16 Best Citrus Peelers For The Perfect Cocktail In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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Cocktails are a delicious way to unwind after a long day. But they can also be quite complex, requiring precision and the right tools. If you're looking for the perfect citrus peeler to make your cocktails stand out from the rest, look no further!
We've compiled 16 of the best peelers on the market so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you're looking for something simple and affordable or luxurious and high-end, we've covered you. Keep reading to learn more!
Our Top Picks
 
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Best Overall - OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler • Ideal for tough skins |
Best for Garnishes - Triangle Germany U-Shape Channel Knife• Ideal for precise strips |
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Best Multipurpose - HIC Harold Import Co. 4-in-1 Citrus Peeler• Multifunctional |
1. OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler - Best Overall
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What Customers Have to Say
Fruit peeling using this peeler was a great experience for one of the users. She enjoyed using it as preparing ingredients became efficient. She also noted it peels long neat strips away to be more mess-free.
Why We Think It’s Great
The swivel peeler from OXO is ideal for preparing and peeling produce with tough skins. The dual stainless steel blades slide with each stroke to remove a substantial portion of skin. The large, ergonomic handle was created for rapid, repeated usage and will not slide, even wet, because it boasts a non-slip yet soft grip.
A built-in blemish remover carves off flaws without destroying your fruit. This is a very handy feature when food prepping for dishes. This good peeler is safe to clean in the dishwasher and has a wide hole in the handle for hanging.
Who Should Buy It
OXO's Good Grips Swivel Peeler is the perfect tool for those who want an easy way to peel thick and tough skins of fruits or vegetables. It effectively shaves them so you can immediately consume your produce with no additional prep time required!
2. Spring Chef Premium Peeler
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What Customers Have to Say
This bar tool was praised by one of the customers because it has a perfectly ergonomic design that lets her grip it and strip vegetable and fruit skins effortlessly. She also loved the simple appearance of the peeler and said that it is manufactured from high-quality material.
Why We Think It’s Great
This peeler's durable stainless steel blades are super sharp and swivel to slide over fruits and veggies effortlessly. Skins peel off as quickly as melted butter, leaving your fruits and vegetables undamaged. A built-in blemish remover is included to gouge fruits or vegetables’ “scars.”
The smooth glide technology prevents this best peeler from clogging the peeled skins. Peeling is more fun with the ergonomic non-slip rubber handle and lightweight structure, which is more suitable for left-handed usage. Plus, it includes a hole for convenient hanging and storing.
Who Should Buy It
If you want an efficient tool that quickly and easily glides down and peels your ingredients, look no further than this exquisite peeler from Spring Chef. It features a rubber grip which ensures there’s never any risk of slipping while using it in the kitchen.
3. Benekiy Orange Peeler and Cutter
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What Customers Have to Say
One user said this is the best item she purchased in years. She was impressed by the quality of performance this nice-looking, high-grade peeler had given. However, some users initially found it hard to use when they used it to remove fruit peels.
Why We Think It’s Great
Orange and other citrus fruits can be easily peeled and cut using this citrus peeler from Benekiy. Many different methods of skinning a fruit can be done by the tool. You can successfully accomplish these styles of peeling because of their thick yet sharp edges.
The purpose of the handle’s curviness is for a comfortable grip, and it prevents the tool from easily sliding from the hands. Your fingernails have a minimal chance of being filled or scented by the unwanted white piths of some citrus fruits.
Who Should Buy It
Individuals fond of entertaining their guests with cocktail drinks should check this peeler out. This ideal tool aids in peeling oranges and lemons in a short period. Less time preparing, more time bonding!
4. 1Easylife Lemon Zester and Peeler - Best Zester
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What Customers Have to Say
One customer fell in love with this 2-in-1 product as it peels and zest fruits a lot faster and cleaner than other peelers and graters that she has used. She added that it is convenient to use because it is sharp. According to her, the peeler yields fruit skins with consistent thickness.
Why We Think It’s Great
This tool is constructed entirely of superior stainless steel blade for maximum durability and a fantastic appearance in your kitchen or bar. It has five sharp zester holes that make zesting lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits fast and easy, where these zests can be incorporated into salads, cakes, or drinks.
This award-winning peeler comes with a built-in channel knife capable of cutting through any citrus fruits with ease and creating beautiful garnishing curls. While the round handle fits perfectly in your palm, making peeling effortless!
