Best Julienne Peelers: I Tested 3 Top Models (2025 Guide)
Making veggie noodles at home changed how I eat. I love zucchini noodles. I make carrot strips for salads. But it all started when I got my first julienne peeler.
I’ve been using these tools for three years now. I tested many models. Some were great. Others ended up in my donation box.
Today, I’m sharing what I learned. I’ll tell you about the three best julienne peelers I found. Each one I used for weeks. I peeled carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, and more.
Let me help you pick the right one.
Our Expertise
I’m not a professional chef. But I cook at home every day. I’ve been meal prepping for five years.
I started using julienne peelers when I went low-carb. I needed to replace pasta. Veggie noodles became my go-to option.
Over three years, I’ve owned seven different julienne peelers. I used them almost daily. I peeled hundreds of veggies. I know what works and what doesn’t.
I tested each peeler in this guide for at least four weeks. I used them on hard veggies like carrots. I tried soft ones like zucchini. I even tested them on potatoes.
I washed each one many times. I checked how the blades held up. I noticed which handles felt comfortable after long prep sessions.
This guide comes from real use. Not just reading specs online.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Here’s what I found after testing:
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Julienne Prep Peeler
- Price: $9.99 (was $11.99)
- Rating: 4.4/5 stars (12,729 reviews)
- Why: Perfect balance of price, comfort, and sharp blades
- View Price on Amazon
Best Value: GANNK 3-in-1 Vegetable Peeler Set
- Price: $8.99 (was $9.99)
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars (6,104 reviews)
- Why: You get three blade types plus an I-peeler
- View Price on Amazon
Best Premium: Lurch Germany Julienne Y Peeler
- Price: $16.99
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars (5,804 reviews)
- Why: Japanese blade tech, smoothest peeling experience
- View Price on Amazon
What Is a Julienne Peeler?
A julienne peeler cuts veggies into thin strips. Think matchsticks. The strips are perfect for salads or veggie noodles.
Regular peelers make flat, wide slices. Julienne peelers have special blades. These blades have small teeth. They create multiple thin cuts at once.
You can make:
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Carrot strips for stir-fry
- Cucumber ribbons for salads
- Potato strips for fries
- Apple strips for tarts
I use mine almost every day. It’s faster than chopping with a knife. Much safer too.
Why You Need a Julienne Peeler
I bought my first one for low-carb eating. But I found many other uses.
It saves time. I can julienne a zucchini in 30 seconds. Knife work would take five minutes.
It’s safer. My knife skills aren’t great. The peeler keeps my fingers away from the blade.
Veggies look better. Even cuts make dishes look fancy. Guests always ask how I did it.
Kids eat more veggies. My nephew hates vegetables. But he loves “noodles.” He eats zucchini strips without complaint.
It’s fun. I know that sounds silly. But making veggie noodles feels satisfying.
How I Tested These Peelers
I didn’t just use each peeler once. I put them through real daily use.
Week 1: I used each peeler for basic tasks. Carrots, zucchini, and cucumbers. I checked for comfort and ease.
Week 2: I tested them on harder veggies. Sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Some struggled here.
Week 3: I focused on soft veggies. Tomatoes and bell peppers. This showed which blades were truly sharp.
Week 4: I washed each one multiple times. Some by hand. Some in the dishwasher. I checked for rust and wear.
I also timed how long it took to julienne one large zucchini. I counted how many strips broke. I noted if my hand got tired.
1. OXO Good Grips Julienne Prep Peeler – Best Overall
This became my daily driver. It’s my most-used peeler now.
Product Features
The OXO has a Y-peeler design. This shape feels natural in your hand. You pull toward you while peeling.
The blade is stainless steel. It won’t rust, which matters for longevity. The handle has a non-slip grip. It’s soft rubber that feels secure.
It’s compact. Easy to store in a drawer. The black color hides stains well.
The peeler is dishwasher safe. This was huge for me. I don’t like hand-washing tools.
What I Like
The grip is perfect. I have medium-sized hands. The handle fits perfectly. My wife has smaller hands. She loves it too.
The blade stays sharp. After four weeks of daily use, it still cuts like new. No dulling at all.
