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 without threatening your finger tips is the difference between a breezy prep session and a complicated (or perhaps painful) one.
Our top picks:
What makes a premium peeler, you ask? 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.
Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-grip handle
- Glides smoothly
- Sharp carbon steel blade
- Affordable
Cons:
- Plastic isn’t as durable as metal
- Hand-wash only
- 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 percent 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.
Francesca Krempa
Zyliss Smooth Glide Y-Peeler
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
- 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.
