This fall we have been rigorously testing vegetable peelers. A good vegetable peeler is essential; we use ours daily, especially during apple pie season! During the Best Pie Bakeoff last month we systematically tested quite a few peelers, and now we're bringing you our favorites.
First up: a classic, from CUTCO.
This CUTCO peeler got high marks for doing a basic job in a quiet, thoroughly competent manner. It didn't have a novel approach or fancy new materials. It's built solidly with an ergonomic plastic handle and a very sharp blade.
The handle is larger and more bulky than the slim metal peelers we're used to, and it took a little adjustment before we were comfortable. When we adjusted, though, it felt steady and sure, like it wasn't going to slip away unexpectedly. The blade was killer sharp, and we peeled five apples in much less time than usual.
The CUTCO guarantee also makes this appealing. They guarantee their products unconditionally, and also offer sharpening services.
It's a little tricky, of course, to buy their products; you can't just walk into a store or buy them online. You need to buy them through a CUTCO representative. If you do have an opportunity to buy one, though, we highly recommend this peeler. It's been a great tool so far, and we have read reviews from other customers who say theirs has stayed sharp for eight or nine years.
• Find a CUTCO Peeler
They don't list prices on their official site, but these CUTCO peelers run about $27.
Do you have any CUTCO products? Have you enjoyed them? Watch for more peeler reviews soon, including one old-fashioned peeler we discovered in an offbeat place and another unusual peeler from France.
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I'm curious about other styles of peelers. I have an inexpensive peeler that has a blade like the one shown above but my frustration is that the peels get suspended in the space between the blades and I have to shake them out in order to move on to the next section of peel. Is there a peeler out there where this isn't a problem? or am I the only person who has this problem?
I love love LOVE my CUTCO peeler. My brother did a stint as a CUTCO sales rep and my parents have the entire knife set - I took the peeler with me when I moved out!
I've had no problems with peels getting stuck in the blade of the CUTCO peeler. I think the opening in the middle is slightly larger than most conventional peelers which helps.
I can testify that Cutco knives are seriously, frighteningly sharp. I don't own them myself, but my best friend's parents have a set, and most of the stories behind the scars on the family's hands start with, "well, I was using one of the Cutco knives ..."
Which probably makes them good for cooking, but I'm so clumsy, I need something duller just to keep me from losing fingers while I cook.
It might be the best of its kind, but I just can't abide this kind of peeler. I'm committed to a t-shaped peeler. The best I've used is a Henckel but even a dollar store t-peeler feels better in my hand than one of this style.
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I LOVE my Kyocera (adjustable head) ceramic peeler. It's the best! The blade is positionable in either the normal potato peeler position, in the T-position and in a 45 degree position (suitable for lefties or righties!). The ceramic blade is super sharp and lovely to use.
Here is a link to what it looks like:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kyocera-Zircona-Ceramic-Rotating-Ergonomic/dp/B000CAWQXC
Cutco knives can be scary sharp but overall I'm not sure they're the best bet for anyone who cooks daily. I find that they loose their edge more quickly than other knives. The company will sharpen them for free, even the serated knives (they usually just send a brand new one). However, you have to mail them the knives and then they sharpen them and mail them back. Not the most convenient. For my money I'd rather have one really high quality chef's knife that I have sharpened from time to time at my local knife store while I wait and keep a few Cutco's around as secondary knives or knives that I use less often like a carver or 10" serated trimmer. As for peelers I picked up a Henckels about 4 years ago for around $15 and everyone who has used it has fallen in love with it. Unfortunately I can't seem to find the same one anymore but there's a similar model on Amazon.
I usually don't like direct marketing schemes like Cutco, but they're the real deal. We have a few of their knives and they've kept an exceptionally sharp blade for years. I'm sure their peeler is great. We use a ton of vegetables so we have two peelers -- a T-shaped one and a more conventional design, which works better for carrots and turnips, IMO. The T-shaped ones are good for "detail" work like ginger, potatoes and broccoli stems.
