Everyone loves apple pies and other apple-based delicacies. But, unfortunately, not everyone likes to peel and core apples. Not only is the task quite risky if you don’t have the necessary knife skills. Peeling apples is also tedious and time-consuming. This can be a real issue if you already have several hungry mouths banging the top of your dining table.
We know how you feel. That is why we came up with a comprehensive guide to choosing and buying the right apple peeler to make apple processing more convenient and safer for you. The right product should make life more pleasant to enjoy your apple dishes a lot better. It can peel, core, and even slice your apples. The only thing left for you to do is to whip up your kitchen magic. Our review of 8 of the best apple peelers should help you start on the right track.
Apple peelers are small kitchen tools that are as important as your kitchen knife. Of course, they come in different types, sizes, and designs. But, regardless of their characteristics, there are certain things that all apple peelers should have. And these are the things that you should always be looking for when choosing the right apple peeler to use in your kitchen adventures.
- Handheld vs. Countertop
Apple peelers come in different sizes. Handheld units are small objects that are a lot like a potato peeler or even a paring knife. These peelers are perfect for those who may not have the luxury of a spacious countertop. It is also great for home cooks who prefer absolute control in their peeling chores. The key here is to pick a handheld apple peeler with an ergonomic and nonslip handle for better control.
Countertop models require a certain amount of space for the base. In addition, its attachment to the countertop should be secure and stable. Countertop apple peelers are perfect for homes with large kitchen countertops or those who process apples every day. One advantage of this type of apple peeler is that it can process your fruit a lot faster.
- Manual vs. Electric
Handheld apple peelers are almost always manually operated. However, there are also countertop models that are either manual or electric. Manual apple peelers have a C-clamp type of design. You secure the base on your countertop, place the apple in the holder, and crank the machine with your bare hands.
Electric apple peelers are somewhat like the design of manual products. However, most of these peelers are part of a larger food processing unit. These electric kitchen appliances have replaceable attachments that peel, core, and even slice apples and other foods. The problem with electric models is that they do require meticulous maintenance. You must know which parts you can safely toss in the dishwasher. If a part gets broken, sourcing a replacement can sometimes be tedious.
- Safety Features
Apple peelers are like knives that have a cutting mechanism or a blade. Therefore, it is important to look for safety features that will help protect you both when using the device and when not in use. Handheld units should have a nonslip handle and a blade guard. It is also ideal for getting one with a sheath to cover the blade with during storage.
For electric devices, make sure that appropriate electrical safety certifications are coming from reputable organizations. Auto shutoff and auto-lock features are nice to have.
- Additional Features
It would be nice if the apple peeler can do more than peel apples. Check if you can also use the kitchen gadget for coring and slicing your apples. It is worth checking if the product can also process foods other than apples, such as potatoes and zucchinis.
Try to evaluate whether the device comes with different attachments or if the package includes several sizes of blades. These attachments can expand the usefulness of the apple peeler to other foods.
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Top 8 Best Apple Peelers
1. Starfrit 093209-006-BLCK Electric Rotato Express Our #1 Pick
Starfrit’s Electric Rotato Express ticks all the boxes of an excellent apple peeler. It is a fully electronic device that can help you peel your apples, zucchinis, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables in a flash. You will never have to hold your apple while it is getting peeled to perfection. The peeler removes only the skin of your fruit, allowing you to enjoy more of your apples in your dish.
Unlike other electric peelers, this gadget will never demand too much counter space. It is also lightweight, allowing you to bring it to your adventures. But, of course, that is if you have access to an electrical outlet wherever you’re going.
While we don’t like the plastic body construction of the Rotato Express, it does offer a few advantages. You only need a simple wipe to have it cleaned. The design also gives the product an elegant look.
The Starfrit Rotato Express is a great appeal peeler for those who demand convenience and perfection. It can process apples, potatoes, and many more.
Pros
- Hands-free operation
- Can process other foods
- Easy to clean
- Space-saving design
- Portable and lightweight
Cons
- Plastic body construction
2. KitchenAid Spiralizer
The KitchenAid Spiralizer is an attachment that works seamlessly with the stand mixers of the brand. It draws its power from the Power Hub of the stand mixer to give you professional-quality food processing.
Included in this package is a set of 6 blades that allow you to create spirals and slices. You can easily swap the blades to give you more latitude in your dish creation. It would be wonderful to create amazing apple delicacies with this contraption in your kitchen.
While the blades are dishwasher-safe, they do not do well with ripe or very soft apples. The blades tend to dig into the fruit and create an awful mess. Also, take note that this will not work with your ordinary stand mixer. It must be KitchenAid, too.
