The Best Crab Cracker of 2023

Jun 08, 2023

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Made to LastIf you want durable tools that can handle very hard crabs, consider this set.

Made to LastIf you want durable tools that can handle very hard crabs, consider this set.

Good Starter ChoiceThe variety of tools included with this set make it ideal for getting started with cracking crabs.

Good Starter ChoiceThe variety of tools included with this set make it ideal for getting started with cracking crabs.

Ergonomic DesignYou'll find this cracker more comfortable to use thanks to the easy-to-grip handles.

Ergonomic DesignYou'll find this cracker more comfortable to use thanks to the easy-to-grip handles.

Versatile and ConvenientYou get a variety of plastic and metal tools with this versatile and convenient seafood tool set.

Versatile and ConvenientYou get a variety of plastic and metal tools with this versatile and convenient seafood tool set.

Before you can enjoy tasty crab meat, you have to complete the task of cracking the crab. While you can try to do it by hand or use other tools from your kitchen, using a specialized crab cracker can make the process quicker and reduce the strain on your hands. It can also make the experience less messy and reduce the chance that you get pieces of shell stuck in the meat.

When you look at a typical crab cracker, you’ll notice a close resemblance to a nutcracker, and the tool can often double as one. Crab crackers will feature handles, a hinge and a single or double jaw where you can put the part of the crab you want to crack. While a single-jawed cracker offers simplicity, a double jaw will give you more versatility for different-sized crab legs and claws.

It's important to choose a crab cracker that is strong enough to handle the job and last you a long time. Most options are made of either zinc alloy or stainless steel since these materials are strong enough to handle cracking hard shells and resist rusting. Some plastic crab crackers exist that often cost less, but these mainly suit softer parts since they allow for less force than metal options.

You should also consider your comfort when choosing a particular crab cracker design. You’ll want something that has a strong hinge and won't require you to use too much force. In addition, get something that is sturdy but not so large or heavy that you find it uncomfortable to hold. And since your hands could slip during use, looking for a crab cracker with rubber grips on the handles is often a good idea.

Although you can find crab crackers sold individually, they often come in sets with other helpful tools. These often include plastic shellers that can help with opening parts as well as metal picks that feature a spoon on one end and a fork on the other. Your set might also include seafood scissors to help you cut the shell.

This set includes 8 picks and 2 double-jawed crackers. The zinc alloy construction makes the crackers resilient with tough crab shells. The metal picks allow for easy scooping and picking. They're all safe for the dishwasher.

Including 3 types of dishwasher-safe tools, this set has essentials for cracking the crab and scooping out meat. The picks and double-jawed crackers are made of durable metal, while the shellers are plastic. You get a carrying bag too.

Available in a trio of color options, this set features a cracker and a pair of picks all made of metal. The cracker has a double jaw for versatility. The handles feature rubber grips for comfortable handling too.

With this set, you get 2 double-jawed crab crackers made of stainless steel. It also comes with 2 metal picks and 2 plastic shellers. The included drawstring bag makes storage easy.

Featuring convenient grips on the handles, this stainless steel cracker is durable and ergonomic. It has a single-jawed design that looks sleek. You can safely wash it in the dishwasher.

Before you can enjoy tasty crab meat, you have to complete the task of cracking the crab. While you can try to do it by hand or use other tools from your kitchen, using a specialized crab cracker can make the process quicker and reduce the strain on your hands. It can also make the experience less messy and reduce the chance that you get pieces of shell stuck in the meat.

When you look at a typical crab cracker, you’ll notice a close resemblance to a nutcracker, and the tool can often double as one. Crab crackers will feature handles, a hinge and a single or double jaw where you can put the part of the crab you want to crack. While a single-jawed cracker offers simplicity, a double jaw will give you more versatility for different-sized crab legs and claws.

It's important to choose a crab cracker that is strong enough to handle the job and last you a long time. Most options are made of either zinc alloy or stainless steel since these materials are strong enough to handle cracking hard shells and resist rusting. Some plastic crab crackers exist that often cost less, but these mainly suit softer parts since they allow for less force than metal options.

You should also consider your comfort when choosing a particular crab cracker design. You’ll want something that has a strong hinge and won't require you to use too much force. In addition, get something that is sturdy but not so large or heavy that you find it uncomfortable to hold. And since your hands could slip during use, looking for a crab cracker with rubber grips on the handles is often a good idea.

Although you can find crab crackers sold individually, they often come in sets with other helpful tools. These often include plastic shellers that can help with opening parts as well as metal picks that feature a spoon on one end and a fork on the other. Your set might also include seafood scissors to help you cut the shell.

While having a good crab cracker makes the task easier, you’ll still need to know how to approach cracking the crab. If you didn't buy a frozen crab that came already separated partly, use your hands, seafood scissors or a knife to open the crab's body first. You’ll want to toss out the parts inside that you don't want to eat.

Working at the joints, you can use your hands or the crab cracker to snap off the claws and legs. Being careful to protect the meat inside, proceed with using the crab cracker to crack the legs and claws open.

Note that you can do these steps in a different order if you prefer. You can also either remove the meat from the legs, claws and body as you work or wait until the end to do so.

Ashley Donohoe is an Ohio-based writer and small business owner with a background in business, technology and personal finance. She has 10 years of experience writing for various online publications. As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, she values finding the best kitchen products to make yummy meals efficiently.

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