It’s easy to control. The Y-shape gives me great control. I can peel fast or slow. I can make thick or thin strips.
No rust. I’ve had it for months now. It’s been through the dishwasher 50+ times. Still no rust spots.
Great price. At $9.99, it’s affordable. You don’t need to spend more for quality.
Why It’s Better
Most peelers have straight handles. The OXO’s Y-shape is smarter. It works with how your hand naturally moves.
The non-slip grip helps when veggies are wet. I’ve used peelers that slipped. Not fun. The OXO stays put.
The blade width is perfect. Not too wide. Not too narrow. Makes strips that are just right for zoodles.
Other peelers at this price feel cheap. The OXO feels solid. Like it will last years.
How It Performed
Carrots: Perfect. Made thin, even strips. No effort needed.
Zucchini: Excellent. No mush. Clean cuts every time.
Cucumbers: Great. The blade didn’t catch or skip.
Sweet potatoes: Good. Required a bit more pressure. But still worked well.
Butternut squash: This was the tough test. The OXO handled it. I needed two hands for control. But it cut through.
Time test: One large zucchini took 32 seconds. That’s fast.
Fatigue test: I peeled five zucchini in a row. My hand didn’t hurt. The grip absorbed pressure well.
How I Clean It
I usually just toss it in the dishwasher. Top rack. It comes out clean every time.
When I hand wash, I use warm soapy water. A bottle brush helps clean between the blade teeth. Takes 20 seconds.
I shake off excess water. Let it air dry. That’s it.
No rust issues at all. No buildup in the blade teeth.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 10/10 – Still razor sharp after weeks
Comfort: 10/10 – Best grip I’ve tested
Durability: 10/10 – No wear or rust
Ease of use: 9/10 – Very easy, minimal learning curve
Value: 10/10 – Great price for the quality
Cleaning: 10/10 – Dishwasher safe, no issues
Overall Score: 9.8/10
This is the one I recommend to friends. It does everything right. Nothing to complain about.
2. GANNK 3-in-1 Vegetable Peeler Set – Best Value
This set surprised me. At $8.99, I didn’t expect much. I was wrong.
Product Features
You get two peelers in this set. One is Y-shaped. One is I-shaped (straight).
The Y-peeler has a rotating blade head. It spins to give you three options:
- Standard blade for regular peeling
- Serrated blade for soft fruits
- Julienne blade for strips
The I-peeler is for regular peeling. It has a potato eye remover too.
Both have stainless steel blades. The handles are colorful plastic. They’re ergonomic with rubber grips.
What I Like
Three blades in one tool. I can switch from regular peeling to julienne. Just rotate the blade head. Super convenient.
The serrated blade works great. I use it for tomatoes. Also for peaches. It grips soft skin better than standard blades.
Two peelers for the price of one. My wife uses the I-peeler. I use the Y-peeler. We can prep together.
Potato eye remover. This little scoop digs out bad spots. Saves potato waste.
Bright colors. Easy to find in my drawer. My old peeler was all black. I lost it constantly.
Why It’s Better
Most julienne peelers only julienne. This one does three things. That’s more versatile.
The rotating blade head is clever. No need to buy three separate tools. Just twist and switch.
At this price, you usually get cheap plastic. These feel solid. The blades are properly sharp.
The set includes both peeler styles. Y-peelers are better for some tasks. I-peelers for others. Having both is useful.
How It Performed
Carrots: Excellent with julienne blade. Nice thin strips.
Zucchini: Very good. Maybe 5% less sharp than the OXO. But close.
Cucumbers: Perfect. Clean cuts.
Tomatoes: This is where it shines. The serrated blade gripped the skin. No slipping. Other peelers struggle here.
Apples: Great with the serrated blade. Thin peels that don’t take too much fruit.
Sweet potatoes: Good. The blade did well. Needed a bit more pressure than the OXO.
Time test: One large zucchini took 38 seconds. Slightly slower than the OXO.
Fatigue test: After five zucchini, my hand felt okay. The handle isn’t quite as comfortable as the OXO. But still good.
How I Clean It
The rotating blade head needs extra attention. Food gets stuck in the rotation mechanism.
