Your kitchen drawer of gadgets and goodies isn’t truly complete without an apple corer.
The best apple corer saves users time and energy by separating an apple’s delicious, juicy parts from its tough center.
This product is an absolute must-have for apple lovers, but the tool is more versatile than its name suggests.
Keep reading to learn about our six picks for best apple corers for your kitchen!
Our Top Picks for Best Apple Corer
Best Overall:
Apple Corer by Zulay
Best Budget Option:
Barrel Handle Apple Corer by Cuisinart
Best for Safety:
Thin Apple Slicer and Corer by Prepworks by Progressive
Best Multi-functional Tool:
Corer, Slicer and Pie Maker by Johnny Apple Peeler
Best Overall
Apple Corer by Zulay
Earning our top spot for the best apple corer is the Apple Corer by Zulay—and this recognition is much deserved. Customers say you can’t go wrong with having this apple corer in your home kitchen. It’s a device that’s easy to use and easier to clean, and as an added benefit, you can choose from 18 colors!
This apple corer is made from durable stainless steel and features a robust ergonomic handle. The handle is comfortable to hold, so it can be used by people of all ages, including older folks and those with arthritic hands or carpal tunnel syndrome. Its sharp, serrated blades will not easily bend or break, so you can confidently core your apples. To boot, it’s also used as a pitter and seed remover.
One of the extra benefits is that it’s a breeze to clean. When you’re finished using this apple corer, press the lever and discard or compost unwanted bits. Because it’s 100% rust-proof, you can also put it in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Stainless-steel construction
- Ergonomic handle
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Blade jaws may not line up perfectly after repeat use
Best Budget Option
Barrel Handle Apple Corer by Cuisinart
The Barrel Handle Apple Corer by Cuisinart earns a spot on our list because it’s one of the most popular apple corers available at a lower price point. For less than the cost of a sandwich and soda, this stainless-steel apple corer is easy to use, store, and clean.
This gadget is heat-resistant up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and is fully dishwasher-safe. It has a comfortable handle grip, so you can maintain a tight and secure grasp while using it. The kitchen tool is also beautifully designed and this best apple corer makes a great housewarming gift.
Pros:
- Competitive price
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Users may need to force out the apple corer
Best for Safety
Thin Apple Slicer and Corer by Prepworks by Progressive
The Thin Apple Slicer and Corer by Prepworks by Progressive is an apple corer explicitly designed with safety in mind. A recommended choice for households with children and/or older folks–though we don’t necessarily suggest they use the device alone—the product has a base to keep the apple in place during use. Its safety cover protects fingers from making contact with the blades.
Another feature that’s especially appealing to households where sliced apples are a favorite snack is the slicer. While you can use the device to core an apple, it simultaneously cuts the fruit into 16 thin, equally-sized slices.
It’s available in four colors, so there’s a style for every kitchen, and its compact size makes for easy storage of this best apple corer.
Pros:
- Features a base to keep apple secure
- Safety cover
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Some customers say the apple slices too thin
- Possibly requires added force to slice the apples
Best Multi-Functional Corer
Corer, Slicer and Pie Maker by Johnny Apple Peeler
The Johnny Apple Peeler is a multi-use product worthy of a spot on our list. Though it’s larger and pricier than the others on our list of best apple corers, it has a few special features the others don’t have.
This product has a strong suction base to stabilize it during use, coupled with a heavy-duty cast-iron body. Users don’t have to worry about dropping it or losing their grip because this apple corer isn’t going anywhere!
In addition to coring apples, you can also use the Johnny Apple Peeler to peel and slice fruit. The stainless-steel coring and slicing blade is removable and adjustable, so you can choose the thickness of your apple slices.
One of the downsides that some users experience is difficulty with assembly and the fruit falling off the fork. If you run into any trouble using this apple corer, it carries a five-year warranty.
Pros:
- Suction base keeps product still throughout use
- Also used to peel and slice fruit
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Messier use
- Requires assembly
Best Basic Design
Good Grips Apple Corer by OXO
Earning the next spot on our list of best apple corers is the Good Grips Apple Corer by OXO. This gadget landed on our list partly because of its simplistic design—which many customers consider an asset. It is especially recommended by “America’s Test Kitchen,” a popular cooking show spanning 23 seasons.
This apple corer is made of stainless steel for precise cutting. Its large, soft, non-slip handle is comfortable and secure to use, whether it’s wet or dry. It’s dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to worry about the device rusting after a few washes.
The apple corer has a large handle hole, so you can store it inside a kitchen drawer or hang it up. It’s so easy to use, this best apple corer will have you looking forward to eating “an apple a day!”