Who Should Buy It
This tool is for people who want to learn how to make their favorite cocktails in a whole new way. It not only functions as a peeler but also as a zester for garnishing cocktails or making lemonades!
5. Mueller 4-in-1 Peeler
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What Customers Have to Say
A satisfied buyer said that this peeler has every feature that one needs for peeling. She also mentioned that even though this is a multifunctional tool. Another customer said that this peeler is effective even on small potatoes, which are usually hard to peel.
Why We Think It’s Great
Pare your citrus fruit with ease and comfort with this 3-blade peeler. It comes equipped with straight, serrated, and julienne steel blades! This kitchen item makes preparing fruits such as apples or strawberries simple for anyone in any situation---even if they're small enough, typical knives won't cut them, let alone peel their skin away from the core.
With a sturdy surgical-grade blade that can slice through any fruit or vegetable with ease, this peeler is sure to last. The anti-slip handle ensures your hands stay put while you're working on the cutting board!
Who Should Buy It
This is the perfect item for any cook that wants to save time and effort. No more running around trying to figure out what bar tool you need; this one does it all!
6. Triangle Germany U-Shape Channel Knife - Best for Garnishes
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What Customers Have to Say
According to one of the shoppers, this item is probably the best channel knife she ever used. She can make twists with ease and save a lot of time. One buyer also mentioned that this tool is less likely to slip than a standard paring knife.
Why We Think It’s Great
Triangle Germany's U-Shape Channel Knife is a must-have culinary tool for dressing up drinks, specialty craft cocktails, and desserts, among other things. It is 1/4" broad and slices fruit and vegetable skins more accurately and deeply than a standard citrus zester. It produces precise and thick strips of lemon, orange, lime, and other citrus fruits.
A razor-sharp tempered U-shaped cutting edge made of superior German stainless steel glides across surfaces without hurting or reducing the flesh of fruits and vegetables.
A contoured form gives a stable and comfortable grip, and a lightweight handle promotes effortless maneuverability and control for right- and left-handed operation.
Who Should Buy It
This u-shape channel knife is the perfect tool for bartenders looking to create intricate pieces. With this product, you can easily make citrus fruit rinds, strips, and ribbons and twist them together with ease!
7. Minjie Citrus Peeler
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What Customers Have to Say
One of the users adored this peeler because the peel of the orange came off quickly when she was using it. According to her, it's as easy as running the sharp edge at a right angle around the orange skin and sliding the curved end under the peel. Also, other buyers claimed that this tool keeps the citrus aroma from attaching to their fingernails.
Why We Think It’s Great
Fruit skinning using this peeler is more controllable and less messy. Numerous ways to remove the peels of citrus fruits can be done, but most of them strip away in big sections resulting in a tidy peeling.
It is produced from safe plastic, so it is safer to use in terms of cutting oneself. Each package comes in two pieces of the tool, so you would have a spare in case the other is lost or broken. The length of this peeler is 6-inch long, and its color is a bright orange, making it very stylish and convenient to store when not in use.
Who Should Buy It
People who hate the stubborn bits and aroma of orange or lime getting in their fingernails would admire this very straightforward tool for peeling fruit.
8. Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler
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What Customers Have to Say
A buyer commented that what made this peeler great is it is made out of a strong material that maintains it blade for a long time. She also mentioned that she likes the simple design of the peeler. However, some people are having a problem with it being rusty and tiny.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peelers come with an elegant set of 3 peelers. The blades are made from high-carbon steel, which means they'll never rust and can be sharpened again if needed. These peelers are also wear resistant, a feature professionals love.
Even after extensive usage, high-carbon grades maintain a sharp edge. The peelers already include potato eye remover that can gouge bruised flesh in fruits and vegetables. They can yield thin peelings avoiding the bitter white pith in citrus.
Who Should Buy It
This carbon steel peeler is perfect for those who want a premium bar or kitchen addition. It's less likely to be forced out of shape and lose its edge sharpness when utilized in various fruits and vegetables, so you can enjoy cooking all sorts with it!
9. Mercer Culinary Orange Peeler
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What Customers Have to Say
This peeler blew the minds of a customer’s bar team because it produces uniformly cut fruit peels efficiently. It also transformed garnishing from a challenging and demanding process to a quick and easy one.
Why We Think It’s Great
This item is designed to help you to elevate your cocktail game. For safe and secure usage, this high-quality stain-resistant steel is made with a slip-resistant Polypropylene handle. It boasts a one-of-a-kind design and high-quality materials perfect for preparing your favorite refreshments.
