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No matter what level you’re at when it comes to cooking, every kitchen needs a vegetable peeler. From skinning carrots to potatoes, let me just tell you, I use mine almost every day!
Not only are these necessary but they are also affordable, giving you no excuse not to have one or two in your kitchen!
If you’re currently in the market for a brand new model, then you’re in luck. Today I’m going to take an in-depth look at the top 5 vegetable peelers on the market, and help you make the best decision for your kitchen.
Bottom Line Up Front: Our 5 Best Reviewed Vegetable Peelers
- OXO Pro Swivel
- OXO Good Grips Y Peeler
- OXO Good Grips Standard Swivel
- Kuhn Rikon Original 4-Inch Swiss Peeler
- Precision Kitchenware Stainless Steel Dual Julienne & Vegetable Peeler
Note: the links above lead to pricing, customer reviews, and more information and specifications on Amazon or other major retailers.
The Swivel vs. The Y-Peeler
There are two different styles of vegetable peelers we’ll be looking at, the Y and the Swivel type. I would say, among home cooks, the swivel style is more popular. They usual have a vertical blade that is used by moving your hand back and forth on the produce.
The Y-Peeler, on the other hand, has a horizontal blade, and is used by starting at the bottom and peeling the skin towards you. This maneuver is a little tricky until you get used to it.
Home cooks tend to like the swivel design because it’s easier to use and feels very natural, whereas those in the food and restaurant industry like the Y models, as they’re often more willing to spend the time adjusting to the different movement. They also say that these are sharper and can even save time.
Other folks often keep both kinds on hand for different tasks, and often use the Y style purely for potato skin removal. The Y version also tends to be more user-friendly for left-handed folks.
Let’s look at a few varieties of both types of peelers below, and you can decide which style is the most practical for you.
What to Look For
Durability
When it comes to vegetable peelers, you want one that is durable. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want is for my tool to break when I’m trying to make dinner, and end up with a cut finger and bloody potatoes! Durable models are affordable (even from the best brands), but I don’t believe they are designed to last forever; I think one that lasts a few years is a reasonable request.
Design
I’m not talking about the way it looks or whose brand it carries, but more so, is it made in a way that allows it to do its job, and do it well? When buying a product, it’s expected that it does exactly what it claims it can do. Personally, I’ve bought far too many vegetable peelers in the past that simply don’t peel! Or they are poorly designed and end up clogging around the blade, wasting more time since it’s necessary to clean it out with every few passes.
Blade
When researching various models, I found there are a few different types of blades: stainless steel, ceramic and even carbon steel blades. For me, the only blade which makes sense is the stainless steel blade. I’m rather clumsy in the kitchen so the ceramic doesn’t make sense as I could easily drop it and have it break. And the carbon steel blades can rust if not dried right after washed, and well, that doesn’t always happen in my kitchen. I’ll go over this more with each individual model, but I wanted to mention it because blades are a big consideration when purchasing one of these.
Top 5 Vegetable Peelers Brand and Models
Let’s dive in, starting with a very popular kitchen brand: OXO.
OXO Good Grips Pro Swivel
OXO Good Grips Pro SwivelI almost overlooked this product, as it looks so similar to the one I talk about above, but don’t be fooled – they are not the same. I did some research and it turns out that OXO did a little case study where they watched users use the above mentioned product, and collected user feedback.
With that information, they created this improved model, and possibly the better option. With this Pro model the blade is sharper, and replaceable! Multiple reviewers stated that this option is also a lot more comfortable than the standard offering (which is quite good, and what I use).
Key Benefits
- It’s been updated, and usually that means it’s been improved
- Sharper blade
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- Replaceable blade
- Metal potato eye remover
Foodal’s Number 1 Choice: OXO Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler and is available on Amazon.
OXO Good Grips Y Model
Sticking with the OXO brand, I wanted to take a look at their version of a Y-peeler. I immediately saw that this model is not as popular, however I’m very intrigued by the Y design, as in my home we’ve always had the swivel variety. And I have to say, after watching a video of this device peeling a butternut squash, so effortlessly, I’m thinking both varieties of peelers might just have a place in my kitchen!
This model doesn’t disappoint when it comes to comfort. One home cook explains how much easier the holidays are with this device, peeling root vegetables for a big crowd with no hand cramps. The majority of users find the blade to be very sharp, which I considered a plus when deciding on my purchase. That being said, it’s easier to cut yourself if you’re not careful, which one user did say happened.