Nevertheless, the KitchenAid Spiralizer remains a favorite of many because of its exceptional quality and reliable performance.
Pros
- Includes 6 different blades
- Multifunction blades
- Very efficient
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher-safe blades
Cons
- Not ideal for soft and ripe apples
- It only works with a KitchenAid stand mixer
3. Spiralizer Cast Magnesium Apple/Potato Peeler Corer
All of us want a product that we can use for many years. This is exactly what the Spiralizer Apple/Potato Peeler Corer offers. This is not your usual apple peeler that is made of ordinary cast iron. The company made sure that you are only getting a device made from the finest cast magnesium material.
As a manual countertop apple peeler, the Spiralizer is perfect for heavy-duty use. This is ideal for homes that want to make apple pies every day or in large batches. It has a very stable base, a reliable hand crank mechanism, and a razor-sharp blade for effortless peeling, spiralizing, and coring.
Of course, you will have to use a bit of elbow grease to peel and core your food and create amazing spirals. However, this is inconsequential, given the robust construction and polished design of the Spiralizer.
This manual apple peeler will stay with you for many years.
Pros
- Great for heavy-duty apple processing
- Multifunction blades
- Easy to set up and clean
- Robust construction
- With safety cover
Cons
- Requires a bit of elbow grease
4. Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler
People who use apples and other peelable foods in their dishes only occasionally should consider getting a handheld apple peeler instead of a countertop model. Spring Chef offers the Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler to such folks. As the name suggests, this small device can peel almost anything in your kitchen.
The Spring Chef has a sharp stainless-steel blade that peels food items like a hot knife through butter. Its Smooth Glide Technology allows users to peel and process their fruits and veggies without a fuss. The handle comes with grooves for better security and stability. It won’t slip from your hands, too. The slot also makes it easy to store.
Our only comment about this product is that the tip can be a real hazard. It is quite sharp that you can hurt yourself if you’re not careful.
Overall, the Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler is a nice addition to any kitchen. It is inexpensive and performs its intended job well.
Pros
- Very durable and razor-sharp blades
- Very easy to use
- Easy to store
- Ergonomic and nonslip handle
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- The pointed tip can be a safety issue
5. Starfrit 93013 Pro-Apple Peeler
The Starfrit Pro Apple Peeler is excellent for families who want to involve their children in the different activities in the kitchen. The contraption has a whimsical and fun design for kids. It is safer than conventional swivel apple peelers, too.
The Pro Apple Peeler comes with a very sturdy base that gets stabilized on the countertop with its powerful suction grip. The peeler features a spring-loaded arm, allowing you to peel different sizes and shapes of apples. Kids will love the transparent structure of the peeler. They can see the different components that make the peeler work.
Perhaps this is one of the downsides of the peeler. It looks more like a toy than it does a serious kitchen gadget. Also, the blade doesn’t do well with other types of food.
Despite these drawbacks, the Starfrit Pro Apple Peeler should still be a wonderful option for families who have kids who are magical workers in the kitchen.
Pros
- It doesn’t require electricity to operate
- Can peel different sizes of apples
- It comes with a corer
- Stable base
- Ergonomic hand crank
Cons
- Peels only apples
- It looks more like a toy
6. Johnny Apple Peeler, Slicer, Corer, Parer, and Pie Maker
You don’t have to spend a fortune to peel crates after crates of delicious apples. All you need is a good device, such as the Johnny Apple Peeler, to get the job done. What you need to know is that Johnny Apple is not only a peeler. It is also a slicer and a corer.
Stabilizing the Johnny Apple on your table is easy because of its fully adjustable locking mechanism. Cranking the handle is also easy, thanks to its ergonomic handle. However, this gadget will test your arm and hand strength and endurance as it is not electric.
One downside of this apple peeler is that the peeler mechanism tends to dig very deep into the apple. You can still get some flesh from the apple peel that has been removed.
Nevertheless, this is a nifty gadget for its price. This can be a permanent fixture in your kitchen for many years.
Pros
- Easy and efficient to use
- Can peel, core, and slice
- It can last many years
- Easy to stabilize
- Good price
Cons
- Peeler tends to dig deep into the apple
- It can be tiring to crank
7. VKP Brands VKP1010 Johnny Apple Peeler
The VKP1010 Johnny Apple Peeler is another heavyweight contraption intended primarily for heavy-duty performance. The robust construction of the peeler allows you to use this contraption for many years.
Setting the VKP1010 is easier than those that have a clamp mechanism. The rubber base creates a potent suction that stabilizes the platform on any nonporous surface. As a result, this device can peel your favorite fruit, core it, and even create beautiful spirals out of your veggies.