The channel knife incorporated in the bar tool is sharp and dependable. It can create beautiful citrus rind curls that would look good as garnishes in different dishes and drinks.
Who Should Buy It
Opt for this peeler if you want a channel knife that can cut deep and precisely to fruits. You can make as many citrus curls with this fantastic tool.
10. HIC Harold Import Co. 4-in-1 Citrus Peeler - Best Multipurpose
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What Customers Have to Say
A shopper noted that this is a fantastic small multi-tool for the bar. The standard peeler blade and the channel knife are both sharp, and the bottle opener performs well as intended. But still, many users did have a hard time using the bottle opener that they had to try multiple times before successfully removing the cap.
Why We Think It’s Great
With four functions in one compact item, this is the ultimate bar tool. It functions as a bottle opener, fruit and vegetable peeler, potato eye remover, and ornamental garnish channel knife.
It's made of Japanese stainless steel and is BPA-free, so using it on foods would not put you at any health or toxic risks. It is effortless to hold, and it is very compact even though it's multifunctional, making it a highly must-have for every outdoor venture.
Who Should Buy It
This peeler is a terrific gift for those who have a home bar. This would impress its recipient as they can utilize it for multiple applications.
11. Aniso Kitchen Peeler
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What Customers Have to Say
A woman ordered this peeler for her husband, who is hard to please. She had already bought several peelers, which was the only item approved by her husband. Her husband said that it does not clog fruit and vegetable skins at all.
Why We Think It’s Great
This peeler is an excellent addition to any kitchen and is ideal for all fruits and vegetables, mainly because it is very sharp. Double stainless steel blades are integrated with the peeler. Due to the dual blades’ sharpness, preparing ingredients or drink components is much faster.
The ergonomic and lightweight design offers a peeler that is both pleasant and efficient. It has a very slim handle that would not force the stretching of the hand and gives enough space for other kitchen tools to be arranged in the drawer.
Who Should Buy It
The slim, compact size of this peeler makes it ideal for small-handed people. You can hang up your utensil when not in use and store easily because its design ensures that space on countertops or kitchens aren't wasted by bulky appliances.
12. Chef Craft Round Peelers - Most Compact
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What Customers Have to Say
Multiple customers were amazed by how this small plastic product can effectively peel through orange and other citrus fruits. They also love that the package comes in four round blades, so they have a spare when one gets lost.
Why We Think It’s Great
Separate the fruit from the skin by quickly slicing through the covering of citrus fruits. Amaze your guests with this one-of-a-kind plastic orange peeler that allows you to remove citrus peel swiftly and simply. Unlike other peelers with metal blade material, these four round peelers cannot injure your palm and fingers, leading to a safer operation.
The peelers fit the most fingers so that anyone can use them. They are quite small that they can be stored anywhere without cluttering the space. By eliminating the discomfort of peeling, you may now incorporate the fruits and their peels into cocktails whenever you feel like having one.
Who Should Buy It
If you have small drawer space, you would not have to worry anymore about where to stick these citrus peelers as they are very small. They are also very safe to be randomly placed in a kitchen box because it is made of plastic.
13. OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler - Most Sharp
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What Customers Have to Say
Many customers testified on how effective this peeler is. However, it is dangerously sharp that one must be extra cautious. Another buyer ascertained that this peeler is very versatile and can cut through many kinds of fruits and vegetables because of its sharpness.
Why We Think It’s Great
Tough-skinned fruits and veggies can be pared with this highly-sharp Y-shaped peeler. The rustproof, stainless steel blade is very sharp that it glides smoothly to the surface of food products. It can peel big areas quickly and cut even hard and thick-skinned vegetables.
This kitchen tool is ideal for slicing zucchini for enchiladas because it creates consistent slices. Left or right-handed users wouldn’t have a problem utilizing this item with repetitive strokes because it features a very comfortable and compact handle.
Get the perfect peel every time with this OXO y-shaped potato masher. It's dishwasher safe and has a built-in eyer for removing those pesky potatoes eyes and comes complete all of your kitchen needs!
Who Should Buy It
If you are searching for a peeler with a very sharp blade, look no more, for this Y-peeler from OXO is razor-sharp! Achieve the thin peels of citrus that you desire using this product. Just be careful not to cut yourself.