Are you going to review the Palm Peeler? I got it as a gift from a friend and absolutely love it!
I have a set of Cutco knives, and I absolutely love them. The sandwich knife is especially handy. Never had any problem with them losing their edge. I'll have to put the peeler on my Xmas list. ;)
the Kyocera is a little TOO sharp for me, but it is great. I love the Rosle swivel peeler and give it to everyone. It's more expensive that your average peeler -- about $18 -- but it peels tough butternut squash as easily as a potato, which means I can make butternut squash risotto and pasta all the time! Just wonderful. I really love using it.
I have quite a few Cutco items, including the peeler, and I love EVERY piece. I refuse to buy anything but Cutco now.
Cutco sandwich/spreader knife: serrated edge, wide blade for spreading. GENIUS. My mom has given them to everyone she knows.
I love my cutco peeler- I've had many kinds, but by far, the Cutco one is my favorite. It's also great for my mom with arthritis because the handle is non-slip and it a little bigger than standard handles.
One cool thing ya'll didn't mention about the peeler is that you can remove & flip the blade once one side is dulled (since you usually only peel in one direction)... and if it dulls, then you send it to the company and they replace the blade free (for life!).
I love all my CUTCO products- cooking/ kitchen knives, fishing knife, and even my garden tools. Their knives are by far the best and stay sharp for a LONG time. The key is taking proper care of them.
I am actually a former cutco "salesperson", so my opinion may be biased, but I own a whole set and they are the most amazing knives I have ever owned! The scissors are possibly my most favorite piece because it cuts right through chicken bones! I love it to cut up whole chickens--
I have been using my cutco knives for about 4 years now and the double-d edge hasn't failed me yet!! I am thrilled to see all the positive comments on these wonderful cutlery items. And if any one has the cutco scissors, you have to cut a penny with them! I dare you! you can even cut a penny in to a flower with the scissors! you absolutely should try!
I hope truffleluv isn't my ex---o please o please o please let him not be here.
Anyway, ex sold cutco in college so we had a small set when we got married. We were married for 16 years. The knives held up better than we did.
Cutco knives are amazing. I am currently working as a sales rep for this wonderful product. There is no need to purchase any other. We have a lifetime guarantee, its an investment if anything happens to them or you feel they're defective we will replace them. No questions, no receipt no problem. How many products do you have in your kitchen you can say you'll have for the rest of your life, not many. Cutco knives will be with you and your family forever. If you have any questions or are interested email me and i'll help you with whatever your concerns are. adaamrf77@yahoo.com
Cutco is just amazing. Visit www.cutco.com for a full selection of their products. For orders or enquiries, email dynamite_2008_rcs@yahoo.ca, and I will make sure that you know everything you need to know in order to get what you need.
our peelers are just as amazing as the rest of the products we offer!! If you have any questions regarding the product you may contact me and I will be happy to assist you, you may also place orders through me as well. alyssafritch@yahoo.com
ah and just to testify to our durability, I met with a Cutco owner of 25 years and used tested their scissors and they still cut my penny just like my new ones do! I was even more impressed with the product then I was after that.
Great product. Retails over $30 with shipping and tax from the company. Call me and I'll sell you one to try out the quality of the Cutco brand for only $20. Call 401-265-6386 or visit http://Cutco.Auctivacommerce.com
im a cutco representative, and i just wanted to leave my information here for anyone looking for cutco.
what are the benefits of calling me instead of another rep?
if you let me know that you got my information from here, i'll give you a 10% discount on any cutco product, and i'll beat the price of any other cutco rep.
484-695-6844
briancutco@yahoo.com
I'm looking for a peeler which cuts very thinly, so that hardly any of the kiwi flesh is removed from an under-ripe fruit, or almost no pith is included with a peel of lemon. Lots of people like Oxo, but I think they cut too deeply for many purposes. How is the Cutco is this regard?