What it is
A peeler is a tool with a blade for removing fruit and vegetable skins. In a straight design, the blade is parallel to the handle; in a Y-shaped design, it is perpendicular to the handle.
When to use it
Use it to remove fruit and vegetable skins. OXO’s Large Y-Peeler has a wide blade for tasks such as peeling butternut squash or eggplant and shredding cabbage; these functions apply to that model.
How to use it
Hold the handle and keep the cutting edge in view, with fingers clear of it. Remove food residue after use and follow the care instructions for the specific model. Different designs may have more than one blade area to clean.
How to choose it
Choose a design that feels comfortable to hold and suits the tasks you have in mind. Check the care instructions for the exact model before buying: its material or appearance alone does not establish whether it is dishwasher-safe.
Cleaning and storage
Wash IKEA’s VARDAGEN before first use. The VARDAGEN and OXO’s Large Y-Peeler are dishwasher safe. Handwash Kuhn Rikon’s Original Swiss Peeler and let it air dry thoroughly before storage. Follow the exact model’s instructions.
Alternatives for each use
Straight and Y-shaped peelers are manual variants: the blade is parallel to the handle in the former and perpendicular in the latter. Compare the grip and the tasks specified for the model.
Common mistakes
Do not assume a peeler is dishwasher-safe just because it is metal or looks like another model. Avoid touching a cutting edge with your fingers to remove residue, and do not put the tool away wet or hidden among other utensils.
Safe use
Keep fingers away from every cutting edge and hold the tool by its handle. Kuhn Rikon’s Original Swiss Peeler is not suitable for children because its blade is very sharp; respect each model’s restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a peeler used for?
It removes fruit and vegetable skins. Check which tasks the blade on your particular model supports.
Can every peeler go in the dishwasher?
No. OXO’s Large Y-Peeler and IKEA’s VARDAGEN are dishwasher safe; Kuhn Rikon’s Original Swiss Peeler must be handwashed and allowed to dry thoroughly.
How do you clean a peeler safely?
Keep fingers away from the cutting edges, remove visible residue and use the cleaning method specified for that model. Dry it before storing.
Sources and review
Sources consulted for this utensil’s documented uses, care and characteristics.
- Maintenance Guide for Potato Peelers - Brands to Kitchen Blogs blog.brandstokitchen.com/maintenance-guide-for-potato-peelers/
- How to Clean a Vegetable Peeler | ANGEER Canada angeerkitchen.com/en-ca/blog/how-to-clean-and-store-stainless-steel-peelers/
- OXO — Large Y-Peeler www.oxo.com/large-y-peeler.html
- Kuhn Rikon — Original Swiss Peeler grey kuhnrikon.com/uk/swiss-peeler-grey.html
- IKEA — VARDAGEN Peeler www.ikea.com/ie/en/p/vardagen-peeler-40324366/
