Choosing the right peeler is important for quick, easy, and safe vegetable preparation. There are two main designs: vertical swivel-blade and yoke-shaped. A good blade and comfortable handle are also essential, and specialized blades and interchangeable parts are unnecessary for most cooks. Price should also be considered when choosing a peeler.
A low-quality peeler makes preparing vegetables a chore. The handle digs into the palm and the dull blades make peeling difficult and dangerous. Using the right peeler makes the job of preparing vegetables quicker, easier and safer. When choosing a peeler, it’s important to carefully look at the design, the handle, the blade and, of course, the cost.
Most likely, the shape and design of a peeler will be the first thing to stand out. Peelers generally fall into one of two categories: vertical swivel-blade peelers and harp- or yoke-shaped peelers. Each style has its advantages and both have their advocates. Your choice may be a matter of which design is more comfortable and more familiar.
Upright swivel-blade peelers are perhaps the most familiar design, with the blade extending from the handle like a knife. It differs from a knife in that the blade is mounted on a shaft which allows it to rotate and follow the contour of the vegetable being peeled. This peeler is most effective on longer veggies like carrots and asparagus, so if you’ll be preparing these types of veggies more frequently, this design might be your best choice.
Yoke-shaped peelers have a blade mounted between the two arms of a Y-shaped handle, and like the upright design, the blade is able to rotate to match the contours of the vegetable. Professional chefs tend to prefer this peeler design. It is best suited for large, round shapes, such as potatoes, so you may want to choose this type of peeler if you often have to peel potatoes or similar vegetables.
Whichever design you prefer, a good blade is essential. Cheap, dull blades will require more pressure when peeling and make slipping more likely. A serrated edge is especially useful when peeling thin-skinned vegetables such as tomatoes, taking the skin off without digging too deeply. Specialized, interchangeable blades are available on some peelers, but for most cooks, these are unnecessary extras. In most kitchens, a single quality utility blade will suffice.
Handles also deserve special attention. Metal handles are often uncomfortable, and wooden handles provide a haven for bacteria. Plastic grips that are specially shaped to fit comfortably in the hand are often preferred. Plastic has the advantage of being available in colors to suit any kitchen. In the store, it can be helpful to hold the peels you’re thinking of buying, because this will give you an idea of how they’ll feel in your hands.
When buying a potato peeler, price is likely to be a deciding factor as well. Cheaper peelers might actually be boring or uncomfortable, but cheap and simple peelers are readily available. For most cooks, elaborate multi-blade peelers with interchangeable parts aren’t worth the trouble, and very often, extra parts get left forgotten in the back of a drawer, with only the basic peeler left in use. If you’re unlikely to use the extra parts and features, you can save money and buy a simpler peeler.
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