Food Peelers & Corers

Best Food Peelers & Corers in the UK: A Shopper’s Guide to Top Brands and Where to Buy

Why the right peeler makes all the difference

Think of a peeler as a tiny kitchen superhero: silent, small, and capable of turning a chore into a pleasure. A sharp, well-designed peeler saves time, reduces waste, and keeps your produce looking better for presentation. Whether you’re peeling potatoes for mash or zesting citrus for a cake, the right tool changes the whole cooking vibe. Why wrestle with dull blades when a smart choice can make prep feel effortless?

Peeler types at a glance

There’s more variety in peelers than most people expect. You’ve got the classic Y-shaped peeler for speed, straight or swivel peelers for precision, julienne cutters for thin strips, and corers for apples and pears. Each style has its sweet spot: Y-shaped models excel at quick rounds like apples, while swivel peelers follow curves for minimal gouging. Think of them like different brushes in an artist’s kit—each one helps you create a different effect.

Y-shaped vs. straight peelers

Y-shaped peelers typically give faster, broader strokes—ideal for potatoes and carrots—whereas straight peelers feel more controlled for narrow or oddly shaped produce. If you like to prep large batches, a Y-peeler that fits comfortably in your hand becomes a time-saver; if detail matters, go straight.

Julienne and specialty cutters

Julienne peelers and dedicated julienne cutters create slender, fry‑like strips for salads and garnishes. They’re not daily drivers for everyone, but once you try matchstick carrots or zucchini ribbons, you’ll see why chefs love them.

Top brands featured in UK stores

The UK market is rich with reliable brands. From household names to Scandinavian designers, you’ll find plenty of choices that balance ergonomics, blade quality, and durability. Let’s look at some of the standouts you’ll see stocked at retailers and specialist shops.

Zwilling (Zwilling Pro series)

Zwilling’s Pro Y-shaped models deliver precision and durability with stainless steel blades and sturdy handles. A popular size in this family measures about 6.5 inches overall, giving a comfortable reach for larger vegetables. Zwilling peelers are often recommended for their balance and long-lasting sharpness—great if you want a tool that becomes a kitchen classic.

Victorinox

Victorinox is a Swiss workhorse brand famous for reliability. Their range includes citrus knives, universal peelers, and dedicated potato peelers. Lightweight and utilitarian, these tools handle everyday chores well and are often priced for affordability without sacrificing performance.

Fiskars (Norden series)

Fiskars blends Scandinavian design with smart materials. The Norden Y-shaped peeler pairs stainless steel blades with birch accents for grip and style. At around 4.7 inches for some compact models, they suit smaller hands or those who prefer a nimble tool for precise work.

Alessi

Alessi brings design-forward peelers with a modern aesthetic. Their citrus-specific and potato models use stainless steel and sculpted handles to feel good in your hand and look striking on open shelves. If kitchen style matters to you as much as function, Alessi is worth considering.

WMF

WMF’s Profi Plus line includes corers and julienne cutters in robust stainless steel. These are built to last and perform heavy duty work in a busy kitchen, ideal for cooks who prep large quantities or enjoy professional-grade tools at home.

Kockums Jernverk

For those who love traditional design, Kockums Jernverk offers beech-handled potato peelers that combine classic looks with practical function. The wooden grip warms to the hand and can be a reliable choice if you prefer natural materials.

Sabatier

Sabatier’s professional peelers often use zinc-aluminium handles or full stainless designs. They deliver a no-nonsense experience and often match knife collections for those curating a coordinated kitchen set.

Retailers in the UK where you’ll find these peelers

Wondering where to shop? Many of the brands above are stocked by specialist retailers such as Nordic Nest, dedicated kitchen knife shops, and mainstream UK stores. You’ll also find them at national chains and online marketplaces that cater to cookware and gadgets.

Nordic Nest and specialist stores

Nordic Nest often stocks Scandinavian and designer pieces—think Fiskars Norden and Alessi. For curated design and a focus on aesthetics with function, Nordic Nest is a reliable starting point if you want that Nordic flair in your kitchen kit.

Kitchen knife specialists and department stores

Specialist knife retailers and departments labeled “Kitchen Knives” tend to carry a wide range of peelers from Zwilling, Victorinox, and Sabatier. These retailers are useful when you want to handle products in person, test grip and balance, and get tailored advice.

Major UK retailers and online marketplaces

Big-name UK stores—like John Lewis, Lakeland, Dunelm, and Amazon—stock broad selections, from budget-friendly Victorinox models to premium Zwilling and WMF tools. Shopping online often gives you customer reviews to help decide, while physical stores let you try the feel before buying.

How to choose the right peeler for you

Start by thinking about what you prep most. Do you peel a mountain of potatoes every week or mostly fruit and citrus? Match the tool to the task. Consider blade material, handle comfort, and whether you want specialty features like a built-in potato eye remover or julienne teeth.

