Do You Need Something Better Than Your Mom’s Potato Peeler?

I don’t know if it’s a masculine value, but I love potatoes! Mash them. Roast them. Add them puréed to a soup. They are creamy and a perfect complement to sauces and seasonings. In the olden days — I’m thinking WWII — you had to peel potatoes with a knife. In 1928, Victor Pouzzet invented the modern potato peeler. He called it “the econome,” French for “the money saver,” because it saved on excess potato flesh that went in the garbage with the rest of the peels. Since then, other versions of the potato peeler have been invented including the one with the pivoting blade you likely use today.

Kitchen knives, especially those that can’t be sharpened like a peeler do get dull over time. If you’ve ever struggled with a dull or awkward version of this peeler, you know how frustrating it can be. A good peeler can make meal prep faster and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating delicious dishes rather than wrestling with stubborn vegetables. And contrary to expectations, a sharper knife or peeler is actually less prone to cutting you because it so easily slices the intended target rather than your fingers.  Upgrading to a better peeler can enhance your cooking experience and save you time in the kitchen.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Swivel Vegetable Peeler – $9.72
• Best Value: Victorinox Swiss Army Serrated Peeler – $8.24
• Best Design: Linden Sweden Original Jonas Vegetable Peeler – $9.99
• Best for Comfort: Gorilla Grip BPA-Free Sharp Stainless Steel Swivel Vegetable Peeler – $8.49

How We Selected Our Top Picks

When choosing the best vegetable peeler, consider factors such as blade sharpness, handle comfort, ease of cleaning, and versatility. A good peeler should glide effortlessly over various fruits and vegetables, making your kitchen tasks more efficient.

Victorinox Swiss Army Serrated Peeler Orange

Of the peelers we tested, this one will actually surprise you.  You know that feeling when you open a new package of razor blades and then first shave feels like the razor glides over your face. Well that’s how clean this peeler shaves off the skin of a potato or carrot. If you do a lot of peeling or just appreciate something that just works, the Victorinox Swiss Army Serrated Peeler might just be the upgrade you need. This little gem features a micro-serrated edge that makes peeling fruits and vegetables a breeze. Whether you’re prepping for a big family dinner or just whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this peeler is designed to handle it all with ease. Plus, its ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, so you can peel away without straining your hand. It’s a practical tool that adds a pop of color to your kitchen while making your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

What People Say

Users rave about its sharpness and ease of use, making it a favorite for both everyday cooking and special occasions. Many have noted how it outperforms traditional peelers, especially on tougher skins like potatoes and tomatoes.

• I love this peeler. After using basic straight cut standard peelers for years, I bought this one. Now, no more dropping the potato or red beet because I have to push down so hard with the dull peeler that the veggie slips out of my hand. With this super sharp, serrated blade, much less pressure is needed. Did I say it’s sharp? Watch your fingers. Absolutely worth it.– Joanne
• As far as vegetable peelers go, this has got to be the best I’ve ever owned. The blade comes extremely sharp, which makes or breaks this type of utensil. It peels potatoes effortlessly with very little resistance. Great product and worth every penny to me.– wildwinds.45

Why You’ll Love It

• Micro-serrated edge for effortless peeling
• Ergonomic handle for comfort
• Versatile for various fruits and vegetables

When to Use It

Perfect for everyday cooking, holiday meal prep, or even just peeling a quick snack. This peeler shines in any kitchen scenario, making it a must-have tool.

Current Price: $8.24

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 2851+)

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OXO Good Grips Swivel Vegetable Peeler

We’ve had the OXO Good Grips Swivel Vegetable Peeler is a fantastic choice.  OXO makes modern solid modern takes on old stuff and this peeler is a good example. It’s got a good handle and firm grip and its twin stainless steel blades that flex to glide effortlessly over tough-skinned fruits and vegetables, making your prep work a breeze. Whether you’re peeling potatoes for a family dinner or prepping apples for a pie, this tool is designed for comfort and efficiency. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, making cleanup a cinch. It’s a practical upgrade that can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

What People Say

Users rave about its sharpness and ease of use, making it a favorite for both everyday cooking and special occasions. Many have noted how it outperforms traditional peelers, especially on tougher skins like potatoes and butternut squash.

• Tired of struggling with stubborn produce? The OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler is here to revolutionize your kitchen routine. With its sharp, swiveling blade, effortlessly glide through tough skins and say goodbye to peeling frustrations. This isn’t just a peeler; it’s a kitchen essential that delivers precision and speed. I’ve used it on everything from potatoes and carrots to apples and cucumbers, and it handles them all with ease.– SFBay55555
• This OXO vegetable peeler is hands down the best one I’ve ever used! The swivel blade glides effortlessly through potatoes, carrots, and even tougher skins like butternut squash. The grip is super comfortable and non-slip, making peeling easy and strain-free. It’s sharp but safe to use, and I love that it doesn’t clog up with peels. Cleaning is a breeze, and it’s held up great over time.– Ithinkethan

Why You’ll Love It

• Swiveling twin blades for easy peeling
• Comfortable non-slip grip
• Built-in potato eye remover for blemishes

When to Use It

Perfect for everyday cooking, holiday meal prep, or even just peeling a quick snack. This peeler shines in any kitchen scenario, making it a must-have tool.

