The Best Apple Peeler for You, According to Our Test Kitchen
Lisa Kaminski
As apple season nears, we’re all dreaming of delicious apple pies, apple cakes and other delicious treats. However, if you’re anything like me, you’re dreading all the work that comes with peeling, coring and slicing apples. Of course, all the effort is worth it, but it had me wondering what apple peeler really works best. Should I try just a regular produce peeler? A fancy peeler-corer-slicer?
To get to the bottom of this question—one I ask myself every fall—I enlisted the help of the Taste of Home Test Kitchen. Our pros tested four popular apple peelers. Here’s what they thought.
What’s the Best Apple Peeler?
To determine what apple peelers were most effective, our Test Kitchen tried peeling two types of apples: a firm Gala apple and a slightly softer McIntosh. (McIntosh are one of the best apples for apple pie, so you know we had to give those a test!) Here’s what our team was looking for:
Ease of use: How easy was the tool to use?
Time: How much time did it take to peel an apple?
Waste: Was there a lot of waste with this tool?
Performance: How well did the tool work? Did it do a good job of peeling?
Swivel Peeler
OXO Swivel Apple Peeler
Chances are you already have a produce peeler just like this OXO swivel peeler in your kitchen drawer. As our Test Kitchen will tell you, it works just fine to peel apples.
This classic swivel peeler did take the longest to peel a single apple—firm or soft—but it did the job. If you’re peeling pounds and pounds of apples, this might not be the tool to choose, but if you’re just peeling an apple or two for a snack, a regular peeler like this does the trick.
Psst! Want Test Kitchen-approved gadgets delivered to your door? Check out Taste of Home’s Special Delivery box. It’s filled with our favorite recipes, cooking gadgets & kitchen products.
Y-Peeler
Y-Peeler apple peeler
This affordable Y-peeler from Ruhn Rikon is one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite tools. The horizontal blade of this type of peeler allows you to take quick strokes of the peel. The wide blade allowed our testers to peel the apple in fewer strokes, too.
Like the swivel peeler, this tool is affordable and easy to stash in your drawers without taking up much room. If you’re going to be peeling lots and lots of fruit, you might get a little tired.
We’ve all seen these crank-style peelers before. But if you’ve never used one, you might want to reconsider.
This heavy-duty apple peeler/corer from Williams Sonoma is made of metal and not only peels apples but cores and slices them too. Just suction the peeler to your countertop (some models affix to a work surface with a vice), fit the apple on the skewer and crank away. Our Test Kitchen found that this gadget could peel, core and thinly slice an apple all in about five seconds. Talk about efficiency!
Cleanup for this apple peeler was simple: Wipe away any apple bits from the prongs and blade with a damp cloth. You could even give it a full wash in the sink if needed.
The drawbacks to this machine were that the suction base occasionally came loose from the countertop. Also, the blade can occasionally trip up on apples that are bruised or have a very irregular shape. The blade also digs into the apples, so you do get a bit more waste than with other methods (you can toss those peels into the compost bin, though!).
Overall, though, this apple peeler made quick work of firm Gala apples and slightly softer McIntoshes. Having the apples already cored and sliced is also a big bonus for many fresh apple recipes.
Time to peel one apple: 5 seconds
Additional features: This tool peels, cores and slices
KitchenAid KSM1APC 5-Blade Spiralizer with Peel, Core & Slice for apple peeling
In the words of Sarah Farmer, our executive culinary director, “this is the Cadillac of KitchenAid accessories.”
The KitchenAid apple peeler worked beautifully peeling all kinds of apples. It operates very similarly to the hand-crank version, but it relies upon the mixer’s motor instead of elbow grease. With the apples fitted in place, the KitchenAid attachment peeled, sliced and cored the apples in under 20 seconds on the mixer’s lowest setting. The peel was exceptionally thin, leaving as much fruit as possible behind. That’s all the more apple to add to your apple cakes.
Outside of its performance as an apple peeler, this attachment does so much more. It has four different blades and can cut fruits and veggies nine different ways. Most notably, it works as a spiralizer so you can use this to make zoodles for dinner and then an apple tart for dessert.
This peeler did work well, but you do need a KitchenAid stand mixer to use it. Also, disassembling this attachment does take some time. Once you get a hang of it, though, assembly and cleaning go much more quickly according to our testing team.
Time to peel one apple: 19 seconds on low speed (you can cut down on time by cranking it up)
Additional features: This tool peels, cores and slices; it also comes with four blades to spiralize and make other cuts
In the end, all of these tools did what they were designed to do: peel apples. So the question isn’t really which of these gadgets works best, but which suits your needs in the kitchen.
