3 Best Vegetable Peelers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
We peeled potatoes, carrots, apples and more to find the very best peelers for all your produce.
Our Top Vegetable Peeler Picks
- Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Pro Swivel Peeler
- Best Y-Peeler: OXO Good Grips Pro Y Peeler
- Best Value: Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler
Tested by Beth Lipton
Vegetable peelers are so necessary and ubiquitous, you probably can't remember the last time you thought about replacing yours. Though it isn’t a big purchase, a good vegetable peelers is a must-have for making creamy mashed potatoes or the perfect apple pie. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your peeler, now is the time. A dull peeler can be riskier than a sharp one, leading to cuts in the kitchen that no one needs to deal with. And if you notice your peeler blade has some rust or discoloration on the blade, it's time for a new one.
We peeled carrots, potatoes and apples with a dozen popular models to find the ones that get the job done simply, efficiently and comfortably. These are the best vegetable peelers our editors tested.
Our top pick for Best Serrated Peeler, the Messermeister Pro Touch Serrated Swivel Peeler, has been discontinued. We are currently testing more serrated peelers to find a new top pick.
How We Tested
We purchased 12 popular, well-reviewed peelers (some Y-shaped, others traditional peelers) and used each one to peel a large carrot, a baking potato and a Gala apple. We evaluated each one on how comfortable the handle was, how sharp the blades were, how many swipes it took to peel uneven sections of the produce, and whether it took off just the peel or swiped off some of the flesh as well. We also considered the type of metal used in the blades, and whether the peelers were dishwasher safe or not, as well as any other bells and whistles. We also tested five serrated peelers by peeling Compari tomatoes, and we used the same criteria to evaluate them.
- Built-in potato eyer
- Non-slip handle
- Blade short in length
If there’s a perfect kitchen tool that does exactly what you want exactly the way you want, this is it. This peeler is comfortable to hold with a cushioned ergonomic grip. It’s sturdy but not overly heavy. It has a stainless steel blade that’s sharp enough to peel the uneven surfaces of a carrot and potato easily, while not stripping too much flesh off a thin-skinned apple, and has a handy eyer that removes blemished parts of potatoes and other produce easily. It’s dishwasher safe too.
- Dimensions 7.25" x 1.25" x 0.75"
- Material Stainless steel
- Blade type Swivel
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Built-in potato eyer
- Non-slip handle
- Long blade
- Blade replacement sold separately
Clearly OXO’s Pro line has mastered peelers, as this was our favorite among the Y peelers we tested. Similarly to the traditional peeler, this Y peeler features a super-sharp stainless steel blade that can tackle tougher jobs like carrots and potatoes in one swipe, but it can also take off just the peel with more delicate apples. Like its counterpart, it has an eyer for blemished parts. The no-slip, cushioned grip is comfortable and ergonomic. When you’ve finished tackling your produce, toss this peeler right in the dishwasher.
- Dimensions 5.5" x 3.25" x 0.5"
- Material Stainless steel
- Blade type Serrated
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Built-in potato eyer
- Lightweight
- Small and easy to store
- Prone to rust
- Not as comfortable of a grip
Three Y peelers for less than $15 is only a good deal if they work — and these tools deliver. Don’t let the bright colors and smaller size fool you: These little workhorses have carbon-steel blades that are super sharp, and the smaller size makes them easier to hold if you happen to have smaller hands. They work better on tougher jobs like uneven carrots and potatoes, taking a bit more off the apple than pricier models, but it’s a small price to pay for, well, such a small price. The carbon steel blades can rust easily, so it's best to hand-wash and dry these peelers.
- Dimensions 4.3" x 2.5" x 0.5"
- Material Carbon steel
- Blade type Straight
- Dishwasher-safe Yes, but hand-wash is reccomended to prevent rust
What To Consider Before Buying A Vegetable Peeler
Style
The most important decision to make before buying a vegetable peeler is the type of blade you'll need. A more traditional, vertical blade is perfect for smaller produce like potatoes and are easier to control around edges or the ends of vegetables. Y-shaped peelers have horizontal blades that make quick work of longer, thinner produce like carrots or zuchinni. Finally, serrated peelers are the best option for softer fruit or vegetables that are easier to bruise, such as peaches.
Grip
Another consideration should be the handle: softer, silicone handles are easier to grip, as opposed to ones that are just solidly metal or plastic. If you're concerned about slipping, try one with a more ergonomical handle.
Blade
And finally, the blade material can be a consideration when choosing a quality vegetable peeler. The best vegetable peelers have a steel blade; which typically are either stainless or carbon. For an option that's corrosion-free and durable, stainless steel is typically the best choice, though both are high-quality.
FAQs
How often should you replace a vegetable peeler?
If you use a vegetable peeler sparingly, you may be able to get by with just one or two for life. However, if you get a lot of use from your peeler or regularly leave it to air dry leading to rust on the blade, you may need to replace it more frequently. Your peeler should be replaced when you notice the blade is too tough to sharpen or any rust or discoloration.
What's the best vegetable peeler style?
We found a swivel peeler to be the most comfortable vegetable peeler for everyday use. It's the most common style and can be used to peel fruits and vegetables in a variety of shapes and sizes. You may prefer a Y-shaped peeler for long, thin produce. We tend to prefer a silicone handle to a metal one for a more secure grip.
Are vegetable peelers dishwasher safe?
Many of our top picks are dishwasher-safe, however, we do recommend immediately drying the peeler blade after washing to prevent rust and corosion.
