In Praise of the Apple Corer

One of my favorite examples of good design is the apple corer. As a simple, efficient solution to a problem, it has few peers in the kitchen.

This apple corer slices an apple into eight sections while separating out the core. Just put it over the top of an apple and push down.

But wait, you say, isn’t a knife an even simpler tool: a single blade and a handle? Indeed a knife is a simpler and more versatile tool. But for sectioning an apple, it’s an inferior solution.

For a knife to achieve similar results to the apple corer, you’ll be making several slices into a wobbly apple. If you’re reasonably fast and accurate, you might get it done in 15 seconds and still have your fingers intact. Meanwhile, I will have been done in roughly 1 second, without concern for slicing flesh instead of apple.

So if you are a regular apple eater, it’s worth using the right tool for the job. When you do, savor the difference.