A peeler, which may also be referred to as a vegetable peeler or a potato peeler, is a kitchen utensil designed to peel the skin away from vegetables. Though a peeler is most commonly used to peel potatoes, it may also be used to peel carrots, apples, eggplants or any other solid fruit or vegetable with a skin.

When looking for a peeler, you should first consider the material used to create the handle. While the blade of a peeler is usually made of metal or ceramic, the handle may be made of plastic, metal, or wood. Peelers made out of sheets of metal, while generally inexpensive, is generally too uncomfortable especially with longer peeling sessions. Peelers with wooden handles are probably the least common and generally less appealing because the porous nature of wood makes it a good home for bacteria. Plastic peelers are often the best option. This is particularly true if you have arthritis, as it is much easier to find a plastic peeler that can be held easily and comfortably than a wood or metal one.

The design of the peeler is also something you should consider. A Lancashire peeler is designed with the blade extending from the handle. In order to use a Lancashire peeler, you must hold the fruit or vegetable with one hand as you peel with the other. With this peeler, you generally move the blade toward you as you dig it into the fruit or vegetable.

The Y-peeler is another option. This type of peeler looks similar to a manual razor for the face and is used in a similar manner. Unlike the Lancashire peeler, the Y-peeler is pushed away from the body as it is rubbed across the fruit or vegetable.

The third peeler design has no real name, but is commonly used in Australia. This peeler consists of a plastic handle that supports the bottom and the top of a blade that is capable of partially rotating. This type of peeler is capable of cutting the skin off quickly and at a constant depth. In addition, the cutting edges are on the inside of the blade, which makes it less likely for you to accidentally cut yourself. If you live outside of Australia, however, you will likely have a difficult time finding this peeler design.

Other considerations include a serrated versus straight edged blades. Some peelers even have an associated element which makes it easy to clean out the eyes of potatoes.

The peeler design you select is largely dependent upon your personal preference. If at all possible, handle each type of peeler in the store before making a purchase in order to help you decide which fits most comfortably in your hand. Since you will likely peel several fruits or vegetables at a time, the comfort is important.