Nuts are full of healthy nutrition and make great snacks to munch on instead of calorie-loaded, salted crisps, and other commercial snacks. There are many types of nuts – large and small, hard or soft shells, smooth or rough shells.
Cracking and shelling nuts is a painful but necessary chore. However, if you have the best pecan cracker with you, shelling and eating fresh nuts is quite a satisfying activity. You can enjoy these without shuddering at the thought of cracking them.
There are many brands of pecan nut crackers available on the market. To make the right choice, you should know a few things like the construction material and comfort of the device, how comfortable the handle is, and which is the right type for cracking hard-shelled nuts.
The following post addresses the relevant bits of information regarding nutcrackers so you make the right choice and enjoy every handful of shelled nuts.
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiware Good Heavy Duty Pecan Nut Cracker | 5 out of 5 | |
| Texan Nut Sheller | 5 out of 5 | |
| Hiware Heavy Duty Nut Cracker | 4.5 out of 5 | |
OXO Good Grips Slim Nut and Seafood Cracker | 4 out of 5 | ||
Anwenk Nutcracker | 4.5 out of 5 |
Our Top 10 Best Pecan Cracker in 2021
1. Hiware Good Heavy Duty Pecan Nut Cracker
Crack and shell as many nuts as you want with this single-lever, easy to operate nutcracker!
Hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, English walnuts, Brazil nuts, and all are easy to crack open with this tool. However, nuts like macadamia and black walnuts won’t be suitable for this device.
The construction of the cracker for nuts is made from sturdy and durable materials so that you don’t need to discard this anytime soon. The steel construction is nickel-plated, guaranteed to be strong from the core to the outside.
The base on which the commercial pecan cracker is mounted is made from hardwood that’s not only stable and durable but also great to look. It makes it easy to be placed on any flat surface like a kitchen counter or table.
The single-lever design is easy to operate as you just need to position the nut and bring down the lever to have the nut shelled without any mess. As the handle is wooden, it doesn’t slip and gives you a firm grip. It’s especially useful for those with arthritis or other hand conditions.
Suitable for small, medium, and large nuts, this tool is a professional-grade one used by chefs and has gained popularity among home users too.
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2. Texan Nut Sheller
If you are looking for portability in your pecan cracker, then this is the right solution for you!
Crack and shell most types of nuts while you’re watching TV or hanging out with friends in the backyard or having a solo picnic. Sometimes working with the simplest tools is the easiest and this is one of those devices.
The tempered steel construction is long-lasting and sturdy. It will stand you in good stead over repeated usage. It’s easy to operate as well as you just need to place the nut between the jaws and bring the two handles together with some pressure. The nut will come out clean from the shell from the sharp jaws!
Since the design is open, most nuts can be placed in the plier-style pecan cracker, giving you more utility. The handles are made from plastic and have been designed ergonomically to fit within your hands comfortably.
Nut cracking is a mess-free job with this tool as the plastic shield prevents the shell bits from flying in all directions. Moreover, the blades on the jaws are angled to make the whole process more manageable.
It’s a multipurpose tool because you can also use it to remove shells from crabs and lobsters. As it’s lightweight, even children can handle it easily and safely.
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3. Hiware Heavy Duty | Best Pecan Nut Cracker
An innovative product, this tool can be used for cracking nuts inside a basket-shaped hole.
Moreover, if smaller nuts are what you want to shell, you can place these outside the main hole or basket where there are ridges to hold the nuts firmly. The ridges inside the basket-shaped container also help to hold it in place. Also, this shape prevents flakes and shell bits from flying off and making a mess.
There is a spring placed strategically in this device that makes it comfortable and easy on your hands to apply enough pressure. The tapered shape of the basket ensures there is uniform pressure being applied from all around the nut.
The spring-loaded design is useful for breaking nuts like walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, and also the hard-shelled types like Brazil nuts.