If you’re only peeling a few apples, like for this delicious apfelkuchen, a hand peeler will do the job just fine. No need to go out and buy any fancy gadgets.
However, if you cook and bake with apples frequently and in large quantities—looking at you folks that make homemade applesauce and apple butter—one of the specially designed apple peelers would be a wise investment. A crank apple peeler is an affordable option for apple fanatics looking to prep bushels apples from the orchard. The KitchenAid attachment is pricier but takes up less space and does a lot more than just peel apples.
The bottom line: All these methods work, but invest in a special apple peeler gadget if you’re serious about cooking and baking with apples.
Start Peeling and Make These Recipes
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Mom often made these fried apples for me while I was growing up. The recipe is very dear to me. —Margie Tappe, Prague, Oklahoma
This decadent apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan
With its great combination of flavors and ease of preparation, this is one of my favorite dishes to make when we have overnight guests. Serve it with scrambled eggs for a complete meal...with little fuss!
This slightly sweet and tender pork tenderloin with apples is quick enough to make for a weeknight, but I often serve it on special occasions. It tastes amazing served with mashed potatoes or over egg noodles. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, ID
These adorable mini apple pie pastries make a delightful addition to a dessert buffet or snack tray. The recipe calls for convenient frozen phyllo shells, so they're surprisingly easy to prepare. The lemon curd filling adds a unique flavor twist. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
I found this recipe soon after I was married decades ago. You'll need just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand. It's super quick to put together and a favorite of ours during fall and winter, when apples are at their best. —Shirley Leister, West Chester, Pennsylvania
I make a corn bread-style bake with sausage, maple syrup and apples when we want a hearty breakfast. It’s sweet, savory and easy to make. —Stevie Wilson, Fremont, Iowa
My family really enjoys crunchy fennel, which pairs well with citrus vinaigrette. The salad makes a nice addition to any meal.—Denise Elder, Hanover, Ontario
My husband loves the smell of these stuffed apples while they're baking in the oven. He often tells me it wouldn't be a true holiday celebration without them. — Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Pair crunchy toppings with smooth vanilla in this apple salad with yogurt recipe. You'll love this creative combination! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
The glossy coating of these old-fashioned candy apples is hard, not soft like the more common caramel variety. It's best to lick them like a lollipop. You can also cut into wedges with a sharp knife, but the candy coating may crack.
I'm always looking for fresh new ways to make burgers. We love to grill and have several varieties of apple trees, so this recipe was a natural! Extra apple slaw makes an instant side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
After tasting a scrumptious grilled apple and cheese sandwich, I decided to try the same flavors with pancakes. The idea of adding bacon came from my bacon-fanatic sister. —Kim Korver, Orange City, Iowa
Whenever I serve this fruity pancake, people think I slaved for hours. They're surprised that such an attractive, scrumptious dish could be so easy. —Carol Williams, St. Joseph, Missouri
A well-made salad has good taste and pleasing crunch. This one with cabbage, apples and pecans gets high marks in both, with extra points for color contrast. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Here's a sweet side dish my family loves. It's wonderful on its own, but you can use it to top pancakes or french toast for breakfast, too. —Shirley Heston, Pickerington, Ohio
The grilled apples in this salad combine so well with the blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing. I like to serve it on pink Depression glass dessert plates from my great-grandmother. —Paul Soska, Toledo, Ohio
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as they taste, they’re also good for them. —Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
I saw a cranberry chutney recipe that used sugar, oil and other flavors I didn't care for, so I made this combination with sugar substitute and eliminated the oil. Now it's a family favorite. —Gloria Wiech, Frontenac, Minnesota
With its hearty ingredients and quick prep time, this warm apple crisp makes a smart dessert for any fall night. It reminds me of the recipe my grandmother would serve after our big family seafood dinners. It's absolutely wonderful topped with ice cream. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Crumbled macaroons are a surprising addition to this cobbler’s topping. We love that you can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This recipe reminds me what I love about my home state: picking apples with my children, buying greens at the farmers market and tasting cherries on vacations. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
When the weather turns cooler in fall, these baked apples from my mom are sure to warm you up. Our family enjoys them with turkey, pork…even meat loaf. My husband and I like to add a bit more horseradish for extra zip. —Dee Poppie, Gilman, Illinois
Rhubarb is such a jewel that I freeze it to have all year. Here’s how my mother used rhubarb – in an apple bread spiced with cinnamon. —Linda Tom, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
This yummy fruit salad was a favorite of my great-grandmother’s. My family always enjoys it, and I’m happy knowing it’s good for them, too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Here's a warm, decadent side dish for fall or winter brunches. Ready to eat in only 15 minutes, the apples are also good alongside a pork entree or spooned over vanilla ice cream. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Fruity and flavorful, these hefty grab-and-go handfuls are quick to assemble, easy to handle and low in calories. We often take them in a cooler to the local stock show and eat them in the stands. Everyone seems to love them! —Bobbie Keefer, Byers, Colorado
We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
If you've never grilled apples before, here's your excuse to start. I created this Alfredo-style chicken for a party. By the number of recipe requests, I knew it was a hit. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
This sweet treat from Melissa Beachy of Guthrie, Kentucky has something for everyone. With peanut butter, apple, peanuts, caramel topping and a sugar cookie crust, the pleasing pizza pie is sheer delight!