OXO Good Grips Y Peeler available from Amazon
Key Benefits
- Sharp– cuts through tough skin like butternut squash with precision
- Brand you can count on– if you’re not satisfied or it breaks, OXO will replace it or refund your money
- No clogging– I read that some examples are built poorly and the skin gets caught in the blade, which is not the case with this one
- Dishwasher safe
Like the swivel version, the Y peeler is also available in a pro version for a few bucks more.
OXO Good Grips Swivel (Standard Model)
OXO prides itself in comfort and this example is no exception. Its handle is designed with a soft rubber handle so it fits softly in your hand, and users agree this is the tool for you if you have lots of potatoes to peel! One professional cook reported peeling over 100 potatoes a day with this peeler for 6 years!
Most professional cooks seem to prefer the Y design, but I found that this OXO version is highly praised between both home cooks and professionals, which pretty much sealed the deal for me.
This model is made with a sharp stainless steel blade that peels potatoes, carrots, apples and many other hard fruits and vegetables.
It’s also the swivel variety, meaning it contours to any surface. One user said her favorite part of the OXO is the precision and speed with which she can peel potatoes.
Key Benefits
- Small in size– this product weighs in at 2 oz
- Durable– one user reported having this model for 7 years and it still works great
- Dishwasher safe– anything that doesn’t have to be hand washed is a plus in my book
- Built-in potato eyer– making it easier to peel potatoes and not waste the actual potato
- Suitable for righties and lefties
- Stainless steel blade– you don’t have to worry about the blade breaking if it’s dropped, or rusting
- Brand you can count on– If you’re not satisfied or it breaks, OXO will replace it or refund your money
Read all customer reviews of the OXO Swivel Model on Amazon now.
Kuhn Rikon Swiss
This blade is very popular among food industry professionals. So many users in the industry rave about how this is the only model they use or will ever use again. This is a Y design, so it has the horizontal blade, and it’s one of the few models with a carbon steel blade.
That being said, the blade can rust if you’re not careful, but it’s very sharp!
These peelers are available in a 3-pack on Amazon.com, and they are very affordable. This one also comes in fun colors, which I have to say, the few colorful kitchen tools I have (like a purple knife) seem to get used more often than the boring black and stainless steel ones. If solid bright colors aren’t enough dazzle for you, there are even polka dot versions available!
Key Benefits
- Food industry quality– it’s a good sign when professional chefs are recommending this product
- Carbon steel blade– extra sharp blade that doesn’t dull
- Affordable
- Comes in bright colors– making it more fun to use!
Kuhn Rikon Original 4-Inch Swiss Peeler
Precision Kitchenware
When I first saw Precision Kitchenware’s offering I thought, “Wow, this is a snazzy tool!” It’s silver and looks like it has all the bells and whistles. This is another Y design, and it’s the bestselling model on Amazon. One user said, “finally a well-made vegetable peeler,” which is really important to me and I imagine is for you as well.
This one also has a julienne feature, so it has a jagged edge on one side of the blade for this purpose, as well as a smooth side of the blade for ordinary vegetable skin removal. Some users reported that the edge makes it a little hard to use and clean, but it’s nothing that a toothbrush can’t solve.
This device also comes with a lifetime warranty. If it breaks or you’re not happy with it, you can return it or get a refund with no hassle.
Precision Kitchenware Stainless Steel Dual Julienne & Vegetable Peeler
Key Benefits
- Popularity– the bestselling model on Amazon, usually a good sign
- Sharp– most users love how sharp and quick this blade is
- Lifetime warranty– you can return this if it ever breaks down or if you’re not satisfied
Final Considerations
After looking at all the peelers, a few things stand out to me:
If you want a swivel model, hands down the OXO Pro is the one. It’s durable, it’s the standard among home chefs, and professionals seem to also love it.
If you’re looking for a Y design, remember it’s a little more complicated to use at first. OXO’s Y offering seems pretty standard. It’s a good brand, and its dishwasher safe. Personally, I would pick the Kuhn Rikon brand when it comes to a Y-Peeler. It’s just a little more appealing to me. It’s colorful, simple, affordable and sharp – plus it’s highly reviewed on Amazon.
Then again, Precision Kitchenware’s offering has the ability to perform several functions (remarkably well for both, I might add) plus its lifetime warranty and quality all metal construction also make it a solid choice.
That being said, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the above five vegetable peelers (I didn’t include any models in this review that I believe to be inferior – all of these are top notch). If you don’t like them, you can return them and get your money back. With just a little investment, I think it’s worth giving one or two a try!
