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It doesn't matter if you're making a gorgeous apple tart, fluffy and sweet apple pancake dippers, or sticky fried apples. You're going to need to peel the skin off of all those apples. The job can be tedious and tough on the hands, so you need a tool that will make the task as simple and easy as possible. Yes, it's time to invest in a good-quality apple peeler.
Our top picks
What kind of peeler do you use on apples?
Technically, you don't need an apple peeler. If you're handy with a small paring knife, you could just use that. But unless you're particularly skilled with one, getting through a mountain of apples could a long while—and opens the door to painful nicks or worse. Instead, we suggest opting for a good peeler. The most common types of peelers are Y-shaped. They're easy to hold and glide through an apple's peel. You'll also see I-shaped peelers, hand-cranked peelers, and electric versions. Bonus: Most of these products also work for potatoes, zucchini, carrots, or any other type of produce with a thin peel.
How we chose these products
We wanted to include apple peelers that worked for everyone. So we asked chefs, restaurateurs, and beverage directors what they use when they peel apples. We also looked to the internet to see what people at home are loving. They had to be sharp, fast, and easy to use. We ended up with a list that has many different-shaped manual peelers, electric peelers, attachment-style peelers, crank-style peelers, and even a not-so-traditional peeler. Whether you are baking up an apple storm or just have a picky peel-averse kiddo, here are all the best apple peelers.
Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler 3-Pack
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
"The Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss peelers are durable, cheap, and super light, making it easy to peel a case of apples fairly quickly," said Jordan Anderson, executive chef and co-owner of Mediterranean restaurant Sami & Susu in New York City. He uses them to peel apples for the eatery's seasonal autumn apple tabbouleh.
Williams Sonoma Apple Peeler/Corer
Pros
- Suctions to counter
- Easy to crank
Cons
"Even though this has an old-fashioned look, this helps me peel apples extremely fast and easier than the motorized peelers," said Larry White, owner of Phoenix-based restaurants Brunch & Sip, Monroe's Hot Chicken, and Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles. He loves that it's easy to crank, suctions to the counter so it won't move, and has a narrow blade so it only takes off a thin layer of skin.
BOSKA Copenhagen Cheese Slicer
Pros
- Great for making garnishes
Cons
Is this a cheese slicer? Yes. Is it something Demario Wallace, beverage director at Oliva Restaurant Group, keeps behind the bar at North Italian restaurant Bellina Alimentari in Atlanta? Also, yes. "Many of us will never peel anything with a Y peeler ever again," he said. It doesn't damage the flesh under the skin and allows all parts to be used as a garnish for the many apple drinks on the menu, he said.
Pros
- Good quality
- Comes with two different peelers
Cons
This set of two peelers—one Y-shaped, one I-shaped—will peel just about anything in the kitchen. Need to make thin ribbons of carrots? Remove the skin of a zucchini? Peel a bunch of apples? This duo can handle it all. The blades are made of carbon steel, so they are super sharp, and the bodies are made from zinc alloy, so they won't rust. "If peeling potatoes could be fun, these peelers will be the ones that get you there," this reviewer said.
KitchenAid Spiralizer Plus Attachment
Pros
- Can peel, core, slice, and spiralize
Cons
- Must have a stand mixer
Not only can this KitchenAid attachment peel, core, and slice, but it can also spiralize. "It holds the apple on the device well, does a great job peeling, and the slices come out perfect while leaving the core on the slicer," this reviewer raved. Apples will be prepped for pie in no time.
Pros
- Fast
- Electric
Cons
First of all, the name of this—a combination of rotate and potato—is so adorable. Second of all, "the convenience of having a medium-sized apple peeled in under 15 seconds is worth every penny I paid for this product," this reviewer summed up. All you have to do is secure the apple (or potato) to the bottom teeth, lower the arm from the top, and press the red button for a naked apple. Plus, it comes with six replacement blades.
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