The whole body is made from enameled die-cast aluminum, keeping it going strong and steady for a long time. The handles give a firm grip and will not slip. Further, they are stronger than wood, adding another element to make the whole unit durable.
As well as being handy, the pecan sheller is lightweight and portable, allowing you to carry it around wherever you want to take it. Even for those with weak wrists, this product is suitable. The cracker shells the nuts without cracking the nut in two or more pieces.
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4. OXO Good Grips Slim Nut and Seafood Cracker
For carrying it on your camping trips and stowing it away safely in the kitchen drawer, nothing compares to this stylish and sleek nutcracker.
It’s a superior combination of style and function and it’s well worth it and more! The 6.25-inch nutcracker is easy to be stored anywhere inside or outside the home. It can be easily packed into your backpack.
The plier-style design is simple and straightforward. The open design with grooves can handle any size of nuts. The long mouth and strong metal teeth make this the best pecan cracker for versatile uses. You can also use the same tool to crack the claws of lobsters and crabs.
Added to the above, the handles are wide and cushioned with rubber grips that not only are non-slip but also absorb the pressure evenly. This prevents hand fatigue and you won’t even feel any discomfort in your hands after hours of shelling.
With a block right below the metal jaws, there is no chance of your fingers getting pinched. The zinc construction of the device makes it durable and stylish.
It has a polished finish that adds finesse to your kitchen utensils. The superior strength and performance enable you to crack the hardest of nuts. Another commendable part of this tool is that it’s completely dishwasher-safe.
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5. Anwenk Nutcracker
Using traditional nutcrackers can pinch your fingers but as this product sports a contemporary design, you have no fear of your fingers getting hurt!
Small details in designing the product have resulted in significant improvements. The hook near the disks prevents hand injuries. The two 2-inch disks provide a safe and secure way to hold the nuts. Moreover, they help to hold the flakes and bits inside to avoid creating a mess.
The blades of the jaws are coss-serrated to ensure most nuts can be cracked smoothly and they come out whole.
The smooth handles provide a non-slip and comfortable grip to hold without getting your hands tired. The flat and wide handles give your hands a lot of space to position them accurately. Moreover, they make the overall device look neat and stylish.
Thanks to the stainless steel construction, the tool is resistant to rust and corrosion, enabling you to enjoy cracking and shelling nuts for a long time. The ergonomic design makes eating fresh nuts an enjoyable chore. Made from food-grade materials, the device is 100% safe for your family.
This works with most nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, chestnuts, walnuts, etc. except for those with super-hard shells like macadamia or black walnut. The package includes two long picks and one pick with a scoop shape.
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6. Fani Crackers for Nut
Do you need to store different sizes of nutcrackers for different sized nuts? With this pecan sheller, forget about different tools as you need only this to do all your nut shelling jobs!
The 15.5-centimeter hand tool for cracking and shelling almost all types of nuts features two sizes of sawtooth jaws – 2 centimeters and 1.3 centimeters - so that you can shell both large and small nuts at the same time.
With the sawtooth design, it’s easier to position the nuts precisely, hold them securely, and have them cracked and shelled perfectly. The core sucker is designed in a way that makes it flexible. You can expand it to 180 degrees so that you can store it anywhere plus clean it easily.
The plier-style nutcracker is easy to operate as the two handles need to be brought together after placing the nut to crack it open. The non-slip handles enable you to grip the tool firmly and apply the right pressure. As the edges are smooth, your palms won’t hurt when you apply force.
The construction of this device is aluminum alloy, a strong material that will last a long time. It also prevents the nutcracker from being bent out of shape. The product is also safe for handling and even those with weak hands will have no problem cracking nuts.
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7. Anwenk Industrial Pecan Cracker
If you are particularly fond of black walnuts but your current sheller doesn’t do a good job on hard-shelled nuts, then this industrial pecan cracker with a turnscrew style is what you might be looking for.
