- A sharp, well-designed vegetable peeler can make all the difference when it comes to efficient meal prep.
- Our top pick, the Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, is overwhelmingly the expert favorite for its easy-to-use shape and ultra-sharp carbon steel blade.
I’m a woman of many talents – accomplishing tasks while reading at the same time, sleeping for 12+ hours, finding new ways to waste time online. But cooking is not among them. The best I can do is an elaborate salad and a veggie burger.
For a novice like myself, vegetable prep can be one of the most intimidating aspects of cooking. Just looking at an unpeeled, unchopped carrot makes me break into a cold sweat.
However, a good vegetable peeler can make all the difference. Choosing one that is sharp and well-designed can take care of that carrot in minutes or less. Most are also inexpensive, come with specialized features to fit your needs, and are available to buy online.
Here are the best vegetable peelers:
- Best overall: Kuhn Rikon 2784 3-Set Swiss Peeler
- Best swivel peeler: OXO Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler
- Best electric peeler: Starfrit 93209 Rotato Express Electric Peeler
- Best for julienne: Precision Kitchenware Julienne & Vegetable Peeler
- Best ceramic blades: Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Y-Peeler
Updated on 8/6/2020 to edit prices, titles, links, and remove references and ratings from third-party sites because we’ve found them to be unreliable in the past.
The best overall
The Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler looks like nothing special, but the carbon steel blade and Y-shaped design can cut through even the toughest veggie skins.
If one vegetable peeler can ever claim a cult following, it's the Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler. This thing is basically the David Lynch of vegetable peelers, only instead of a midnight showing of "Eraserhead," you get a carbon steel blade that slices through veggie skins with the best of 'em.
The brand claims its carbon steel blade "cuts better that most other peelers and stays sharp." The Y-shaped design features a comfortable handle designed to be used left- or right-handed, and there's a potato eye remover next to the blade. You can purchase one peeler for $5 or packs of two or three for only a few dollars more.
The sharp blades are also renowned for their longevity, especially relative to the low price. One thing to note is that these peelers are not dishwasher safe and should be hand-washed and dried after each use to prevent rust build-up. With proper care, the Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler should last for years to come.
Pros: Affordable, available in multi-packs, carbon steel blade, potato eye remover
Cons: Hand wash only, rusting possible
The best swivel peeler
The iconic OXO Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler is a staple in many a kitchen thanks to quality materials and ease of use.
Chances are you already have an OXO Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler, but if you don't, know that this peeler is downright iconic.
Swivel peelers feature blades that rotate, giving you maximum control over the angles. OXO's signature non-slip, cushioned handle makes this an ergonomic choice. The top portion is made of die-cast zinc and extra-hardened stainless steel. An eye remover helps you pop out potato eyes or soft spots in a pinch.
This peeler is dishwasher safe and blades are sold separately so you don't need to buy a new handle to replace a dull blade.
Pros: Stainless steel, cushioned handle, eye remover, dishwasher safe, replaceable blade
Cons: None that are significant
The best electric peeler
The Starfrit Rotato Express Electric Peeler makes quick, easy work of peeling a ton of vegetables.
If you're cooking a big meal and are worried about hand-fatigue, try an electric peeler. The Starfrit Rotato Express is the most popular option. It sort of looks like a mad scientist's invention, but makes quick and easy work of peeling a variety of vegetables.
To use, secure the vegetable on the holders, adjust the height, and turn it on. The vegetable rotates as the flexible cutter arm peels the skin in one fell swoop. It turns off on its own when it reaches the bottom. The device claims to cut just the skin without wasting any of the good, nutritious stuff underneath.
Pros: Hands-free peeler, peels veggies quickly, adjustable cutter arm, cuts down on waste
Cons: Some reviewers complained about the quality of the materials
The best for julienne
The Precision Kitchenware Julienne & Vegetable Peeler is a multi-use kitchen tool that takes your veggie prep game up a notch.
The Precision Kitchenware Julienne & Vegetable Peeler is a stainless steel device featuring dual blades; one side is your standard vegetable peeler to remove skin, the other features julienne blades that cut the veggies into small ribbons.
A julienne peeler is kind of like a smaller spiralizer, used to create garnishes for salads and sandwiches or veggie "noodles" as an alternative to pasta.
This tool is designed to be multi-functional, with ultra-sharp blades, and a 10-year guarantee which reflects high standards of manufacturing.
Pros: Multi-functional blades, stainless steel, 10-year warranty
Cons: Some reviewers say it is difficult to clean
The best with ceramic blades
The Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Y-Peeler features a rust-proof, anti-corrosion blade that peels without influencing the look and taste of your fruits and vegetables.
If you're wary of metal blades for fear of rust, try the Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Y-Peeler. As the name suggests, it has a unique ceramic blade rather than the more typical stainless steel option.
The ceramic blade is rust-proof and claims to not corrode over time. Eye corers are on either side of the blade and the handle also comes in a variety of fun, pop art-esque colors. In addition to peeling, it tilts, swivels, and won't dull vegetables.
Pros: Rust-proof, corrosion-proof blade, different colors
Cons: Relatively pricey
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