There many types of vegetable peelers available to buy today. So knowing which is best and why is important. Also, knowing what to look for in a quality peeler is also important.
There is also a large range in quality. Knowing what to look for in a quality peeler is also important.
There are several types these include the Swivel, the Y, the serrated peeler, the Lancashire and the Julienne.
Some peelers are ideal for thin skin peeling while others are better for the thicker skins.
The Types of Vegetable Peelers and Their Uses
It is important to know which peelers do what job and on what fruit or vegetables so that you can get the right ones.
The Swivel Peeler vs Y Peeler in Popularity and Use
The two most popular types of peelers are the swivel peeler and the Y Peeler. Depending on where you live in the world one or other of these two gain favour Currently, the US are torn between the two, while here in Europe the Y-shaped peeler is liked the best.
The Swivel Peeler for Easy Use
The swivel peeler has a long sharp blade that swivels side to side and as you are cutting over the bumps in the vegetables. These are great peelers that are easy to use whether you are right or left handed as the blade swivels from side to side making it easy for a left handed person to use. They often come with a built in potato eyer at the tip.
The Y Peeler – Ideal for Peeling Fruit and Veg
The Y Peeler is named after its Y-shaped handle. They are really easy to use although they may take some getting used to if you haven’t used them before. Some have a built-in potato eye remover. Y peelers tend to be ambidextrous.
The Serrated Peeler – Perfect for Slippery or Waxy Fruits
These serrated blade peelers come as either the Y-shaped or the swivel shaped peelers only with a sharp serrated edge. The serrated blade is deisgned to cut through slippery or waxy fruits with ease. 
See more Serrated Peelers here
The Julienne Peeler – Cuts Vegetables into Fine Strands
The Julienne shreds fine strands of the fruit or vegetable as it cuts. These are popular amongst diets like the Paleo diet who want to reduce their carbs as many people now replace carbs with vegetable equivalents. They are also ideal for those who are diabetic and want to use vegetables instead of rice or spaghetti. My sister has to do this so she often has vegetable strands in place of spaghetti or rice. They are also great if you just want your vegetables to look great.
They are also ideal for those who are diabetic and want to use vegetables instead of rice or spaghetti. My sister has to do this so she often has vegetable strands in place of spaghetti or rice. They are also great if you just want your vegetables to look great.
They are also great if you just want your vegetables to look great.
See more Julienne Peelers here
The Traditional Lancashire Peeler
The traditional Lancashire peeler has a sharp fixed blade that is suitable for peeling potatoes, veg and fruit. Although it is best for the thinner skinned fruit and veg. It is easy and safe to use with a fixed blade that extends from the handle. While the Lancashire peeler looks like it is suitable only for right handed people. Check the details on your chosen peeler to be sure.
The Speed Peeler
The speed peeler is easy to use and fast to peel. Made of stainless steel. It is made to be used with all kinds of fruit and vegetables and even cheese.
Use an Electric Peeler If you have Difficulty with Peeling Potatoes and Other Vegetables
An electric peeler is a great idea if you struggle to use a manual peeler for any reason. The electric peeler is ideal for arthritic hands. If you have arthritis or struggle to hold your fruit and vegetables the electric peeler will save you the struggle.
It is really fast and has minimal waste as it cuts close to the edge, which saves you both time and money. One reviewer on Amazon said” it saved them 2-3 minutes per apple”, now that is fast. This would also be great if you have high volume peeling to do from your garden or allotment or if you are preserving.
It is run by battery so is not perhaps as economical as the other peelers mentioned here.
See more electric peelers here
A Quick Checklist of Things to Look for When Buying The Right Vegetable Peeler for You
It is not only important to get the right type of peeler but to make sure the quality is there too. Below are some quick tips on what to look out for when buying your peeler.
- Check out the types of peelers above and see which of them suits your needs the best. It may be that you prefer to get a couple of different peelers to cover all kinds of fruit and vegetables.
- See if the handle has a good firm grip that is easy to use without straining your hands or wrists.
- The handle should also be non-slip for ease and safety.
- Check how sharp the blades are and if they stay that way.
- See what the materials are and the grade of those materials.
- Make sure there is a built-in potato eye remover.
- Check the blade cuts rather than pulls through the fruit and vegetables.
- Is the peeler dishwasher safe?
- Is it rust free? Some blades may rust if not cleaned and dried immediately or just after time and use. It is more economical if the blade remains rust free.
- If you are left-handed check the blade works for both right and left-handed people. Most do these days but it is better to be safe than sorry.
A Video on How to Choose the Right Peeler in Your Kitchen
This video helps you to decide what is the best vegetable peeler to use for which item. It is really helpful as it gives you a good visual aid to see how each works and on what fruit or vegetables. This will help you to decide which is best for you.