Peeling a kilo of potatoes, turning a courgette into noodles, slicing cucumber paper-thin for a salad: three vegetable jobs, three different tools. The right one saves time and wastes less of the vegetable. This guide explains what a peeler, a spiralizer and a mandoline each do best, how to use them safely and how to keep the blades sharp.
The short answer
- A peeler takes off the skin in thin strips and shaves ribbons: potatoes, carrots, apples, squash.
- A spiralizer turns firm vegetables into long noodles: courgette, carrot, cucumber.
- A mandoline cuts even slices at a set thickness, fast: potato for gratin, cucumber, tomato.
Most kitchens start with a good peeler and add the other two when the cooking calls for them. Here is how to choose.
The peeler: I-model or Y-model
A peeler is the tool you reach for every day. There are two classic shapes. The straight I-model works like a small knife, which suits potatoes held in the hand. The Y-model, with its blade across the top, works like a razor and suits long, wide strokes on a board. A swivel blade follows the curve of the vegetable and takes off only the skin.
- Best for: potatoes, carrots, apples, cucumber, squash, and thin ribbons of carrot or courgette for salads.
- Keep in mind: a peeler only takes off thin strips. For slices or noodles you need another tool.
The Hi Nature® Vegetable Peeler Set of 2 gives you both: an I-model and a Y-model with ultra-sharp stainless steel swivel blades and an ergonomic grip, in black or green. The green set also has a built-in potato eye remover.
The spiralizer: vegetable noodles in seconds
A spiralizer cuts a vegetable into one long spiral as you twist it against the blade, much like sharpening a pencil. A handheld spiralizer is the simple version: it fits in a drawer and rinses clean in seconds.
- Best for: courgette noodles, carrot spirals for salads and stir-fries, cucumber spirals for cold dishes.
- Keep in mind: it needs firm, fairly straight vegetables. Soft or hollow ones break instead of forming spirals.
The Hi Nature® Peeler Spiralizer is a 2-in-1 handheld tool: one end peels, the other turns courgette, carrot and cucumber into long spirals. It has stainless steel blades, a compact body and a finger guard for the last few centimetres.
The mandoline: even slices, every time
A mandoline is a flat slicer with a fixed blade. You slide the vegetable over it and every slice comes out the same thickness. Even slices cook evenly, which you notice in a gratin, homemade crisps or a tray of roasted vegetables.
- Best for: potato slices for gratin, cucumber and radish for salads, tomato for burgers, cabbage for coleslaw.
- Keep in mind: the blade is very sharp. Protect your hand every time and never rush the last piece.
The Hi Nature® Mandoline Slicer adjusts from 1 to 9 mm with a turn of the dial. The blades are built into a stainless steel body, so there are no loose inserts to lose. It stands on a non-slip base and comes with two cut-resistant safety gloves.
Peeler, spiralizer and mandoline at a glance
- Result: a peeler gives thin strips and ribbons, a spiralizer long noodles, a mandoline even slices.
- Quantity: a peeler and a handheld spiralizer suit everyday portions; a mandoline pays off with larger amounts.
- Safety: all three are sharp. A mandoline asks for the most care, so wear the gloves.
- Cleaning: all three Hi Nature® tools are dishwasher safe.
Which tool for which vegetable job?
- Peeling potatoes in the hand: peeler, I-model.
- Peeling carrots, cucumber or squash on a board: peeler, Y-model.
- Courgette noodles as a pasta swap: spiralizer.
- Potato gratin: mandoline, set to about 3 mm.
- Paper-thin cucumber or radish for a salad: mandoline on its thinnest setting.
Care and safe use: keep the blades sharp
- Rinse straight after use, before starch and peel dry onto the blade.
- Clean around the blade with a washing-up brush, not with your fingertips.
- With the mandoline, wear the cut-resistant gloves every time and set it on a dry, flat worktop.
- Store the tools so the blades do not knock against other utensils in the drawer. Blades that knock go blunt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a spiralizer and a mandoline?
A spiralizer cuts a vegetable into one long, continuous spiral, which gives you noodles. A mandoline cuts flat, even slices at a thickness you set.
Is a Y-peeler better than a straight peeler?
Neither is better: they suit different movements. A straight I-model peels like a paring knife, which is handy for potatoes held in the hand. A Y-model pulls in long strokes and is quicker on carrots, cucumber and squash.
How do I use a mandoline safely?
Set it on a dry, flat surface so the non-slip base can grip. Wear cut-resistant gloves, keep your fingers flat and away from the blade, and slice at a steady pace. When the piece gets small, stop and use the rest in a soup or stock.
Which vegetables can you spiralize?
Firm, fairly straight vegetables work best: courgette, carrot and cucumber are the classics. Trim the end flat before you start. Soft or hollow vegetables such as tomato or pepper do not hold a spiral.
Conclusion
You do not need a drawer full of gadgets, only the right tool for the job. A peeler handles the daily peeling and the odd ribbon, a spiralizer makes vegetable noodles in seconds, and a mandoline delivers even slices by the bowlful. Rinse them straight away, treat the blades with respect, and they will serve you well for a long time.
Related Products from Hi Nature®
Find the tool that fits the way you cook:
1. Vegetable Peeler Set of 2
- View the product
- I-model and Y-model peeler with ultra-sharp stainless steel swivel blades and an ergonomic grip, in black or green. Dishwasher safe. 2-year guarantee.
2. Peeler Spiralizer
- View the product
- 2-in-1 handheld peeler and spiralizer with stainless steel blades, a compact body and a finger guard. Dishwasher safe. 2-year guarantee.
3. Mandoline Slicer
- View the product
- Stainless steel mandoline with built-in blades, slice thickness adjustable from 1 to 9 mm, a non-slip base and two cut-resistant safety gloves. Dishwasher safe. 2-year guarantee.