A crank apple peeler is a bulk tool. For one apple in a lunchbox, a paring knife and a push-down slicer are quicker. For a dozen apples going into empanadas de manzana, a pan of apple crisp or a batch of rings for the dehydrator, a machine that peels, cores and spiral-slices each apple in a few turns of a handle saves real time and keeps the slices even.
This guide covers the two kinds of apple peeler that do the work for you: hand-crank peeler-corer-slicers that clamp or suction to the counter, and electric peelers that spin the fruit past a blade at the push of a button. Seven are below, from identifiable makers, with each maker’s stated base, blade options, size and warranty. We found seven worth recommending that were in stock, not ten, and say so rather than pad the list with look-alike machines.
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Quick verdict: which apple corer peeler slicer to buy
For most kitchens, buy the Norpro Apple Mate 2: a crank peeler-corer-slicer with three blade settings, a stainless steel blade and a screw clamp that grips counters up to 1.75 inches thick. If your counter has no overhang for a clamp, the Norpro Apple Master does the same three jobs on a lever-locked suction base. For spare blades in the box, choose the Johnny Apple Peeler VKP1210A; for peeling only, the Starfrit Apple Peeler; and to peel without turning a handle, the Starfrit Rotato Express 2.0.
If you only need to core and cut apples into wedges, our guide to the best apple corer slicer covers the push-down slicers and twist corers. This page is for cooks who also want the peel off, usually by the dozen. One maker appears on both pages: the parent guide reviews Johnny Apple Peeler’s cast-iron clamp model, and this page reviews the newer aluminum model with suction base and spare blades instead, because it suits counters without an overhang.
Five apple peelers side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of cook, with the base and functions each maker states. All seven peelers are reviewed in full below.
| Apple peeler | Best for | Base | What it does | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Norpro Apple Mate 2Best overall
|
Big batches for pies and canning | Screw clamp, up to 1.75 in | Peel, core, slice; 3 modes | View on Amazon |
Norpro Apple MasterBest suction base
|
Stone or quartz counters | Lever-locked suction | Peel, core, slice; 3 modes | View on Amazon |
Johnny Apple Peeler VKP1210ABest spare blades
|
Years of fall baking | Suction | Peel, core, slice; 4 spare blades | View on Amazon |
Starfrit Apple PeelerBest peel-only
|
Peeling apples you slice by hand | Suction-grip feet | Peels; separate corer included | View on Amazon |
Starfrit Rotato Express 2.0Best electric
|
Cooks who find cranking hard | Freestanding, 6V adapter or 4 AA | Peels only, at a button press | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Bases, functions, sizes and warranties are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best apple corer peeler slicer
Five of the seven are classic crank machines: you push an apple onto a three-pronged fork, turn the handle, and the fork carries the apple past a spring-held peeling blade and through a coring-and-slicing blade, so it comes off the far end as one spiral with the core left on the fork. One is a crank peeler without the slicer, and one is electric. Each pick lists how it holds to the counter, what it can switch off, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Norpro Apple Mate 2 – Three Modes and a Screw Clamp
Norpro’s Apple Mate 2 is a straightforward clamp-on crank machine. Its listing describes three ways to run it: pare, core and slice in one turn of the crank; pare only; or core and slice only. That covers the jobs that matter in practice: core-and-slice keeps the skin on for dried apple rings, and pare only gives you a bare apple to cut into chunks for empanada filling. Norpro says the stainless steel blade stays sharp through high-volume batches and resists corrosion from fruit acids.
It mounts with a heavy threaded C-clamp that Norpro says fits countertops, kitchen islands and prep tables up to 1.75 inches thick. A clamp is the steadiest way to hold a crank machine, because the pulling motion of the handle cannot break a seal the way it can with suction. The trade-off is that you need a counter or table edge with an overhang to clamp to.
The frame measures 9.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches, according to the listing, and Norpro says it also handles pears, russet and sweet potatoes, and onions cut into twists. Recipes and instructions are included. Norpro recommends hand washing; this listing does not state a warranty term.
Why we like it
- Three blade modes, switchable for the job.
- Threaded clamp fits surfaces up to 1.75 inches thick.
- Stainless steel blade, per Norpro.
- Maker says it handles pears and potatoes too.
Key specifications
| Model | 864 |
|---|---|
| Operation | Hand crank |
| Functions | Peel, core, slice; 3 combinations |
| Base | Screw clamp, surfaces up to 1.75 in |
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Size | 9.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 in |
| Care | Hand wash |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who processes apples by the bag for pies, sauce, canning or drying and has a table or counter edge to clamp to.
Skip it if your counters are flush to the cabinet with no lip; a clamp needs an overhang, so look at a suction model instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Switchable blade modes.
- Clamp holds firm while you crank.
- Compact frame with full dimensions listed.
