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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
The best way to enjoy fresh shellfish is to ensure that you have the right tool to pry shells open safely and easily. Crab claws and legs are notorious for requiring a little bit of extra work compared to your average seafood dinner, but once you’ve pulled the meat out of the shells, the payoff is so worth it. Who doesn’t want a delightfully messy shellfish dinner with lots of drawn butter and fresh lemon slices?
To aid the process of getting lobster or crab meat out of the shell, crackers can be an extremely efficient tool that makes it easier, quicker, and safer. After all, the goal is to spend more time enjoying the delicious seafood than painstakingly trying to pry it open. “No shame in using seafood crackers when eating hard shell lobster—even us experts use them," says Lauren Gibson, VP of E-Commerce and Retail at Luke's Lobster. "With a good quality cracker and knowledge of how to properly use it, getting meat out of shellfish should really be a breeze (and only a little bit messy!)."
These crackers, which resemble the shape of a typical nutcracker, help penetrate the tough shells without shattering them into a million pieces. Crackers come in different sizes and materials, as well as in sets for entertaining. Some can be used for other tasks like cracking nuts. Whether you want to throw a low-key dinner or impress your guests at a fancy beachside bash, we researched the best crab claw crackers for the job.
Best Overall
OXO Good Grips Slim Nut and Seafood Cracker
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Courtesy of Amazon
Soft, comfortable grip
Budget-conscious
Easy to clean
Versatile
Not great for small pieces
This OXO seafood cracker has all of the best qualities for easily and safely cracking open your toughest crab and lobster shells. The zinc construction is super sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about the hinge breaking when you clamp the cracker, and the handles have a soft non-slip grip which makes it easy to hold onto and absorbs some of the pressure as you squeeze. The sleek curved handles are also quite comfortable to hold. As an added bonus, the cracker is dishwasher safe.
Because of its universal design, it can be used on anything from crabs to lobsters to shelled nuts. At under $20, this is a budget-friendly pair of crackers that will last for years and years to come. Reviewers rave about the heavy-duty construction and quality of the stainless steel, though some note that it fairs better on larger items as opposed to smaller ones.
Price at time of publish: $17
Weight: 1.76 ounces | Material: Zinc | Care: Dishwasher safe | Dimensions: 10.3 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches | Includes: (1) cracker
Best Value
Hiware 10-Piece Lobster Crackers and Picks Set
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Courtesy of Amazon
Heavy-duty material
Includes crackers and picks
Crackers expands to 180 degrees
Picks are curved for easy scooping
Grip isn't non-slip
If you're looking for an option that offers great value, this 10-piece set includes two crackers and eight picks. The crackers are super heavy-duty, and they are designed to be 1.5 times heavier than previous models for better leverage and strength. The die-cast zinc alloy is an ultra-sturdy material for long-lasting use, and the serrated blades make it easy to grasp onto awkwardly shaped claws and legs. Plus, they are totally fine to put in the dishwasher.
While the overall look and design of these crackers are quite humble compared to other options, this would be a great set if you’re having a few people over for a seafood boil. Reviewers are impressed by the quality and durability of the set, given the extremely reasonable price.
Price at time of publish: $9
Weight: 4.5 ounces | Material: Zinc alloy | Care: Dishwasher safe | Dimensions: 7.28 x 2.99 x 0.67 inches | Includes: (2) crackers, (8) picks
Best Non-Slip Grip
Cuisinart Sharkbite Nut and Seafood Cracker
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Courtesy of Amazon
Sleek design
Comfortable, soft grip and curved handles
Serrated edges
Ideal for larger hands
Stainless steel instead of sturdier zinc
When it comes to seafood crackers, a comfortable, non-slip grip cannot be beaten. This Cuisinart model offers handles that are equipped with a soft grip and gently curved handles that nestle perfectly into your hand. The serrated edges are great for clamping on tough-to-secure food items. The stainless steel construction is not as ideal as zinc, though it’s still quite durable and sturdy.
