Welcome to our best vegetable peeler guide of 2020. Here we’ll present to you all the peelers that we have tested. We have put together detailed background information for you and also added a summary of customer reviews on the web.
We want to make the purchase decision easier for you and help you find the best peeler for you.
You can also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer you interesting test videos. You will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a peeler.
Vegetable Peeler essentials
- Vegetable peelers are devices for peeling fruit and vegetables quickly and economically.
- There are many different types of peelers, each of which is particularly suitable for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, before you buy, you should think about what you want to use the peeler for.
- If the right peeler is used, it will make the job a lot easier.
Top 3: Best Vegetable Peeler
- Vegetable Peeler essentials
#1: WMF stainless steel peeler
The WFM peeler made of stainless steel is rust-free and perfectly suitable for the dishwasher. The blade remains sharp and functional even after frequent use. The cross peeler is particularly easy to use.
The peeler has a good price-performance ratio and is very popular with customers. This is particularly due to the good price and the ease of use, as well as the suitability for left-handers.
#2: Westmark Stainless Steel Asparagus And Long Vegetable Peeler
The Westmark Asparagus Peeler has a stainless steel blade and is a long vegetable peeler. It is dishwasher safe and suitable for both right and left-handers.
The blade is very sharp and does not wear out even after frequent use. The peeler is also inexpensive and easy to hold.
#3 : Kyocera CP-10-NBK peeler
The Kyocera Peeler is a cross peeler with a ceramic blade. The blade is very sharp and naturally rustproof thanks to the ceramic. Ceramic blades are also suitable for those allergic to nickel.
The peeler lies very comfortably in the hand and is easy to use. It is also inexpensive and the blade stays sharp for a long time.
Questions to consider before buying a peeler
What is a peeler?
u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eA potato peeler is a kitchen tool for peeling fruit and vegetables.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe device consists of a handle to which a blade is mounted. u003cbru003eCare is taken to remove only the peel and little of the desired pulp if possible. u003cbru003eThat is why it is also called a vegetable peeler.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThere are different types of peelers, depending on which fruit or vegetable is to be peeled with them. u003cbru003eTherefore, individual products can look quite different.u003cbru003e
How does a potato peeler work?
With the help of the blade, which is mounted on the peeler, the kitchen helper takes the peel from the fruit or vegetables.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDepending on how the blade of the peeler is set, a thin or a thick layer of the peeled object is removed. u003cbru003eThe so-called “spacer†specifies this thickness.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cemu003eHowever, there are also potato peelers whose blades can be adjusted to suit the required peeling depth.u003cbru003eu003c/emu003eu003cbru003eFor peeling, the device is held in the hand by the handle and, depending on the type of device, guided with the fingers or the hand or with the whole arm.
What can a peeler be used for?
You can peel various types of fruit and vegetables with a vegetable peeler.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis device is used particularly often for potatoes, carrots, apples and asparagus.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe peeler is especially intended for those fruits and vegetables where the peel is not eaten or processed and should therefore be removed. u003cbru003eIt simplifies the peeling process with the knife because it is easier to use.u003cbru003eIt is important that, depending on the type of fruit or vegetable, there are peelers that are particularly suitable and others that do not. u003cbru003eHere, for example, the size and shape of the peeled object or the type of shell are decisive.u003cbru003e
How much does a peeler cost?
A potato peeler costs an average of 4 – 20 €, but there are also far more expensive products and cheaper variants.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe cost of the peeler depends on the materials that are used. u003cbru003eHandles made of steel tend to be more expensive than those made of plastic, but they are also more stable. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWhen it comes to blades, those made of ceramic are on average slightly cheaper than those made of steel.u003cbru003eIt is also important to have a good peeler in order to minimize the risk of injury when slipping.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eFor example, there are peelers that have non-slip handles to prevent this problem.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWith peelers you should always pay attention to a good quality and therefore very cheap products should be avoided. u003cbru003eOn the one hand, this is due to the fact that the blades of cheap products are often not sharp and peeling is therefore difficult.u003cbru003eIn addition, these often do not sit comfortably in the hand, which can be uncomfortable if a lot is peeled.
Where can I buy a peeler?
Vegetable peelers belong to kitchen appliances and household goods and can therefore be bought wherever such products are sold.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThey can be found in furniture and furnishings stores, such as:u003cbru003e- Ikeau003cbru003e- Home Depotu003cbru003eu003cbru003eAlso at online retailers such as:u003cbru003e- Amazonu003cbru003e- eBayu003cbru003eu003cbru003eWe recommend that you buy peelers online, because the selection of different peelers is the largest in online shops.