Cons
- Needs a counter edge to clamp to.
- Hand wash only.
- No warranty term in the listing.
2. Norpro Apple Master – Clamp-Free on Smooth Counters
The Apple Master is Norpro’s suction-base machine. Instead of a clamp, it has a heavy rubber suction base that you lock down with a lever, and Norpro says it holds on smooth, non-porous counters including granite, quartz, laminate and glass without marking them. That makes it the pick for a kitchen island or a counter with no overhang.
It does the same three jobs as the clamp models: peel, core and slice in one turn of the crank, or peel only, or core and slice only. The listing names a deluxe paring blade and a separate slicing and coring blade, both stainless steel, and gives the size as 9.75 inches long, 5 inches high and 4 inches wide.
Suction has one limit worth knowing. It needs a clean, smooth, flat surface, and it will not hold on tile grout, butcher block or textured stone. Wipe the counter and the rubber before you lock the lever. Norpro recommends hand washing; the listing does not state a warranty term.
Why we like it
- Lever-locked suction base, no clamp needed.
- Maker lists granite, quartz, laminate and glass.
- Three modes: all three jobs, peel only, or core and slice.
Key specifications
| Model | 866 |
|---|---|
| Operation | Hand crank |
| Functions | Peel, core, slice; 3 combinations |
| Base | Lever-activated suction |
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Size | 9.75 x 4 x 5 in |
| Care | Hand wash |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits stone, quartz and laminate counters where a clamp has nothing to grip, and cooks who want to set up and put away quickly.
Skip it if your work surface is wood, tile or textured stone; suction needs a smooth, non-porous top.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works on islands and flush counters.
- Smaller than the clamp model.
- Same three-job blade set.
Cons
- Suction fails on textured surfaces.
- Needs a smooth, flat counter to hold.
- No warranty term in the listing.
3. Johnny Apple Peeler VKP1210A – Spare Blades in the Box
This is Johnny Apple Peeler’s aluminum-bodied model with a suction base. Our parent guide covers the heavier cast-iron Johnny with a clamp; we chose this one for a different buyer, someone without a counter overhang who wants replacement blades on hand from day one.
The listing says it peels, cores and slices any apple variety, that the coring and slicing blade can be removed when you want a whole peeled apple, and that the peeling blade adjusts for a thick or thin peel. All blades are stainless steel. The box includes two extra coring and slicing blades and two extra peeling blades, which is unusual, since dull blades are the most common reason a crank peeler starts tearing the fruit.
The aluminum body should be lighter to lift in and out of a cupboard than cast iron, though the listing does not give a weight or dimensions, and it does not state a warranty for this model. The cast-iron Johnny models carry a five-year warranty in their listings, but we have not assumed the same here.
Why we like it
- Two spare coring and slicing blades and two spare peeling blades.
- Adjustable peel thickness.
- Removable coring and slicing blade.
- Suction base for smooth counters.
Key specifications
| Model | VKP1210A |
|---|---|
| Operation | Hand crank |
| Functions | Peel, core, slice; slicer removable |
| Base | Suction |
| Blades | Stainless steel, 4 spares included |
| Size | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who expects to run a few bushels a year through the machine and wants spares ready when the first blades dull.
Skip it if you want a stated warranty and dimensions before you buy; this new listing gives neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Four replacement blades included.
- Peel thickness adjusts.
- Aluminum body, not cast iron.
Cons
- No size, weight or warranty in the listing.
- Suction only, no clamp option.
4. Back to Basics Peel Away Apple Peeler – Enamel-Coated Cast Iron
The Back to Basics A505, sold under Amco Houseworks, is the old-style cast-iron crank machine on a suction base. The listing describes an enamel-coated cast-iron frame, stainless steel blades and a chrome shaft, and says it peels, slices or cores apples, potatoes, zucchini and more.
The peeling blade moves in and out to fit different sizes of produce and to take a thin or thick peel. That adjustment helps with mixed bags of apples, where a small Gala and a large Honeycrisp need the blade set differently. The listed size is 9.3 inches long, 4.3 inches wide and 5.8 inches high.
Cast iron makes it heavy and solid in use, and the enamel coating protects the iron from apple juice. Keep it dry after washing, since any chip in the enamel can rust. The listing does not state a warranty term or care instructions beyond the materials.
Why we like it
- Enamel-coated cast-iron frame and chrome shaft.
- Adjustable peeling blade for size and peel thickness.
- Listed for apples, potatoes and zucchini.
Key specifications
| Model | A505 |
|---|---|
| Operation | Hand crank |
| Functions | Peel, core, slice |
| Base | Suction |
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Size | 9.3 x 4.3 x 5.8 in |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants the traditional heavy cast-iron machine on a suction base, for apples and the occasional sack of potatoes.