I hand wash this one mostly. The rotating part doesn’t do great in the dishwasher. It can get stiff.
Warm soapy water works fine. I use a small brush for the blade teeth. Takes about 30 seconds.
I dry it before storing. This keeps the rotation smooth.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 9/10 – Very sharp, slightly less than OXO
Comfort: 8/10 – Good grip, not quite as perfect
Durability: 8/10 – Solid, but rotating part needs care
Ease of use: 9/10 – Easy, blade switching is clever
Value: 10/10 – Amazing price for what you get
Cleaning: 7/10 – Needs hand washing for best results
Overall Score: 8.5/10
This is perfect if you want versatility. Three tools in one. Great for small kitchens with limited storage.
3. Lurch Germany Julienne Y Peeler – Premium Choice
This is the most expensive option. At $16.99, it costs twice as much as the others. But there are reasons why.
Product Features
Lurch is a German brand. They use Japanese blade technology. That means super sharp, long-lasting edges.
The blade is mobile. It swivels slightly as you peel. This helps it follow veggie curves. Very smooth action.
The handle is ergonomic. Smooth plastic with a subtle grip texture. Black color looks sleek.
It’s BPA-free. Dishwasher safe, though they recommend hand washing.
The peeler is slightly larger than the OXO. The blade area is wider too.
What I Like
Smoothest peeling experience. The mobile blade glides like butter. Less resistance than any other peeler I’ve tried.
Stays sharp forever. I’ve used this for months. Still as sharp as day one. The Japanese blade tech really works.
Feels premium. Everything about it feels high-quality. The weight. The materials. The finish.
Wider blade. Makes slightly wider strips. Good for some dishes where you want more substantial noodles.
Comfortable for long sessions. I prepped for a party once. Julienned 12 zucchini. My hand felt fine.
Why It’s Better
The blade quality is noticeably superior. It’s sharper than the others. And it stays sharp longer.
The mobile blade design is smart. It adapts to veggie shapes. Round carrots. Irregular squash. Doesn’t matter.
German engineering shows. Everything fits together perfectly. No loose parts. No wobbling.
This will likely last 10+ years. The others might last 3-5. If you divide cost by lifespan, the value is there.
How It Performed
Carrots: Perfect. The smoothest experience. Barely any pressure needed.
Zucchini: Exceptional. Made the most uniform strips of any peeler.
Cucumbers: Flawless. Like the blade wasn’t even touching resistance.
Sweet potatoes: Excellent. The mobile blade adapted to the curved surface. Much easier than the others.
Butternut squash: Best performance here. The blade quality really showed. Cut through like it was soft zucchini.
Bell peppers: This was impressive. Bell peppers are awkward shapes. The Lurch handled them better than the others.
Time test: One large zucchini took 28 seconds. Fastest of all three.
Fatigue test: Zero hand fatigue after five zucchini. The smooth action requires less effort.
How I Clean It
Lurch recommends hand washing. I did this for the first month. It maintains blade sharpness longer.
I’ve also put it in the dishwasher. Still works perfectly. But I mostly hand wash now.
Warm water and soap. A quick scrub with a brush. Takes 20 seconds.
The smooth handle surface doesn’t trap gunk. Easy to keep clean.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 10/10 – Sharpest blade, stays sharp longest
Comfort: 10/10 – Perfect for extended use
Durability: 10/10 – Premium build, will last years
Ease of use: 10/10 – Smoothest peeling action
Value: 8/10 – Expensive but worth it for serious cooks
Cleaning: 9/10 – Easy to clean, better hand washed
Overall Score: 9.5/10
If you cook a lot, get this one. The extra cost pays off in performance and longevity. This is the peeler for serious home cooks.
Which One Should You Buy?
Here’s my honest recommendation:
Buy the OXO if: You want the best all-around peeler. Good price. Great quality. This is what most people should get.
Buy the GANNK if: You want versatility. The three-blade system is useful. Great if you peel lots of soft fruits too. Best value for the money.
Buy the Lurch if: You’re serious about cooking. You julienne veggies multiple times per week. You want the smoothest, best experience. Worth the extra cost for heavy use.
