Best Apple Peeler
There’s nothing more comforting than digging into a slice of freshly baked apple pie. Homemade apple pie beats store-bought every time, but it can be a challenge to make. Coring, peeling, and slicing all those apples is long and tedious work unless, of course, you have an apple peeler.
The Top 6 Apple Peelers
If you love to bake, an apple peeler absolutely needs to be in your kitchen arsenal. Maybe you’ve been thinking about buying one but haven’t been able to justify it because it’s not the kind of tool you use all the time. As soon as you take the leap and buy one, however, you’ll find yourself finding an excuse to use it as much as possible. A good apple peeler opens a whole world of baking options.
With an apple peeler, you can quickly peel and slice fresh apples in seconds. From fresh apple pies and cobblers to tarts, cakes, and more, the options are endless. Unlike some kitchen appliances that sit on your counter unused, taking up valuable space, an apple peeler is easy to store and quick to clean.
If you’re ready to enjoy an endless array of delicious apple treats, start shopping for an apple peeler.
Here are the best 6 apple peelers on the market:
Johnny Apple Peeler by Victorio VKP1010
Award: Best Overall
Nothing beats the classics and this countertop apple peeler is just like Grandma used to use. It’s an older design made with modern materials and it works like a charm!
This Johnny Apple Peeler by Victorio VKP1010 may be a classic design but it’s functional and affordably priced. If you’ve ever helped your grandmother or mother make her famous apple pie, you may already be familiar with this style of apple peeler. The classic countertop design is a tried-and-true favorite. You simply place the unit on the counter then secure the suction base to keep it in place. Stick the apple on the sharp metal prongs then rotate the arm to peel or slice.
The Johnny Apple Peeler by Victorio VKP1010 is durably constructed with a cast iron body and stainless-steel blades and prongs. The peeling blade is adjustable and it comes with a coring/slicing blade as well, so you can remove the core and make ¼-inch slices. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
- Durable cast iron body and stainless-steel blades
- Adjustable peeling blade and coring/slicing blade
- Simple but functional design
Cons:
- Can be tricky to assemble and adjust
- May not work well for very large apples
Specs:
- Price: $26
- Type: Countertop
- Materials: Cast iron, stainless steel
- Features: Suction base, coring/slicing blade
Spiralizer Cast Magnesium Apple Peeler
Award: Best Heavy-Duty
Why waste your time on a cheap apple peeler when this model is durably forged from die cast magnesium for maximum strength and stability without costing a fortune.
If you’re going to buy a new kitchen tool, you want to make sure it’s going to last. The Spiralizer Cast Magnesium Apple Peeler is one of the sturdiest models on the market, forged from ultra-strong die cast magnesium instead of steel for increased strength and stability.
The Spiralizer Cast Magnesium Apple Peeler features a rust-proof chrome-plated winding rod and 3-prong extension with stainless-steel blades. It has a powerful rubber vacuum base so you can easily secure it to a countertop or table, and it is versatile for coring, peeling, and slicing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to clean.
Pros:
- Ultra-durable die cast magnesium construction
- Secure and stable rubber vacuum base
- Stainless-steel coring, peeling, and slicing blades
Cons:
- Fairly heavy, can be difficult to move
- Only offers spiral slicing option
Specs:
- Price: $26
- Type: Countertop
- Materials: Cast magnesium
- Features: Heavy-duty, vacuum base
Johnny Apple Peeler Cast Iron Clamp Base
Award: Best Clamp Base
Avoid the issue of having to find counterspace for another kitchen tool with this clamp base apple peeler. Designed to attach to countertops and tables, this peeler is easy to use.
If you like the design of the previous two apple peelers but you don’t want to take up space on your counter or in your cupboards, the Johnny Apple Peeler Cast Iron Clamp Base might be the perfect solution. It works in much the same way but clamps to a tabletop instead of suctioning to the surface.
The Johnny Apple Peeler Cast Iron Clamp Base features a heavy-duty enamel-coated cast-iron construction for maximum durability. It works with tables ranging from ½ inch to 1 ½ inches and comes with stainless-steel blades that core, peel, and slice.
Pros:
- Attaches firmly to countertops and tables
- Heavy enamel-coated cast iron construction
- Stainless-steel cutting blades
Cons:
- May come loose during extended use
- Metal clamp may scratch wood surfaces
Specs:
- Price: $23
- Type: Clamp base
- Materials: Cast iron
- Features: Heavy-duty, clamp-on
OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler
Award: Best Manual
Whether you’re peeling apples or other fruits and vegetables, this versatile hand peeler is comfortable and easy to use with its rubber grip handle and swivel-head design.
If you don’t tend to cook or bake a lot, you may not have need for a countertop apple peeler or something that takes up space in your cupboards. A manual option like the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler is both easy to store and affordably priced around $10. This apple peeler may take a little longer than other options, but it is easy to get the hang of and can be used for a variety of fruits and veggies.
The OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler was designed with safety in mind. Not only does it feature a black rubber handle to ensure a comfortable, secure grip, but it has a unique swivel-head as well which works while pushing the blade away from you. This is much safer than standard vegetable and fruit peelers that require you to pull the blade toward you, putting you at risk for nicks and cuts.
