Prepping apples for pies, sauces, or simple snacks can be a tedious chore. The repetitive motion of peeling and coring by hand is not only time-consuming but can also be tough on your wrists. Whether you’re facing a bushel of apples for a family recipe or just one for a lunchbox, having the right tool makes all the difference between a laborious task and a quick, efficient kitchen activity.
The market offers a wide array of apple peelers, from simple manual peelers to sophisticated devices that core and slice in one motion. This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect match for your needs, whether you prioritize speed for large batches, comfort for easy handling, or versatility for other fruits and vegetables. We have compiled a list of the top-performing models to simplify your search.
The Best Apple Peelers for Your Kitchen
- Johnny Apple Peeler, Heavy Duty Cast Iron Peeler
- OXO Good Grips Swivel Vegetable Peeler
- Cast Magnesium Apple/Potato Peeler Corer by Spiralizer
- Apple Peeler, 8 Wedges Apple Peeler Slicer Corer
- Linden Sweden Original Jonas Vegetable Peeler
- OXO Good Grips Apple Corer
- Norpro Apple Mate 2-Apple, Potato, Parer, Slicer & Corer
- Chef’n PalmApple Peeler & Corer
- Westmark Germany Supertrio Apple Peeler, Corer, and Slicer
Johnny Apple Peeler, Heavy Duty Cast Iron Peeler
This is the classic countertop peeler that has been a favorite for generations. The Johnny Apple Peeler is built for serious prep work, featuring a heavy-duty cast iron construction that promises stability and longevity. It handles three essential functions—peeling, coring, and slicing—in one smooth, crank-operated motion, making it the key to fast apple pie, apple crisp, or dehydrated apple snacks.
Its versatility is a major advantage. You can configure it to just core and slice, peel only, or perform all three tasks together. The blades are adjustable, allowing you to control the thickness of the peel and the slices. A quick-release lever makes resetting for the next apple incredibly fast, which is a huge benefit when processing large batches efficiently.
OXO Good Grips Swivel Vegetable Peeler
For those who prefer a simple, handheld tool, the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler is a top contender. It’s much more than just a potato peeler; its swiveling twin blades with a flexible action easily tackle apples and other tough-skinned fruits and vegetables. This peeler is designed to be a fundamental and reliable kitchen essential.
Comfort is a key focus of this design. The soft, oversized handle is engineered to make repetitive movements easier on your hands, which is especially valuable when facing large jobs. A non-slip grip ensures you maintain control even with wet hands, allowing for safe and efficient peeling every time.
Cast Magnesium Apple/Potato Peeler Corer by Spiralizer
Durability is the hallmark of this Spiralizer peeler. It is forged from ultra-strong die-cast magnesium, providing greater stability and strength than models made from brittle steel. This robust construction ensures the peeler can handle frequent use without wobbling or breaking.
It is designed for ease of use, featuring a powerful rubber vacuum base that grips onto your tabletop for tremendous stability during operation. This makes it an excellent choice for seniors or those with arthritis who need a secure, easy-to-crank device. The unit also includes rust-proof chrome-plated parts and stainless steel blades for long-lasting performance.
Apple Peeler, 8 Wedges Apple Peeler Slicer Corer
This all-in-one tool is built for speed. The EZMO apple peeler can peel an apple in about six seconds and core and slice it in just three, making it perfect for preparing quick snacks or processing a lot of fruit in a short amount of time. It’s a fast and fun tool that simplifies apple preparation.
A significant benefit of this model is its thin, low-waste peeling blade, which removes the minimal amount of fruit compared to some motorized peeling machines. The heavy-duty coring and slicing blades are welded to the central ring, ensuring you get even slices every time with consistent results.
Linden Sweden Original Jonas Vegetable Peeler
Hailing from Sweden, this peeler is a time-saving must-have known for its exceptional sharpness and efficiency. The razor-sharp blades produce a thin and even peel, while the precision-ground swivel design glides effortlessly around the bumps and grooves of apples and other produce.
The peeler features a slim, ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, offering total control and safety. It is ambidextrous, making it great for all users. For easy cleanup, it is dishwasher safe, and its compact 6.5-inch length ensures it occupies minimal drawer space.
OXO Good Grips Apple Corer
If your primary need is coring apples without the peeling function, the OXO Good Grips Apple Corer is a perfect specialized tool. It is designed to cleanly and easily remove the core from apples in one simple push, creating perfect, whole apples for baking or slicing into rings.
The tool features the signature OXO Good Grips comfortable, non-slip handle that provides a secure grip and good leverage. This straightforward and effective tool is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for tasks like preparing baked apples or creating uniform apple slices for salads and snacks.
Norpro Apple Mate 2-Apple, Potato, Parer, Slicer & Corer
The Norpro Apple Mate is another reliable countertop model that performs the triple functions of paring, coring, and slicing. It is a versatile tool that can also be used for potatoes and pears, making it a useful appliance for various kitchen tasks beyond just apples.
It offers flexible configurations, allowing you to set it for paring only or for slicing and coring only, depending on your recipe requirements. The unit comes with a sturdy mounting clamp that can secure to counters up to 1.75 inches thick, providing a stable base for safe operation.
Chef’n PalmApple Peeler & Corer
For a unique and ergonomic approach, the Chef’n PalmApple Peeler is designed to be used in the palm of your hand. This innovative tool cores and slices an apple into even sections with a simple push-and-pull motion, all without needing to clamp it to a counter.
