Ask a baker their least favorite task, and peeling apples will probably place fairly high on the list. This time-consuming chore can be not only tedious, but also painful for anyone suffering from conditions such as arthritis. Fortunately, there is a tool available that can greatly reduce the amount of time you need to spend peeling fruit for pies and other baked goods: the apple peeler.

Apple peelers can not only peel apples, they often core and evenly slice them, too. Some even work with other fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, making them a versatile and time-saving kitchen addition.

It’s helpful to understand an apple peeler’s basic construction and uses as well as features like different types of bases, blades, and other elements when choosing the right one for your kitchen. Our buying guide introduces you to these features, and we share a few of our favorite apple peelers currently on the market.

While this varies from machine to machine, the majority of apple peelers are fairly straightforward in their operation. The apple peeler is clamped or suctioned to your kitchen work surface, an apple is loaded into it, and you turn the handle. This rotates the apple and drives it towards the business end of the machine where various blades may peel, core, or even slice it.

Enamel-coated cast iron is standard for the bodies of apple peelers, providing a durable frame that will stay rugged and stable for years. Some apple peeler bodies are constructed from lighter metals or even plastic. Blades and other elements of a peeler tend to be a strong metal such as stainless steel, with some offering a chrome coating.

Whatever its construction materials, an apple peeler should be durable, able to stand up to the stresses of use, and resistant to rust and corrosion.

The standard is a crank that is manually turned, freeing you up from the need for electricity or the hassle of another cord. You can find some apple peelers that work via an electric motor, which some cooks may find both easier to use and quicker in terms of bulk processing of fruit.

Not all apples are created equal, and this is particularly true in terms of both size and shape. The majority of these peelers feature spring-loaded arms that can be adjusted to handle everything from a Tiddly Pomme to a Honeycrisp and all sizes, shapes, and textures in between.

Some adhere strictly to their name: apple peeler. Others can handle a variety of fruits and vegetables, making them quite versatile tools for the kitchen.

Does the apple peeler operate with little effort, or do you find yourself having to really put some muscle into it? This can be a real issue for seniors or others suffering from conditions such as arthritis. Fruit should be easy to load, smoothly turn through the machine, and simple to remove at the end.

Also note how easy it is to set up and start to use an apple peeler. Does it ship fully assembled? Instructions for how to use the apple peeler should be clear, with illustrations being a plus.

Related to ease of use is how effective an apple peeler is. Does it peel smoothly — regardless of apple size — every time, or are you stuck constantly tinkering with the peeling blade? A peeler should also completely peel apples, so you’re not constantly having to finish them off with a paring knife. You should be able to quickly run an apple through the peeler, which is a real help if you frequently find yourself putting up jars of apples or baking several pies.

One fact you can be sure of when using an apple peeler: you are going to create a mess. Any peeler you purchase should break down easily so it can be cleaned. It should have smooth lines so there are few crevices, cracks, or other areas for apple juice, pulp, and seeds to accumulate.

With few exceptions, manufacturers recommend that apple peelers be cleaned with warm soapy water and a dishcloth, as opposed to machine washing them. Also, any electric component of an apple peeler should never be submerged in water.

Apple peelers work best and are safest if they are securely fastened to your kitchen work surface and are not allowed to move around while in use. This is handled in several ways and varies from peeler to peeler.

• Suction base: These use a suction device on the bottom of the peeler that firmly attaches it to the counter. Any suction base should be easy to use (usually via a knob or dial) and should hold securely.
• Clamp: Some peelers have a clamp built into the bottom of them that securely attaches your peeler to the counter. Your counter should have a lip capable of working with the clamp, and the clamp should open wide enough to fasten to the counter.
• Feet: While not as secure or common as other base methods, feet can still be an effective way of holding a peeler in place and providing stability. These are usually in the form of suction-cup feet or some other raised points with non-skid coating.

The number of blades on an apple peeler depends largely on what the peeler can do. The three most common types of blades include:

• Peeling: This blade should be adjustable, so you can create either thick or thin peels.
• Coring: This is in the form of a simple round blade that can quickly remove an apple core. If you plan to use your peeler for potatoes, verify that this blade can be easily positioned out of the way.
• Slicing: This blade creates apple slices. Know how thick the slices will be for a particular peeler and if you can change the thickness (some allow this).

Some apple peelers ship with extra blades. All blades should be removable for easy cleaning.

The crank should be easy to turn and should include a safety cap for the prongs on the end of it. Check that the handle is comfortable to use and easy to grip, without being too large.

Apple slicers start out at just under $20 and reach up to $30 or so, with some specialized peelers costing more. In such a narrow price range, there isn’t a whole lot that differentiates one peeler from another.

Peelers in the higher end of the range tend to offer a more durable construction and they’re better able to peel other foods such as potatoes. A higher-priced peeler works more effectively to peel, core, and slice apples. You can also find peelers in this range that ship with extra blades and that offer a more robust warranty (some up to five years).

• An apple peeler that also peels potatoes and other fruits and vegetables is a welcome addition to the kitchen of an elderly cook or one who suffers from arthritis.
• If an apple slicer spiral-slices apples, you can easily create separate apple slices by using a knife to cut once down the spiraled apple stack.
• Keep a screwdriver on hand when using these peelers to quickly and easily adjust cutting and peeling blades, in addition to tightening any elements that may loosen up when you are using the peeler.
• If the blades and springs of the peeler seem a bit stiff and aren’t cutting or peeling smoothly, try using a little mineral oil on the springs to loosen them up.
• If you’re buying a peeler with a clamp base, be sure you measure your countertop lip carefully and compare it to the listing specifications before placing your order.
• In search of a portable apple peeler? An apple peeler constructed from plastic may not be as durable or long-lasting as a cast-iron one, but it is lighter and much easier to carry around.
• The best handle on a manual crank apple peeler is ridged and not over-large, making it easier to grasp and use. This is particularly helpful if you find yourself with a large number of apples to peel.

We wanted to mention several other apple peelers that caught our eye. Progressive International Apple Peeler & Corer offers a solid build with a clamp base and weighs in at under a pound. It can peel, core, and slice apples.

CucinaPro Apple Peeler and Corer can peel, core, and slice not only apples, but also other fruits and vegetables such as potatoes. It is constructed from red enamel over cast iron and has a suction base.

Finally, for those with KitchenAid mixers, KitchenAid Spiralizer Attachment is handy for not only peeling apples, but also spiralizing vegetables. It ships with a variety of blades and a storage case.

Q. Do apple peelers work for spiralizing vegetables like zucchini?
A. Generally not. Spiral slicers are actually a separate kitchen tool that is used for spiralizing vegetables into a noodle shape.

Q. Do suction bases work on all surfaces?
A. Bases that are able to suction onto a surface to keep the peeler stable can work on a variety of surfaces, but you should observe a few surface “rules” to achieve the best results. All surfaces should be flat and solid. You should avoid porous surfaces or surfaces such as tile if one tile is not large enough to completely fit the base. Also avoid dirty or oily surfaces, as these can affect the suction hold. Clean all surfaces thoroughly before engaging the suction mechanism.

Q. Do these work for left-handed people?
A. Apple peelers in general offer a universal design, so they can be used by both left- and right-handed cooks. The only difference between the two is that you need to spin the handle away from you to use it in one configuration and toward you if you switch hands.