Best Apple Peelers for Your Kitchen
Y Stainless Steel Apple Peeler | Dalstrong
Best Apple Peelers for Your Kitchen
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Peeling or coring fruits and vegetables is not an easy task. This can be one of the most time-consuming kitchen tasks especially when you want to make homemade meals or desserts. It is during these times that we hope and pray for a kitchen tool that would cut down preparation time and make this chore a breeze.
Luckily, when you have Dalstrong’s trusted kitchen tools available, you will be able to get your peeling and coring tasks completed in no time at all. Did you know that having a great peeler that works smoothly and efficiently can have your fruits and veggies peeled in under a minute? Read on to take a closer look at apple peelers and find the perfect one for your kitchen arsenal.
1. What is an Apple Peeler?
Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a professional, or a home cook, if you have a thing for baking, an apple peeler is one tool you'll definitely need. I know a lot of people who have thought about buying one but haven’t been able to justify it because it’s not the kind of tool you use all the time.
But trust me, as soon as you take the leap and invest in an apple peeler, you’ll start looking for excuses to use it as much as possible. A good apple peeler doesn’t only make the peeling and coring task simple, it also opens a whole world of baking options.
With a good apple peeler, you can peel and slice fresh apples in a matter of seconds. How about comfort food such as fresh apple pie, apple crisp, and apple cobbler? Or, take a culinary trip with tarts, cakes, and even apple butter. the options are never-ending. Who doesn't want a slice of apple bread or a cup of fresh applesauce while sitting by a warm fire?
What makes this tool even more attractive is the fact that, unlike some kitchen gadgets that sit on the counter, unused and taking up valuable space, an apple peeler is easy to store and quick to clean.
Apple peelers are designed to simplify working with big or small volumes of apples by removing their peel, making coring, slicing, and baking super simple and highly efficient. A vast majority of recipes require peeled apples because not only can it be challenging to eat but also restricts the fruit from cooking evenly.
Today, in the market you can find many variations of apple peelers, slicers, & corers, ranging from handheld and electric peelers to models that clamp to your countertop to those that slice as they peel. The beauty of these peelers is that most of them can be used to peel other items like carrots and potatoes.
2. Why You Need a Good Apple Peeler
For a lot of people, baking is more than just a hobby, it is also a skill. It takes great precision and a certain degree of concentration to turn a recipe into a delicious dish. In some recipes, it all boils down to using the correct tools, each step of the way.
For example, the key to the perfect apple pie is thin, even slices of apples. The problem is that slicing and peeling apples by hand can take a lot of time and maintaining consistency becomes difficult. Unless you have an hour or two to peel apples by hand, you might not want to go ahead with baking a pie at home and you might just land up picking up one from your local grocery store.
While an apple peeler may not be a necessity in every home, it makes sense to keep one around if you like to bake. A good apple peeler does so much more than just taking off skin from fruit - it also cores and slices apples evenly.
You might not believe me now, but once you invest in a good apple peeler, you will see that the time it takes you to wash a bag of apples to prep them for hand slicing, you could have an apple completely peeled, sliced, and cored. Yes, it’s that simple!
Not only are apple peelers super handy to keep around, but a good one will also be adjustable. A good apple peeler will allow you to alter the thickness of the slices according to the demand of the recipe and the clean-up will be quick once you’re done using it. Apple peelers also easily double as potato peelers, making these mundane kitchen tasks quick and easy to complete.
3. What to Look For When Buying an Apple Peeler
Peeling apples does not have to be a long and boring task. An old-fashioned vegetable peeler might help you get the job done, but you will waste most of the fruit. And let’s not forget, you still need to core and slice the apples as well.
If you are looking for a way to minimize effort and maximize efficiency, you should go for an apple peeler. Before investing in a peeler, be sure to know why you need the peeler and what your preferences are. One thing you should think about is the style/design of the peeler. You must also think about whether you want a peeler specifically to deal with apples or if you want one that works with other foods as well. You must also decide how much you are willing to spend behind an apple peeler and check if the peeler you like is easy to clean.
When it comes to choosing an apple peeler for your kitchen, you might come to find that most of them are the same. To determine which features are a must-have to meet your kitchen needs, think about how you plan on using the peeler. Here’s a list of things I make sure to keep in mind when hunting for the perfect apple peeler to add to my kitchen gadgets:
Ease of Use
You have an option between an electric and manual peeling. While the electric ones are faster and more efficient, they are also pricier. Electric apple peelers also require more care as some parts are not dishwasher safe so you might have to hand wash or wipe them down after use.
A manual peeler is less expensive, easier to clean, and simple to store. Because of its compact size, it can be stashed in a drawer along with other cutlery and smaller kitchen tools. Also, if you’re big on picnicking with friends and family, a manual peeler is perfect as you can take it with you and also does not require an external power source to make it work.