Skip it if you need to know the warranty before buying; the listing does not give one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Solid cast-iron build.
- Blade adjusts to fruit size.
- Compact stated footprint.
Cons
- Heavy to store.
- Chipped enamel can rust.
- No warranty stated.
5. CucinaPro Apple Peeler Corer – Chrome Cast Iron on Suction
CucinaPro’s crank machine has a chrome-plated cast-iron body, stainless steel blades and a suction base, and the listing says it peels, cores and slices in one motion. CucinaPro also suggests it for spiral-cut potatoes for curly fries, sliced pears and vegetable side dishes.
The chrome finish is the main difference from the enamel Back to Basics. Chrome resists rust and wipes clean, and it suits a kitchen where the machine might sit out on display through the fall. The suction base, as with every suction model, wants a smooth, clean counter.
One practical note from the listing: the crank handle may arrive mounted backwards for shipping, and you are meant to remove it and refit it the right way round before use. The listing gives no dimensions, care instructions or warranty term.
Why we like it
- Chrome-plated cast-iron body.
- Peels, cores and slices in one pass.
- Maker suggests it for potatoes and pears too.
Key specifications
| Model | 342 |
|---|---|
| Operation | Hand crank |
| Functions | Peel, core, slice |
| Base | Suction |
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Size | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a cast-iron machine with a chrome finish that can stay out on the counter through apple season.
Skip it if you want the option to switch the slicer or peeler off; the listing describes only the all-in-one pass.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rust-resistant chrome finish.
- Heavy cast-iron frame.
- Suction base, no clamp needed.
Cons
- Handle may need refitting out of the box.
- No size or warranty in the listing.
6. Starfrit Apple Peeler – Spring Arm Follows the Apple
Starfrit’s apple peeler only peels. You fix the apple on a stainless steel spike, turn the handle, and a spring-loaded blade arm follows the shape of the fruit, which Starfrit says lets it adjust to different apple shapes and sizes. A separate hand corer comes in the box, so you can core the peeled apple and then slice or chop it however the recipe wants.
That suits recipes where a spiral slice is the wrong cut. Diced apple for empanadas or a Mexican Christmas apple salad, thick wedges for baking, or halves for poaching all start with a peeled, cored apple, not rings. The machine is mostly plastic with a stainless steel blade and spike, plastic guards for storage and suction-grip feet.
The listing includes two blades and says to clean it with a damp, soapy cloth. Starfrit lists a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Spring-loaded arm adjusts to apple shape and size.
- Bonus hand corer included.
- Two blades and storage guards included.
- One-year limited warranty.
Key specifications
| Model | 093013-006-EXP1 |
|---|---|
| Operation | Hand crank |
| Functions | Peel only; separate corer included |
| Base | Suction-grip feet |
| Blades | Stainless steel, 2 included |
| Size | Not stated |
| Care | Damp, soapy cloth |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants peeled apples cut by hand into dice or wedges, not spirals, and a lighter machine to store.
Skip it if you want rings for drying or pie in one pass; it does not core or slice on the machine.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Blade arm follows uneven apples.
- Light and easy to store.
- Stated one-year warranty.
Cons
- Peels only.
- Plastic frame, not cast metal.
7. Starfrit Rotato Express 2.0 – Peels at the Press of a Button
The Rotato Express 2.0 is an electric peeler. You fix the fruit on the bottom holder, lower the top holder onto it and press the button; the fruit spins while a blade arm travels over it. Starfrit’s listing calls it ideal for potatoes and apples and says it peels fruit and vegetables of various shapes and textures.
It runs on the included 6-volt adapter, with a 31-inch cord, or on four AA batteries that are not included. The unit measures 5.5 x 5.5 x 11 inches, the smallest footprint here. The box includes six replacement blades (two stored under the battery cover and four in a separate pack) and a thumb knife for trimming eyes and blemishes.
It only peels. There is no corer or slicer, so pair it with a push-down slicer from our apple corer slicer guide. Starfrit lists a one-year limited warranty. For the original model, Starfrit’s listing says buyers with arthritis or limited grip strength favor it, because there is no squeezing, twisting or gripping; that is the main case for paying for a motor.
Why we like it
- One-button peeling, no cranking.
- Adapter or four AA batteries.
- Six replacement blades and a thumb knife included.
- Smallest footprint: 5.5 x 5.5 inches.
Key specifications
| Model | 060288 |
|---|---|
| Operation | Electric, 6V adapter or 4 AA |
| Functions | Peel only |
| Base | Freestanding |
| Blades | 6 replacement blades included |
| Size | 5.5 x 5.5 x 11 in |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who finds turning a crank tiring, or who peels potatoes as often as apples.
Skip it if you want cored, sliced apples from one machine; this one leaves the coring and slicing to you.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No hand strength needed.
- Peels potatoes and apples.
