The 8 Best Apple Peeler Options for Everyday Peeling

Whether you're an apple pie aficionado, you love to whip up applesauce or sweet cinnamon apples, or you just love a perfectly peeled apple for an easy snack option, chances are you need an apple peeler that gets the job done. If this isn't your first apple rodeo, then you know what a beast peeling them can be. That's why you need the right tool for the job.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Apple Peeler Options

Factors to Consider When Purchasing An Apple Peeler

If you've decided to ditch the paring knife and make the leap to apple peelers that do the bulk of the work for you, then it's best to first look at the different types of these devices that are out there. Not all apple peelers are created equal, so you'll want to make the initial decision about which version is the best for your needs.

Motorized peelers and slicers – A device that relies on a motor to cut can be the fastest option out there for chefs looking to peel and core a large number of apples at one time. With this type of skin removing equipment, the dirty work will be done for you.

Motorized peelers can also be considered a safer, cleaner option. This is because you are not holding the fruit as it gets peeled and cut. This reduces the spread of germs, and helps to keep you safe as you avoid cutting yourself! It's a win-win situation.

Motorized peelers work with the touch of a button and usually have the job completed in a matter of seconds. While it sounds impressive—and most of these gadgets are pretty neat—some drawbacks can come along for the ride.

For one thing, when you rely on a motor, you're banking on it to work whenever you need it. As anyone with a boat can tell you, motors are finicky. Small ones can, in a relatively cheap device like this, also be less heartily made so that they may take a dive in a shorter amount of time.

Arm crank peelers and slicers – This type of device is a little more hands-on than an electric version, but it gets the job done similarly. Instead of the blade being propelled by an electrical motor, you're doing a bit of the grunt work. Once you've placed the juicy little fruit onto the prongs, you'll need to get cranking. A little bit of elbow grease has to go into the job, but most of the best apple peeler options out there are made so that this step is a walk in the park.

These devices often also remove the core at the same time, though some require this step to be done separately. While these devices are usually more reliable than a motorized version, you may find that more effort is needed. Plus, there's the little issue of cleanup. You may have to take the device apart to clean and get in there to get rid of any loose apple bits or juice.

Swivel Peeler – A swivel peeler is another option for getting rid of the skin, but it usually requires the most work of any other option. This type of device requires you to hold the produce, while also maintaining the peeler. There's no lever to crank or button to push. Instead, you'll be peeling off the skin yourself with the blade on the peeling tool. It usually takes longer than the other devices; however, you can use fruits and vegetables that may be misshapen. 

How To Use an Apple Peeler 

Apple peelers, corers, and slicers are innovative tools for those who want to make delicious apple pie—and eat it, too. Whether you and your family like to snack on sliced apples dipped in peanut butter, or you like to use apples in a variety of baking recipes, it's imperative that you have a tool like this when you need to peel, core and slice a large number of apples. Your hard-working fingers will thank you when you put down the paring knife.

Depending on the type of apple peeler you're using, you'll have different steps. With all devices, though, you'll want to start with a clean apple that's free from bruises and blemishes. Many apple cutters, whether they are electric or use human power, require the fruit to be a specific size to fit correctly.

If you have extra-large apples or ones that are misshapen, you might find that they don't work in many standard apple peelers. Those who purchase "ugly fruits"—and we're not knocking smart bargain shoppers—may find that your bumpy or lumpy apples just don't fit. Keep this in mind when you are purchasing apples to use for recipes that will need to be peeled and cored.

Once you've carefully cleaned your produce, it's time to get your device going! Most small kitchen equipment for removing the skin of the fruit will have a strong suction feature at the base. Usually, there's a little lever to help you secure the equipment onto your counter.

Here's where you need to be careful. Ensure that you are not placing your peeler onto a surface that is slick or porous, as it will not stay put. Without proper suction, you could end up with a frustrating mess on your hands!

After you've gotten your device into the right place, take your fruit and put it into the correct positioning based on the model you are using. For some crank manual tools, the placement of the apple is horizontal. For some that are automatic, you'll often put the fruit into an upright position. Make sure you read the manual before you start this step.

So, you're probably ready to get going on the fun part, right? Wrong! We can't stress enough how important the next step is.

Find where the peel will either come out of or fall from once the removal is done and place something underneath to catch it. This can be a bowl, plate, cutting board—even a paper towel will do! Taking the time to set this all-important catchall up helps to keep the mess at bay later.

Trust us; you don't want to see the mess that some peelers can make. When it's all over your kitchen, you'll realize how vital that preemptive catch step is!

Now, it's time to start peeling! Automatic devices will start going to work with just the touch of a button, while manual options will require you to turn the arm lever. If you are using a handheld swivel peeler, you'll be doing all the work. However, it's not that challenging, and typically can be done relatively quickly, especially once you get the hang of it.

Don't underestimate how enjoyable it can be to watch the fruit skin meet its blade match. It can be quite entertaining. Also, don't forget to let others help you do the work. If you're cooking up pie for your entire family, the least they can do is help with the peeling!

