The Best Nutcracker

Buying Guide

Looking for a little pick-me-up for that midafternoon slump? Nuts can help. When combined with a well-rounded diet, nuts bring that unsaturated fat that can be good for your heart.

But some of the best nuts come in shells. For that, you’ll need a nutcracker. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that not all shells are equal. You’ll find that hard-shelled nuts are tougher to crack than those with softer shells. Macadamia nuts are among the toughest, as are pistachios. If those are your nuts of choice, you may need a different kind of nutcracker than if you prefer almonds or pecans.

When adding a nutcracker to your kitchen tools, also keep storage in mind. You may want a handheld option that squeezes comfortably into your silverware drawer or cooking utensil holder. If you want a larger nutcracker that you store on your countertop, pay attention to the appearance of any nutcracker you’re choosing. You’ll likely want to make sure it matches your décor.

In a pinch, you can crack nuts without an official tool. Pliers can be used with some nuts, but you’ll need something like a hammer to open Brazil nuts. If you happen to have Channellock pliers on hand, you’ll likely find those can tackle a wide variety of nut types. Moderately soft nuts can be cracked by hand, as long as you’re persistent.

Durability is an important feature of any nutcracker. You’ll want one with springs strong enough to hold up even as you’re cracking the most durable shells. But it’s important that your nutcracker have a nonslip surface, both surrounding the shells and in the area where you clasp it. Stability is important in any nutcracker.

The build of the springs also plays a role. You’ll want springs tough enough to take on even the toughest shells without breaking. High-quality materials can make all the difference, but also make sure you find a nutcracker with handles that will hold up.

• You can make tougher nuts easier to crack by either freezing them or soaking them in water for a few hours before trying to crack them. If you opt for this method, you’ll need to give the nuts a few hours to dry or come back to room temperature before eating them.
• Nutcrackers come in a variety of designs, from the decorative ones sold at Christmastime to the small, wrench-like handheld ones found in households everywhere. Some are designed for the entire nut to fit inside a cup, while others have a vice-like grip that squeezes when a handle is pressed.
• Take a close look at the handles before you buy a nutcracker. You’ll want a nutcracker with handles that are comfortable to grip while also being strong. You can find some with padding over the metal and an ergonomic build. If you plan to tackle multiple nuts at a time, the more comfortable the handle, the better.
• You’ll want to make sure your nutcracker is durable enough to handle exposure to moisture. Typically, they’ll need to be hand washed and immediately set out to dry to avoid corrosion. Avoid soaking them for more than a few minutes at a time. Some nutcrackers can be disassembled for easy cleanup. If you go for this option, make sure disassembly and reassembly aren’t too complicated.
• Grooved patterns on the surface of a nutcracker help it grip the shell of the nut, ensuring stable operation each time. Look for this feature as you’re comparing nutcrackers.
• One of the biggest inconveniences of cracking nutshells is that it creates a mess. Some nutcrackers come with a built-in collection cup that holds all the shells so you can dispose of them at once.
• If you consume a variety of nut types, you’ll want a nutcracker that can handle nuts of all sizes. You can find some that adjust between extreme sizes, as well as capably handling everything in between.