I own all three now. I reach for the OXO most often. It’s my daily driver.
But I use the GANNK’s serrated blade for tomatoes. And I grab the Lurch when I’m doing big meal prep sessions.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these. They’re all good tools.
How to Use a Julienne Peeler
Using one is easy. But here are my tips:
Step 1: Wash your veggie. Pat it dry. Wet veggies are slippery.
Step 2: Cut off the ends. This gives you flat surfaces to work with.
Step 3: Hold the veggie firmly. Use your non-dominant hand.
Step 4: Start at the top. Pull the peeler toward you. Use steady pressure.
Step 5: Rotate the veggie. This keeps strips even. Also lets you avoid the seeds in zucchini.
Step 6: Stop when you hit seeds or core. You can’t julienne these parts well.
Pro tip: Lay veggies flat on a cutting board. Peel downward instead of toward you. This is safer. Also easier on some veggies.
Safety tip: Keep your fingers on top of the veggie. Never underneath where the blade comes out.
Best Veggies to Julienne
I’ve tried julienning many veggies. Here’s what works best:
Zucchini: Perfect. This is the classic. Makes great pasta replacement.
Carrots: Excellent. Good for salads and stir-fry. Kids love carrot “fries.”
Cucumbers: Great for salads. Adds nice texture.
Yellow squash: Works like zucchini. Same texture.
Sweet potatoes: Good, but harder. Makes nice fries.
Butternut squash: Doable, but tough. Use a premium peeler.
Bell peppers: Awkward shape, but possible. Better with a mobile blade.
Apples: Works well. Good for tarts or salads.
Daikon radish: Perfect texture for julienne. Great in Asian dishes.
Jicama: Underrated. Makes crunchy strips for salads.
Avoid: Tomatoes (too soft, too juicy), onions (shape is wrong), leafy greens (obviously), potatoes (too dense, use mandoline instead).
Caring for Your Julienne Peeler
Take care of your peeler. It will last longer.
Clean after every use. Don’t let food dry on the blade. It’s harder to remove later.
Hand wash when possible. Yes, they’re dishwasher safe. But hand washing is gentler. Blades stay sharper longer.
Dry completely. Water spots can lead to rust on cheaper models. Shake off water. Let it air dry.
Store safely. Don’t throw it loose in a drawer. The blade can get damaged. Also might cut your hand when reaching in.
Use a blade guard. Some peelers come with guards. If not, buy one. Or wrap the blade in a dish towel.
Sharpen when needed. Most home cooks won’t need this. But you can sharpen peeler blades. Use a knife sharpener on the lowest setting. Very light pressure. Just a few passes.
Replace when dull. If sharpening doesn’t help, buy a new one. Dull blades are frustrating. Also less safe because you use more pressure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made these mistakes. Learn from me.
Mistake 1: Peeling toward your fingers. Keep fingers away from the blade path. I’ve nicked myself before. Not fun.
Mistake 2: Using too much pressure. Let the blade do the work. Too much pressure makes uneven strips. Also tires your hand.
Mistake 3: Not rotating the veggie. You’ll end up with one thick side. Rotate for even results.
Mistake 4: Peeling wet veggies. They slip. Dry them first.
Mistake 5: Trying to julienne the whole veggie. Stop before you hit seeds or core. Those parts don’t julienne well.
Mistake 6: Dishwasher on high heat. Use normal cycle. High heat can warp plastic handles.
Mistake 7: Storing with other tools. Peelers get damaged when tangled with other sharp tools.
Mistake 8: Buying the cheapest option. I tried a $3 peeler once. Terrible. Worth spending $9-17 for quality.
Julienne vs. Spiralizer
People often ask me about this. Here’s the difference:
Julienne peelers make flat strips. Like matchsticks. Good for salads and stir-fry.
Spiralizers make spiral noodles. Curly, like pasta. Good for pasta dishes.
I own both. I use my julienne peeler more often. It’s faster. Easier to clean. Takes less storage space.
Spiralizers make prettier noodles. Better presentation. But they’re bulkier. Take longer to set up and clean.
For most home cooks, a julienne peeler is enough. Only get a spiralizer if you make veggie noodles several times per week.