This dishwasher-safe tool is easy to clean and boasts a sleek aesthetic. Its slightly heavier weight provides a bit more leverage and makes it easier to use, though if you have smaller hands, it may be too bulky.
Price at time of publish: $25
Weight: 7.2 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Care: Dishwasher safe | Dimensions: 0.5 x 4.25 x 9 inches | Includes: (1) cracker
Best Set
Sur La Table Seafood Kit, Set of 8
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Courtesy of Sur La Table
Shorter handle
Includes crackers and picks
Sturdy zinc alloy construction
Grip is not non-slip
Whether you’re hosting friends over for a seafood boil or you just want to have a few backup crackers on hand, it’s not a bad idea to consider a kit. This one includes two crackers and six double-edged picks so that all of your guests can work on cracking open crab and lobster simultaneously. The serrated edges on the crackers allow you to grasp onto legs, claws, tails, and shelled nuts with ease. The stainless steel picks feature a small scoop on one side and a sharp fork on the other, which allows you to scoop leg and tail meat.
We love that the crackers in this set feature a shorter handle, which makes it easier to hold onto and store. The shiny, chrome-plated zinc alloy construction is sure to last a long time with the proper care as well.
Price at time of publish: $23
Material: Zinc alloy | Care: Dishwasher safe | Dimensions: 6 x 1.34 x 0.39 inches | Includes: (2) crackers, (6) picks
Best for Gifting
Jean Dubost Seafood Tools Set
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Williams Sonoma
Classic Laguiole design
Picks available in different finishes
Includes wood box for gifting
Expensive
Everyone has a shellfish enthusiast in their life, and this stylish set of crackers and picks makes a great gift for any seafood-loving friend. The set includes two crackers and four picks, so it's a perfect wedding or anniversary option for a couple who loves to entertain.
The heavy-gauge, stainless steel forks are designed in the classic Dubost family style featuring the tiny bee (which denotes France's Laguiole region), while the crackers are crafted out of sturdy aluminum in the shape of claws. Everything comes packaged in an open wood box stamped with the Laguiole logo, ready for gifting. To match a different aesthetic, the set is also available with wooden handle forks.
Price at time of publish: $70
Material: Stainless steel, aluminum | Care: Dishwasher-safe forks, hand-wash crackers | Dimensions: 5.75-inch forks, 5.25-inch crackers | Includes: (2) crackers, (4) forks
Most Versatile
Maine Lobster Now Metal Shell Cracker
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Courtesy of Maine Lobster Now
Affordable
Sturdy zinc alloy construction
Strong enough for cracking lobsters
Works great on walnuts
Grip isn't non-slip
While most of these crackers can work universally on crab, lobster, and shelled nuts, if you’re a person who is opening lots of lobster, this specific lobster cracker may work best for your needs. This cracker is a no-frill model, and it’s about as heavy-duty as a cracker comes. Though the handles don’t have a comfortable grip or curved shape, the cracker is constructed with zinc alloy, making the hinge super durable and strong.
This cracker is ideal for whole lobsters that are about 1.5 pounds or less, as anything larger may give you a bit of a harder time. It only comes with one pair of crackers and no picks, but this is a very durable option for such an approachable price. Thanks to the straight, short handles and generous hinge, it also cracks larger nuts like walnuts very well.
Price at time of publish: $5
Material: Zinc alloy | Care: Hand wash | Dimensions: 5.75 inches | Includes: (1) cracker
Best Splurge
Williams Sonoma Seafood Crackers and Picks
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Courtesy of Williams Sonoma
Comfortable to hold
Nonslip handles and chic design
Heavy weight for leverage
Expensive
Stainless steel instead of sturdier zinc
For something with a pop of color, this set from Williams Sonoma offers a unique upgrade from the classic all-metal design of similar crab claw crackers. The sleek red handles have a charming, nautical look that any crab eater will enjoy, plus they’re extremely comfortable, non-slip, and easy to hold.
