The 5 Best Vegetable Peelers: Y-Peeler vs. Swivel (Plus Our Pick for Butternut Squash)

Q: How do I clean a vegetable peeler?

Most vegetable peelers are dishwasher safe. However, carbon steel blades should be hand washed with a dish brush and dried immediately to prevent rusting.

Q: Which is better, a straight peeler or a Y-peeler?

It depends on personal preference. Y-peelers are easier for larger peeling tasks, while straight peelers offer more precision for detailed work.

Q: Can I use a vegetable peeler for other tasks?

Yes, vegetable peelers can also be used for shaving chocolate, zesting citrus fruits, or creating decorative garnishes.

Q: What should I do if my peeler starts rusting?

If your peeler begins to rust, it's best to replace it—especially if the rust is on the blade. To prevent rust, dry the peeler thoroughly after washing.

Q: Are there peelers designed for left-handed users?

Yes, some peelers, such as the Zyliss SmoothGlide, are designed to be ambidextrous and can be used comfortably by both left and right-handed users.

Q: What is the best peeler for peeling butternut squash?

A sharp Y-peeler, like the Kuhn Rikon Swiss Peeler, is ideal for peeling tough-skinned vegetables such as butternut squash.

Q: Can I use a serrated peeler on hard vegetables?

Serrated peelers are best for soft fruits and vegetables. For harder produce, a straight or Y-peeler with a sharp stainless steel blade works best.

Q: Do vegetable peelers work on fruits?

Yes, vegetable peelers can be used on fruits with tougher or thick skins, such as apples, pears, and kiwis.

Q: How often should I replace my vegetable peeler?

Replace your peeler when it becomes dull or begins to rust. High-quality peelers can last several years with proper cleaning and storage.

Choosing the right vegetable peeler can completely transform your kitchen prep — saving time, reducing waste, and making ingredients easier to handle. But with so many designs, materials, and features available, finding the best peeler for your cooking style isn’t always straightforward.

In this guide, we break down the 5 best vegetable peelers on Amazon, compare Y-peelers vs. swivel peelers, and explain the pros and cons of stainless steel, ceramic, julienne and serrated options.

Whether you’re prepping potatoes, butternut squash, or soft fruits, this article will help you choose the perfect peeler for your kitchen.

Types of Vegetable Peelers

Before we delve into individual products, let’s look at the three main types of peelers available:

Straight Peelers

These are the classic peelers where the blade is parallel to the handle. They are great for precision and control, especially when peeling softer fruits and vegetables.

The OXO Steel Swivel Peeler is a great example of a straight peeler :

Y-Peelers

Shaped like a Y, these peelers have a horizontal blade and are often more comfortable for longer peeling tasks. Many chefs prefer Y-peelers for their versatility and ease of use.

The OXO Good Grips Y Peeler is an excellent example of a Y-Peeler :

OXO Good Grips Y Peeler, Stainless Steel, Black — OXO Good Grips Y Peeler

Serrated Peelers

Ideal for peeling soft-skinned fruits like tomatoes, peaches, and kiwis, the serrated blade grips the surface better than traditional smooth blades.

The OXO Good Grips Serrated Peeler is an ideal example of a serrated peeler :

The Best Vegetable Peelers Available on Amazon

1. OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)

Type: Straight Peeler
Price: £10.99
Material: Stainless Steel
Features:
- The OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler is a staple in many kitchens. Its sharp stainless-steel blade glides through even the toughest skins with ease.
- The large, cushioned handle is non-slip, ensuring a comfortable grip even when your hands are wet or greasy.
- This peeler also features a built-in potato eye remover.

**Buy Now :** OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler

Pros	Cons
Extremely comfortable grip	Larger handle might not suit smaller hands
Sharp, durable blade
Dishwasher safe
Built-in potato eye remover

Best For: Those who prefer a traditional straight peeler with an ergonomic design.

2. Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)

Type: Y-Peeler
Price: £8.00 (3-pack)
Material: Carbon Steel Blade
Features:
- The Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler is beloved for its sharp, carbon steel blade that handles both soft and hard fruits and vegetables with ease.
- It’s lightweight, affordable, and comes in a variety of vibrant colors.

**Buy Now :** Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and easy to handle	Blade can rust if not dried properly
Sharp blade for precise peeling	Not dishwasher safe
Affordable 3-pack option

Best For: Budget-conscious buyers looking for a sharp and efficient peeler.

3. Victorinox Swiss Serrated Peeler

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)

Type: Serrated Y-Peeler
Price: £6.75
Material: Stainless Steel
Features:
- This Victorinox peeler is equipped with a serrated blade, perfect for peeling soft-skinned fruits like tomatoes and kiwis.
- The ergonomic design ensures that it sits comfortably in your hand, reducing strain during longer peeling sessions.

