There’s a lot of variety to choose from. In fact, they are often referred to in the trade as “apple processors” because many models can do more than just peel — they’ll core and slice as well.
Is any apple peeler machine really better than a competent person with a swift hand and a sharp paring knife?
Hey there apple lovers! If you’ve ever wrestled with a pile of apples for a pie or sauce you know the struggle is real. Peeling by hand? Ain’t nobody got time for that! That’s why I’m pumped to share with ya the absolute best apple peelers that’ll transform your kitchen game. We’re talkin’ tools so slick, they’ll have you prepping apples faster than you can say “apple crisp.” Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned chef, stick with me—I’ve got the lowdown on gadgets that’ll save your sanity this fall season.
Why You Need an Apple Peeler in Your Life
Before we dive into the good stuff, let’s chat about why these gizmos are a must-have. Apples are the star of so many cozy recipes—think pies, cobblers, or just a quick snack. But peeling, coring, and slicing ‘em by hand? That’s a chore and a half. A good apple peeler cuts down the hassle, saves you precious minutes, and keeps your fingers safe from those pesky knife slips. Plus, some of these bad boys can handle other veggies like potatoes or carrots, makin’ them a multi-taskin’ dream. So, let’s get to the best of the best and find the one that’s gonna rock your world!
The Cream of the Crop: Best Apple Peelers You Gotta Try
I’ve scoured the options tested a bunch (well in my head I’m elbow-deep in apple peels), and narrowed it down to the top players in the apple peeler game. Here’s my roundup of the finest tools out there, with all the deets on what makes ‘em shine and where they might fall short. Prices are rough estimates based on what’s floatin’ around, so you can pick one that fits your wallet.
1. OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Peeler Set – The All-Rounder Champ
- Price Range: Around $30
- Type: Manual, Handheld
- What’s Cool: This ain’t just one peeler—it’s a trio! You get a straight blade, a serrated one for softer fruits, and a julienne for fancy strips. The grips are soft and non-slip, so even if your hands are wet from apple juice, you’re golden. Super sharp blades make peeling a breeze, and they come with safety guards to protect your fingers in the drawer.
- Why I Love It: Versatility, baby! Whether I’m prepping apples for a pie or tackling some potatoes for mash, this set’s got my back. It’s perfect for small batches and fits snug in any kitchen drawer.
- Downside: If you’re dealing with a bushel of apples, it might feel slow compared to a crank model. Plus, storing three peelers can be a tad bulky if space is tight.
- Best For: Folks who want options and don’t mind a lil’ manual work.
2. Spring Chef Premium Swivel Peeler – Budget-Friendly Beast
- Price Range: About $10
- Type: Manual, Handheld
- What’s Cool: This lil’ guy is cheap as chips but works like a charm. The swivel blade adjusts to the curves of apples, making peeling smooth and quick. It’s got a comfy grip, comes in funky colors, and works for lefties and righties alike.
- Why I Love It: For ten bucks, you can’t beat it! I grab this when I just need to peel a couple apples for a snack. It’s compact, easy to stash, and gets the job done without fuss.
- Downside: No coring or slicing here—just peeling. So, if you’re prepping for a big recipe, you’ll need another tool for the rest.
- Best For: Anyone on a tight budget or with limited kitchen space.
3. KitchenAid 5-Blade Spiralizer Attachment – The Fancy Electric Option
- Price Range: $77–$150 (depends on sales)
- Type: Electric (requires KitchenAid mixer)
- What’s Cool: If you’ve got a KitchenAid stand mixer, this attachment is a game-changer. It peels, cores, and slices apples in one go, with different blades for spiralizing or slicing. It’s sturdy as heck and saves tons of time for big batches.
- Why I Love It: When I’m whipping up apple crisps for a crowd, this bad boy does the heavy lifting. The blades are razor-sharp, and cleanup’s a snap since most parts are dishwasher-safe.
- Downside: Ya gotta own a KitchenAid mixer, which ain’t cheap. Also, swapping blades can be a bit fiddly. Not ideal for irregular-shaped stuff—it might skip bits of peel.
- Best For: Serious bakers with a KitchenAid already in their arsenal.