Besides black walnuts, this device does an amazing work of cracking and shelling other types of nuts like almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, etc. The stainless steel product is handmade and promises of strength and durability. Its anti-rust properties make it a long-standing utensil in your kitchen.
Due to the stainless steel construction, the strong system does not break even if you are using it to break very hard shells.
The 1.5-inch size is enough for most nuts. With the length of 3.5 inches for the handle, managing the right pressure on the nut is a simple and mess-free job. The metal tip of the cracker ensures the shell is cracked without damaging the nut inside.
The triangular design makes it easily fit inside your hand and renders it portable as well. The convenient size, shape, and design combine to help with easy storage.
To create a mess-free shelling experience, the package includes a box for collecting the shells. For optimum results, crack once, turn the nut on the other side and crack a couple of more times.
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8. Master Commercial Pecan Cracker
An old-fashioned, vintage look for your kitchen can be completed with this single-lever style pecan sheller.
Besides adding character to your kitchen, this product is useful especially when it comes to cracking nuts with very hard shells like black walnut, macadamia, and others. It also does a cracking job on pecans, walnuts, chestnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts.
The heavy-duty metal construction of the device gives it a sturdy and solid look. It’s mounted on a wooden base to keep it stable on flat surfaces like kitchen counters and tabletops so that there’s no danger of it causing injuries.
The deep cups featured in this product keep the nuts in a proper position and prevents bits and pieces of shells from flying in all directions. Hence, the result is a no-mess kitchen with plenty of fresh nuts to be enjoyed.
As you need to bring down the lever to get the nutshells cracking, the handle is a rubber-coated to give you comfort. Its non-slip feature prevents hand fatigue and keeps your hands safe.
It’s a heavy machine that will last for years and the wooden base is also hardy and won’t split if dropped by accident. It has been lauded as a superior commercial pecan cracker due to the ease, speed, and performance that has remained consistent over the decades.
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9. TOONEV Stainless Steel Clip Pliers Opener
Another modern kitchen tool that you can’t do without is this automatic nut cracker. It is a delight to use thanks to its design and easy application.
Made from premium-quality stainless steel, not only will this not rust and remain polished, but it will also not get deformed no matter how frequently you use it. Hence, the good looks and function of this tool will remain intact for a long time.
With the built-in spring placed where the two handles meet, placing the nut is convenient and safe. Moreover, the spring helps to bring back the lever quickly after being released, saving time and doing a fast job of cracking shells. It also requires the least effort from your part.
The disk where you place the nut has a rubber pad design to protect the jaws and make it convenient to clean the pulp. The smooth handles are non-slip and you can get a firm grip on them without causing injuries or hand fatigue.
Another safety feature is the rounded edge with no sharp protruding. It can be safely used and stored anywhere. Its length is only 8.5 centimeters and is easily portable.
The tool is also resistant to high temperatures so that you can use it in winters near the fire and shell almost all types of nuts at ease.
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10. 2021 New Nutcracker Nut Tongs
Pecans, almonds, chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, and many other types of nuts can be cracked and shelled comfortably with this sturdy machine with a turn-handle style.
Plenty of thought went into the design to combine safety, ease, and functionality into this machine. A U-shaped groove is shaped perfectly to accommodate most types of nuts. The long handle is easy to turn as soon as the nut is firmly in place. A clear click sound will tell you that the shell has been cracked!
After you remove the shells, you can have as many fresh nuts as you want! With the ridged teeth design, the shells are cracked gently without damaging the nuts inside. The clean crack doesn’t let the fragments of the shells flying, creating a mess.
This is the best pecan nut cracker to many as it features a ball at the end of the handle that is non-slip, gives a firm grip, and is comfortable to operate. Moreover, the construction of the machine is made from good quality aluminum alloy to keep it resistant to rust and make it last for a long time.
The wooden basket attached to the machine makes a great storage space for the nuts and shells. It’s strong and durable with a smooth sheen that makes the whole unit look good and reliable.