Some devices will then cut and core the apple at the same time, while others will come with a separate paring knife or slicing tool to get the job done. Whatever type of device you have, once you've peeled your apples, finish up by slicing the flesh into even pieces. Voila! You're ready to get moving on your apple recipe!

Blade Type, Durability, and Suction

These three factors are essential when it comes to choosing the apple peeler that will be the most suitable for you. First, let's look at the blades. The blade for this type of device needs to be sharp and preferably made of stainless steel. A blade that isn't may rust, which in turn reduces the life of this handy appliance.

Bonus points if the equipment comes with extra blades, as well as offers the option to adjust the cutting size.

Next, you'll want to look at the durability of the item. A motorized apple peeler may be the fastest when it comes to slicing and peeling, but motors can only last so long. What you get in speed, you may pay for in life span.

Look for devices that have an extended warranty, so that if you do find yourself with a motor that has burnt out, you can get it replaced before you are done using the device.

Another durability factor is the material used to make the equipment. Generally, plastic will not last as long as magnesium, steel, or other sturdy material. If you plan to use the tool quite often, look beyond plastic to other components that are stronger.

While plastic options are usually the cheapest, if you want to continue baking award-winning apple pies for the next 15 years, you're going to need to level up your material.

Next, we need to discuss suction. This probably isn't the first thing you think of when you're considering apple peelers, but it's time to switch your thinking.

Imagine a piece of metal or plastic sitting on a countertop. It has a whirring blade, either manually moving or turning thanks to a motor, and it's chopping a piece of fruit at a reasonably fast pace. If you are setting the hand crank and there's no suction beneath the device, it's going to slide all over your countertops.

Even with a motor, it needs stability to keep everything right in one place on the surface where you are cutting. That's why suction is so essential. Look for models that have sturdy, lasting suction to keep them right where you want them.

Ease of Use and Cleanup

Next on the list of considerations to make when purchasing a fruit peeler and slicer is ease of use. There's no question that peeling, coring, and slicing an apple with a small knife takes work. On a scale of 1-10 for ease of use, the humble paring knife gets a one. No offense to all the knives out there, but when it's time to prepare a mound of apples for a big batch of applesauce, a knife just isn't going to cut it.

As far as ease of use goes, we rank automatic peelers as the highest on the usability scale. All you have to do is put the fruit in the right position and push a button. There's no muss, no fuss, and no hard work on your part. Probably the most challenging aspect of this device is fitting the fruit in the right position, and then removing it.

Next on the easy scale is the manual crank peeler. Though not quite as simple as just pushing a button, a crank option isn't that much more challenging. However, you will have to do a little bit more work.

Once you've put the fruit in place, you're going to have to start turning. The best peeling gadgets on the market will have an easy-turn lever that even a monkey could handle. And if you don't have a primate in the kitchen working as your sous chef, your kids can tackle this type of peeler, too.

Some of these devices even specifically call-out how easy they are also for those with arthritis to utilize.

Cleaning up is another significant factor to weigh in your quest for the peeler of your dreams. When peeling, coring, and slicing fruit or vegetables, things can get a little messy. Not only is the peel coming off the produce, but there will also be bits of the flesh, juice, and even seeds that need to get cleaned off.

If you can find a dishwasher-safe model, look for that. Any equipment with a motor will not work after being submerged in water, so those will need to be cleaned with a hot, soapy towel.

Manual options that are not dishwasher safe can also be carefully cleaned by hand. Indeed by far, the only real downfall of any of these tools is that the cleanup is a little more time consuming than one knife, but overall the work is usually well worth it.

Using Other Produce

As we discussed in many of the reviews, you can think outside of the apple orchard when it comes to using many of the apple corers on the market today. If you're not just an apple-lover, and you want to be able to enjoy other fruits and vegetables peeled and ready to dive into your next recipe, then make sure the device you choose will work for other produce.

Most will, it's usually a matter of the size of the produce item, and the shape of it. For instance, you might need to peel a mound of carrots for a recipe. Most apple peelers are not equipped for the long form of a carrot, and you may end up in a frustrating situation.

On the other hand, fruits and vegetables of a similar size with skin that is not too tough can fit right into most apple peeling, coring, and slicing equipment. Some of your top options include pears and potatoes. Read the label to determine whether you can make this a multi-purpose peeling operation.

You may find that other produce can fit, but needs to be cut before use or placed in a slightly different way. You can often make it happen, and the fruits of your labor will pay off.

Conclusion

When you're facing a mound of fresh apples that are just begging to be peeled, sliced, and cored, you can get the job faster and cleaner with the some of the best apple peeler choices out there. These devices are usually very user-friendly, and whether you choose motorized or hand-crank, they remove skin efficiently.

Put down the paring knife, and make the switch to these devices if you are someone who finds yourself continually coring and peeling fruit for the recipes you love to make. Save valuable time and effort, but still get the same clean, effective results with these devices.