14. Tupperware Citrus Peeler
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What Customers Have to Say
A lot were impressed by the simplicity yet the excellent performance of the Tupperware Citrus Peeler. They loved how, unlike other peelers, it does not have complicated nooks and crannies that are difficult to clean. The only common issue they had was that they did not receive the color that they were expecting, but other than that, they were all satisfied.
Why We Think It’s Great
You would be amazed by how many oranges these slim plastic peelers from Tupperware can pare. 10-pieces are included when purchasing the citrus peelers, so you can store some in your house, in your car, or even give some away to neighbors or friends.
Because the citrus peelers are petite, they are very practical to clean, and maintaining them does not have to be demanding. Simply rinse and wash with soap for the next use. Each peeler is safe to bring to school or work for packed lunch with oranges because it does not have a blade that may pose a danger or cause cuts.
The head part of the peeler, which is the end that looks like a hook, is responsible for slicing the citrus skin neatly. Many slices can be done depending on how big the fruits are before utilizing the other end part which is the flat blade. This other end allows the lifting of the skin from the flesh without touching it with your fingers.
Who Should Buy It
People who include oranges in their packed snacks or lunch will be even more excited to bring fruits anywhere with these portable and safe plastic peelers. There's no reason to be concerned about how to carry them as they are very sleek. It is also convenient to clean or wipe after.
15. Alessi Apostrophe Orange Peeler
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What Customers Have to Say
Numerous users were surprised by how helpful the unusual yet extraordinary piece is. One customer said that the Alessi peeler was tiny yet interestingly heavy but a perfectly designed item. The sharp crochet hook head is so sharp that it easily slides through fruit skins, but you have to be extra careful using it.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Alessi Apostrophe Orange Peeler has a unique contemporary look that would amaze you with how practical it is to pare orange skins. As it is unusual and aesthetically pleasing, it would undoubtedly capture the attention of your guests and ignite a topic conversation. A bar or kitchen counter would level up when this peeler is displayed on it.
Although it is small, it performs well—even better than knives. Also, it fits right and comfortably in hand, even for individuals who have large hands. There is no need to unsanitary plunge the fingers into the citrus fruits just to open them.
The head part, which is shaped like a crochet hook, is very sharp. Like a knife to butter, this peeler boasts a swift glide action to orange or another citrus. It allows a fast peeling and makes food prep a breeze.
Who Should Buy It
Individuals fond of contemporary items would love this distinct peeler from Alessi. It is tiny and very easy to store or showcase somewhere in the kitchen since it is pleasing to the eyes. It is also terrific for people who want to spend less time skinning fruits and more time enjoying them.
16. CJESLNA Citrus Fruit Skin Remover
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What Customers Have to Say
According to one of the shoppers, she first thought that peeling an orange using her fingers is the best method. But after using this peeler, it made her see that segmenting the skin and getting it off is a lot easier with the tool. On the other hand, one buyer commented that its blade is sharp enough but not long enough to cut deep into thick-skinned oranges.
Why We Think It’s Great
The small but unbelievable kitchen gadget features two holes to serve as finger slots while removing citrus rinds. This way, you have more control while utilizing the peeler, which would prevent slipping from the grip.
Four incredible citrus peelers are included when you buy the item from CJESLNA. The more, the better, as it does not hurt to have a spare.
Since the peelers come in a small size, they can fit a pocket or be put in any small space to be brought in outdoor gatherings or day-outs! If you want to be refreshed during a beach trip, opening sweet and tangy citrus fruits would be effortless with the very handy tool.
Who Should Buy It
These peelers are an intelligent choice for those who love going out and packing up fruits during their trip. There is no need to bring heavy sharp knives that could also be a hassle and dangerous. Effortlessly skin fruits by inserting the tool into your fingers.
Best Citrus Peelers Buying Guide
Since many citrus peelers are available, it might be hard to choose which one is best for you. To help you, here are the things that you should consider before you buy one for your home bar:
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Material
The material of a citrus peeler is very essential because, apart from the frequency of use and product maintenance, this may also indicate how long it can last you. You should look for durable tools for your bar that will deliver.
Citrus peelers are produced from diverse materials, with the most prevalent being stainless steel, carbon steel, and BPA-free plastic.
Stainless steel and carbon steel blade are both durable but carbon steel is relatively tougher. Furthermore, steel peelers feature sharper blades that swiftly slice into the fruit's skin.
Plastic orange peelers, on the other hand, may not be as sturdy as metal peelers, but they can still sustain severe use.