This dessert is especially pretty and appropriate for the holidays. I updated my mother's recipe using instant oatmeal to make it even easier to fix. —Joyce Sheets, Lafayette, Indiana
When the holidays roll around, I'd rather spend time with family and friends than be stuck in the kitchen. I learned how to make Canadian bacon like this because it's such an easy-to-fix recipe. No one can resist Canadian bacon and apples coated with a brown sugar glaze. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
I love to experiment with different grains and wanted to give wheat berries a try. My whole family goes nuts for this salad, especially my mom. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
This sweet-savory recipe is a favorite. Use Brie instead of blue cheese if you like things creamier. My tip? Bake the apples in a muffin tin so they won’t roll around. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York
I'm really not a salad person, but this unusual salad is actually worthy of bringing to a dinner party or even eating by itself. Plus, it's super quick and easy to make. —Justine Kmiecik, Dupont, Washington
A dear friend and I wanted to make an easy apple crisp. We made a Parmesan filling, stuffed the apples and baked them whole. They were a hit! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Being of Dutch descent, I knew I had to try this recipe for a moist, fruity quick bread. It freezes well, so I often have a loaf on hand for church bazaars. —Gladys Meyer, Ottumwa, Iowa
A cool, creamy version of the original, this delicious dessert is the perfect finish to a satisfying summer meal. Its crumbly topping and smooth apple filling are crowd-pleasers! Be prepared to serve seconds. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
The best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
I received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other "fluffs." I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington
My children love this healthy apple side dish along with chicken fingers for lunch. It's also a wonderful alternative to potatoes when serving meat. My family even asks for seconds!—Constance Henry, Hibbing, Minnesota
We had all kinds of apple trees in the yard when I was growing up, so I don't know for sure which ones Mother liked best for applesauce. (Today I use Cortlands.) I do know that her applesauce was very white. The secret, she said, was to keep the apples in salt water while she peeled them so that they wouldn't darken. —Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
A friend gave me this apple pear coffee cake recipe to make for a breakfast I was hosting. The pan was empty before the breakfast was over! It's one of my most-requested recipes, probably because it's a bit different. —Joanne Hoschette, Paxton, Massachusetts
This easy dish is a tradition in my family. It's as quick as a boxed cake mix but it's a healthier dessert choice. It's ideal in fall when it seems that everyone has a bag or two of fresh apples to give away! —Terri Wetzel, Roseburg, Oregon
A co-worker shared this slaw recipe with me. Now it's a favorite at my house, too. Apples, walnuts and raisins are a fun way to dress up coleslaw. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
This is my husband’s favorite breakfast treat and the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, filling and always a hit when I serve it to guests. —Karen Schroeder, Kankakee, Illinois.
