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Vegetable peeler

Utensils & kitchen tools · Peeler

Vegetable peeler

A handheld tool with a slotted blade that removes thin strips of skin from fruit and vegetables.

Essential in most kitchens · Manual · 11 recipes

Photo: Pengo, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

What it is

A handle with a narrow blade held over a slot so only a thin layer can be shaved off. Swivel peelers have a blade along the handle; Y-peelers have a blade across the top, held like a razor. Julienne peelers have teeth to cut fine strips.

What it’s for: Peeling quickly and thinly with less waste than a knife.

How to use it

  1. Hold the vegetable firmly in one hand.
  2. Draw the peeler along the surface away from you or towards you in smooth strokes.
  3. Use the side tip to dig out eyes and blemishes.
  4. Shave ribbons of carrot, courgette or cheese with long strokes.

Good to know

Tasks
peeling potatoes and carrots, peeling apples and ginger, making vegetable ribbons, shaving cheese and chocolate, removing citrus peel strips
Cooking methods
Raw
Materials
stainless steel, carbon steel, ceramic
Care and cleaning
Rinse and dry; carbon-steel blades rust. Replace once the blade dulls.
Limitations
Not for thick or very knobbly skins like squash or celeriac.

Safety

  • Keep fingers clear of the blade path, especially on small items.

If you don’t have one

Equipment guide

How it works: A blade sits a fixed, small distance from a guard, so it removes only a thin layer of skin. A swivelling blade follows the curves of the produce.

MaterialGoodWatch out
Stainless steelDurable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells.Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot.
Carbon steel bladeVery sharp.Rusts.
Ceramic bladeStays sharp.Brittle.
Y-peeler
Wide blade at right angles to the handle; fast.
Straight (swivel) peeler
Blade in line with the handle.
Julienne peeler
Toothed blade for thin strips.
Serrated peeler
For tomatoes and peaches.

Buying guidance

Starting out: A sharp Y-peeler.

  • Sharp blade
  • Built-in potato-eye remover
  • Comfortable handle

No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.

Techniques:Knife skillsMise en place

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Recipes that use it