If you’ve ever tried to peel a potato with a dull, clunky veggie peeler, you know the pain—literally. I’ve nicked my knuckles enough to learn that a good peeler isn’t just nice-to-have—it’s essential. A paring knife my do in a pinch, but a peeler is one of those kitchen gadgets you really should own. Picking one that can pull the peel and only the peel off a russet potato without threatening your fingertips is the difference between a breezy prep session and a complicated (or perhaps painful) one.
Our top picks:
- Best vegetable peeler overall: Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler
- Runner-up: Zyliss Smooth Glide Y-Peeler
- Best straight peeler: Sur La Table Straight Peeler
What makes a premium peeler, you ask? A high-quality peeler glides, not scrapes. It makes quick, precise work of slippery cucumbers, knotty ginger, or coarse carrots. After testing a whole lineup of peelers—Y-shaped and straight—and speaking with chefs, I found a set that makes peeling vegetables less of a hassle. And safer, to boot.
Best Y-Shaped Peeler: Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, $8
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-grip handle
- Glides smoothly
- Sharp carbon-steel blade
- Affordable
Cons:
- Plastic isn’t as durable as metal
- Hand-wash only
Specs
- Materials: Plastic, carbon steel
- Blade type: Swivel
What we love: Almost every single chef I spoke with said this is their number one peeler to prep with in the kitchen. This includes Yvan Mucharraz, chef & culinary experiences director for Chileno Bay Resort & Residences in Los Cabos, Mexico.
“I’m loyal to a few tools that just feel like extensions of my hand, one of them is the Kuhn Rikon Y-peeler. It’s lightweight, efficient, and glides through just about anything,” Chef Mucharraz says. “For precision work or curved surfaces, I’ll sometimes switch to a straight peeler, but 90% of the time it’s the Y. It’s less about the brand, honestly, and more about how the tool feels after hours of prep, also the grip, sharpness, and speed are everything.”
I can confirm: This tool is sweet. I said, “wow,” aloud the first time I peeled with it—it’s that impressive. The carbon-steel blade is razor-sharp and cuts through even the toughest produce with minimal effort. It’s also incredibly lightweight, almost comically so. When I opened it up out of its packaging, it felt so airy that I was convinced there was no way this tool could peel.
But it can! It can peel incredibly well. The Y-shaped handle is simple but effective, with a comfortable grip that doesn’t slip around in your hand, even when wet. It’s compact, efficient, and a total workhorse—perfect for stocking a small kitchen, tossing in a camping kit, or just upgrading your drawer on a budget.
What we’d leave: If you’re used to heavier or more premium-feeling tools, this might feel a bit too featherlight. The carbon-steel blade also means it’s not dishwasher-safe—you’ll need to hand-wash and dry it right away to avoid rust. Do note, though, that if you don’t dry it right away and some corrosion appears, the blade will still be good for quite a while. But even if you keep it looking pristine, it will wear out after a couple years and need replacing. Good thing they come in sets of three.
Runner-up: Zyliss Smooth Glide Y-Peeler, $10
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Big easy-to-grip handle
- Durable stainless-steel blade
- Glides smoothly
- Lightweight
- Dishwasher-safe
- Affordable
Cons:
- Plastic handle isn’t as durable as metal
Specs
- Material: Plastic, stainless steel
- Blade type: Swivel
What we love: This peeler is more proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a kitchen tool that works really well. The Zyliss Smooth Glide Y-Peeler lives up to its name—the stainless-steel blade moves effortlessly over everything from tangy green apples to hardy squash, and handles tougher skins without tugging or skipping. The wide, ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip, and it’s super lightweight, so your wrist won’t get tired during longer prep sessions.
The only reason it didn’t get “best overall” is that it’s a tiny bit ($2, though considering the cost of a peeler that’s 25%) more expensive than the Kuhn Rikon. But for a $10 peeler, the performance punches way above its price point. It’s dishwasher-safe, simple to store, and feels balanced in your hand, whether you prefer peeling toward or away from you.
What we'd leave: Although the plastic handle keeps it lightweight and comfortable, it’s not as durable as metal-bodied peelers. If you tend to be rough on your tools or want something that’ll last a decade, this may not be your forever peeler. But if you take care of it properly (wash it on the top rack, don’t slam it into a drawer full of other gadgets), it will hold up longer.
Best straight peeler: Sur La Table Straight Peeler, $10
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy-to-grip handle
- Durable stainless-steel blade
- Glides smoothly
- Lightweight
- Dishwasher-safe
- Affordable
Cons:
- Plastic handle isn’t as durable as metal
Specs
- Material: Plastic, stainless steel
- Blade type: swivel
What we love: This classic straight peeler from Sur La Table is simple, effective, and, honestly, kind of a dream to use. I immediately noticed how sharp and sturdy the blade felt while slicing a cucumber, which took barely any effort. It has a slim, easy-to-grip handle that feels surprisingly secure in your hand, lightweight but not flimsy, which can be hard to come by in other plastic models. Major points for being dishwasher-safe and super easy to rinse clean between uses.
What stands out most is how buttery it feels gliding through fruit and vegetable skin. You don’t need to apply much pressure, and it doesn’t catch or tear at the skin on softer produce. For a $10 tool, it feels impressively precise and much safer than other straight peelers I’ve tested.
What we’d leave: Like our other top picks, this peeler also sports a plastic body that can warp or break down over time. But for most home cooks, it’s a solid staple that delivers way more than it costs—just be gentle with it. It’s also the case that Y-peelers can provide more leverage for peeling when held properly, which is why they tend to be so popular with professionals.