Weight
Handheld peelers are lightweight and portable, so you can take the peeler with you to a park, unlike countertop peelers which are typically much bulkier and heavier. While this is true, handheld peelers can be more difficult to use and make the user work more. Countertop peelers are great for peeling more apples at a faster rate but having multiple manual peelers also allows other people in the house to help and finish the task quickly.
Design
When investing in a peeler, you want to make sure that you get one that worlds effortlessly for the years to come. To do this, you need to get a peeler that is made from sturdy, rust-proof material.
Looking for an ergonomic handle is also very important so that you can peel apples for a longer period without becoming uncomfortable on the wrists. Sharp, long-lasting blades are also important to both kinds of peelers. If you are opting for a countertop tool, make sure you get one with strong suction cups at the base so it doesn’t lose grip and slip off the countertop.
Versatility
Some peelers are designed to peel apples and other fruits and veggies while there are some which are apple specific. Once you determine the use of the peeler, you can decide which one to go for. There are also a lot of multifunctional tools in the market. These tools are a good choice if your space is limited. You can also look for a hybrid tool if you need something to peel, slice, and core apples.
4. How to Peel an Apple Properly
The most popular apple peeler available on the market right now are handheld peelers. These peelers owe their popularity to the fact that they are easy to clean, super simple to use, and hassle-free to store.
To peel an apple with maximum efficiency:
Step 1: Set up the working surface
Before starting to peel, make sure you get a wide working surface as things get messy with all the juices. Put on a good apron and get a nice sturdy cutting board to place the apples.
Step 2: Get a good and firm grip
Start your apple-peeling process by getting a good grip of the fruit. Hold the apple in your non-dominant hand, also known as the hand that you don’t write with. Make sure that the apple does not slide from your hands. This could result in a nasty cut on your hand.
If your hands are slippery and you’re not sure about your grip on the fruit, you can also grab a dry, clean kitchen towel to hold onto the apple.
Step 3: Move the blade along the curvesWith your dominant hand (or writing hand) firmly hold the peeler by the handle and bring it down the apple. The stainless steel blade should swivel and adjunct to the curves of the apple. This will help get long, clean, and shallow cuts.
It might help to place your thumb as far below on the apple as you can. Then, start bringing the handle of the peeler down toward your thumb. This will also give you more control when apple peeling if you want to be more precise and remove just the skin.
You now have a perfectly peeled apple that is ready to be sliced & cored.
5. Different Types of Apple Peelers
While the handheld peeler is the most common type of apple peeler, there are various types of peeler. Here’s a list of some of the most popularly found apple peelers:
Swivel Peeler
The classic swivel peeler does take the longest to peel a single apple but it does the job very well. If you’re peeling pounds and pounds of apples, this might not be the best tool for you to pick. However, if you’re just peeling an apple or two for a snack, a regular swivel peeler does the trick.
Y-Peeler
This will be your kitchen’s favorite tool. The horizontal blade of this type of peeler allows you to take stroke the peel quickly. The wide blade allows users to peel an apple effectively with fewer strokes.
Like the swivel peeler, this tool is affordable and very easy to store in drawers without using up too much space. However, if you’re going to be peeling a lot of fruit, you might get slightly tired.
Crank Apple Peeler
If you have never used a crank-style peeler before, you might want to reconsider. This heavy-duty peeler is made of metal and not only peels apples but also cores and slices apples. Once the suction of the peeler sticks to the countertop, fit the apple on the skewer and crank away.
While these peelers are easy to clean it does require some effort. You can wipe away apple bits from the skewer and blade with a damp cloth or give it a full wash in the sink.
The only drawback of this machine is that if the suction base comes loose, the chances of the machine losing balance are very high. Overall, this peeler does wonders if you have to finish work quickly.
6. Apple Peeler Tips
Here are some of my trusted tips when it comes to using an apple peeler:
- An apple peeler that also peels potatoes, pears, and other fruits and vegetables is a great addition to your kitchen, especially for an elderly cook as they don’t need to look for multiple products.
- If you are using a countertop peeler, keep a screwdriver on hand to quickly and easily adjust the cutting and peeling blade and tighten any elements that may loosen up when you are using the peeler.
- If the blades and springs of the peeler seem a bit stiff and aren’t cutting or peeling smoothly, try using a little mineral oil to loosen them up.
- If you are looking for a portable peeler, you would want to go for one constructed from plastic. They may not be as durable or long-lasting as a cast-iron peeler, but it is lighter and easier to carry around.
- If an apple slicer spiral-slices apples, you can easily separate the slices by using a paring knife or chef’s knife to cut once down the spiraled apple stack.
7. Best Apple Peeler Recommendations
Other than high-performing chef’s knives and paring knives, every kitchen also needs a razor-sharp apple peeler. Here are 2 highly recommended peelers to meet all your cooking needs.