Victorinox Universal Peeler With Pendulum Blade, Serrated Edge, Stainless Steel, Swiss Made, Green — **Buy Now :** Victorinox Universal Peeler With Pendulum Blade, Serrated Edge, Stainless Steel

Pros	Cons
Ideal for soft-skinned fruits	Serrated blade may not be suitable for all peeling tasks
Ergonomic handle
Lightweight design

Best For: Those who often work with soft-skinned fruits.

4. Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)

Type: Straight Peeler
Price: £7.99
Material: Stainless Steel
Features:
- With a sharp dual stainless-steel blade, the Spring Chef Premium Peeler is designed for efficiency.
- Its smooth, effortless peeling ensures that even hard-skinned vegetables are handled with ease.
- It also includes a built-in potato eye remover.

**Buy Now :** Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Black

Pros	Cons
Sharp and durable blade	Some users may find the handle too large
Comfortable handle
Built-in potato eye remover

Best For: Home chefs who need a reliable and sharp peeler for daily use.

5. Zyliss SmoothGlide Vegetable Peeler

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

Type: Y-Peeler
Price: £9.99
Material: Stainless Steel
Features:
- The Zyliss SmoothGlide Peeler offers a stainless-steel blade that glides effortlessly through fruits and vegetables.
- The ergonomic handle provides comfort for both right and left-handed users.

Zyliss Smoothglide Vegetable Peeler - Stainless Steel Peeler for Fruits & Vegetables - Kitchen Peeler for Potatoes, Cucumbers & Vegetables - Ergonomic Comfort Grip Peeler - Kitchen Utensils - White — **Buy Now :** Zyliss Smoothglide Vegetable Peeler

Pros	Cons
Suitable for right and left-handed users	May not be as durable as higher-end models
Ergonomic handle
Sharp blade for easy peeling

Best For: Left-handed users or those looking for an ambidextrous peeler.

Y-Peeler vs. Swivel: Which Style Is Best for You?

Choosing between a Y-peeler and a swivel peeler is the biggest decision most people face — and it makes a huge difference to comfort, speed, and results. Here’s how to decide which style actually suits the way you cook.

The Y-Peeler Advantage

If you regularly prepare wider or tougher vegetables like butternut squash, cabbage, sweet potatoes, or courgettes, a Y-peeler is almost always the better choice.
Its wider grip and horizontal blade allow you to apply more pressure, giving you smooth, even strokes without wrist strain.

Why choose a Y-peeler?

Excellent for large, dense veg
More ergonomic for longer peeling sessions
Easier for people with reduced grip strength
Creates wider, more stable peeling paths

When to Use a Swivel Peeler

A swivel peeler shines when working with long, narrow vegetables (carrots, cucumber, parsnips) or foods that require more control.
The blade moves with the curve of the veg, giving you precision and reducing the risk of digging in too deep.

Best uses for a swivel peeler:

Carrots and potatoes
Long, slim vegetables
Precision peeling for softer skins
Everyday, general-purpose kitchen use

Blade Material and Longevity — Ceramic vs. Stainless Steel

Most peelers are replaced because they become dull or rusty — not because the handle breaks. That makes blade material one of the most important factors when choosing a peeler that lasts.

Stainless Steel Blades

Stainless steel is the most popular blade material for good reason:

Very sharp
Long-lasting if properly cleaned
Rust-resistant
Ideal for both Y-peelers and swivel peelers

Good stainless steel blades can be lightly honed to extend their lifespan, making them excellent for everyday kitchens.

Pros	Cons
Very durable and resistant to damage	Can rust over time if not dried properly
Easy to sharpen at home	Slightly more friction than ceramic blades
Handles tough vegetables like squash and sweet potatoes with ease	May dull faster than high-quality ceramic
Generally more affordable	Heavier than ceramic options

Ceramic Blades

Ceramic peelers have surged in popularity thanks to their razor-sharp, smooth cutting action.

Pros	Cons
Extremely sharp	More brittle — can chip if dropped
Doesn’t rust	Harder to sharpen at home
Very smooth, low-friction peeling	Not ideal for very hard vegetables

Y-Peeler vs Swivel Peeler Comparison

Feature	Y-Peeler	Swivel Peeler
Best For	Wide, tough vegetables (e.g., butternut squash, cabbage)	Long, narrow vegetables (carrots, cucumber, parsnips)
Ergonomics	Wider, stable grip for high resistance vegetables	Slimmer, lightweight, more precise control
Blade Orientation	Horizontal	Vertical
Speed	Faster for large surfaces	Better for detailed peeling
Ideal User	Anyone prepping large or tough veg	Everyday use, especially potatoes
Keyword Match	best y-peeler for butternut squash	best swivel peeler for potato

Bonus Features — Julienne Blades and Serrated Edges

Some peelers go beyond standard peeling, offering features that expand their usefulness in the kitchen.

