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Pineapples are one of the most delicious fruits on the planet, and they’re also rather unique.
For example, did you know that they grow in the ground on a plant rather than up in a tree, and take three years to mature?
I think you’ll agree when I say pineapples can be pretty hard to cut into. With the prickly outer layer and the hard core, I’ve skipped buying fresh in the past because of time constraints, and because of the complicated and messy process it can involve.
However, pre-cut and pre-packaged fresh fruit can be rather expensive, so what’s a pineapple lover to do?
If you can relate, and have been passing on the fresh, whole variety due to the intense concentration and tenacity required to cut into the thing, or the price of the pre-cut stuff, then let me tell you, there is a better option out there…
What is it?
A Pineapple Corer.
Not only does a corer make cutting this tropical fruit very simple, it also makes the fruit look way nicer than most of us could do on our own!
After using this tool, you’re left with the most beautiful yellow rings, which look like something a professional chef created.
Below are some of the best options for these products. We’ll give you our top pick, guide you through what to look for when purchasing one of these convenient devices, and then give you some more options.
Bottom Line Up Front – Our Top Pick
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ratcheting Pineapple Slicer
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ratcheting Pineapple SlicerThis model quickly and easily does the job, and does it well.
It comes with a ratcheting feature, which keeps you from losing your grip or having to re-adjust when trying to slice the fruit. The top easily pops off, and the slices slide down the handle.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ratcheting Pineapple Slicer with Depth Guide
The measurement feature is also very nice, as it prevents you from piercing the bottom of the shell (very easy to do once you get started). The empty shell can then be re-filled with fresh fruit for a nice centerpiece on your dinner table.
This product is dishwasher safe and compact enough that it can be stored in your utensil drawer. It’s stainless steel and comes with a sharp blade that effortlessly cuts through the fruit without making a mess.
If you haven’t seen one of these in action, allow me to explain the process. But don’t worry – its super simple!
Here’s how it works:
1. First, you simply cut off the top of the fruit.
2. Then, using the measurement feature, figure out how far down you need to go (this will prevent piercing the bottom, like I mentioned above)
3. Next, place the blade in the middle and, using the ratchet, you’ll move the blade down to the point you measured.
4. With one hand on the fruit and the other on the tool, pull up and remove the fruit.
5. Push the release button to pop off the handle and flip over the blade, and slide the rings off the tool.
That’s it!
A few users tested this tool to see if it wasted any of the fruit, and found that very little was wasted. They deemed it a very efficient product, especially when compared to others in this category.
Users love how strong and sturdy this model is, and highly recommend this over the plastic versions you can also buy online.
Check the price and read all of the customer reviews on Amazon now.
Things You Should Look at When Choosing A Model
When looking for the best product, below are a few things we considered before making our decision, and we suggest you do the same.
Material – This tool should be made out of stainless steel, as the fruit it will be used on is very tough, and you’ll want the product to be able to handle a little force.
The plastic models don’t last long, usually around 1-2 uses, and aren’t a good option for the environment as they take a very long time to break down after they’ve been tossed in the trash.
Blade – This should be very sharp, and of good quality. It’s a little hard to tell before using, so we suggest reading reviews before you make a purchase.
If the blade is weak, it will tear the fruit rather than cutting it, leaving you with a lot of ripped pieces and a big mess, with a lot of wasted juice.
Handle – Since you will be holding on to the handle and twisting it the majority of the time, you’ll want this to be very comfortable, with a nice grip.
The model we recommend requires no twisting, as it has the ratcheting feature. But all of the others on the list do require you to do most of the work.
Other Models Worth Considering
Maybe you don’t care about the ratcheting feature and are curious about some less expensive models, or you’re just looking for more of an opportunity to weigh your options.
Below are some other contenders we recommend.
Easy Tool Stainless Steel
This is a very basic model, recommended for those who don’t eat a lot of this type of tropical produce, but who are interested in trying one of these tools.
Easy Tool Stainless Steel Fruit Pineapple Corer Slicer Peeler Cutter
It doesn’t come with the ratcheting feature, so you have to use a little more force than you do with the one listed above, but everything else is very similar.
A few users did complain about the final product, saying that the blade on this model isn’t very straight and sharp, causing more of a tear in the rings than a slice.
Another user also mentioned that it can be a little messy, creating a lot of juice when it’s in use, which is something that is pretty common with the cheaper models.
That being said, a lot of users still really like this product. It’s stainless steel, and does make cutting this tricky fruit easier. If you don’t mind a little mess, then this would be a great option.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
All-Ware Stainless Steel
This is another decent option, and one that is made to last, with a sturdy stainless blade.
All Ware Stainless Steel Pineapple Easy Slicer and De-Corer
It’s very easy to use without having to use too much force. It cuts the fruit well and leaves the bottom intact, so you can re-use the shell as a cup or a bowl. This would be a great tool to help you prepare for a tropical themed party.