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1. Y Stainless Steel Apple Peeler | Dalstrong
Dalstrong’s Y Peeler is an indispensable kitchen tool that is not only used as a vegetable peeler. With this peeler, you can make vegetable ribbons for salads and sandwiches, shave cheese slices, zest citrus, carve chocolate curls, grate frozen butter, strip fibers from celery and so much more. The swivel-peeler blade is suspended and also self-adjusts to the surface of the food you are peeling, making room for you to maneuver around tight spaces and corners effortlessly.
The peeler is designed in such a way that there is ample space between the blade and bridge. This ensures that food won’t get stuck inside the peeler while working. For utmost precision, the second blade works to guide the primary blade allowing thin and sharp slices that minimize waste.
The handle of this peeler is designed to enhance comfort by allowing a more relaxed and comfortable grip while working.
Pros:
- The peeler comes with 3 Japanese stainless steel blades that work effectively for every task. It comes with a fine, serrated, and julienne blade. This enables you to create precise veggie strips with ease, gently cuts into the skin of soft fruits and vegetables, and can carry out traditional peeler tasks like peeling hard fruits and veggies, crafting beautiful garnishes, and more with max precision.
- You can change blades or remove them for cleaning with great ease thanks to the simple locking system. It comes with a blade guard that protects the blade of the peeler and your hands.
- The precisely designed handle of the peeler is textured for enhanced grip and comfort in wet environments. This makes it very easy to handle any kind of kitchen prep, even in messy conditions.
Cons:
- Since this is a manual peeler, peeling huge quantities of fruits and vegetables can get slightly tiresome for the user.
- There are chances of damage by water corrosion if you let the peeler sit in a sink full of soapy water. To avoid this, remember to wipe the washed peeler and let it air-dry.
- Moisture can also impact stainless steel and promote micro-corrosion.
2. Swivel Stainless Steel Apple Peeler | Dalstrong
Swivel your way through mundane kitchen tasks with this indispensable chef’s tool. Other than peeling veggies and fruits, this swivel peeler is also great to make vegetable ribbons for sandwiches and salad, shave blocks of cheese, zest citrus fruits, carve chocolate curls, grate butter easily and so much more.
The suspended swivel-peeler adjustable peeling blade self-adjusts as per the surface that it is being used on and allows the user to maneuver around tight spaces, protrusions, and difficult corners efficiently. These peelers are also very easy to maintain as the space between the slicing blade and bridge makes sure that food won’t get stuck inside the peeler while working.
The handle is also designed to keep the user in mind. The texture on the handle gives the peeler a better grip. The wider handle further enhances comfort by allowing a more relaxed grip while working with huge amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Pros:
- 3 Japanese stainless steel blades accompany this peeler. The blades work well for every peeling task. It comes with a fine, serrated, and julienne blade. This gives you the freedom to create precise veggie strips with ease, gently cut into the skin of soft fruits and vegetables, and carry out traditional peeler tasks like peeling hard fruits and veggies, crafting beautiful garnishes, and more with max precision.
- The Swivel-peeler is designed to maneuver around corners and tight spaces with great ease.
- The self-adjusting stainless steel blade is designed for better agility, making it very easy for the peeler to work on multiple surfaces.
- The simple locking system makes it very easy to change and remove the blade for cleaning.
- This peeler is built to handle any kind of kitchen prep, even in messy conditions.
Cons:
- It can get uncomfortable to use the peeler for a long time.
- A swivel peeler might not work best with large fruits and vegetables. In that can you would want to pick the Y Peeler.
- Moisture can cause the problem of corrosion over time.
- While this is a great peeler to add to your kitchen cutlery, it is priced slightly high. For this reason, some people might want to opt for another apple peeler.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Which apple peeler is best?
This depends on the purpose of using the apple peeler. Traditionally used handheld peelers are the best as they are portable and do not require an external power source to make them work. While countertop electric or manual models are easy to use, they can be high in maintenance. A manual peeler can be used for many generations if it is well-made.
What kind of peeler do you use for apples?
Using a Y-shaped peeler or a Swivel peeler is the easiest and most efficient way to quickly get rid of the skin. If you don’t have a peeler around, you can also use a paring knife for this purpose. It should do the trick with equal precision.
Is there an apple peeler?
Yes! An apple peeler is so versatile that it can become a potato peeler or another type of peeler instantly. To know which one works best for you, a little research is needed. Many peeler manufacturers will outline the various fruits and vegetables their peeler can be used for with great ease.
How do you peel apples without a peeler?
To peel a whole apple without a peeler, you will need a sharp paring knife. Hold the apple firmly in one hand, press the sharp edge of the knife against the apple skin near the top of the apple (the stem end). Keep the knife as steady as possible and then slowly turn the apple clockwise to make the skin peel off like a ribbon.
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Written by Himani Vaid
Toronto-based food nerd turned food storyteller, Himani is a connoisseur of all things delish. Currently, busy thinking about what to eat next.
