Peelers are the unappreciated peasant in the kitchen fiefdom. They’re ubiquitous, they’re always getting lost, and you don’t think a good one matters until you buy a cheap one and then you’re left kicking yourself.

So, let’s talk peelers. I tried 6 highly rated ones and, guess what, once you get past the $4 peelers, they all do a good job. There is a question of exertion, but design-wise, a lot is about preference. And since I’m the one rating today, I’m gonna share my preference, but I’ll be kind enough to explain my reasoning so you can make an independent call.

Testing

1. Comfort: How does it feel in my hand?

2. How much exertion is needed per peel stroke?

3. How thin is the shaved-off peel?

Testing process

I peeled carrots and potatoes.

1. I checked to see how easy tight spots and grooves were to navigate.

2. Did it make a difference if I was taking off the peel or peeling further vegetable strips, compared to how thin the results were?

3. How smooth and easy the movement was overall.

All the peelers were relatively equal in performance when peeling carrots.

Peeling potatoes is what separated the men from boys.

Results: Best Peeler: OXO Y Peeler.

Smoothest, silkiest peel.

Most overrated: Swissmar Scalpel Peeler

OXO Classic

Design: 4.5

Performance: 4.5

Price: $11.95

Notes:

– Very light

– Full grip in hand — ergonomic

– Classic style — eugh, for old ladies

– Silky-smooth movement

– Thin peels

– Doesn’t have an “eye remover”

OXO Good Grips Y peeler

Design: 4.5

Performance: 4.5

Price: $9.95

Notes:

– Short in my hand. Not a “bad” thing, just something I noticed

– Light

– Movement was like gliding on ice

– Has an eye remover

Kuhn Rikon

Design: 4

Performance: 3

Price: $7.23

Notes:

– SUPER light

– Smooth

– Had more “drag” than OXO

– Cheap feeling

– Comes in a variety of colors

Spring Chef

Design: 3.5

Performance: 4.5

Price: $8.97

Notes:

– Long!

– Ergonomic ridges in handle — a little too much

– Similar effect to OXO classic

– Doesn’t feel as good in my hand compared to others

– Comes in many colors

Kosher Cook

Design 4.5

Performance 3.5

Price: $8.99

– Eye remover

– No toiveling required

– Feels good in hand, has a nice groove to rest fingers

– Has more “drag” than others, but it’s only on comparison

– Peels not as thin

– Comes in a variety of colors

If convenience is your thing, this is a great option. Easily available in Jewish grocery stores and you don’t have to toivel!

Swissmar

Design 3

Performance 3.5

Price: $5.95

Notes:

– Very light

– Long design

– Had a significant drag

Hard to find — I bought with a julienne peeler duo.

Don’t know why it was so highly recommended by others.