How we tested peelers
I selected peelers across two categories: Y-peelers (horizontal blades) and straight peelers (vertical blades). Each was evaluated for blade sharpness, how well they peeled various produce (cucumbers, carrots, potatoes, and apples), and how comfortable they felt over long prep sessions. I also checked how easy they were to clean, because no one wants to spend an hour scrubbing the skin out of the blade.
What to consider when shopping for peelers
Handle shape
Most chefs prefer using Y-shaped peelers for better ergonomics. “They’re more comfortable to hold, require less wrist movement, and make peeling quicker and more efficient—especially during big prep sessions,” says Andrew Cooper, executive chef at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California. “Straight peelers tend to require more effort and motion, so I find them less ergonomic overall.”
Blade type
Not all peeler blades are the same. Most peelers have either a swivel blade (the blades shimmy and pivot to move along the curves of the produce) or a straight blade (the blades are fixed for more control).
I focused on these two types of blades, but you can also nerd out on more niche peelers with serrated blades or julienne blades. “Peelers are more versatile than they get credit for,” says Chef Carter. Some of his favorite creative uses include making vegetable “pappardelle” (wide ribbons of zucchini, squash, or carrots as a pasta alternative), julienne strips, and shaved garnishes. “It’s one of those underrated tools—simple, but with the right approach, it can add a lot of texture and dimension to your dishes,” he adds.
Material
How your peeler is made will determine how it feels, how long it lasts, and how to clean it. A plastic body, for example, is lighter but won’t wear as well over time. Metal, like stainless steel, is heavier but sturdier. The same goes for blades; stainless-steel blades resist rust but might need to be sharpened. Carbon-steel can stay sharper longer, but requires hand-washing and proper drying to avoid rust.
Comfort and grip
Peeling a mountain of potatoes for a dinner party’s worth of carrots is hard work—you’ll want something that won’t leave your hand cramped. Ideally, your peeler should have a nonslip ergonomic handle to reduce wrist fatigue. Bulky handles are great for those with grip issues, but may be overkill for small hands or shortened prep.
Ease of cleaning
No one likes to do dishes, especially if they involve cleaning tedious little gadgets that require you to pick vegetable skins out of the blades or wash hard-to-reach spots. Look for a peeler that’s easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe models are convenient, but if you go with a hand-wash only model, opt for a peeler that sloughs away skins easily (all our top picks do) and doesn’t have a bunch of seams or nooks and crannies that can trap food waste.
The peeler questions you should be asking
Can I wash my peelers in the dishwasher?
It depends! Stainless-steel models are generally dishwasher-safe. A carbon-steel blade, like the one on the Kuhn Rikon peeler, does better when hand-washed to maintain the edge and prevent corrosion. Follow the care instructions on your peeler for best results.
Do I need different types of peelers?
Again, it depends. If you plan to get creative it might be worth having a second peeler, either with a differently designed blade or so that you always have a sharp one on hand for activities that demand more precision than peeling potatoes.
Most chefs I spoke with, including Chef Mucharraz, agree that peelers can be used for more than just skinning produce. “We use them to shave ribbons of vegetables for raw dishes, like jicama or cucumber for ceviches, or to create delicate textures on the plate,” he says. “I’ve even used them to slice aged cheese into thin curls or make quick vegetable “tagliatelle” tossed in vinaigrette. When I want contrast in a composed bite, a peeler lets me keep things raw, thin, and structured.”
You can also use them to garnish your old-fashioneds or martinis without getting any pith from an orange or lemon
Serrated peelers can make it easier to peel softer-skinned fruits, like tomatoes and peaches, without ripping the flesh. Julienne peelers can be helpful in quickly slicing up vegetables.
If you’re just going to use your peeler to, well, peel, you can get by with one.
How do I know when to replace my peeler?
“When it doesn’t peel,” says Nicholas Restivo, executive chef at the Madeline Hotel and Residences in Telluride, Colorado. “Seriously, if I’m wrestling with a potato like it owes me money, it’s time to toss it. A good peeler should glide like it’s on ice. If it’s tearing, skipping, or making me question my life choices, it’s time to retire it.” If you use it regularly that will probably happen after a couple years.
Other peelers we liked
This is a very pretty peeler with a lofty weight and a comfortable handle. But it isn’t just nice to look at. It glides through tough skins in long, effortless swoops thanks to a razor-sharp blade that hugs the vegetable or fruit you’re peeling, and the grip is thoughtfully contoured to fit snugly in your hand for total control. But the bottom line is that it’s just very expensive. A $50 peeler is a luxury, not a necessity—especially when professional chefs swear by an $8 alternative. And as a class, peeler blades are basically impossible to sharpen, so it’s just hard to justify spending so much for something you know you will have to replace several times through your cooking career. Still, it’s a looker.
This dual-blade peeler has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly efficient. The double-edge design allows for peeling in both directions, which can speed things up, especially if you’re prepping a big batch. It’s lightweight with a comfortable grip, and the stainless-steel blades stay sharp. That said, the dual action can feel a bit aggressive, and it’s not ideal for delicate produce like ripe tomatoes or soft fruit. A solid pick if you’re after speed, but maybe not your everyday go-to.
Peelers we don’t recommend
This luxe-looking set includes two peelers—a Y-shaped julienne peeler and a straight swivel peeler—making it a budget-friendly starter kit. Both feature sturdy stainless-steel blades and comfortable, grippy handles. The black-and-gold finish looks more expensive than the $12 price tag; however, they’re not the sharpest out there. I noticed some drag on tougher skins. And while pretty, they don’t feel as long-lasting as other models I tested.