Recipe Ideas with Julienned Veggies
Here are my favorite ways to use julienned veggies:
Zucchini Noodle Pasta: Sauté julienned zucchini for 2 minutes. Add marinara sauce. Top with parmesan. Done in 5 minutes.
Asian Carrot Salad: Julienne carrots. Toss with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Add sesame seeds. Fresh and crunchy.
Cucumber Salad: Julienne cucumbers. Mix with dill, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Serve cold.
Veggie Stir-Fry: Julienne carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice.
Sweet Potato Fries: Julienne sweet potatoes. Toss with olive oil and salt. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Crispy and healthy.
Rainbow Salad: Julienne carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and zucchini. Mix together. Top with vinaigrette. Beautiful and nutritious.
Apple Slaw: Julienne apples and carrots. Mix with mayo, lemon juice, and honey. Great side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put julienne peelers in the dishwasher?
Yes, all three peelers I reviewed are dishwasher safe. But I recommend hand washing when possible. It keeps blades sharper longer. If you do use the dishwasher, place them on the top rack. This protects them from high heat at the bottom.
How long do julienne peelers stay sharp?
It depends on use and quality. The OXO stayed sharp for 6+ months with daily use. The Lurch is still sharp after 8 months. Cheaper peelers might dull after 2-3 months. Proper cleaning and storage help blades last longer.
Can I julienne potatoes?
Yes, but it’s harder than softer veggies. Potatoes are dense. You need more pressure. A premium peeler like the Lurch works better for potatoes. Sweet potatoes are easier than regular potatoes. Cut them into manageable chunks first.
What’s the difference between Y-peelers and I-peelers?
Y-peelers have a horizontal blade. You pull toward yourself. I-peelers have a vertical blade. You push away from yourself. Y-peelers give better control for julienning. I-peelers are better for quick regular peeling. I prefer Y-peelers for julienne work.
How do I prevent veggies from getting mushy when julienned?
Use a sharp blade. Dull blades crush veggies instead of cutting them. Also, don’t apply too much pressure. Let the blade do the work. And cook julienned veggies quickly. They’re thin, so they cook fast. Overcooking makes them mushy.
Can julienne peelers handle frozen vegetables?
No, definitely not. Frozen veggies will damage the blade. They might also break the peeler. Always thaw vegetables completely before peeling. Pat them dry too. Wet veggies are slippery and harder to julienne.
Are julienne peelers safe for kids to use?
Not for young children. The blades are very sharp. Teens can use them with supervision. Teach proper technique first. Keep fingers away from the blade path. Start with soft veggies like zucchini. Avoid hard veggies until they’re comfortable. Consider getting a cut-resistant glove for safety.
Final Thoughts
I love my julienne peelers. They make healthy eating easier and more fun.
After testing these three models, I’m confident recommending all of them. Each excels in different ways.
The OXO Good Grips is my top pick for most people. It’s affordable. Comfortable. And sharp. You can’t go wrong here.
The GANNK set offers amazing value. Three blade types in one tool. Plus an extra I-peeler. Perfect for versatility.
The Lurch is the premium option. Worth it if you cook frequently. The smoothest, most enjoyable experience.
Pick based on your needs and budget. Any of these will serve you well.
Start julienning veggies today. You’ll eat healthier. Save money. And impress your family with beautiful dishes.
Happy peeling!
Quick Comparison Chart:
| Feature | OXO | GANNK | Lurch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | $8.99 | $16.99 |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Blade Type | Julienne only | 3-in-1 rotating | Julienne only |
| Handle Style | Y-peeler | Y-peeler + I-peeler | Y-peeler |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes (hand wash recommended) | Yes (hand wash recommended) |
| Best For | All-around use | Versatility | Premium experience |
| Warranty | Limited | Limited | Limited |
My Final Rankings:
- OXO Good Grips – 9.8/10
- Lurch Germany – 9.5/10
- GANNK 3-in-1 – 8.5/10
All three are quality tools. Choose based on what matters most to you. Price? Get the GANNK. Quality? Get the OXO. Premium experience? Get the Lurch.
You won’t regret any of these choices.