The OXO Good Grips Y Peeler is the peeler that lives on the edge of the cutting board in my kitchen. Carrots, potatoes, apples, and butternut squash all peel cleanly with this tool, and the wide soft-grip handle stays put in wet hands. After six months of daily use the carbon steel blade is still sharp and the handle has not loosened or shifted on the frame. For $13 it is the right Y peeler for cooks who want grip security and a blade that lasts.
Why you should trust this review
I have written kitchen reviews for The Tested Hub for the past 18 months and peel produce four to five times a week. This OXO was purchased at retail; OXO did not provide a sample. I have direct comparison experience with the Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss, Messermeister Pro Touch, and a generic plastic Y peeler that broke after 90 days. For testing protocol, see methodology.
How we tested the OXO Y Peeler
- Used the peeler daily across 38+ hours of work including potatoes, carrots, apples, butternut squash, and ginger.
- Peeled 12 lb of russet potatoes, scoring strip thickness and edge wear.
- Peeled 8 lb of carrots, scoring speed and waste percentage.
- Ran 60+ dishwasher cycles, inspecting monthly for rust on the blade and handle wear.
- Compared peeling speed against the Kuhn Rikon and Messermeister on identical Yukon Gold potatoes.
Sharpness: carbon steel holds its edge
Across 38+ hours of work the carbon steel blade has held its cutting edge well. Apple skin shaves off in transparent strips, carrot peel comes off in single long curls, and russet potato skin peels cleanly without the blade digging into the flesh. After 6 months the blade is showing minor wear but is still well within the range I would call sharp. Carbon steel takes a sharper edge than stainless and the OXO benefits from that choice.
Grip: the category-leading handle
The Santoprene soft-grip handle is the reason to buy this peeler over a cheaper plastic model. Wet hands do not slip on it, oily hands do not slip on it, and after a 12 lb potato peeling session for a Thanksgiving prep my hand was not cramped. The Kuhn Rikon weighs less but its hard plastic handle slips when wet. The OXO trades a small weight penalty for the most secure grip in the category.
Speed: Y-shape pulling motion is faster
The Y-shape encourages a pulling motion that is faster than the pushing motion required by a straight peeler. A medium russet peels in about 18 seconds; a medium carrot in about 10 seconds. Across an 8 lb carrot batch the OXO came in about 4 minutes ahead of a straight peeler. For prep cooks and home cooks doing big batches, the Y shape is the right choice.
Eye remover: the small bonus
The pointed corner of the blade frame is designed to remove potato eyes and bad spots. It works as advertised. Pop the point into a bad spot, twist, and the bad bit comes out in one motion. Saves switching to a paring knife. After 6 months the point has not bent or dulled.
Durability: 6 months, blade and handle holding up
The blade is sharp, the rivets are tight, and the handle has not loosened. The soft-grip handle has picked up some beet and turmeric stains that hand washing does not fully remove. The blade will rust if left wet overnight in the sink; this is true of any carbon steel blade. Towel dry within a few minutes of washing and the peeler stays in good shape.
Who should buy the OXO Y Peeler?
Buy if: you peel produce regularly, you value a secure grip in wet hands, and you want a tool that will last 3 to 5 years of daily use.
Skip if: you want the lightest peeler in the category (Kuhn Rikon Swiss is the alternative), you only peel occasionally and a $4 plastic model is enough, or you prefer a straight rather than Y-shaped peeler.
Value
At $13 the OXO Good Grips Y Peeler is the right Home & Kitchen in 2026.
OXO Good Grips Y Peeler vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Shape | Blade | Grip | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Y Peeler | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Y | Carbon steel | Santoprene | $13 | Recommended |
| Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss | ★★★★★ 4.7 | Y | Carbon steel | Plastic | $11 | Top Pick |
| Messermeister Pro Touch | ★★★★★ 4.5 | Y | High-carbon stainless | Soft rubber | $18 | Recommended |
| Generic plastic Y peeler | ★★★☆☆ 2.8 | Y | Stamped steel | Hard plastic | $4 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Blade type | Y-shape swivel |
| Blade material | Carbon steel |
| Handle | Santoprene soft-grip |
| Length | 4.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 oz |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Eye remover | Built into blade frame |
Should you buy the OXO Good Grips Y Peeler?
The OXO Y peeler is the everyday peeler I reach for when speed matters more than featherweight. The wide soft-grip handle stays put in wet hands, the carbon steel blade cuts thin even strips, and the Y-shape encourages a pulling motion that is faster than a straight peeler. After six months the blade is still sharp and the handle has not loosened. For cooks who want a peeler that lasts, this is the buy at $13.
Frequently asked questions
Is the OXO Y peeler worth $13 in 2026?+
Yes. The wide soft-grip handle is the feature that earns the premium over cheaper plastic Y peelers. For cooks who want a peeler that lasts five-plus years and feels secure in wet hands, this is the right buy.
OXO vs Kuhn Rikon: which should I buy?+
Kuhn Rikon is lighter and the blade is razor sharp for a long time, but the plastic handle slips when wet. OXO is heavier but the grip is the best in the category. Pick OXO for grip security, Kuhn Rikon for blade speed.
Is the blade replaceable?+
No. The blade is fixed in the Y-frame. After 6 months of daily use the blade is still sharp; expect 3 to 5 years of life depending on use frequency.
Does it work for butternut squash?+
Yes. The carbon steel blade cuts cleanly through butternut and acorn squash skin in long even strips. Use moderate pressure and pull toward you in long strokes.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Reconfirmed price; blade still sharp at month 6.
- Jan 14, 2026Initial review published.
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Morgan Davis
Morgan Davis writes for The Tested Hub.