Pros:
- Non-slip handle
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- May need additional force to use
- Some users experience bruising inside of apples after use
Best Corer & Slicer Set
Apple Corer and Apple Slicer Tool by Deiss
Because the Apple Corer and Apple Slicer Tool by Deiss set contains an apple corer and slicer as two separate tools instead of a two-in-one gadget, you can use them for different purposes. An apple corer is handy for baking, but not necessarily when combined with an apple slicer.
Both items have large non-slip, golden-yellow handles and sharp, serrated blades that won’t dull or rust. The slicer cuts an apple into eight five-inch pieces.
Small and compact, you can store these tools easily in a kitchen cabinet or drawer. To wash, simply toss it in the dishwasher. Perhaps best of all, the set has a lifetime guarantee. It’s easy to see why this is a contender for best apple corer.
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe
- Non-slip handles
- Two separate tools
Cons:
- Some customers say the plastic part that holds the metal (in the apple slicer) has broken with repeat use
Best Apple Corer Buyer’s Guide
This section covers the benefits of apple corers, including what to look for while shopping for a best apple corer, alternative uses, how to use an apple core, and frequently asked questions.
Benefits of Using An Apple Corer
The greatest benefit of using an apple corer is obvious: it’s much easier to use an apple corer specifically designed for this intent than a knife. With a knife, you certainly run the risk of injuring yourself. Though using an apple corer requires vigilance because it also has a sharp, serrated blade, it’s specially designed to core fruit.
Some products, as shown above, also offer a two-in-one apple corer and slicer, which is even more convenient if you enjoy eating sliced apples.
Some apple corers have a more family-friendly design than others. The products with this feature make it possible for kids, older folks, and those with hand weakness to slice apples on their own.
What To Look For
When selecting the best apple corer for your kitchen, there are a few factors you should consider. Here are three.
Materials
Choose an apple corer with a blade made of stainless steel. This product will be repeatedly exposed to the acidity of fruits and vegetables, so it must also be rust-proof.
Size
The size of the apples you prefer, or the fruits and vegetables you’re coring, will determine the size of the apple corer you need. For smaller-sized varieties like crab apples and Macouns, stick with a small apple corer. For larger fruits like gala and red delicious, use a larger device.
Functionality
There are many kinds of apple corers on the market; the one you choose will also depend on your intended uses. If you only wish to core apples, then stick with this tool, plain and simple.
If you live in a household where sliced apples are popular, you should consider a two-in-one device to make prep easier.
If you bake with apples and/or other fruits often, you may want to use a multi-functional product or one that cores, peels, and slices apples.
Alternative Uses
Whether you purchase a multifunctional tool or not, there are a few ways you can use apple corers aside from the obvious.
In addition to coring apples, you can use this device to core other fruits and vegetables. There’s a long list of produce you can core, which includes cucumbers, guava, jalapeno, onions, pears, peppers, pineapple, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, and zucchini.
You can also use an apple corer to core cupcakes and donuts. Then, replace the cored center with sweet icing or flavorful jelly!
How To Use An Apple Corer
Depending on the texture of your fruit, it can take a bit of force to use an apple corer. Here are five steps on how to use it.
- Place the apple you are preparing to core onto a solid, smooth, and stable surface. Depending on the apple corer you use, the product may already have a base, which helps keep the fruit in place.
- Hold the apple corer in one or two hands (whichever is most comfortable) and overtop the apple. Position the apple corer in the middle of the apple over the stem.
- Use some force to push the apple corer through the apple. If this step proves difficult, try twisting the apple corer as you push down.
- When the apple corer penetrates through the bottom of the apple, lift the apple to ensure the tool is pushed all the way through. This step guarantees a clean, cored apple.
- Pull the tool out of the apple. Some tools have levers that conveniently allow you to push the core out of the tool.
Apple Corers and Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about apple corers? Here are two questions asked by customers to help you best prepare.
Can you sharpen an apple corer?
Yes, you can sharpen an apple corer using a steel knife sharpener or a sharpening knife. Over time, apple corers tend to become dull after continued use, and a sharpening tool can help you get the most bang for your buck.
What is an apple corer used for in cooking?
The most common uses of apple corers are to prepare apples for baked dishes like apple pie, pastries, or snacks like apple rings and applesauce. Apple corers are also used to add stuffing to vegetables like zucchini or to make room inside cupcakes for icing.
The Best Apple Corers to Have In Your Kitchen
Apple corers are the kind of gadget that any kitchen can benefit from. Having any one of the tools that made our best apple corers list, like the Apple Corer by Zulay, will encourage you to eat more apples—and that’s a healthy habit to get into!
You can create a true farm-to-table experience by growing your own apples! To learn how, visit our page on Apple Trees, which covers everything you need to know.