It’s the most convenient and time-saving nut cracking machine that is efficient in every way.
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Comparison Chart of Top 10 Pecan Crackers
Name | Type | Construction | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
Hiware Good Heavy Duty Pecan Nut Cracker | Single-lever mounted. | Steel body with wood base. | Pecan, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts. |
Texan Nut Sheller | Plier-style. | Tempered steel. | Most nuts. |
Hiware Heavy Duty Nut Cracker | Plier-style. | Die-cast aluminum. | Most nuts. |
OXO Good Grips | Plier-style. | Zinc. | All nuts. |
Anwenk Nutcracker | Plier-style. | Stainless steel. | Most nuts. |
Fani Nut Crackers | Plier-style. | Aluminum alloy. | Most nuts. |
Anwenk Nut Cracker | Turnscrew. | Stainless steel. | Most nuts. |
Master Cracker | Single-lever mounted. | Metal. | All nuts. |
TOONEV Stainless Steel Clip Pliers Opener | Plier-style. | Stainless steel. | Most nuts. |
2021 New Nutcracker Nut Tongs | Turn-handle. | Aluminum alloy. | All nuts. |
Pecan Cracker Buying Guide
Types Of Pecan Crackers
As there are different types of nuts with different strengths and sizes of the shells, there are different types of pecan crackers suitable for each type. The following gives you a lowdown on the type of nutcracker that’s suitable for your needs.
➥ Single-Lever Type
The single-lever nutcracker features a handle that needs to be brought down to crack the shell of the nut. This type of pecan cracker has a base that can be mounted on the kitchen counter or the tabletop.
Since the design is sturdy and meant for some serious nutcracking business, it is suitable for occasions where you need to crack plenty of nuts of all shapes and sizes. The adjustable feature allows you to place small, medium, or large size nuts in the groove.
Some type of single-lever nutcrackers features a wooden basket that can store the nuts or the shells and prevent these from making a mess.
However, not all single-lever nutcrackers are suitable for all types of shells. Those nuts with very hard shells like the black walnut may not be cracked with all single-lever pecan shellers.
➥ Plier-Style
The plier-style cracker for shelling nuts is the most common type of this device. It has two handles that need to be brought together to crack the nut that has been placed where the jaws meet. The sawteeth design features ridges that help to hold the nut in position.
This type of nutcracker can be used on nuts with very hard shells although it requires strong wrists and hands to apply a lot of pressure. The plier-style nutcracker does not feature any shield whereby the flyaway shell pieces can be managed to create a no-mess experience.
➥ Turnscrew Style
A turnscrew type of nut-cracking tool features a holder or cup for placing the nut. Then the screw is turned a few times to crack the shell. The metal tip comes into contact with the shell at every turn and cracks the shell. This gives more control to the user when they want the kernel to come out whole.
This is the best pecan cracker type for people with weak wrists and arthritis, as it doesn’t require putting a lot of force. However, this also means that it’s not suitable for shells that are extra-tough.
➥ Percussion Style
The percussion style of the nutcracker is quite the basic type. The nut is placed securely while a force is applied to hit the shell to crack it. This is usually done with a wooden mallet or a metal hammer or anything heavy that the nut can be struck with.
With the percussion style nutcracker system, there’s no guarantee that the nut will come out whole as it’s difficult to control the striking motion and it could crack the nut inside.
Quantity
For cracking a large number of nuts of various sizes, you should opt for a counter-top, lever-action type of nut cracker. These can be placed on the tabletop and the lever can be brought down to put the right amount of pressure to break open the shells of the nuts.
Nut Type
If you want to open nuts with hard shells like hazelnut, pecan, macadamia, etc. look for nutcrackers with a plier shape. Although this type can create a bit of a mess, the sharp teeth, strong jaws, and the two handles all work in combination to crack the hardest of shells.
For nuts with soft shells like peanuts, you can use a turnscrew pecan cracker. Instead of the need to apply any pressure, you can shell the nuts simply by tuning the screw a few times. This is especially helpful for those with arthritis.
