Vegetable Peelers – Is There a Difference?

[Shel_B]

I'm using a "Betty Crocker" brand vegetable peeler that was given to me by my GF. It's OK, but I'm not very pleased with the way it works. However, I've not tried other brands, so I really don't have a point of comparison.

Are all vegetable peelers pretty much the same? Are there some designs (are there other designs?) that work better? What do you use, why do you use it or like it, and have you made any comparisons?

Thanks!

...Shel

Edited March 20, 2013 by Shel_B (log)

[patrickamory]

The Oxo peeler changed my whole perspective on peeling. It's sharper, easier to use, easier on the hands, and has lasted for years.

[Shel_B]

The Oxo peeler changed my whole perspective on peeling. It's sharper, easier to use, easier on the hands, and has lasted for years.

Which one do you have? There seem to be several models.

...Shel

[Darienne]

I'm with Patrick Amory on this one. We have two identical Oxo peelers. As far as I can tell it's an Oxo Good Grips Swivel Peeler, probably the basic style.

[Keith_W]

There are two types - one has the blade mounted at the tip of a Y handle (so that it looks a bit like a catapult?), and the other has the blade mounted in line with the grip, like a knife. I much prefer the Y-type peeler.

[mgaretz]

Years ago I bought a Rosle in a sale bin at WS for $5 and I love it. Still works like new.

[weinoo]

I'm with Amory & Darienne on this one - I've used an OXO Good Grips for a long time - every now and then I take a chunk of nail off, but hey...

Cook's Illustrated's faves are the Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, a Y-shaped one and the Messermeister Pro-Touch Fine Edge Swivel Peeler.

[chezcherie]

love-love-love this one:http://www.messermeister.com/Serrated-Swivel-Peeler/

the serrated blade will peel a ripe peach or tomato with no bruising. i think i own 5.

[Okanagancook]

I have the Kuhn Rikon dual peeler(http://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Dual-Peeler-Red/dp/B0055AZ2JY/ref=sr_1_13?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1363796308&sr=1-13&keywords=kuhn+rikon+peeler) I now understand how Marcella Hazan peels peppers.

[Lisa Shock]

I have always preferred Y-peelers. Been using a ceramic one for a while and really love it. I managed to get one with a very wide blade, for making potato chips. http://www.amazon.com/Kyocera-CWP-NBK-Mega-Peeler-Black/dp/B000FUJ5CO/

Ceramic is super-sharp and stays that way. Steel ones need to be honed occasionally.

[EnriqueB]

Another vote for the OXO, cannot live without it. Prefer it to any Y shaped I've tried.

[Keith_W]

I wonder if it is possible for the OP to post a poll to find out what the preference is - Y peelers or straight peelers.

[patrickamory]

Basic Oxo Good Grips straight peeler, not a y-type. It's the best!!

[gfweb]

Straight peeler for a few potatoes, Y peeler for a lot of them. My hand gets tired with the straight peeler after a while, but initially it is more comfortable.

[weinoo]

A more important question is: do you peel toward yourself or away?

Those who peel towards themselves might indeed like the Y-peeler.

I peel away from myself and have always used a swivel bladed peeler for that task.

Also, I don't really find myself in the position of peeling pounds and pounds of things, so my hand doesn't get tired.

[lindag]

Years ago I bought a Rosle in a sale bin at WS for $5 and I love it. Still works like new.

Yep, I'm a big fan of the Rosle as well. I have a couple and they stay really, really sharp.

BTW, They make a grapefruit knife that is the best thing ever invented if you are a grapefruit lover.

I don't think they make a product that doesn't raise the bar.

[gfweb]

A more important question is: do you peel toward yourself or away?

Those who peel towards themselves might indeed like the Y-peeler.

I peel away from myself and have always used a swivel bladed peeler for that task.

Also, I don't really find myself in the position of peeling pounds and pounds of things, so my hand doesn't get tired.

Good points. I peel toward myself.

I don't do pounds and pounds often, usually only for holidays. The straight Oxo is my daily peeler.

I also have a julienne peeler that is great for a quick prep for cole slaw or latkes etc.

[Panaderia Canadiense]

I peel away from myself and love the OXO-syle straight peeler for this. However, for making chifles and other chips, I've got a nice wide Y-peeler. For this application, the Y-shape can't be beat.

Now here's a thought. Both styles of peeler are available quite cheaply, often at dollar stores. You could easily buy one of each in the cheapo types to find out which one you prefer, then make the outlay for OXO or Rosle once you know.

[sigma]

I peel in both directions simultaneously. You guys don't?

[Panaderia Canadiense]

As in, one stroke away from yourself, one stroke towards? I can do that, but it's not as comfortable.

[The J]

Another vote for the OXO straight peeler. I peel toward myself and don't peel in massive quantities (except for holidays). I have not tried a Y peeler, but I don't have any discomfort from the straight one.

[JoNorvelleWalker]

I vote for a straight ceramic peeler. Unfortunately I cannot remember the brand I have. Also I peel away from myself. I can't even picture the thought of doing it any other way.

[patrickamory]

I peel towards myself.

[dcarch]

Asparagus peeler works great for carrots too.

dcarch

[Twyst]

Yet another vote for the oxo good grips peeler. Its silly sharp, stays that way for a long time, and the blades can be replaced.