Kyocera says its Extra-Wide Peeler is super-efficient because of its 4-inch ceramic blade, which is great for heavy-duty peeling tasks such as the thick rinds of root vegetables, papayas and melons. Does it live up to its description? Yes. Is it easy to use? Well, that depends.
An inexperienced peeler (like me) has to get used to maneuvering the wide blade around produce larger than a carrot, apple or potato, and I nicked my nails a couple of times. For the experienced peeler (my uncle), it was a dream. He had reservations, but after using it he was excited to peel … anything. He bought several long squash and told me, “Michelle, I’m going to use your peeler on these.”
I didn’t see what was so exciting about a peeler. Although a little bigger and smoother, it’s still a peeler, and it works like any other peeler, although I admit it does glide across the surface better than my uncle’s old metal, 2-inch peeler. But I don’t know if such fluid movement is because one peeler was newer or because Kyocera’s “one-sided blade is made from an advanced ceramic close in hardness to diamond.”
We tested Kyocera’s product on an apple, carrot, cheese and chocolate. Yep, same results as other peelers.
My uncle, eager for me to match his enthusiasm, cut a long squash in half lengthwise and told me to peel it. Holding the big squash in one hand and big peeler in the other, I soon nicked two nails. Then my auntie tried, placing the squash flat-side down on the counter and peeling away. Nails intact, she was quickly on her husband’s side. I tried it her way and found the thick green skin easily separated from the white flesh. Still, I wasn’t sold.
Then I tried peeling a tomato. Now, that was cool. Although I know my uncle was thinking, “Why would you ever need to peel a tomato?”
Pros: Versatile; works on chocolate, cheese and other items besides produce. Smooth feel. Sharp. Won’t rust.
Cons: Very sharp, so can be dangerous while getting used to it.
Does it work? Yes, very well.
Cost and availability: $17.95 on various websites
Worth it? Even my uncle said he wouldn’t get the wide peeler at that price, as he doesn’t need to peel many large items. He said he would buy Kyocera’s smaller Ceramic “Y” Peeler for $9.95. I would use the wide peeler to shave chocolate to decorate cakes, make strips of cheese for an appetizer platter or to scrape frozen flavored ice to make granita. The product is great, but its worthiness depends on your needs.
