Whether you're an apple-a-day kind of person or an avid baker, an apple slicer can simplify the chopping process and help you create perfectly-even apple slices for your afternoon snack or baking efforts. Below, we're explaining everything you need to know about the handy kitchen gadget and rounding up the best apple slicers of 2021.
What is an apple slicer?
As you'd expect, apple slicers (also called apple dividers or apple corers) are designed to easily core and slice apples with minimal effort to create nice little apple slices. While the average apple slicer will divide your apple into eight wedges, some thin apple slicers are designed to segment them into twelve to sixteen thin slices apples instead.
Never tried the handy kitchen gadget? Let's take a look at a few benefits of using an apple slicer to core and slice everyone's favorite afternoon snack:
- No Knife Required— With an apple slicer, there's no need for knives as they have slicing blades, making them an excellent choice for kids and those with limited hand mobility. This makes an apple slicer a quick and safe way to easily core and slice an apple.
- Saves Times— Apple slicers can help speed up the chopping process when slicing large quantities of fruit for applesauce, apple pie, apple crisp, and kids' game day snacks.
- Easy Clean-Up— Most apple slicers on the market today can be tossed in the dishwasher when you're finished, making clean-up a breeze.
- Perfect Slices Every Time— Using an apple slicer to chop ensures all the slices are the exact same size. Not only does this make for a satisfying cutting experience, but it also ensures they look identical and cook evenly.
- Easy to Sharpen— Over time, the blades on your apple slicer may get a bit dull. The good news is, they can easily be sharpened with a regular steel knife sharpener.
How to Use Apple Slicers To Get Nice Apple Slices
Using an apple slicer is incredibly quick and easy, especially with symmetrical medium apples. Larger apples and unevenly-shaped fruit may need to be touched up with a paring knife afterward to ensure all of the core has been removed. Here's how to use an apple slicer in just three easy steps:
- Align the apple slicer so that the central coring ring is directly above the apple core.
- Simply push down, applying even pressure on both sides to ensure you slice straight down and not at an angle.
- Remove the apple slices and discard the cores. Touch up any remaining imperfections using a paring knife.
It's important to note that while using an apple slicer doesn't require a knife, the blades are sharp and can still cause injury. Be sure to keep your fingers clear from the slicing blades and supervise children while they use the tool. For added safety, look for a slicer with a protective cover for safe storage.
What is the best apple slicer?
The best products are made from 100% stainless steel with ergonomic handles, sharp blades, and a dishwasher-friendly design when it comes to apple slicers. Here are a few of the best apple slicers and corers on the market in 2021:
Rösle Stainless Steel Apple Slicer and Corer
Best Overall
This sleek Rösle Stainless Steel Apple Slicer and Corer is designed and engineered in Germany from 18/10 stainless steel. The wide handle makes it easy to apply even pressure as you push, ensuring perfect 8 thin apple slices every time. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe and features a hole for easy hanging in open kitchen storage systems. In addition to their best-selling apple slicer and corer, Rösle offers other handy kitchen gadgets like a fruit corer, pineapple corer and cutter, and a convenient grapefruit paring knife.
Highlights
- Material: 18/10 Stainless steel
- 8 thin apple slicer every time
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomics design
- Lifetime warranty
Widgeteer Apple Time Apple Divider
Worth the Splurge
The Widgeteer Apple Time Apple Divider boasts a simple, straightforward design that makes it an ideal addition to any kitchen. Its traditional design divides the apple into eight perfect slices, simultaneously removing the core. The plastic-free apple slicer is made with stainless steel blades that are easy to sharpen and 100% dishwasher safe.
Highlights
- Material: 18/10 stainless steel
- 8 thin apple slicer
- Dishwasher safe
- 5 year limited warranty
Savor Living Stainless Steel Thin Apple Slicer
Best Thin Apple Slicer
Looking for an apple slicer combo that can create thinner slices? Try this Stainless Steel Thin Apple Slicer from Savor Living. The extra-sharp blades divide your apple into twelve thin slices— unlike standard-sized apple slicers that cut the fruit into eight thick wedges. It's designed with additional welding points, a sturdy central corer ring, and comfortable handles for increased durability and control during cutting. Plus, it comes complete with a handy cleaning brush for easy clean-up when you're finished slicing.
Highlights
- Material: Stainless steel
- 12 thin apple slicer
- Extra large and suitable for 4 inches round fruits and veggies.
- Dishwasher safe
PCTC Large Apple Slicer with Ergonomic Handles
Best for Large Apples
While the average apple slicer is designed for slicing small to medium-sized apples, this Large Apple Slicer with Ergonomic Handles from PCTC is equipped to handle fruit of all sizes. Its ergonomic handles make it easy to get a secure grip and apply even pressure during cutting. Simply push the slicer down, aiming at the core, and twist slightly at the bottom to release the sixteen thin slices from the core. The food-grade stainless steel is durable, rust-resistant, and can be tossed right in the dishwasher.
Highlights
- Material: 304 zinc alloy stainless steel
- 16 thin apple slicer
- Extra large and suitable for 4 inches round fruits and vegetables.
- Dishwasher safe
If you're someone who loves to bake apple pies, crisps, and other fruit-filled desserts, you'll need a reliable apple slicer that can withstand frequent use. This durable Heavy-Duty Commercial Apple Corer and Divider from New Star Food Service is made from dishwasher-safe stainless steel with a non-stick finish. Its oversized handles provide maximum comfort and control during slicing, helping to prevent hand and wrist fatigue.
Highlights
- Material: stainless steel
- 8 thin apple slicer
- Stainless steel blades glide easily through tough skin fruits
- Dishwasher safe
- Extra large handles for comfort and control
- Include storage cover
Pampered Chef Stainless Steel Apple Wedger, Slicer, and Corer
Easiest to Use, Clean, and Store
Pampered Chef is one of the most trusted names in kitchen products, so it should come as no surprise that their apple slicer is one of the most reliable on the market. The traditional stainless steel slicer offers a quick and safe way to slice apples, pears, and other fruits with just one push. Plus, the innovative design comes with a convenient plastic cap to cover the blades during storage, keeping the blades sharp and your fingers nick-free.
Highlights
- Material: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- 10 thin apple slicer with 3 5/8" cutting diameter
- Includes storage cover
- Dishwasher safe
What else can you use an apple slicer for?
While apple slicers are ideal for segmenting apples, they can also be used to cut other fruit and vegetables. Here are a few of the other ways you can use an apple slicer:
Pears and Other Fruits
Apple slicers are incredibly effective at slicing and coring pears for snacks, salad toppings, charcuterie boards, and brunches. To core and slice pears and other fruit, use the tool the exact same way as you would slice an apple: pop the apple under the blades and press down with even pressure.
Potatoes
Your apple slicer can also be used to slice potatoes into perfect wedges for oven-roasting or frying. Not only will the handy tool speed up the chopping process, but it'll also create uniform slices that cook more evenly.
Onions
If slicing onions always irritates your eyes, try speeding up the process by using your apple slicer to divide the onion into thick, wedge-like slices. The large slices can be cooked as is in stir-fries, fajitas, and kebabs or quickly chopped into smaller pieces.
Mozzarella Balls
Your apple slicer and corer are also great at dividing a fresh mozzarella ball into perfectly even segments for pasta, salads, appetizers, and more without making a mess.
