Peelers, graters and choppers

Find professional-quality peelers, graters and choppers at great value in the Hiperchef catalogue. These are the tools used most in any kitchen, the ones chefs reach for again and again during service, which is why choosing a good model makes an immediate difference: it cuts better, lasts longer, doesn't rust and doesn't strain your wrist. We have standard peelers, julienne peelers, flat and drum graters, manual choppers, electric choppers and all the specific tools for preparing vegetables, fruit, cheese and spices.

Types of peelers, graters and choppers

Every cutting job has its tool. Peeling a carrot, shaving Parmesan cheese, chopping parsley or blitzing a sofrito call for different mechanisms and blades. That's why here you'll find complete ranges, not just single pieces.

Manual peelers and julienne peelers

The swivel-blade manual peeler is still the fastest, safest tool for peeling small items: potatoes, carrots, apples, courgettes. Models with a Y-blade are the favourites in catering thanks to their sturdy grip and speed. For decorative julienne cuts, peelers with a serrated blade produce fine strips of vegetables in seconds, ideal for salads, garnishes and plating. There are also peelers made specifically for citrus (which lift the skin without dragging up the bitter white pith) and asparagus peelers.

Kitchen graters

Graters differ mainly by blade type: microblade Microplane-style (ideal for nutmeg, hard Parmesan and citrus zest without grating the pith), medium (cheese for gratins, chocolate, ginger) and coarse (carrot, mature cheese, coconut). Four-sided box graters are very handy for home kitchens. Drum graters and Mouli-style rotary graters speed up the work considerably when you need to grate large quantities and are common in professional kitchens.

Kitchen choppers

For chopping garlic, onion, parsley or nuts, manual pull-cord or push choppers are a quick solution, with no need for a socket and very easy to clean. Rolling garlic choppers, mezzaluna herb choppers and pepper and spice mills round off the range. For larger volumes or finer chopping, electric food choppers are the way to go.

Brands specialising in cutting, peeling and grating

In this range we work with manufacturers that specialise in cutting mechanisms and take particular care over blade sharpness and the durability of the steel:

• Microplane: a world reference in microblade graters, made with photo-etching technology. Outstanding sharpness and very long life.
• Gefu: a German manufacturer with peelers, graters and choppers of careful design and high build quality.
• Westmark: a German classic for practical kitchen tools, well represented in peelers and manual processors.
• Ibili: a wide catalogue at competitive prices, with a strong presence in peelers, graters and choppers for home use.
• Lacor: a Spanish manufacturer of sturdy stainless steel tools, very much focused on catering.
• Tellier: a French specialist in food mills, drum graters and long-established professional tools.

If you need advice on choosing the right model for the food you'll be preparing, write or call us. A good many of our customers are professional kitchens that trust us for the selection we make in our catalogue.

Frequently asked questions about peelers, graters and choppers

Which peeler is better: the classic single-handle one or the Y-blade?

The Y-peeler (also called a horizontal peeler) is generally faster and more ergonomic, especially when peeling many items in a row. The classic single-handle peeler gives more control with small or curved items. Catering tends to prefer the Y model; at home it's a matter of habit.

Why does a Microplane grater cut better than a standard grater?

Microplane graters are made with the same chemical photo-etching technology used by professional woodworking tools. The result is extremely sharp microblades that shave the food rather than crushing it, so textures come out finer and lighter (especially noticeable with Parmesan and citrus zest).

Can peelers and graters be sharpened?

Generally no: once the edge goes, the most practical thing is to replace the piece. Good peelers from specialist manufacturers last years in home use and are reasonably inexpensive. Microplane-style graters keep their edge for a long time thanks to the manufacturing process.

Manual chopper or electric chopper?

For small everyday amounts (a clove of garlic, a handful of parsley, a couple of onions) the pull-cord or push manual chopper is faster, needs no socket, takes up little space and washes in an instant. For large volumes, purées, sauces or fine chopping, an electric chopper pays off.

Is a drum grater suitable for cheese and vegetables?

Yes. Drum graters normally come with several interchangeable drums: a fine one for Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, a medium one for gratin cheese or nuts, and a coarse one for carrots, courgettes or coconut. They are the favourites in pizzerias and bakeries.