Featured product
OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler
by OXO
See current price & options at AmazonThis link opens live Amazon search results for this product, so the price and availability you see are always current. We do not list prices here.
Why it has stayed popular
The OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler is one of the most universally recommended kitchen tools ever made, and it's the product that launched OXO's entire Good Grips line. Its oversized, cushioned handle was designed specifically to be comfortable for arthritic hands, which made peeling vegetables dramatically easier for everyone. Decades after its introduction, it remains the default recommendation from professional chefs and home cooks alike because it simply peels better and feels better than nearly anything else at any price.
Who This Peeler Fits
This peeler fits essentially anyone who cooks, which is rare praise for any tool. If you peel potatoes, carrots, apples, or any produce with any regularity, this is the kind of inexpensive upgrade that quietly improves a daily task. It's especially valuable for people with limited hand strength or joint pain, since the soft, non-slip handle absorbs pressure and requires less grip force than a traditional metal peeler. Home cooks who batch-prep vegetables for soups, stews, or meal planning will notice the difference most, because repetitive peeling is where comfort really matters. It's also a smart pick for anyone setting up a first kitchen, including students or newly independent young adults, because it covers a fundamental task reliably and won't need replacing. Even cooks who own expensive knife sets tend to keep a swivel peeler on hand, since a peeler is faster and safer than a paring knife for thin-skinned produce. The only people who might not need it are those who already own a comparable swivel peeler they like, or who do so little produce prep that any tool would suffice.
What to Weigh Before Buying
The main trade-off with any swivel peeler is versatility versus specialization. A swivel blade follows the curves of potatoes and carrots beautifully, but if you peel a lot of soft produce like tomatoes or peaches, a serrated or julienne peeler might serve you better as a complement. The blade itself is stainless steel and holds its edge for years, but it isn't designed to be resharpened, so eventually it dulls and the whole tool is replaced, which is worth knowing going in. The handle is thick, which is a feature for most hands but can feel bulky to people with very small palms. It's also worth considering whether you want the plain swivel model or OXO's related versions, since the brand makes a Y-shaped peeler that some cooks prefer for long vegetables like zucchini and cucumbers, where a straight downward stroke feels more natural. Neither is objectively better; it comes down to peeling style. Finally, because it's so affordable, it's often smarter to simply replace rather than agonize, but that same low cost means it's worth buying from a reputable retailer to avoid counterfeits.
Alternatives to Consider
The most common alternative is the Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, a Y-shaped peeler that many professional kitchens use in bulk. It's extremely lightweight, has a carbon steel blade that peels very smoothly, and is often sold in multipacks, though the carbon steel can rust if left wet, demanding more care than the OXO. Another strong option is OXO's own Y Peeler, which shares the Good Grips handle in a different orientation, so it's a great choice if you love the feel but prefer the straight-stroke motion. For cooks who want one tool that does more, a serrated peeler handles soft-skinned produce like kiwi and tomatoes that a standard swivel blade can mangle. There are also ceramic-bladed peelers that never rust, though they can chip if dropped. Finally, some people simply prefer a good paring knife, which offers more control for trimming and scoring but takes more skill and time for straight peeling. If you're undecided, many cooks eventually own both a swivel and a Y-shaped peeler, since they genuinely excel at different tasks and neither takes up much drawer space.
Frequently asked questions
Is the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler dishwasher safe?
Yes, OXO states that the Good Grips Swivel Peeler is dishwasher safe. That said, hand washing and drying it promptly will help the blade stay sharper for longer, since prolonged exposure to detergent and moisture can dull edges on any kitchen blade. The handle holds up fine either way, so the choice is mostly about maximizing blade life rather than protecting the tool from damage.
How is a swivel peeler different from a Y peeler?
A swivel peeler has the blade in line with the handle, and the blade rotates slightly to follow curved surfaces like potatoes. A Y peeler is shaped like a razor, with the blade perpendicular to the handle, and many people find it more natural for long, straight vegetables like carrots and zucchini. Both work well; it largely comes down to the motion you find comfortable.
Can it peel soft-skinned fruit like tomatoes or peaches?
A standard swivel peeler can slip or tear on very soft produce. For tomatoes, peaches, and kiwi, a serrated peeler grips the skin better and produces cleaner results. Many cooks keep a serrated peeler alongside their swivel one for exactly this reason, since the two tools complement each other rather than competing.