Current Price: $9.72

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 49973+)

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Linden Sweden Original Jonas Vegetable Peeler

Here’s the classic potato peeler, the Linden Sweden Original Jonas Vegetable Peeler and it still does a fine job. This sleek tool features a rust-resistant stainless steel blade that glides effortlessly over fruits and vegetables, making your prep work not just easier but also more enjoyable. Whether you’re peeling potatoes for a cozy family dinner or prepping veggies for a colorful salad, its ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to peel with precision and control. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze. This peeler is not just a tool; it’s an old friend and reliable companion in your kitchen adventures. Consider it the quintessential potato peeler. Even when we bought new peelers, don’t tell my wife, but I still held on this old beauty.

What People Say

Users appreciate its sharpness and comfortable grip, making it a favorite for both everyday cooking and special occasions. Many have highlighted how it outperforms traditional peelers, especially on tougher vegetables like carrots and squash.

• I opted for an old-fashioned, virtually unbreakable stainless steel peeler, and this one is just like my grandmother’s. It peels beautifully and doesn’t clog up. The design is fantastic, allowing me to control the thickness of the peel, and it feels comfortable in my hand. I love using it for everything from carrots to apples.– Lucky Frog
• This peeler is the best I’ve ever used. It has a simple design that works better than any fancy ones I’ve tried. The blade is sharp, and it glides through vegetables with ease. It’s also comfortable to hold, and I appreciate that it stays sharp for a long time. Definitely worth the investment.– Katie and Brad

Why You’ll Love It

• Ergonomic handle for comfort and control
• Rust-resistant stainless steel blade
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup

When to Use It

Ideal for daily meal prep, holiday cooking, or even just peeling a quick snack. This peeler excels in any kitchen scenario, making it an essential tool for every home cook.

Current Price: $9.99

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 11667+)

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Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler 3-Pack

Here’s another upgrade: the Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler set might just be what you need. This vibrant trio of peelers in red, green, and yellow not only adds a pop of color to your kitchen but also features razor-sharp carbon steel blades that make peeling fruits and vegetables a breeze. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner or whipping up a quick snack, these peelers are designed for both left and right-handed users, ensuring everyone can enjoy their benefits. Plus, they come with a handy potato eye remover, making them versatile for all your peeling needs. It’s a simple tool that can make a big difference in your kitchen routine.

What People Say

Users rave about the sharpness and efficiency of these peelers, noting how they glide through even the toughest skins. Many appreciate the ergonomic design, which makes peeling comfortable and easy, whether you’re tackling a large batch of potatoes or just a few apples.

• After quite a bit of research to find the best peeler, I lucked out with the Kuhn Rikon original Swiss peeler. It performed just as the reviews stated. Cut through thick skins of squash and other root vegetables with ease. Very sharp and sturdy! This will make meal prep easier and more efficient.– betsie letterle
• I like that it always peels evenly and easily. I keep two on hand. Small but mighty. Lasts a long time and washes easily. A keeper for sure.– shorty

Why You’ll Love It

• Razor-sharp carbon steel blades for effortless peeling
• Integrated potato eye remover for added convenience
• Ergonomic design suitable for both left and right-handed users

When to Use It

Perfect for everyday meal prep, holiday cooking, or even just peeling a quick snack. These peelers shine in any kitchen scenario, making them a must-have for both casual cooks and culinary enthusiasts.

Current Price: $14.00

Rating: 4.3 (Total: 10887+)

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KitchenAid KE145OHOBA Classic Y Peeler

The KitchenAid Classic Y Peeler uses the same design as the Kuhn Rikon and is also a good choice. This sleek tool features a sharp, rust-resistant stainless steel blade that glides through fruits and vegetables with ease. Whether you’re preparing a hearty stew or just need to peel a few apples for a snack, this peeler is designed for comfort and efficiency. Its ergonomic handle ensures a secure grip, making it a breeze to use for any peeling task. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so cleanup is quick and hassle-free. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in your kitchen routine.

What People Say

Users appreciate the sharpness and comfort of this peeler, noting how it makes quick work of even the toughest skins. Many highlight the ergonomic design, which allows for easy handling during extended use, making it a favorite for both everyday cooking and special occasions.