4. Johnny Apple Peeler Cast Iron with Clamp Base – Old-School Powerhouse
- Price Range: Around $32–$36
- Type: Manual, Countertop (Hand-Crank)
- What’s Cool: This classic cast-iron peeler clamps to your counter and peels, cores, and slices all at once. It’s built like a tank, with a nostalgic vibe, and can rip through an apple in about 8 seconds if you crank fast.
- Why I Love It: There’s somethin’ satisfying about turning that crank and watching the apple skin spiral off. It’s perfect for big hauls from the orchard, and it lasts forever if you treat it right.
- Downside: Setup takes a minute, so it’s overkill for just one or two apples. You also need a deep enough counter for the clamp, which might not work in tiny kitchens.
- Best For: Apple enthusiasts processing large quantities with a love for vintage tools.
5. TOPCHANCES Electric Automatic Rotating Peeler – Effortless Efficiency
- Price Range: About $29
- Type: Electric
- What’s Cool: Plug it in (or use batteries), pop an apple on, and watch it peel in under 30 seconds. No manual labor needed! It adjusts to different sizes and comes with extra blades in case one dulls out.
- Why I Love It: If my hands are achy or I’m just feelin’ lazy, this electric wonder is my go-to. It’s a lifesaver for anyone with arthritis or who hates repetitive tasks.
- Downside: It don’t core or slice, just peels. And it’s not as sturdy as some manual options—feels a bit flimsy if you’re rough with it.
- Best For: Those who want speed without the elbow grease.
6. Starfrit Apple Peeler – Fun and Functional
- Price Range: $14–$30
- Type: Manual, Countertop (Hand-Crank)
- What’s Cool: Another crank-style peeler, but with a modern twist. It’s got a see-through design so you can watch the gears work, plus an ejector to pop the apple out easy. Peels in a neat spiral every time.
- Why I Love It: It’s kinda fun to use, almost like a toy! I like showing it off when friends are over, and it handles apples quick for pies or snacks.
- Downside: Like other crank models, it needs counter space and a bit of setup. Not the best for super tiny apples.
- Best For: Folks who want a mix of efficiency and a cool gadget to show off.
7. EZMO Apple Peeler with Slicer & Corer – Kid-Friendly Choice
- Price Range: Around $20
- Type: Manual, Countertop (Hand-Crank)
- What’s Cool: This smaller crank peeler comes with an encased blade for safety and an extra tool for slicing and coring into eight wedges. It’s lightweight and easy to use.
- Why I Love It: I feel good lettin’ the kiddos help out with this one ‘cause it’s safer. It’s great for family baking days when we’re all in the kitchen together.
- Downside: Not as fast as bigger models, and it’s less durable for heavy use. More of a casual tool.
- Best For: Families or small-scale apple prepping.
Quick Comparison: Which Apple Peeler Fits Ya?
Here’s a handy-dandy table to stack these peelers side by side Pick your fave based on what ya need most!
| Peeler Name | Type | Price (Approx.) | Peels | Cores | Slices | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Set | Manual (Handheld) | $30 | Yes | No | No | Versatile small tasks |
| Spring Chef Swivel Peeler | Manual (Handheld) | $10 | Yes | No | No | Budget-friendly basics |
| KitchenAid Spiralizer Attachment | Electric (Mixer) | $77–$150 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Big batches with KitchenAid owners |
| Johnny Apple Peeler Cast Iron | Manual (Crank) | $32–$36 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Large quantities, vintage lovers |
| TOPCHANCES Electric Peeler | Electric | $29 | Yes | No | No | Effortless peeling, achy hands |
| Starfrit Apple Peeler | Manual (Crank) | $14–$30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Fun and efficient medium tasks |
| EZMO Apple Peeler with Slicer | Manual (Crank) | $20 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Families, safety-focused |
How to Choose the Right Apple Peeler for Your Kitchen
Now that you’ve seen the lineup, let’s talk about pickin’ the perfect one for you. It all boils down to a few key things, and I’m gonna break it down so you ain’t left guessin’.
