoes, apples, citrus, and stone fruits, though it struggles with thinner items, like parsnips and carrots, and tougher, heavier items, like butternut squash. The peeler arm is able to adjust for every thickness and type of vegetable, plus it can be used to zest citrus.
A storage area under the device holds blades. It also features a thumb knife to remove the eyes from potatoes or other produce blemishes. The peeler includes a 6-volt adapter, though it can also operate with batteries. To use it, you simply prop the item up on the peeler, and then the machine does the rest of the work for you. This would be a wonderful investment if you find yourself peeling a lot of vegetables at once.
Dimensions: 6.31 x 6.5 x 11 inches | Blade Material: Stainless steel
Best Serrated: Kuhn Rikon Serrated Piranha Swivel Peeler
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Lightweight and comfortable to hold
Sharp blade works smoothly and consistently
Affordable
Dishwasher safe
Not great for garnish peels
This classic, Swiss-design peeler offers a serrated swivel peeler that is adept at catching onto tough-to-penetrate skins (fuzzy, hard, or smooth) like tomatoes and stone fruits. The serrated blade is great for foods like asparagus and squash, too. The blade takes off the skin in one smooth, thin strip, and the non-slip handle is comfortable, stylish, and functional for both righties and lefties. It’s easy to hold, lightweight, and simple to store.
This peeler is available in two colors: green and red. Users like that it leaves behind small ridges on the item that you’re peeling, making it easy to hold without slipping.
Dimensions: 7.25 x 0.75 x 1 inches | Blade Material: Stainless steel
Best Ceramic: Kyocera Ceramic Y-Peeler
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Available in many colors
Ergonomic Y-peeler design
Inexpensive
Single sided blade
Ceramic is not as durable as stainless steel
This ultra-lightweight, easy-to-clean peeler is rust-proof and resistant to acids, plus the blade is sharp enough to get through a wide variety of produce items. Available in several fun colors, this inexpensive ceramic peeler is equipped with two sharp eye corners to remove any unwanted blemishes. This is a great tool for a beginner chef—not only do the colors make for a more visually appealing tool, but it’s also super easy to use and clean. At such an approachable price point, this won’t break the bank, either.
Reviewers are extremely pleased with the sharpness and durability of the blade, though they do warn to use it with caution as it is quite sharp.
Dimensions: 1.1 x 3.1 x 5.7 inches | Blade Material: Ceramic
Best Multi-Blade: Precision Kitchenware Julienne & Vegetable Peeler
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Extremely tough and durable
Multiple blade options
Larger, so a little harder to hold
Looking for different blade options without the hassle of purchasing multiple peelers? This stainless steel workhorse gives you several blade options, including a straight peeler as well as julienne. The side of the peeler is also designed with small, sharp eyes to remove blemishes and scars. Use it to skin potatoes, apples, and stone fruits, or whip it out for tougher items, like beets and squash.
This peeler comes with a blade guard and cleaning brush to help protect the sharpness and keep the tool squeaky clean. Because it has two opposing blades, you can easily use this peeler in both directions, so it's an excellent option for both left- and right-handed users.
Dimensions: 2.95 x 3.9 x 1.61 inches | Blade Material: Stainless steel
Best Handmold Grip: Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler
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Extremely comfortable and easy to hold grip
Dishwasher safe
Includes blemish remover
Blade cannot be replaced or changed
Comfort is key when you’re using a tool that requires diligence and repetition. Keep your hands comfortable with an easy, natural grip that’s not going to fall out of your hands. This peeler, which is equally as comfortable for righties as it is for lefties, boasts a molded handle that is easy to hold onto. The dual stainless steel blades allow you to peel in either direction.
It’s also available in a wide variety of colors if you want to add a bit of personality to your toolkit. Many users point out that you need to remove plastic strip on the blade before using in order to expose the sharp blade. Users are extremely happy with how effortlessly the peeler glides down all types of produce.
