Buying guide
Vegetable Peelers: Swivel or Y-Peeler?
The two main peeler shapes compared, and what to look for in a peeler that stays sharp.
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A sharp peeler takes the effort out of a Sunday roast. The shape is mostly personal preference, but each has its strengths.
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We only list products once their specifications have been checked against the manufacturer or retailer. Until then, use the criteria in this guide to compare what's available.
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Two shapes
| Type | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Swivel (straight) | Blade in line with the handle; peel away from you or towards you | Long vegetables, familiar grip |
| Y-peeler | Blade across the top; pull towards you | Potatoes and round veg, wide strips, fast peeling |
Look for
- A sharp stainless or carbon-steel blade that swivels freely.
- A potato eye remover tip.
- A comfortable handle for large batches.
Tip
Peelers are cheap enough to replace when they go blunt. A blunt peeler takes off far more of the vegetable.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Y-peeler or a swivel peeler better?
It is mostly personal preference. Y-peelers are fast on potatoes and round vegetables; swivel peelers suit long vegetables.
When should I replace a peeler?
When it starts to drag or takes off thick strips. A blunt peeler wastes more of the vegetable.
Can I peel with a knife instead?
You can, but a sharp peeler is quicker and removes less of the vegetable.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
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Recipes to go with it
Recipe · 1 hr 25 min
Crispy Roast Potatoes
Fluffy inside and shatteringly crisp outside: the essential Sunday roast side.
Recipe · 2 hr 45 min
Cornish Pasty
Beef skirt, potato, swede and onion, baked raw inside a crimped pastry case: the traditional way.
Recipe · 40 min
Colcannon
Buttery mashed potato folded with kale or cabbage and spring onions, served with a well of melting butter.