With fiber-rich fruit, light dressing and crunchy walnuts, this is a great side dish or snack. Try it with low-fat granola. —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
While visiting a Wisconsin orchard, I tried a tempting apple crisp pie. At home, I put together this apple pizza. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, and friends and family linger waiting for a sample. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
I add a little ginger and sage to this creamy butternut squash apple soup. My family loves it when autumn rolls around. —Crystal Ralph-Haughn, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
When time is of the essence, it's nice to have a quick and easy meal idea in your back pocket. Not only is it delicious, but you can clean it up in a flash. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch—because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples...they make this a true Midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio
There's just something extra special about a homemade applesauce recipe like this one. This simple dish is tart and not too sweet. It makes the perfect side, especially with pork chops or a pork roast. —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
My children love to bake (and eat) all kinds of banana bread. They make this all by themselves, with just a little help from me to put it in the oven. —Kristin Metcalf, Charlton, Massachusetts
My husband says this dish is sweet and a little bit sassy, just like me. I like to use Granny Smith apples for a bit of tartness. Winesaps are great for this dish, too. —Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
Here's a comforting, home-style treat that never loses its appeal. Dish up big bowlfuls and wait for the smiles! —Marilee Cardinal, Burlington, New Jersey
When I found these pork chops and apples recipe online years ago, it quickly became a favorite. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and the one-pan cleanup is a bonus. —Christina Price, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This creamy, sweet snickers salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Mixed greens and plenty of produce make this salad so satisfying, and it's gorgeous to serve for special occasions. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
We enjoy this easy-to-make salad in the fall when apples are in season. Their crisp freshness adds so much to a favorite dish. — Debbie Short, Carlisle, Iowa
Thanks to tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet apples, this one-pot pork chop lets you have a little something special anytime. —Greg Hageli, Elmhurst, Illinois
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
I'm a caterer, and this is one of my best-selling appetizers. The shortcut of using prepared caramel makes these little apple skewers a snap to assemble. —Camille Ellis, Tampa, Florida
When my husband and I lived in South Carolina for a year, some good friends served this wonderful pork and apple chutney recipe. It became an instant family favorite and tastes especially good served with Basmati rice. —Cher Anjema, Brampton, Ontario
I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
With all the eggs our chickens produce, I could make this omelet every day! It's a pretty festive-looking dish, but you could fix it anytime—including for a light supper. —Melissa Davenport, Campbell, Minnesota
My sister came up with an easy recipe that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. People are surprised by the combination of chicken, apples, tomatoes and corn inside the crispy tortillas, but they love it. —Stacia Slagle of Maysville, Missouri
Inspiration hit one night when I was in a time crunch. This was so satisfying and easy to make, many friends now serve it, too. —Linda Harris, Wichita, Kansas
My grandmother made this treat every year for Christmas. It’s much better than everyday apple pie. The recipe is a family treasure. —Maxine Theriauit, Nashua, New Hampshire
Living in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
When these pumpkin pancakes are on the griddle, people flock to the kitchen. Grab a spoon and top each stack with buttery, cinnamon-spiced apples. —Kami Button, Cheektowaga, New York
Especially when I'm just serving a dessert, I like to prepare this. I'll usually make it with fresh apples, but I've also sometimes used home-canned ones. —Phyllis Hinck, Lake City, Minnesota
Warm and comforting oatmeal desserts bring back memories of time spent with my family around the kitchen table. I serve this dish with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topper. —Carol Greer, Earlville, Illinois
These easy, healthy sausages taste great, and they make an elegant brunch dish. The recipe is also very versatile: It can be doubled or tripled for a crowd, and the sausages freeze well either cooked or raw. —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
I love potatoes…especially mashed. When I came up with this combination, it was declared a winner. I serve this as a side dish when I have pork as an entree, but it's great with any meat. —Rebecca Page, Pensacola, Florida
My Great-Aunt Lou made a luscious fresh apple cake recipe that became a family tradition. My mom makes it for our annual beach trip to the Outer Banks. —Cristy King, Scott Depot, West Virginia
Here's a gentle curry dish that's sure to please American palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
My husband and I came to Canada from Holland over 40 years ago This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
Our family absolutely loves broccoli, so I'm so happy there's finally a slaw mix in stores that uses broccoli stems. I like this slaw best after 20 minutes or so to allow the flavors to meld. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts add a homey autumn flavor to these stuffed apples, but the slow cooker does most of the work for me. —Graciela Sandvigen, Rochester, New York
Honey mustard adds a sweet tang to this hearty concoction. Apple slices, Swiss cheese, cucumber and turkey are layered between slices of nutritious multi-grain bread. These delicious sandwiches pack well to take to the office or on the trail. —Gloria Updyke, Front Royal, Virginia
When my cooking classes bake these apples, all the staff drops by. Students make them at home for Thanksgiving, and parents send in thank-you notes. —Sally Treonze, Hillsborough, New Jersey
Simple recipes that land on the table fast are lifesavers. I serve skillet pork chops with veggies and, when my husband lobbies, cornbread stuffing. —Tracey Karst, Ponderay, Idaho
I give this classic dessert a rich twist with butterscotch pudding. The warm apple filling bubbles to perfection in a mini slow cooker. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia
I got this apple quick bread recipe a long time ago and with a few changes it's become one of our favorites. Everyone who's ever tasted this apple bread has asked for the recipe! —Phyllis Herlocker, Farlington, Kansas
If you’re feeling festive, scoop some vanilla ice cream over a bowl of my cinnamon spiced apples. They’re homey, aromatic and just plain heavenly. —Amie Powell, Knoxville, Tennessee
In my part of the Midwest, baked oatmeal is a Mennonite specialty. My daughters are always delighted if we have leftovers for them to take home.—Fancheon Resler, Albion, Indiana
You might want to make a double batch of this rich apple gravy. Yep, it's sensational with beef, but you've gotta try it on mashed potatoes, chops, roasted veggies—pretty much anything goes. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
