Peeling Fruit in the Testing Lab
Recently, the staff at Cook’s Illustrated determined that the Messermeister Serrated Swivel Peeler is their preferred fruit peeler of choice. In the July/August 2006 issue, Garth Clingingsmith revealed the results of recent fruit peeling endeavors in the testing lab. With its extremely comfortable handle and commendable performance when tested, The Oxo Good Grips Serrated Peeler nearly tied with the Messermeister peeler for first place. However, testers found the Messermeister peeler to be superior in both sharpness and its flawless performance.
Also tested were Mario Batali’s Serrated Vegetable Peeler, Zyliss Soft Skin Peeler, Kuhn Rikon Piranha Peeler, and the Firm Grip Serrated Stick Style Peeler. While Mario Batali’s Serrated Vegetable Peeler performed adequately, it was only “recommended with reservations,” because the handle was found to be slightly heavier than necessary and its excessive swiveling did not allow for proper handling and control.
Not recommended by testers were the Zyliss, Kuhn Rikon, and Firm Grip brand peelers. It seems the Zyliss peeler consistently tore the fruit and the Kuhn Rikon not only performed badly, but its handle was far too small for practical usage. Finally, the Firm Grip peeler was found to be merely a cloned copy of the Messermeister, but its similar appearance did nothing to help its poor performance.
So the next time you find yourself struggling with a peeler, consider these results when purchasing its replacement.