- Spare blades in the box.
Cons
- Does not core or slice.
- Batteries not included for cordless use.
How to choose an apple peeler corer slicer
A crank peeler is a simple machine, and the choice comes down to how it holds to your counter, what it can switch off, and how many apples you plan to put through it.
Clamp or suction
The base matters more than anything else, because the handle pulls the machine sideways with every turn. A screw clamp is the steadiest, but it needs a table or counter edge with an overhang, and Norpro gives the thickness it fits: up to 1.75 inches for the Apple Mate 2. Suction works on smooth, non-porous counters such as granite, quartz, laminate and glass, and fails on wood, tile and textured stone. Wipe the counter and the rubber before you set it down.
Which jobs you can switch off
Every crank machine here peels, but the useful ones let you turn jobs off. Core and slice without peeling gives skin-on rings for drying. Peel and core without slicing gives whole apples for baking. Peel only gives a bare apple you can dice for empanada filling. The Apple Mate 2 and the Apple Master each list three; some listings describe only the all-in-one pass.
Spiral slices and your recipe
The coring blade cuts the apple into one long spiral, with the core left on the fork. One cut down the side turns the spiral into stacks of half-moon slices, which suit pies and crisps. For dice, wedges or halves, a peel-only machine and a knife do a cleaner job.
Blades and spares
Dull blades tear the peel and stall the crank. Stainless steel blades are standard here; spare blades in the box, as with the Johnny VKP1210A and the Rotato Express 2.0, mean you are not hunting for a replacement in the middle of apple season.
Crank or electric
A crank machine peels, cores and slices. The electric peelers we found only peel, but they need no hand strength at all. If gripping and turning is hard on your hands, an electric peeler plus a push-down slicer is the practical pair.
Storage and recalls
Cast-iron machines are heavy and awkward to store, and their forks and blades are sharp, so keep the blade guards if your machine has them. When we checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s published recall list for this guide, we found no recall for any of these seven peelers; before buying, you can search the brand and model on the CPSC’s recalls page.
How we picked these seven apple peelers
We searched the crank and electric apple peelers sold on Amazon, checked every candidate’s stock through the Amazon product data, and read each listing for the stated base, blade functions, size and warranty. We kept only identifiable makers: Norpro, Johnny Apple Peeler, Back to Basics, CucinaPro and Starfrit. We left out the many near-identical suction-base machines sold by unidentified sellers and listings that were scarce or not yet available. We had recommended Norpro’s five-mode clamp model, but it was out of stock when we last checked, so its three-mode sibling now takes the top spot. We also left out the cast-iron clamp Johnny Apple Peeler because our parent guide already reviews it.
Only seven met that bar, so this list stops at seven rather than adding look-alikes. We have not used these peelers ourselves. Where a listing does not give a size, care instructions or a warranty, the specifications say so.
Apple peeler corer slicer questions, answered
Which is the best apple peeler corer slicer for canning and drying?
For volume, a clamp-mounted crank machine with switchable blades, such as the Norpro Apple Mate 2. Core and slice with the peel off for applesauce or pie filling, or with the peel on for dried rings. For drying the slices, our guide to the best food dehydrator covers the machine for the next step.
Does a crank peeler work on soft or misshapen apples?
Firm apples work best. Soft apples can spin on the fork or tear, and very lopsided fruit can leave strips of peel the blade missed. A spring-loaded blade arm, as on the Starfrit, follows uneven shapes; trim what is left with a paring knife.
Can I peel potatoes with an apple peeler?
Norpro, Back to Basics and CucinaPro all list potatoes, and the Rotato Express 2.0 is pitched mainly at potatoes. Use the peel-only setting for potatoes you plan to dice, or the full pass for spiral-cut fries.
Is an electric apple peeler better than a crank?
Not better, different. The electric peelers we found only peel, but they need no grip strength. A crank machine also cores and slices. If you peel apples by the dozen and your hands are fine, the crank does more.
How do I clean a crank apple peeler?
Follow the maker’s instructions. Norpro recommends hand washing, and Starfrit says to use a damp, soapy cloth. Rinse sugar and juice off the blades and fork straight after use, dry the frame well, especially cast iron, and store blades with their guards on.
Our pick for peeling apples by the dozen
Buy the Norpro Apple Mate 2 if you have a counter edge to clamp to, and the Norpro Apple Master if you do not. The Johnny VKP1210A comes with spare blades, the Starfrit Apple Peeler is the light peel-only choice, and the Rotato Express 2.0 takes the cranking out of it.
For the other tools on the apple prep line, see the best apple corer slicer for push-down wedgers, the best vegetable peeler for a hand peeler, and the best pie dish for where the slices go. For the hand pies, our guide to Mexican empanadas explains the sweet and savory kinds. If you would rather we did the cooking, see our menu or call to order.