Julienne Blades

A julienne peeler is perfect for:

Creating matchstick veg for salads
Adding decorative toppings
Preparing stir-fry strips
Making veggie noodles without a spiralizer

If you enjoy meal-prepping or cooking Asian-inspired dishes, this feature is genuinely helpful.

Serrated Edges

A serrated peeler is ideal for soft-skinned vegetables and fruits, where a normal blade tends to slip.

Best for:

Peaches
Tomatoes
Plums
Nectarines
Soft courgettes or overripe fruit

How to Choose the Best Vegetable Peeler

When selecting the best vegetable peeler, there are several factors to consider:

Factor	What It Means
Blade Sharpness and Material	Sharp blades make peeling effortless. Stainless steel blades are rust-resistant and durable, while carbon steel blades are ultra-sharp but need more maintenance to prevent rust.
Handle Comfort	Ergonomic, cushioned handles (silicone or rubber) reduce hand fatigue and offer a secure grip — essential when hands are wet or greasy.
Type of Peeler	Choose based on your produce: Straight peelers for precision, Y-peelers for versatility and larger veg, serrated peelers for soft-skinned fruits.
Durability	Strong materials ensure the peeler withstands frequent use without bending, breaking, or dulling prematurely.
Extra Features	Some peelers include handy extras like built-in potato eye removers or replaceable blades for longer lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetable Peelers

How do I clean a vegetable peeler?

Most vegetable peelers are dishwasher safe. However, for those with carbon steel blades, it’s best to hand wash with a dish brush and dry them immediately to prevent rusting.

You can explore our favorite dish brushes here : The Best Dish Brushes for Sparkling Clean Dishes

Can I sharpen my vegetable peeler?

Yes, some vegetable peelers can be sharpened using a knife sharpener, although it’s often easier to replace the blade or buy a new peeler.

Which is better, a straight peeler or a Y-peeler?

It depends on personal preference. Y-peelers are often easier to use for larger peeling tasks, while straight peelers offer more precision.

Can I use a vegetable peeler for other tasks?

Absolutely! Vegetable peelers can also be used for shaving chocolate, zesting citrus fruits or creating garnishes.

What should I do if my peeler starts rusting?

If your peeler rusts, it’s best to replace it, especially if the rust is on the blade. For prevention, ensure the peeler is dried thoroughly after washing.

Are there peelers designed for left-handed users?

Yes, some peelers, like the Zyliss SmoothGlide, are designed to be ambidextrous, making them suitable for both right and left-handed users.

What is the best peeler for peeling butternut squash?

A sharp Y-peeler, like the Kuhn Rikon Swiss Peeler, is often the best option for peeling tough-skinned vegetables like butternut squash.

Can I use a serrated peeler on hard vegetables?

Serrated peelers are best suited for soft fruits and vegetables. For harder produce, a straight or Y-peeler with a sharp blade is more effective.

Do vegetable peelers work on fruits?

Yes, vegetable peelers can be used on fruits, especially those with tough or thick skins like apples, pears, or kiwis.

How often should I replace my vegetable peeler?

If your peeler starts to dull or rust, it’s time for a replacement. High-quality peelers can last several years with proper care.

Is a Y-peeler better than a swivel peeler?

A Y-peeler is usually better for large, wide, or tough vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, or cabbage because its horizontal blade gives you more leverage and stability. A swivel peeler is better for long, narrow vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers where precision is more important.

What type of peeler is best for potatoes?

A good swivel peeler is often the best choice for potatoes. Its flexible blade adjusts to the curve of the potato, helping you remove peel efficiently without gouging out too much flesh.

Are ceramic peelers better than stainless steel?

Ceramic peelers are extremely sharp and glide smoothly, but they are more brittle and can chip if dropped. Stainless steel peelers are more durable, easier to maintain, and can handle tougher vegetables. For most kitchens, stainless steel offers the best long-term value.

What’s the best peeler for soft fruits like tomatoes or peaches?

A peeler with a serrated edge works best for soft or delicate skins because it grips the surface without slipping. These peelers are ideal for tomatoes, peaches, plums, and overripe vegetables.

Conclusion

A high-quality vegetable peeler is an indispensable tool for any kitchen.

Whether you prefer a straight peeler for precision or a Y-peeler for efficiency, there’s a model out there to suit your needs. The five peelers reviewed above offer a great range of options, ensuring that you can find the perfect tool for your kitchen.

Each of these peelers has its strengths, from comfort and precision to versatility and durability. For those who frequently cook at home, investing in a high-quality peeler will improve efficiency and reduce hand fatigue during extended use.