A few users did mention that it sometimes shreds the fruit rather than slicing it, squeezing some of the juice from the fruit. Even so, the juice can easily be poured out of the shell at the end and into a glass for drinking (or drink it right out of the pineapple shell!).
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
Statko Stainless Steel
This is another very similar product to the last two mentioned above, and is also made of stainless steel.
Statko® Stainless Steel Pineapple Slicer and Corer
The blade is very sharp, it cuts through the fruit effortlessly, and it is dishwasher safe.
This model makes 3-inch rings, and you’re left again with an empty shell to do whatever you wish with. This product does lose a little bit of juice when you’re twisting it down, but you can pour it out and drink it when you finish cutting.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
The Vacu Vin 4-in-1: Another Best Buy
As you can tell from this list so far, there are a lot of great tools to help you cut this tricky produce more effectively, and a lot of them are very similar.
However, this model has something that makes it stand out…
… and that is the wedge attachment.
This addition makes it very easy to turn your slices into chunks rather than just rings. I don’t know about you, but usually I want my fruit in pieces that I can pick up or eat with a fork.
Vacu Vin 4-in-1 Pineapple Peeler, Corer, Slicer and Wedger – Stainless Steel
This tool is very easy to use and allows you to get the final product on the table in 30 seconds. It’s stainless steel and dishwasher safe.
It follows the same corkscrew twisting method as the others on this list, and the handle easily pops off, so you can slide your slices off the tool.
This product is a little more expensive. But, this is justified as it comes with the tool to cut your fruit into wedges, which are great for kabobs, salads, or topping pizza. Again, this model comes highly recommended.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
No More Wasted Fruit
If you’re over the days of wasting fruit because you just don’t know how to cut it in the most efficient manner, or if you’re unsure of which parts are edible and wondering where the core ends, then I suggest you look into getting a corer that you can use in your own kitchen.
Both the OXO model and the Vacu Vin 4-in-1 are worth buying in my opinion, and will serve you much longer (and work easier) than the others.
And if you’re anything like me, we can try to fool our friends into thinking it was us who cut those beautiful pineapple rings. Sure, they’ll be onto us sooner or later… and they’ll probably end up wanting one of these tools for themselves!
About Sarah Hagstrom
Sarah is a health food advocate and loves to spend her time whipping up something healthy and delicious in the kitchen and then sharing either on Foodal or on her own blog "The Seasonal Diet" (www.theseasonaldiet.com). She lives in Sunny San Diego with her husband, where they enjoy running on the beach and weekend adventures.
I will admit that I always choose tinned pineapple over fresh because of the preparation issues. It’s just so difficult to slice the pineapple efficiently, without wasting huge chunks. Coring the things is a different kind of nightmare too!
So I’m delighted to see that there are gadgets such as these on the market. I especially love the way you’re left with a bowl after you’ve finished – perfect for serving smoothies or even cocktails in.
My mom has a pineapple corer. I think it could be a different brand though but it works just as well. She found it necessary to buy as she adds pineapple to every meal she can get her hands on. If you haven’t tried chicken with pineapple then you should. It is absolutely delish!
Wow! I’ve never seen anything like this! It looks very professional! When we buy some pineapple it always sits on the counter for weeks because nobody wants to cut it and then it’s too late!!! :/
Oh my gosh, I really want one of these. Pineapples are my favorite fruits and I always have to fighting to get the skin off. Sometimes I end up eating the core beacal I can cut it out. So this too would do wonders for me.
Wow! I had no idea about the little plant fact, imagine that? how many pineapple plants should be maturing right now in order to be eaten? but it’s worth it, it’s definitely my favorite fruit ever.
But I have to admit that is always a headache to slice it, I just cannot do it alone, I literally have to ask my mom for help. And I have to admit that I have never seen one of these, it seems kind of difficult and dangerous tool to work with but I guess that I’ll get it with some practice.
Anyone know the diameter of slice for each of these? Small diameter corers on large diameter pineapples leaves a lot of extra fruit to extract.
The welded tip broke off. Wish this welding would be stronger.
Buy a decent chef’s knife, learn to use it, and forego this single-use gadget.
That’s definitely the method that I use for peeling pineapple- but I have yet to master cutting perfect rings with a chef’s knife! ????
Nice article!
Just this afternoon a friend was telling me that her mom sent her and each of her sisters a pineapple corer/slicer. She said they all responded rolling their eyes at mom’s gift, like “what is this?” She went on to say they all love the appliance and are so grateful to have it. Also mentioned that it works like a charm each and every time. That’s the reason I’m online looking for one. I love fresh pineapple but avoid it because of the process of getting to the fruit.
Pineapple corers work great. Used them for years. However, no where in the article did I see mention of the blade diameter. I had a 4″ blade but now can only find 3.5 or less, which leaves a lot of fruit. Any with a 4″ blade?
One major problem. You are somewhat fixed to one size of pineapple. To small a pineapple, you get the hard eyes in the pineapple ring, To large a pineapple, you waste up to 20% of the fruit. A pineapple peeling/corer needs cutting blades of different diameters to be truly efficient.