- How Many Apples You Peelin’? If you’re just doin’ a couple for a snack, a handheld peeler like the Spring Chef is plenty. Got a whole orchard haul for pies and preserves? Go for a countertop crank model or electric option like the Johnny Apple or KitchenAid.
- Manual or Electric? If you don’t mind a lil’ workout, manual peelers are cheaper and easier to store. But if your hands get tired quick, or you’ve got joint pain, an electric one’s worth the splurge.
- Space in Your Kitchen: Handheld peelers tuck away in a drawer no problem. Countertop ones need space to clamp or sit, so measure your area before buyin’.
- Extra Features: Want just a peeler, or do ya need coring and slicing too? Multi-function tools like the EZMO or KitchenAid save you from grabbin’ extra gadgets.
- Budget: You can snag a solid peeler for under $15 if you’re keepin’ it simple. If you’re investin’ for the long haul, $30–$50 gets you somethin’ durable or electric.
Take a sec to think about your cookin’ habits. Me, I’m all about that crank action for fall baking marathons, but I keep a cheap handheld around for quick jobs. What’s your vibe?
Tips for Usin’ and Carin’ for Your Apple Peeler
Got your shiny new peeler? Awesome! Let’s make sure it lasts ya through many an apple season. Here’s some nuggets of wisdom from my kitchen to yours.
- Read the Dang Instructions: I know, I know, we all wanna just dive in. But each peeler’s got its quirks, ‘specially the crank and electric kinds. Give the manual a quick peek to avoid any oopsies.
- Keep It Tight: For countertop models, make sure the clamp or suction is secure. I’ve had one wiggle loose mid-peel, and it’s a mess. Keep a screwdriver handy if it needs tightenin’, trust me on this.
- Don’t Force Tiny Apples: If your apples are super small, they might not fit right on crank models and get stuck. Stick to medium or large ones for best results.
- Clean It Right Away: Apple juice gets sticky fast. Rinse or wipe down your peeler soon as you’re done to avoid gunk build-up. Check if it’s dishwasher-safe—some ain’t, so don’t risk it.
- Store Smart: Keep handheld peelers in a drawer with blade guards if they got ‘em. For bigger ones, find a shelf spot where they won’t get banged up.
- Watch Them Blades: Most peelers stay sharp for ages, but if they start dullin’, see if you can replace the blade or sharpen it. Don’t keep strugglin’ with a dull edge.
Oh, and a lil’ bonus tip—keep peeled apples from turnin’ brown by dunkin’ ‘em in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Works like a charm!
Bonus: A Quick Fall Recipe to Use Your Freshly Peeled Apples
Since we’re on the apple train, how ‘bout a super easy recipe to put your peeler to work? I’m sharin’ my go-to Apple Cinnamon Bites—perfect for a cozy night in. Here’s the deal:
- Ingredients (for about 4 servings):
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced (use your shiny new peeler!)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: a handful of chopped nuts or raisins
- Steps:
- Peel and slice them apples nice and thin.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Toss in the apple slices, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir it up good.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes till the apples soften and get all caramel-y.
- Sprinkle in nuts or raisins if you’re feelin’ fancy.
- Serve warm—great on its own or over vanilla ice cream!
- Why It’s Awesome: Takes like 10 minutes, smells like fall heaven, and shows off them perfectly peeled apples.
Wrap-Up: Get Peelin’ and Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!
So, there ya have it—the ultimate guide to the best apple peelers out there. Whether you’re grabbin’ a cheap handheld for quick jobs or goin’ all out with an electric whiz, there’s somethin’ for everyone. I’m rootin’ for ya to find the one that makes your kitchen life a breeze, ‘specially when apple season hits hard. Me, I’m stickin’ with my trusty crank model for now, but I’m mighty tempted by that electric one for lazy days.
Which one’s callin’ your name? Drop a comment if ya got a fave or a question—I’m all ears! And hey, don’t wait ‘til the last apple falls off the tree. Snag your peeler now, whip up some yummy treats, and let’s make this fall the tastiest one yet. Happy peelin’, friends!
Design of the machines
Apple peeling machines can be made out of plastic or metal or a combination of both, though the blade will always be metal.