Blade material and edge

Stainless steel blades give balanced performance—sharpness, ease of maintenance, and corrosion resistance. Some premium models use specially hardened steel for longer edge life. If you hate sharpening, lean toward blades known for maintaining their edge longer.

Handle design and comfort

A peeler should feel like an extension of your hand. Look for ergonomic grips, non-slip surfaces, and a shape that suits your pinch and stroke. Wooden handles look lovely, but if you wash often, go for treated wood or synthetic materials that won’t swell.

Special functions: corers, julienne cutters, dual blades

Built-in corers or julienne functions are time savers for specific recipes. If you often make fries or salads with ribbons, a julienne cutter is a brilliant addition. For apple pies or stuffed apples, a good corer makes the job neat and fast.

Care and maintenance without fuss

Keeping peelers in top shape is simple: rinse immediately after use, avoid dishwashers for wooden-handled models, and dry thoroughly. A quick rub with a vegetable oil every few months helps wooden handles last. If your peeler becomes dull, some models can be sharpened with a fine whetstone or ceramic rod.

Cleaning tips

Most stainless models are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing extends lifespan. Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove stuck-on bits, then dry. For crevices, a toothpick or small brush helps keep the blade channel clean and hygienic.

Sharpening and storage

If you’re sharpening, keep to fine stones and small sharpening angles appropriate to the blade—many consumer peelers need only light touch-ups. Store peelers in a drawer with a blade guard, or hang them on a rack to protect the edge and keep them at hand.

Best peelers by task: quick recommendations

Let’s match peelers to common kitchen tasks so you can pick quickly: for potatoes and heavy-duty veg, choose a sturdy Y-shaped model with a longer shaft—think about a 7.9-inch total length for reach and leverage. For citrus and fine zesting, a small citrus-specific peeler or a paring knife offers precision. For decorative work and salads, a julienne cutter is your friend.

Everyday all-rounder

A universal Y-peeler in stainless steel is the best place to start. It handles most jobs well and is forgiving for inexperienced hands. Look for models with a comfortable grip and a blade that stays sharp through regular use.

Specialist tasks: coring and julienne

If you frequently bake or do advanced plating, invest in a corer for apples and pears and a julienne cutter for vegetables. These single-purpose gadgets elevate presentation and speed without breaking the bank.

Budget vs premium: where to spend and where to save

Not all peelers cost the same, and you don’t always need the top price tag. For basic home cooking, a mid-range Victorinox or Fiskars peeler will last years. If you cook professionally or care deeply about cooking ergonomics, spend on Zwilling or WMF for superior balance and longevity.

When to buy cheap

If you rarely peel or cook, a budget-friendly model does the job. These are lightweight and functional but may need replacement sooner.

When to invest

Big spenders offer durable steel, refined ergonomics, and better warranties. If peeling is your daily routine or you prep large batches, a premium peeler quickly pays for itself in saved time and less frustration.

Eco considerations and materials

If sustainability matters, look for models that use responsibly sourced wood, recyclable stainless steel, or packaging with reduced plastic. Long-lasting tools are eco-friendly by default—buy quality and you’ll replace less often. Some brands also offer repair parts or blade replacements, extending usable life further.

Quick shopping checklist

Before you buy, run through a short checklist: does the peeler feel comfortable in your hand? Is the blade material durable and rust-resistant? Does the design match the tasks you do most? Do reviews mention durability or blade retention? Answering these will keep your shopping focused and efficient.

Brands and models to consider from recent UK catalogs

On many UK listings you’ll see model names and styles that frequently top recommendations: the Zwilling Pro Y-series in roughly 6.5 inches, Zone Denmark’s compact 4.7-inch peeler in soft tones, Alessi’s citrus and potato peelers in stainless finishes, Kockums beech-handled potato peelers for a classic touch, WMF’s stainless corers and julienne cutters, Fiskars Norden Y-shaped peelers with birch handles, and Sabatier and Victorinox models that cover everything from citrus knives to universal and potato peelers. These names offer an easy shortlist to compare when shopping online or in store.

Shopping for a peeler is like choosing the right pen for your handwriting—small design differences have a big impact on how comfortable and effective your work becomes. With a clear idea of what you cook most, a short hands-on test or a glance at trusted reviews will steer you to a model that feels right and lasts for years.

Now that you’ve got the lowdown, go pick a peeler that makes prep feel less like a chore and more like a warm-up act for your next great meal.

Conclusion: A good peeler is a small tool that delivers big returns: time saved, less waste, and better-looking food. Match the model to your cooking habits, consider materials and ergonomics, and don’t be afraid to invest a little for a tool that will be used daily.