Design And Materials
Check the design and the materials used in the pecan nut cracker machine. For durability, choose steel, die-cast, or zinc construction as the strong material will keep the device in service for a long time, even after frequent use.
Avoid any pecan cracker machine that sports a plastic handle as they become slippery when wet although they look pretty. With wooden handles, it’s better in terms of handling. However, you will need to keep the wood regularly polished for maintaining it.
The handle should be non-slip and give you a good grip. Hence, look for a contoured design that will fit well within your hand.
Storage
As the tabletop type pecan cracker and sheller is larger and heavier, these can’t be stored in a drawer or cupboard. Nor is it easily portable. But both these issues can be addressed easily if you choose a plier or turnscrew type.
Comfort And Safety
A pecan sheller with narrow handle strains your hands as there isn’t much space and all your energies are concentrated in a small space. If you want comfort, go for those with wider handles that give you a firm grip.
To prevent your fingers from getting pinched with plier-style nutcrackers, look for one with contoured handles and a block under the jaws.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
1. Why Do I Need A Nutcracker?
Answer: A nutcracker is a safe and efficient way of removing shells from nuts. Using a hammer and other types of tools can be injurious to your fingers and hands. Hence, using a machine specifically made for cracking nuts is a safer and less messy way of cracking and removing the shells.
2. What Is The Advantage Of A Single-Lever Type Of Nutcracker?
Answer: The single-lever type of nutcracker can be mounted on a kitchen counter or any flat surface. It provides more stability and you can use just one hand to operate this machine. Also, this style of nutcracker creates less of a mess as it doesn’t allow the shell fragments to fly in all directions.
3. For People With Weak Wrists, What’s The Right Nutcracker Type?
Answer: The turnscrew style is the right type of nutcracker for those with arthritis or weak wrists. Since the turnscrew just needs a twist at the top without the application of any pressure, there is the minimum effort needed by the hands.
4. What Are The Benefits Of A Plier-Style Nutcracker?
Answer: A plier-style nutcracker is portable because of its shape and size. It can be stowed away in a backpack when you go for a camping trip. You can shell nuts from anywhere, even in your living room. Hence, it’s more versatile and flexible. Plus, it can be stored easily in a kitchen drawer.
5. Are Plastic Handles In A Nutcracker Beneficial?
Answer: Although plastic handles can be bright and look good, they are not the ideal in a nutcracker. That’s because these can get slippery when wet, posing a hazard to your hands as it could get slip away and cause injuries. Moreover, they are not resistant to high temperatures and may also crack over time.
6. What’s The Downside Of A Wooden Basket In A Nutcracker?
Answer: Although a wooden basket helps to store the nuts and shells in an organized manner, it’s a high-maintenance material. You need to clean and polish it regularly so that no mold forms on it.
Also, wood tends to be damaged with frequent use. So you need to keep a lookout at the first signs of any splits or damage.
Final Word
Nuts are also great fillers when we are hungry and don’t want any unhealthy snacks to mess up our diet. The act of cracking, shelling, and eating fresh nuts is actually therapeutic as there is a particular rhythm to it.
With a good pecan cracker at your disposal, you can shell nuts from the comforts of your couch or take it along on a picnic. Even the counter-top ones are good as long as the construction is durable and the handles don’t give you hand fatigue from cracking a large quantity.
Make sure to choose the best pecan cracker for you that suits your needs, comfort level and the number of nuts. Shell away and enjoy all types of nuts!
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About the Author
Tamara J. Sims
EXECUTE CHEF
As a seasoned kitchen and food writer, Tamara has a remarkable ability to weave words together, transporting readers to the heart of the culinary world. Tamara’s articles are written with an engaging blend of insightful commentary, honesty, and real-world examples based on personal experiences. She has the ability to captivate seasoned food enthusiasts and novice cooks alike.
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