However, the endurance of a specific plastic orange peeler mostly relies on the producer. Plastic variants are also less expensive than stainless and carbon steel alternatives.
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Shape and Size
Orange peelers come in a variety of forms and sizes. Despite the fact that they perform the same function, the comfortability of the user differs based on the shape and size. Efficiency and accuracy in peeling can then be determined by one’s comfortability to use it.
Remember that each shape and size have varying ways of how to skillfully skin a fruit or vegetable. They are usually indicated in the product's instructions, so reading and applying them would relieve you from complicated peeling.
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Non-slip Handle
Since peeling requires maneuvering a peeler in a repeatedly stroking manner, it is important that the handle is comfortable to hold.
Non-slip mechanisms or materials are integrated into the handle of peelers to fulfill safety purposes—preventing the peeler from slipping out of the hands and cutting one’s fingers.
Depending on the manufacturer, the peeler can be non-slip because its handle is curved or has a rubber sleeve.
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Weight
It is desirable to acquire a light and comfortable hand peeler, not big or awkward. This is especially vital if you'll be peeling a large number of citrus. You do not want to wear out your hands before even preparing the cocktail drink itself.
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Dishwasher-safe
Peeler blades are prone to rust and damage when put on dishwashers, but there are tons of peelers available now that can withstand the heat from the dishwasher. You should opt for these kinds of products for total convenience.
Best Citrus Peelers FAQ
1. What is a citrus peeler?
A citrus peeler is a gadget that makes it simple to remove the peels from oranges or any other citrus fruit you want to consume or utilize the skin, such as lemon or tangerines. Some peelers are built with other kitchen or home bar tools like a citrus zester, and they are usually narrow or small instruments.
2. Why do you need a citrus peeler?
A citrus peeler is a tool that makes it simple to remove the rind from citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, and others. It helps you quickly prepare the ingredients needed for your fresh juice or tasty cocktail.
3. Why are garnishes important?
Garnishes are still a hugely underappreciated part of great drinks. One of the reasons for this is that many bartenders see garnishes as ornamental, a kind of decorative element that gets thrown in at the last minute.
Citrus peelers are an essential tool for the modern cocktail hour. Not only do they make garnishing drinks easy, but with their ability to add aroma and subtle tastes - you're sure not going unnoticed!
Although it might be unapparent at first look, the presentation of a cocktail is an important part of the drinking experience. We start the encounter by preparing or ordering the cocktail, which builds anticipation. Our perceptions gradually take in all of the sensations of the process while the drink is thoughtfully produced.
4. Are citrus fruit garnishes meant to be eaten?
This is all up to you. You might or might not want to take a taste of garnishes such as citrus slices or wheels. Of course, it also depends on the garnish because sometimes only the fruit peels are used as garnishes, mainly for aesthetic and aroma purposes.
Orange and other citrus peels are not harmful yet pack a powerful flavor punch. However, while citrus peels are edible, they lack the sweetness and juiciness of the pulp. They're also tough to digest, and unless you're eating an organic orange peel, it's possible that it's coated with chemicals.
Some examples of other fruit garnishes are lime wedges, lemon slices, cherries, pineapples, cucumbers, and berries. Any excellent cocktail may be transformed into a truly fantastic drink with the creativity, effort, and attention that goes into selecting and making a garnish.
Conclusion
Citrus peelers are a must-have for any cocktail lover or home bartender. They make it easy to get the perfect peel every time, and they can add an extra level of complexity and sophistication to your drinks.
We hope our list of the best citrus peelers on the market has given you some ideas about which one might be perfect for your needs.
This OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler is the best citrus peeler on this list. It has a big, non-slip handle and includes built-in blemish remover for those hard to remove skins! This tool also works well with vegetables like potatoes or apples because of it's rotating blade design that makes trimming easier without damaging your produce’s surface layer.
Named one of the best kitchen gadgets for garnishing drinks, the Triangle Germany U-Shape Channel Knife can slice through rounds with ease. With its sharp blades and ergonomic handle shape it's perfect to use when makingparagraphs or curved strips that are easy on your hands!
Another noteworthy peeler is the HIC Harold Import Co. 4-in-1 Citrus Peeler, which is a multifunctional kitchen tool that's made from Japanese stainless steel and can resist corrosion to keep it looking good for years!
Among the peelers above, which one will you choose for garnishing your next cocktail? We’d love to hear from you!
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