What alternatives are there for a peeler?u003cbru003e
Basically, you don’t need a peeler to peel fruit and vegetables, you can just use a knife, and there are also electric peelers.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eKitchen eaters are practical because they are available in every kitchen, so you don’t need a new device.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHowever, caution should be exercised as peeling with a knife takes a lot of practice. u003cbru003eA lot of valuable pulp is lost, especially at the beginning, and there is also the risk of cutting yourself.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eVegetable peeler:u003c/strongu003e Due to their easy handling, vegetable peelers are very suitable for beginners. u003cbru003eYou have to buy an additional kitchen appliance, but potato peelers are cheap and durable.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eKnives:u003c/strongu003e Knives are available in every kitchen and therefore no additional device is necessary. u003cbru003eHowever, using it to peel takes practice and a lot of the fruit is wasted, especially at the beginning.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eElectric peeler:u003c/strongu003e Electric peelers work very quickly and at the push of a button, but there are often leftovers that have to be reworked by hand. u003cbru003eIn addition, they are more expensive than vegetable peelers and are usually only profitable if you have a large amount of fruit and vegetables to be peeled.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eElectric peelers should also be chosen with caution, as there are some models that only peel the middle of the peeled material really nicely and then the ends have to be peeled off by hand.u003cbru003eThe electric peelers are also priced significantly higher than potato peelers and are therefore only profitable if they are used frequently.
What types of peelers are there and which one is right for you?
There are basically very different types of peelers. These differ in terms of the blade in the following properties:
- Placement of the blade – across or along the handle (cross peeler or lengthwise peeler)
- Blade material – ceramic or steel
- Mobility of the blade – movable or immobile
- The grind of the blade – smooth or serrated or wavy
The following table provides a brief overview, whereby the material of the blades has been left out, as this is irrelevant for the suitability for specific fruits and vegetables.
| Type of peeler | Is suitable for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cross peeler | Elongated fruits and vegetables | Cucumber, carrots, asparagus |
| Longitudinal peeler | Small, round fruits and vegetables | Potatoes, kiwi, beetroot |
| Peeler with a movable blade | Round fruits and vegetables | Kiwi, pumpkin, potatoes |
| Fixed blade peeler | Elongated fruits and vegetables | Cucumber, carrots, zucchini |
| Peeler with a smooth blade | Fruit and vegetables with firm skin | Pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini |
| Peeler with serrated / wavy blade | Fruits and vegetables with hard skin and soft fruit | Tomatoes, peppers |
Depending on the design of the properties, this results in different peelers, each with advantages and disadvantages.
In the following, the individual characteristics will be discussed and their respective characteristics will be shown:
Pros and Cons of Cross Peeler
With cross peelers (T-peelers or Y peelers), as the name suggests, the blade lies across the handle. This results in a different handling than with the longitudinal peeler. To peel a fruit or vegetable you have to work with the whole arm.
Pros
- Easy to handle
- Also suitable for left-handers
Cons
- Impractical for small and round fruits and vegetables
- Requires more space
Cross peelers are particularly suitable for elongated vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots or asparagus.
Cross peelers are particularly practical because they are very easy to use, even for left-handers. On the other hand, they are difficult to use for small and round peeled food and take up more space in your kitchen drawer than a lengthways peeler.
Pros and Cons of Longitudinal Peeler
With a longitudinal peeler (I-peeler) the blade, as the name suggests, lies in the same line as the handle. Therefore, unlike the cross peeler, the device is guided by hand or fingers.
Longitudinal peelers are particularly suitable for small and round fruits and vegetables such as potatoes. The device enables very precise peeling and takes up little space.
Pros
- Very precise peeling possible
- Takes up very little space
Cons
- Mostly either left-handed or right-handed models
- Operation takes practice
- Tiring for the hand when peeling large quantities
However, caution is advised because longitudinal peelers are mostly made for right-handed or left-handed people. In addition, using it requires more practice than with the cross peeler and after a peeling time, it can become very strenuous for the hand.
Pros and Cons of Vegetable Peeler with Movable Blade
In the case of a potato peeler (pendulum peeler) with a movable blade, the blade is mounted in such a way that it can be moved within a certain margin.
That is why the peeler is often called a pendulum peeler. Due to the movable blade, the peeler is particularly suitable for potatoes or other round fruits and vegetables.
Pros
- Adapts to the shape of the peeled object
- Easy to use
- Peel very thin
Cons
- Not suitable for thick bowls
- Not suitable for creating stripes
The movable blade adapts to the peeling object and is therefore very easy to use. It becomes difficult, however, if you want to remove thick peels or create strips with the peeler, as the movable blades usually peel very thinly.
Pros and Cons of Fixed Blade Vegetable Peeler
If the blade of a vegetable peeler is immobile, it is not possible to adapt it to the peeling object. This results in the following advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Well suited for hard and thick shells
- Roughly peels
- Well suited to create stiffeners
Cons
- Does not adapt to the peeling object
- Use takes practice
- Wastes a lot on thin pods
An immovable blade usually peels roughly, so it is well suited for removing thick peels and cutting down strips of fruit and vegetables, with a thin one often too much is removed.
Because the blade does not adapt to the peeling object, it is more difficult to peel with it and it takes some practice until it works well.