• The best peeler I’ve ever used. Sharp, comfortable to hold. It makes peeling apples and potatoes a breeze. Highly recommend it for anyone who cooks regularly.– jenny2779n5
• I used this KitchenAid Y peeler to peel apples. The peeler did a slick job of peeling the apple cleanly with a nice, long peel. The handle is thick enough to aid in comfortably gripping the peeler. I highly recommend it.– Infocraver

Why You’ll Love It

• Sharp, rust-resistant stainless steel blade for effortless peeling
• Ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup

When to Use It

Ideal for daily meal prep, holiday cooking, or even just peeling a quick snack. This peeler shines in any kitchen scenario, making it a must-have for both casual cooks and culinary enthusiasts.

Current Price: $8.99

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 2230+)

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“Old-School” Professional Vegetable, Potato, Carrot Peeler

And here’s thee most basic and least expensive WERPOWER “Old-School” Professional Peeler. With its stainless steel body and blade, this peeler is designed for both durability and efficiency. It does a good job cutting through fruits and vegetables, making it perfect for everything from peeling potatoes for dinner to prepping delicate tomatoes for a salad. The simple design not only makes it easy to use but also a breeze to clean. Whether you’re whipping up a quick meal or preparing for a family gathering, this peeler is a handy tool that can elevate your kitchen experience.

What People Say

Users rave about the comfort and effectiveness of this peeler, noting how it makes peeling tasks quick and easy. Many appreciate its traditional design, which allows for a smooth peeling experience, making it a favorite for both everyday cooking and special occasions.

• I had this type of old-fashioned peeler years ago. Wore it out. Every peeler I tried over the years was disappointing. The peeler portion didn’t move easily, would get stuck. Found this and bought it. Comfortable in my hand. Works smoothly.– Mary Jane

Why You’ll Appreciate It

• Long-lasting commercial quality for everyday use
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
• Rust-free blade that stays sharp

When to Use It

Perfect for daily meal prep, holiday cooking, or even just peeling a quick snack. This peeler is versatile enough to handle any kitchen task, making it a must-have for both casual cooks and culinary enthusiasts.

Current Price: $3.82

Rating: 4 (Total: 963+)

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GORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Sharp Stainless Steel Swivel Vegetable Peeler

If you’re ready to say goodbye to your mom’s potato peeler, the Gorilla Grip Vegetable Peeler is a fantastic upgrade. This peeler features sharp stainless steel blades that glide effortlessly through even the toughest produce, making it perfect for everything from potatoes to apples. Its ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, so you can peel without straining your hands. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, which means cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this peeler is a reliable companion in the kitchen.

What People Say

Users rave about how comfortable this peeler is to hold, especially those with arthritis or weaker hands. Many appreciate its sharpness and efficiency, noting how quickly it makes peeling tasks a breeze. It’s become a favorite for both everyday cooking and special occasions.

• I am pleasantly surprised at the quality of this peeler. I am 70 years old with arthritic and weak hands. I am able to grip the handle and peel my apples and vegetables with ease. The blade is sharp. I ordered two in blue. I love this peeler so much I ordered one for each of my two daughters!– D Brown

Why You’ll Love It

• Sharp stainless steel blades for effortless peeling
• Comfortable, slip-resistant handle for easy grip
• Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning

When to Use It

Ideal for daily meal prep, holiday cooking, or even just peeling a quick snack. This peeler is versatile enough to handle any kitchen task, making it a must-have for both casual cooks and culinary enthusiasts.

Current Price: $8.49

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 3314+)

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FAQ

Why should I consider upgrading from my mom’s potato peeler?

Upgrading from your mom’s potato peeler can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Modern peelers, like the Victorinox Swiss Army Serrated Peeler or the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler, are designed with sharper blades and ergonomic handles that make peeling easier and more efficient. You’ll find that these peelers require less pressure, reducing hand fatigue and making the task quicker. Plus, they often come with features like built-in blemish removers, which can save you time and effort in the kitchen.

What should I look for when buying a new potato peeler?

When shopping for a new potato peeler, consider the blade material and design. Stainless steel blades are durable and resist rust, while ergonomic handles provide comfort during use. Look for peelers with features like swivel blades that adapt to the shape of the produce, making peeling smoother. Additionally, check for user reviews to gauge performance and reliability. A peeler with a good grip can make a significant difference, especially if you have limited hand strength or arthritis.

How do I properly maintain my new peeler to ensure it lasts?

To keep your new peeler in top condition, always wash it by hand with mild soap and water after use, and dry it immediately to prevent rusting, especially if it has a carbon steel blade. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as the heat and moisture can damage the handle and blade. Store it in a dry place, and consider using a blade guard if it came with one to protect the sharp edge. Regular maintenance will ensure your peeler remains sharp and functional for years to come.

Wrapping Up

Investing in a quality vegetable peeler can transform your cooking experience. With options like the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler and the Victorinox Swiss Army Serrated Peeler, you can enjoy effortless peeling and enhanced comfort. Whether you’re preparing a simple meal or tackling a large batch of vegetables, these tools can help you work more efficiently and effectively in the kitchen.