This set includes both crackers and picks, so you won't have to share your tools. The pieces are made of stainless steel, which is not as durable as a zinc construction, but still very heavy-duty. Reviewers love the weight of these tools because they don’t feel flimsy or cheap.
Price at time of publish: $85
Material: Stainless steel | Care: Dishwasher safe | Dimensions: 2 x 7-inch cracker, 9.5-inch picks | Includes: (2) crackers, (2) picks
Our favorite option for everyday crab cracking is the OXO Good Grips Slim Nut and Seafood Cracker, which boasts a comfortable grip and durable zinc construction. If you're needing a set for an upcoming seafood boil, we recommend the Sur La Table Seafood Kit, which includes two crackers and six picks that are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best crab claw crackers on the market in this category, evaluating their most important features—like ease of use, efficiency, or durability—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We carefully compared the key components of an excellent crab claw cracker, from the material to design. We also looked at reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assess which of these tools were the best for your needs.
What to Look for in Crab Claw Crackers
Grip
If it’s difficult to hold onto the crackers, then they won’t be as effective. A comfortable, non-slip grip makes the crackers easier to grasp onto and prevents any unwanted slippage (your hands are going to get wet during the process)! If the grip is aluminum and not curved to the shape of your hand, it may be more difficult to hold comfortably.
Sets
Often, seafood crackers are sold in sets, so it’s a good idea to know how many crackers you want and if you want any supplementary tools. If you want crackers for a seafood boil, you’re probably better off getting a set with multiple crackers and picks so that all of your guests can work on their seafood shells simultaneously. If it’s just a cracker for one person, then you probably don’t need an entire set of tools.
Versatility
Of course, tools that have multi-uses are always more cost- and space-efficient. Look for crackers that are not only proficient in opening crab shells, but lobster, shrimp, and hard nuts, too. Crackers that are high quality and heavy-duty (typically zinc alloy) will have no problem cracking through anything from shellfish to nuts.
FAQs
How do you eat crab claws and legs?
After the crabs have been gently boiled and cooked, you can break them down and crack open their shells. To start, you should separate the claws and legs from the body of the crab. Then use a seafood cracker to gently break open the shell, wiping any debris away. You can crack the legs just like you open the claws, though many crabs have soft enough shells on their legs that allow you to use kitchen scissors to gently snip them open.
While you can crack open the bodies for meat, the claws and legs have the most and best-tasting meat. "We recommend removing the tail meat with your hands, using a cracker for the two knuckles and claws, and then using the picker tool on the legs," says Lauren Gibson, VP of E-Commerce and Retail at Luke's Lobster.
How do you cook crab claws and legs?
Most crab claws and legs are fully cooked and sold frozen, so you’ll need to thaw and reheat them before serving. To thaw, you can leave them in a bowl in your fridge overnight, or you can run them under cool water until they’re thawed. To reheat, you can drop them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes or until they’re warmed through. Serve them with drawn butter, fresh herbs, and lemon slices.
Can you use the same crackers for crab and lobster?
Yes, you can use the same crackers for both crab and lobster because their shells are of similar thickness and strength. These crackers are designed to hold both crab claws and lobster.
How do you use crab claw crackers?
First, you’ll need to use the cracker to get between the meat and the shell to gently open it up. You can also use the pinching mechanism of the crackers to grasp the claws and break the shells, loosening the meat inside. The jagged edges along the crackers help to keep the seafood secure while you crack it open.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Sara Tane has written nearly a dozen buying guides for The Spruce Eats, understanding what consumers and cooks need to consider before making a new purchase for their culinary adventures. She is a professionally trained chef in addition to a shellfish enthusiast. With many years of breaking down and prepping fresh shellfish, she is no stranger to what it takes to claw open crab and lobster. After researching different seafood crackers and their materials and designs and talking to an expert source, she can help you find the best cracker for your next seafood boil. She firmly believes that you should spend more time enjoying shellfish than working to open it up.
Sources
- Lauren Gibson, VP of E-Commerce and Retail at Luke's Lobster
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