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.
You have no freaking idea how helpful this is to me. I have had the worst luck of anyone with my peelers. You would think it would be a simple process when going to buy one. I seriously put effort into it & still manage to get something that falls apart like it’s made of Play Doh or couldn’t peel a banana.
I’ve been using the same Brabantia Profile peeler for the last ten years. It is a single piece with a fixed blade and feels really sturdy. Previous models have always felt unstable due to having moving parts or the handle has come off after a while. The Brabantia wasn’t cheap at all but it was well worth the money. Even today, it looks as good as new.
Glad to hear that you finally found one with some stability. It is never pleasant to hear that you had to spend a little bit, but lately I am starting more and more to believe in the “you get what you pay for” sort of mentality, and it is usually the case. I have a pretty simple one right now and I have been thinking of a new one, so this looks good to me.
Missibishi, which Brabantia do you have? I wasn’t even aware of the brand until you mentioned it. It appears that they have 4 or 5 different models and I’d be willing to order one for testing. They even have one for Asparagus (side note: I consider myself fairly worldly and have no ideal why someone would need to remove the skins from that vegetable).
I guess am still in the stone age era, when my mom was still around, the peelers were around, but since i’ve had a lot of time moving from one house to another since then, they became miss-placed and i became lazy in buying others, so i settled {to using a knife for all basic work in the kitchen}…its never kind to settle, because one lacks out on luxuries and privileges life has to offer 🙁 …i believe this is a wake up call…i’ve noted down in my budget book {in red}; Peelers to be bought ASAP! 😉
Swivels and Y-styles are all cool and great to use, but I find vegetable peelers without the swiveling part and just a fixed blade the best. Gives you more control and if there’s a part that needs to be cut out of the vegetable the fixed blade makes it easier. I think that that kinds of knives should have been included in the post too.
So many models, so good prices — I have no idea why people like my granny still use knifes to peel their raw potatoes! So much waste, and less efficiency there.
The Y skin model for the potato is so neat! It looks really easy to use. All of these models look fantastic to use. I have a peeler at home and it works fine, but these look like it’d get the job done better.
I’m very clumsy when it comes to knives so this is one of first things I bought when I moved in with my husband. Actually, I bought two of them, just to be on the safe side. I wish I had my mother’s ability to peel everything perfectly with a knife. Sadly, I don’t, so I have to rely on those useful tools. I’ve always used the Y model but now that I read your post, I’m thinking to get a swivel one, the Oxo Pro sounds like a very good choice, I’ll have to check if I can find it in my zone, otherwise I’ll order it online, you made me very curious to try it.
I’ m looking for a peeler which peels thinner peelings than these do. Do you have any ideas?
To avoid wasteage, I would have thought thin peel would be a prime requirement of any testing done before selecting the best peeler. SADLY this aspect has been totally ignored, therefore degrading the value of this article
The absolutely the BEST peeler is an all-metal peeler,straight from beginning to end, but double metal handle. Lightweight. No more than 1/2″ wide blade-4 inches long. Including handle, about 8 inches long. Does it’s cutting on the interior cutting edge. No manufacturer’s name on it. Produces very thin peel. Available at a Dollar store. Cheap.
Your great+ grandma used one. Maybe their moms too. In 60 years of peeling spuds, I’ve needed only 4, and two of those were accidentally thrown out with the peelings. Wish I could give you a manuf. name.
The metal ones are from Ekco. Have two that I’ve used since Fred Flintstone was a pup. Like the Oxo’s the best and a friend gave me a ss Onida which is really growing on me. Going to try a “Y” peeler on squash this fall. Have one, waiting on the squash. You can sharpen these things, do a search on the i-net.
One thing that I always look for is how aggressive the blade is. It is hard to find one that doesn’t take off a lot of material. The steeper the curve of the blade, the more it takes off. That can be a good thing, but it is not what I want. I like to have a shallow, gently curve blade so that it leaves the most fruit or vegetable behind 🙂 Unfortunately I can’t buy online because of this issue. It is difficult to tell from pics just how aggressive the steel is and most peelers are beasts in that way… not subtle at all. lol
Unable to locate replacement cartridges for the Oxo pro …. disappointing.
Sustainability seems to be more in manufacturer’s sensibility, but this was discontinued?
I am so dissappointed that there is no mention of safety on any of the peelers which is why my search led me to this blog.