A great many of the metal ones are essentially the same design / machine, at least in regards to their frame and basic parts.
The machines are usually operated by hand crank, though electric and battery-operated ones are now available.
Most operate horizontally, though a few operate more vertically.
Some require a minor bit of assembly and may require a screw driver (for instance, the Victorio model is one that requires a screw driver to permanently attach the handle.)
Instruction manuals are usually very simple, just one or two pages.
All have a pronged-spike (usually three prongs, sometimes called the “fork”) that you impale the fruit or veg on, to hold it firmly in place while the blade does the peeling.
Before purchasing you may wish to find out if replacement blades are available, how much they are, and where you would get them when the time comes. Some will ship with a replacement blade; some will ship with interchangeable blades for different depths of peeling (say, if you want to use it to peel an orange.)
We’re not aware of any, not even the plastic ones, that are listed as safe for the entire unit to go into the dishwasher.
This video of Victorio’s apple peeler does a very good job of explaining the nitty gritty of a common metal design.
Note that most of the metal ones are of very similar design, though sold under different brand names at various price points. We haven’t had the occasion to research yet whether there was a patent that expired, making the design available to everyone.
One small complaint people have about the metal ones is that because they ship with the turning handle unattached (you have to use a screw driver to attach them), the machines won’t fit back into the boxes for storage with the handle on. (Some people say they just angle them into the boxes with the handle peeping out.)
This plastic one works more vertically, and comes with a separate wedger for thicker slices.
Automatic slicing feature
Some machines core and slice at the same time as they peel.
Some machines come with a separate device that does the coring, and chops the apple into wedges.
The slices automatically produced (by the models that do) are usually quite thin spiral slices. Some reviewers feel that these slices can be too thin for pie fillings.
Wedges produced by ones that come with a wedger may be more acceptable for pie fillings — though wedgers can usually be purchased separately for very little
The ones that core and slice at the same time also generally let you “turn that feature off” — some people may prefer to have the machine do just the peeling so that they can make their own, thicker slices for something like a pie filling.
Turning the core and slice feature off is probably a good idea if you are using the machine to help peel potatoes, as you would get some very cross looks if you presented the potatoes to the cook all cored and spiral sliced.
A wedger does the coring, while producing nice chunks of apple such as you would expect in a homemade apple pie filling.
The 5 Best Apple Peelers In 2022
FAQ
Which apple peeler is best for Apple Pie?
With that in mind, our Test Kitchen pros got to work trying all sorts of apple peelers. To determine which apple peelers were most effective, our Test Kitchen peeled two types of apples: a firm Gala apple and a slightly softer McIntosh. (McIntosh are one of the best apples for apple pie, so you know we had to give those a test!)
Which Apple/potato peeler is best?
After hours of research and comparison, our final pick is Spiralizer Apple/Potato Peeler. This device is made to last for very long time. Most importantly, it is very easy to use and versatile as you can use it for apple, potato and other fruits.
Do you need an apple peeler?
In every household, one of the most important household accessories is an apple peeler. An apple peeler is a tool that is mainly used to slice, core and peel apples or potatoes within a few seconds with a stainless steel blade.
What are the best peelers for fruit & vegetables?
FUHUY Vegetable, Apple Peelers for kitchen, Fruit, Carrot, Veggie, Potatoes Peeler, Y-Shaped and I-Shaped Stainless Steel Peelers, with Ergonomic Non-Slip Handle & Sharp Blade, Good Sturdy (2PCS) This set of two peelers is perfect for peeling potatoes, apples, vegetables, and fruits like mangoes, cucumbers, and more.
What is an apple peeler?
When you think, ‘apple peeler,’ we’re guessing you’re picturing something like this: a hand-crank model that peels apples in one long spiral. And thanks to its efficiency, this classic design is still a favorite in countless home kitchens. Amazon shoppers love this model because it’s easy to use and peels and cores apples in seconds.
What makes a good apple peeler?
Blades and other elements of a peeler tend to be strong metal such as stainless steel, with some offering a chrome coating. Whatever its construction materials, an apple peeler should be durable, able to stand up to the stresses of use, and resistant to rust and corrosion.