Peelers: Y or straight?
May 28th, 2007
While putting together last week’s root source on carrots, the question of peelers came up. There are tons to choose from at prices that range from a few dollars to $30. But the basic question boils down to this: straight or Y?
When it comes to kitchen equipment, I think most of us prefer what we’re used to. We adapt to — and even come to love — all sorts of things that no editor of Cooks Illustrated would “highly recommend” or even “recommend with reservations” because it’s what we’ve got or it’s what we’ve always used.
I myself was a devotee of the Y peeler, having grown up using one in my parents’ house. My last peeler disappeared during a recent move. Since I had to replace it anyway, I decided to try out a straight peeler to see how it compared.
I bought a straight peeler by OXO and the plain plastic Y peeler from Williams-Sonoma that I used growing up.
In prepping a pound of carrots, I alternated between the two. Surprisingly, I found myself giving up on the Y peeler about halfway through. The straight peeler was easier to draw side-to-side along the carrots, and it took off a thinner peel, which was helpful for the slender carrots I was using. I found the OXO handle to be a little wide for my small hands, but unless I was going to be peeling a Beetle Bailey-size stack of potatoes, I don’t think it’d be a problem.
The orientation of the blade really depends on how you peel — I had been used to peeling downwards towards myself and the Y is a lot easier for that. But the transition from up and down to side-to-side was simple enough to make, and for carrots much easier.
A few plus notes for the Y: the small plastic peeler was nice and light, and without the rubbery handle it was much easier to clean. Also, on a russet potato, butternut squash and other larger vegetables, this peeler takes off larger swaths easily.
I’m curious to know what’s worked for you. Are you a Y peeler or straight peeler peeler?
As a side note, I wasn’t exactly without peelers before. But of all of the stupidly designed objects that I have seen in the kitchen, the peeler I was using is the stupidest: whoever invented it put a little mini-grater on the handle. This means that you can’t actually hold the handle, for fear of slicing your palm open with every stroke.
May 28th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
I’ve used the straight for years. I can’t handle the Ys well. I hadn’t thought of it in terms of top-down and side-to-side but that’s what it is. I work best side-to-side. Thanks Claire!
May 28th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
I have to say that since the Y peeler came into being I have not gone back. But I do know that I change the way I hold it depending on that which needs peeling. Overall I find them to be much sharper, thus taking off less peel, which is especially useful with citrus!
May 29th, 2007 at 2:39 am
I was sceptical about the new-fangled Y-peelers my American grandfather brought over to the UK several years ago. After a few clumsy attempts I got it and won’t go back.
With either peeler one uses the thumb to push the vegetable or fruit towards the blade - I think this is more comfortable action with a Y-Peeler.
May 29th, 2007 at 11:57 am
I grew up with, and consequently am dedicated to, a straight peeler made completely from metal. They never break and never seem to go dull. Basically, my peeler can do no wrong.
May 29th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Nice to see that there is so much peeler love! I’m still switching off with my peelers, but am still torn on where my true affection lies. Peter, it wasn’t until I did this test that I realized that the direction might affect the choice - fascinating how the subtleties of those kind of mechanics make such a difference!
May 29th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Have to say I am with the straight peeler crowd.Have read that having a blade that swivels is the real deal, but until I lose or otherwise ruin the straight peeler I won’t know! I can manage to scrape a knuckle on any sharp device in the kitchen, though! They are all dangerous for me.
May 29th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
I’ve never used a Y peeler, always straight and I do love my OXO peeler. I generally peel from the top towards me, gives me better control I think.
June 2nd, 2007 at 6:17 am
Messermesiter makes a great straight peeler for people with small hands. It costs about $6 and is available at Sur La Table.
October 19th, 2007 at 10:55 am
[…] 1. Preheat the oven to 425F. Peel and slice the apples. (I used the Y peeler, Todd the straight — no discernible difference.) Press the bottom pie crust into your pan. […]
October 29th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
This is simply the best, strongest peeler I’ve ever used in a professional kitchen… http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Warehouse-39393-Animal-Monkey/dp/B000IZAYR6 . It goes through celery root peels easily!
It’s kinda cute, so name it “Spike” or something to offset the hit to your machismo.
October 30th, 2007 at 8:46 am
Drew - that’s brilliant. I’m going to start giving all of my kitchen tool names, just for good measure (my carving knife is now Bruno).