Whether you’re peeling apples, potatoes, or any other fruit or vegetable, the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler offers reliable function at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Comfortable black rubber handle
- Swivel-head design for safety
- Sharp blade works for a variety of foods
Cons:
- Much slower to use than other options
- Blade may become dull over time
Specs:
- Price: $10
- Type: Manual
- Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
- Features: Swivel-head, dishwasher safe
Starfrit Rotato Express Electric Peeler
Award: Best Electric
Take the labor completely out of the equation with the electric apple peeler, designed to quickly, efficiently, and automatically peel a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Even with one of the models above, peeling apples can be hard work. If you’re looking for an apple peeler that saves your hands (and your time), consider the Starfrit Rotato Express Electric Peeler. This apple peeler features an AC adapter but can also run on batteries, making it an automatic alternative to manual peeling. You simply place the fruit on the food holder, adjust the cutter arm to the appropriate height, and press the ON button. The machine does the rest!
The Starfrit Rotato Express Electric Peeler is not only quick and easy to use, but affordably priced as well. This model features a non-slip base, so it is completely hands-free once you press the ON button. It comes with two spare blades stored under the unit as well as detailed instructions for use. When it comes time for cleaning, all you need is a soapy cloth.
Make quick work of peeling with the Starfrit Rotato Express Electric Peeler whether it’s a bushel of apples, a bag of potatoes, or an assortment of fresh fruits.
Pros:
- Electric or battery-operated design
- Ultra-safe, no-touch design
- Adjustable for use with different foods
Cons:
- Plastic parts are a little flimsy
- May not work on thick-skinned fruit
Specs:
- Price: $25
- Type: Electric
- Materials: Plastic
- Features: Automatic, non-slip base
KitchenAid Spiralizer Plus Attachment
Award: Best Stand Mixer Attachment
If you’re trying to avoid buying another kitchen appliance because you simply have too many, you’ll love this attachment that works with all KitchenAid stand mixers.
If you’re a seasoned cook or baker, you are already familiar with the benefits of having a stand mixer. Stand mixers are extremely versatile, especially if you have a KitchenAid that works with a variety of attachments. The KitchenAid Spiralizer Plus Attachment is just what you need to core, peel, and slice apples without having to buy an entirely new piece of machinery.
The KitchenAid Spiralizer Plus Attachment attaches to the power hub of your stand mixer and uses the motor’s power to run the attachment. Choose from three spiralizing blades, three slicing blades, or a peeling blade to get the results you want. This attachment is durably constructed with quick-change blades for convenience that are also dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Adjustable slicing and spiralizing options
- Quick-change blades, dishwasher safe
- Peels, cores, and slices variety of foods
Cons:
- May not work with all stand mixers
Specs:
- Price: $160
- Type: Stand mixer attachment
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Features: Quick-change blades, adjustable
Do You Really Need an Apple Peeler?
Baking is more than just a hobby; it can also be a skill. It takes a certain degree of concentration to turn a recipe into an edible product and, in some recipes, it all comes down to having the right tools.
The key to a perfect apple pie is thin, even slices. The trouble is slicing and peeling apples by hand takes a lot of time and it’s difficult to keep it consistent. Unless you’re looking to spend an hour or two peeling apples by hand, you may just decide it’s not worth the effort and grab a pie from your local grocery.
An apple peeler may not be a necessity in every household, but it’s definitely one to keep around if you like to bake. A good apple peeler does more than just remove the skin – it also cores and slices the fruit. In the time it takes you to wash a bag of apples to prep them for hand slicing, you could have an apple completely peeled, cored, and spiral sliced. It’s that easy!
Not only are apple peelers handy to keep around, but they are adjustable. You can alter the thickness of the slices according to the recipe and cleanup is quick when you’re finished.
What to Look for in an Apple Peeler
Peeling apples doesn’t have to be long, tedious work. Your old-fashioned vegetable peeler might get the job done, but you’ll end up wasting a lot of the fruit and then you still have to core and slice the apples. If you’re looking for a way to reduce the workload and improve the results, try an apple peeler.
Here are some things to think about when shopping for an apple peeler:
- Do you prefer a vertical or horizontal design?
- Think about whether you want an apple peeler that works with other foods as well.
- Do you want to be able to adjust the thickness of the slices?
- Consider whether you want a model that is hand-operated or battery-powered.
- How much are you willing to spend on an apple peeler?
- Think about the weight and size of the peeler, especially for storage.
- Does the unit have features that make it easy to clean like a removable blade?
When it comes to choosing an apple peeler, you’ll find that most of them are pretty similar. Think about how you plan to use the peeler to determine which features are a must-have and which are optional. Consider your budget and how much space you have for storage. Answering a few simple questions like these will help you narrow down the options to choose the right one for your needs.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try your hand at a few recipes, an apple peeler is a handy kitchen tool you should consider. With an apple peeler, you can open up a whole new world of recipes that might otherwise be too time consuming or labor intensive to even think about trying. Suddenly a fancy apple tart becomes quick and easy (once you perfect your pastry dough, of course).
All apple peelers are not created equal, but there are plenty of excellent options on the market. Check out our selections reviewed above o find the perfect peeler for your kitchen.