Pros and Cons of Smooth Blade Vegetable Peeler
A peeler with a smooth blade is the standard shape. Here the blade is straight and has no waves.
Pros
- Well suited for a solid bowl
Cons
- Not suitable for a soft shell
The peeler is therefore suitable for fruit and vegetables with a firm skin, but not for soft skin.
Pros and Cons of Serrated Peeler
Vegetable peelers with serrated blades or waves have a different blade shape than those with a smooth blade. Therefore, they are suitable for other types of fruit and vegetables, especially tomatoes and peppers.
Pros
- Well suited for fruits and vegetables with hard skin and soft fruit
Cons
- Not suitable for fruits and vegetables with hard fruit
In general, fruits and vegetables with hard skin and soft fruit can be peeled well with a waved blade, but it is advisable to use a smooth blade for hard fruit.
Factors to compare and rate peelers
In the following we will show you how you can choose the right peeler.
The criteria that are particularly important are:
- Material of the blade
- Simplicity of cleaning
- Resistance to rust
- Resistance to (fruit) acid
- Easy to use for left-handers
In the following paragraphs we explain what is important for the individual criteria:
Material of the blade
Depending on the material of the blade, i.e. whether it is made of steel or ceramic, there are different advantages and disadvantages.
For example, ceramic blades cannot rust, but they sometimes discolour. Ceramic blades are also well suited for people who are allergic to nickel, as steel blades always give off some of it to the shell.
In contrast, steel blades are more stable and can also be sharpened if they become dull.
Depending on which properties you prefer, one or the other material is better suited.
Simplicity of cleaning
It is also important that the peeler is easy to clean, especially the suitability for the dishwasher is in the foreground.
(Image source: Capri23auto)
Most vegetable peelers are suitable for easy cleaning in the dishwasher and therefore do not have to be washed by hand. It is still advisable to pay attention to it, as it will facilitate cleaning later.
Resistance to rust
Steel blades are prone to rust compared to ceramic blades. Of course, this is not desirable when working with food. Therefore, you should make sure that the steel blade is made of stainless steel when you buy one.
However, it can still happen that steel blades pick up rust from other products, so rust can never be completely ruled out with these blades, even if they are rust-free.
You can of course buy a ceramic blade to avoid rust, otherwise it can be easily removed.
Resistance to (fruit) acid
If the peeler is to be used for fruit or other acidic vegetables, it is important that the blade is resistant to acid. If it is not, it can be damaged.
(Image source: Steve Buissinne)
However, many of the peelers are suitable for acidic fruits and vegetables, so it is easy to find suitable ones.
Easy to use for left-handers
In the event that you are left-handed or work with one or more left-handed people in a kitchen, then the suitability for left-handers should be considered when purchasing.
Left-handed peeler: cross peeler or lengthwise peeler for right and left-handers
Cross-cutting peelers are basically always suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users, so less care is required with these models.
With parallel peelers, however, there are often different ones for right and left-handers. When buying one, one should therefore pay attention to its suitability.
Facts worth knowing about the topic of peelers
How do I clean and care for a peeler?
In principle, most peelers can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
The blade should be cleaned under running water. It also keeps the blade sharp longer.
However, it is still a good idea to rinse it briefly after use to get rid of peel residue and to wash off acid that could damage the blade.
To avoid stains, the peeler should also be dried off after washing.
How do I derust a potato peeler?
If the peeler rusts, there are different ways to remove the rust:
- Cleaning with lemon juice or lemon juice concentrate
- Cleaning with Coca-Cola or a similar drink
- Cleansing with vinegar
With all of the variants, the affected part of the peeler, usually the blade, can be placed in the liquid until the rust comes off. Then you should wash the peeler so that no residue remains on it.
You can find an example of such a rust removal in the following video:
Rust can also be easily converted to make your blade look like new again.
You can also take a soft cloth or a foam sponge, put some of the desired liquid on it and clean the peeler with this soaked material.
The method of inserting the peeler is particularly suitable when the areas affected by rust are difficult to reach.
How do I sharpen a peeler?
Ceramic blades cannot be sharpened, but steel blades can. For example, aluminium foil is suitable for this. The following steps are necessary for sharpening:
- Fold a piece of aluminium foil several times.
- Run the folded piece of aluminium foil over the blade and cut the foil into pieces.
- Keep going until the blade is sharp again.
- Wash the peeler and remove the last remaining aluminium.
- Dispose of aluminium residues carefully.
Beware of the sharp edges of the pieces of aluminium and small pieces of aluminium!Â
If the aluminium foil seems too dangerous for you, you can sharpen the peeler with a nail file or a similar file.
As an alternative to sharpening, a new blade can also be used on some peelers.
Where can I buy replacement blades or replacement knives for a peeler?
If there are replacement blades for your peeler, you can buy them in the same places as the peeler itself.
However, it is advisable to search for the replacement blades you want directly on the website or brand or in a shop of the brand as they may not be available everywhere.