Dimensions: 7.5 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches | Blade Material: Stainless steel
We chose the Oxo Good Grips Pro Y-Peeler (view at Amazon) as our top pick because its extra-durable, stainless steel swivel blade can tackle produce of all shapes, sizes, and toughness. If it's a set you're after, go for the colorful Oxo Good Grips 3-Piece Peeler Set (view at Amazon), which comes with swivel, julienne, and serrated blades.
What to Look for in a Vegetable Peeler
Blade Material
The most important part of the peeler is the blade. If the blade is strong and sharp, you’re going to have a tough time getting through certain vegetables, and you also want a blade that stays sharp.
There are three common types of blade materials: stainless steel, ceramic, and carbon steel. Stainless steel blades are by far the most popular because it is the one material that you can sharpen like you would with knives. Ceramic blades are similar in sharpness to stainless steel, but when it comes to toughness and durability, they can be more prone to breaking or dulling. Lastly, carbon steel blades are susceptible to rust if not taken care of properly. This means you will have to wipe down after each use so the blade isn’t wet.
Blade Design
Aside from the blade’s material, it is also worth considering how it is designed. Some blades are serrated, and others have a fine edge. Consider which makes more sense for the types of food that you’ll be peeling.
Some peelers have multiple blade options in one if you want the option to switch between serrated and straight. Additionally, a swivel blade allows you to peel in both directions and with much more freedom, whereas using a stiffer, stationary blade means you'll have to be on top of holding it at the proper angle for it to grab the peel.
Consider how deeply and smoothly the blade peels. The distance between the two blades varies from peeler to peeler. It’s always helpful when the second "guiding" blade has a raised ridge because less of it will come into contact with the food thus allowing the first blade to peel more smoothly. Some blades are also wider than others, so if you tend to work with larger produce, this could be advantageous.
Power Source
Keep in mind that you can opt for a vegetable peeler that is used manually or electronically. If you are trying to cut down on how much work your hands are doling, it may be in your best interest to opt for a free-standing electric peeler or peeler attachment that works with your stand mixer. If you prefer to do things by hand, whether it be for added accuracy or speed, then you should stick to a manual peeler.
Handle
Manual peelers are available in a straight handle design or a Y-peeler. For the straight handles, the blade is parallel to the handle, so you’ll hold the blade on its side and work in a sideways fashion, sort of like you’re brushing hair. For a Y-peeler, the blade is perpendicular to the handle, so you’ll work in a more vertical motion, like you’re painting a wall top to bottom. The difference in stroke can largely be left up to personal preference. Molly Adams says, “I prefer a Y-peeler because it’s much more versatile and I have better control with the small handle.”
FAQs
How do you sharpen a vegetable peeler?
It is uncommon to sharpen a vegetable. While it may be possible, because of the awkward shape of the two parallel blades, it’s hard to sufficiently sharpen both blades simultaneously since they get in the way of one another. You could slide a metal nail file between the two blades to sharpen each of them one at a time, but this can be tricky. The best plan for keeping your peeler sharp and ready to use is to look for peelers that offer the ability to replace the blade. This way, you can keep the same body of the peeler and not have to buy a completely new peeler every time the blade dulls.
How do you clean a vegetable peeler?
Like any other dirty tool, your best bet is to clean the peeler by hand washing with warm, soapy water. Avoid the dishwasher, as this is going to dull the blade. If there are food bits stuck onto the blade, use a gentle scrub brush to loosen them up and wash them away.
How do you make zoodles with a vegetable peeler?
To create long, ribbon-like shapes with a vegetable peeler, you’ll want to peel the vegetable lengthwise for long, strand-like cuts. You can do this with zucchini, asparagus, and carrots.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Sara Tane has written dozens of buying guides for The Spruce Eats, understanding what consumers and cooks need to consider before making a new purchase for their culinary adventures. She is a professionally trained chef, food writer, and recipe developer. With many hours spent in the kitchen, she is no stranger to the importance of using reliable, well made tools. After researching different vegetable peelers and their materials, she can help you find the peeler for your home kitchen.
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