The distance between the upper surface of the peeler base and the rotating mechanism is shorter than other brands. This can make it tricky to peel extra-large apples or other foods. Also, the peeling blade tends to remove more meat from the apple than is necessary.
Overall, the VKP Brands VKP1010 is an excellent choice for a reliable apple peeler. It is sturdy, reasonably priced, and won’t affect your electric bill.
Pros
- Can peel, core, and slice different foods
- Very stable and secure
- Adjustable peeling blade
- Easy to clean
- Powerful suction
Cons
- It tends to remove more than the peel
- Not ideal for large apples
8. Cucina Pro Apple Peeler
Cucina Pro offers home cooks an inexpensive option for peeling, coring, and slicing apples. This apple peeler has a vintage design that should appeal to fans of the throwback years.
The cast iron construction of this apple peeler helps ensure that it stays in your kitchen for many years. It doesn’t require electricity so that you can use it anywhere. It is the kind of contraption you can bring to your picnic, allowing you to prepare delicious apple-based delicacies in the outdoors. The peeler also doubles as a slicer and a corer. This saves you extra from buying additional kitchen tools.
Our only lament is that the suction base is not as powerful as the company claims. In addition, even on certain nonporous surfaces, the suction doesn’t fully stabilize the device.
Regardless, this apple peeler is still a good option, especially for people on a budget. It gets the job done and can give your kitchen a retro look.
Pros
- Efficient peeling mechanism
- Multifunction design
- Easy to use and clean
- Elegant, retro look
- Durable construction
Cons
- The suction base is not as powerful as it seems
FAQs
- What is an apple peeler, and how does it work?
An apple peeler is a kitchen gadget that removes the skin of apples. It is almost the same as a paring knife, except that the device has an inherent design that allows it to peel apples easier and safer.
The apple peeler comes with a blade that slices off the apple skin from its flesh. The blade can be operated manually or electronically. Handheld units work a lot like a paring knife. They only differ in that there are two cutting surfaces in the middle of the blade. Countertop apple peelers work the same way. The only difference from handheld units is that you don’t need to hold the apple during peeling.
- How to use an apple peeler?
Handheld apple peelers work like a paring knife. The blade swivels to accommodate the contour of the fruit. There are two cutting surfaces in the blade, allowing you to peel either left-handed or right-handed.
Hold the apple in your non-dominant hand and the peeler in your dominant hand for better control. Slice off the apple skin like you would with a paring knife. The apple peel slides through the space between the blades. This makes it safer to peel apples than using a conventional paring knife.
Electric and manual countertop peelers allow the hands-free peeling of the fruit. First, you secure the apple in a mechanism in the device. Then, if it’s manual, you crank a lever to rotate the apple against the blade. The blade removes the apple skin as the fruit rotates. This is the same with electric units. The only difference is that electric apple peelers don’t need to be hand-cranked.
- How to clean an apple peeler?
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions as to how you should clean your apple peeler. Most handheld peelers only require being run through a stream of clean water to remove any debris from the blade. However, some may call for a trip to the dishwasher.
Most countertop apple peelers have removable parts. First, check if you can sanitize these parts in the dishwasher. If not, then you will have to clean, wash, and rinse these parts by hand. In addition, some parts require warm soapy water for cleaning.
Do take note that cast iron apple peelers should never be cleaned in the dishwasher. In general, it is also not advisable to place stainless steel items in the dishwasher. For example, if the blade of your apple peeler is made of stainless steel, it would be best not to put it in the dishwasher to retain its sharpness. Always check the cleaning recommendations of the apple peeler manufacturer.
- Where to buy an apple peeler?
Amazon remains a favorite place for many homeowners to source their kitchen appliances and gadgets like apple peelers. You can also read the personal reviews of customers that can aid in your decision-making. Other popular choices include Home Depot, Walmart, eBay, Lowes, and Sears, among others.
You can also buy an apple peeler from your local store that sells kitchen appliances and gadgets. The advantage here is that you get to assess the different features that you are looking for. The downside is that the store may not have the specific brand and model you want.
Conclusion
The best apple peeler can help you make fascinating apple pies and other delicious apple-based delicacies more safely and conveniently. It can reduce the time you will devote to apple processing so you can get cooking right away. It is also safer than paring with a knife. A good apple peeler can also do more than just processing your favorite fruit. You can also core, pare, and slice other foods, like veggies. We hope that our review of the 8 best apple peelers has given you an insight into what product to bring home to your kitchen.
