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Consisting of a cylindrical tube with sharp teeth or blades on the end, just insert the tool from the head of the pepper, twist it, and the core will come out cleanly. Finding the right one for your needs can be challenging, so we've reviewed the best pepper corers of 2024, with the FIOTOK Pepper Corer as our top pick.

Peppers can add tons of soul to any dish, helping your food stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, many of us hesitate when prepping peppers due to how messy removing the core can be. Enter pepper corers, which are specifically designed to remove the core from a pepper.

Buying Guide: Pepper Corers

In the sea of kitchen gadgets, it’s easy to forget about the humble pepper corer. This unassuming tool is essential for anyone who loves cooking with fresh peppers. Peppers are a versatile ingredient used in all sorts of dishes, from salads and stir-fries to pizzas and pasta. But unless you want to eat a mouthful of seeds, you will want to remove the core before you start cooking with them. 

Now that you know about all of the fabulous products out there, it is time to decide what kind of pepper corer you want to buy. To help you with this decision, we have created an informative guide that will answer all of your questions. Keep on reading to find the pepper corer that is perfect for your kitchen.

What is a Pepper Corer?

A pepper corer is a tool used to remove the core from pepper, which is the hard white part of the pepper attached to the stem. It can be difficult to remove without a tool designed for the job.

Pepper corers come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – a sharp cutting edge that can easily remove the core from a pepper. 

Things To Look For in Pepper Corers

Material

Pepper corers come in a variety of materials, but the most common ones are plastic, metal, and wood. It is important to consider what material your pepper corer is made of because it will affect how well the tool works and lasts.

Cheap materials such as plastic will not provide you with the same longevity as wood or metal. Metal pepper corers are usually more expensive than plastic options but are incredibly durable. Finally, wooden pepper corers are less common than plastic or metal options but offer a unique look and feel.

Warranty

Whether it be corers or any other appliance, a warranty is something that should not be ignored. A warranty is a show of faith from the company to the customer and should be considered when making any purchase. The warranty length will differ from product to product, so read the fine print before deciding.

Functionality

For corers, the primary function is to take the core out of the pepper. A lot of different factors come together to make up functionality; the size of the corer, for example, will dictate how big of pepper it can handle. If you plan on using your corer for large peppers, you will need to ensure that the one you purchase is up to the task. Additionally, some corers come with serrated edges to help cut through the tough skin of the pepper.

Shape

The shape of pepper corers can vary depending on their design, but most follow a similar basic outline. The corer will have a cylindrical body with a sharp point at one end and a handle at the other. The size of the corer will depend on the size of the pepper it is meant for the core. Some pepper corers may also have a serrated edge to help cut through the tough skin of the pepper.

Convenience

You buy utensils to make your life easier in the kitchen, which means considering convenience. Some pepper corers are small and handheld, while others are larger and require two hands. Some have a single blade to remove the core, while others have multiple blades that can remove the core in one fell swoop. 

Some people also prefer manual pepper corers to electric ones. If you have an electric pepper grinder, you may also want to consider an electric corer. These can be more convenient since they will do the work for you.

Top Picks

  • Best Overall: Fiotok Pepper Corer
  • Best Construction: Cave Tools Pepper Corer
  • Most Versatile: Newness Pepper Corer
  • Best For Beginners: Norpro Pepper Corer
  • Most Durable: I Kito Pepper Corer

Reviews

Best Overall
FIOTOK Pepper Corer

Fiotok Pepper Corer

Pros Cons
  • Blunt side to protect hands
  • Can be hung on the wall
  • Extremely easy to clean
  • Bulky for people with smaller hands
Best Construction
Cave Tools Pepper Corer

Cave Tools Pepper Corer

Pros Cons
  • Great for removing cores of small peppers 
  • Very effective coring action
  • Cleanly slices peppers without mangling them  
  • Flimsy near the handle
Most Versatile
Newness Pepper Corer

Newness Pepper Corer

Pros Cons
  • Can be used with various vegetables
  • Comes with two different blades
  • Very affordable price point
  • Plastic handle is a little fragile
Best for Beginners
Norpro Pepper Corer

Norpro Pepper Corer

Pros Cons
  • Easy to use
  • Sharp blades make cutting effortless
  • Durable stainless steel build
  • Can't reach the end without breaking peppers
Most Durable
i Kito Pepper Corer

I Kito Pepper Corer

Pros Cons
  • Can be used with vegetables
  • Comfortable easy-grip handles
  • Easy to clean and store
  • Too big for some users

FAQs

Do I need a pepper corer?
While you can cut peppers without one, a corer will make the job easier and produce more consistent results. Also, a pepper corer will protect your skin from the harmful capsaicin molecules that release when pepper is cut. Overall, we recommend investing in a good-quality corer if you cook with peppers often and want to protect your skin.
What is the best way to use a pepper corer?
Place the pepper corer on the top of the pepper, then insert it into the flesh and twist. The core should come out quickly. If it doesn't come out smoothly, try wiggling the corer slightly before twisting again. Remember to always be careful of the serrated edge on the blade. 
How do I clean a pepper corer?
Most pepper corers can be washed in the dishwasher, but it's always a good idea to read the manufacturer's instructions first. If your corer is not dishwasher-safe, simply wash it by hand with warm soapy water.
How do I de-core a pepper without a pepper corer?
A simple and effective method is to use a sharp knife to slice around the top of the pepper, cutting out the stem and attached core. Then, tap the pepper upside down to remove any loose seeds. For a more detailed approach, you can make a circular cut around the top of the pepper, then insert the knife and twist to remove the core. This technique minimizes waste and keeps the pepper intact for stuffing or other recipes that require a whole pepper.
Do I need to de-core a pepper before using it?
De-coring a pepper is an essential step before using it in most recipes. The core and seeds of a pepper can be bitter and are not typically eaten.