Its compact and self-contained design makes it incredibly easy to store and perfect for quick, on-the-go snacks. The comfortable grip and intuitive operation make peeling and coring an apple almost effortless, providing a fun and efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Westmark Germany Supertrio Apple Peeler, Corer, and Slicer
Westmark is known for its high-quality German engineering, and the Supertrio is a testament to that reputation. This efficient device is built to peel, core, and slice apples quickly and uniformly, making food preparation faster and more consistent.
The design is focused on stability and ease of use, often featuring a strong suction base or clamp to secure it to your work surface. Made with durable materials and sharp, precision blades, this peeler is a reliable workhorse for anyone who frequently prepares apples for cooking, baking, or preserving.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Apple Peelers for Easy Prep
I’ve used my fair share of apple peelers, from frustrating gadgets that break on the first use to trusty tools that become a permanent part of my kitchen. If you’re looking to simplify your apple prep, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. The goal is to find a peeler that feels like a helper, not a hassle. Let’s break down the key features I always consider before making a purchase.
First, think about the type of peeler. The classic swivel or Y-peeler is what most of us are familiar with. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and gives you a lot of control. I find it’s perfect for quick jobs or for fruits with softer skins. Then there are fixed-blade peelers, which have a stationary blade. These are fantastic for getting super thin, consistent strips of peel, which is great if you’re making zest or decorative garnishes. For processing a large batch of apples, a crank-operated peeler is a game-changer. These tabletop models often core and slice the apple in one motion, turning a tedious task into a minute’s work. They are bulkier and more of an investment, but if you make a lot of pies or applesauce, they are worth every penny.
Next, pay close attention to the handle and grip. This might seem minor, but it’s a huge factor in comfort, especially when you have a big bag of apples to get through. I look for a handle with a soft, non-slip rubber coating. It should feel secure in my hand, whether my hands are wet or dry. The shape matters, too; an ergonomic design that fits the natural curve of your palm will prevent fatigue and make the whole process much smoother.
The blade material and sharpness are the heart of the tool. Stainless steel blades are my go-to because they resist rust and stay sharper for longer than cheaper alternatives. A sharp blade isn’t just about speed; it’s about safety. A dull blade requires more pressure and is more likely to slip, while a sharp blade glides through the skin with minimal effort. Some peelers come with ceramic blades, which are also very sharp and resistant to acids in the fruit, though they can be more brittle if dropped.
Finally, consider any additional features. Some swivel peelers have a built-in eye remover, a little notch for digging out the potato or apple eyes, which is a handy two-in-one feature. For crank peelers, check what attachments are included. The best ones come with different blades for peeling, coring, and creating fun spiral slices. Also, see if the peeler has a suction base or a clamp to secure it firmly to your countertop. A wobbly peeler is frustrating and can be dangerous. By thinking about how you’ll use it most, you can pick the perfect one of the best apple peelers for easy prep that will serve you well for years.
FAQ
What is the easiest type of apple peeler to use?
In my experience, for a single apple, a good quality swivel peeler is the easiest to grab and use quickly. It requires no setup. However, if you’re peeling more than four or five apples at a time, a crank-style peeler is actually the easiest overall. It attaches to your counter, and with a few turns of the handle, it peels, cores, and slices the apple automatically. It takes a minute to set up, but it saves so much time and effort in the long run.
Can I use an apple peeler on other fruits and vegetables?
Absolutely! I use my peelers on all sorts of produce. Swivel peelers work wonderfully on potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and even soft-skinned fruits like pears and kiwis. The crank-style peelers are also versatile; most can handle firm vegetables like potatoes with ease. Just be cautious with very soft or irregularly shaped items, as they might not fit well in the clamp and could get mashed.
How do I keep my apple peeler blade sharp?
Keeping the blade sharp is key for performance and safety. Unfortunately, most peeler blades aren’t designed to be sharpened at home like a chef’s knife. For swivel peelers, I run the blade backward over a piece of crumpled aluminum foil a few times. This can help hone the edge slightly. For a more thorough job, you can use a fine-grit diamond sharpening rod very carefully. However, most kitchen peelers are affordable enough that when they become dull, it’s often more practical to simply replace them.
Are manual peelers better than electric ones?
This really depends on your needs. I prefer manual peelers for their simplicity, reliability, and easy cleanup. They have no cords or motors to worry about, and they’re typically much cheaper. Electric peelers are powerful and can be faster for very large quantities, but they are also more expensive, bulkier, and can be overkill for the average home cook. For most people, a well-made manual peeler is the more practical and durable choice.
Is it safe to let my kids use an apple peeler?
This requires careful supervision. A standard swivel peeler has a very sharp blade, so it’s not suitable for young children. However, a crank-style peeler can be a fantastic and safer way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Since their hands are away from the blade and on the crank, the risk of cuts is much lower. I still always supervise closely, but it’s a great tool for teaching them kitchen skills safely.
What should I do if my crank peeler is slipping on the counter?
A slipping peeler is a common frustration. First, make sure the suction cups on the base are clean and free of any grease or food debris. Dampening the suction cups slightly before pressing them down can also create a much stronger seal. If it has a clamp instead, ensure you’re tightening it securely onto a stable, non-slip edge of your counter. Placing a damp towel under the base can also provide extra grip and stability while you work through your batch of apples.