Have a tool on hand that can quickly and securely pry open shells for fresh seafood. The additional effort required to prepare crab claws and legs compared to a standard seafood meal is well worth it after the flesh has been removed from the shells. A seafood feast with plenty of drawn butter and fresh lemon slices is a dish that everyone should experience at least once.
The use of crackers may be a very helpful tool for extracting crab flesh from its shell in a rapid, easy, and safe manner. The idea is to spend less time attempting to pry open the fish and more time eating it. These crackers, which are shaped like nutcrackers, are useful for breaking through the hard shells without destroying them. Crackers are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and sets, and may be used for more than just eating.
Here are the top crab claw crackers to use whether you’re hosting an intimate supper for two or a large party on the beach.
1. Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Slim Nut and Seafood Cracker
In Favor of
- Tendons that are easy to hold onto
- Affordable
- This is safe to put in the dishwasher.
Things We Dislike
- Not ideal for delicate items.
Besides you, who else thinks it’s great? OXO Good Grips Slim Nut and Seafood Cracker was another product chosen by Delish. 1
Buyer feedback, if any Nearly nine out of ten (89%) of the more than 1,200 reviewers on Amazon who gave this product a rating gave it four or more stars.
When it comes to breaking through difficult crab and lobster shells, this OXO seafood cracker has it all. You may clamp the cracker without worrying about the hinge breaking because to the cracker’s zinc construction. The handles are cushioned and nonslip, making them comfortable to grasp and able to disperse part of the force generated by a firm grip. The smooth, curved handles are very easy to grasp and grip. You may clean the cracker in the dishwasher if you want.
Its adaptable form makes it suitable for usage with a wide variety of shelled foods, including crabs, lobsters, and even almonds. These sturdy crackers may be yours for just $14, and they will endure for many years to come. Some critics have pointed out that it performs better when cracking bigger objects than it does while cracking smaller ones.
2. Best Budget: Hiware 10-Piece Lobster Crackers and Picks Set
In Favor of
- This is safe to put in the dishwasher.
- Included are both crackers and picks.
Things We Dislike
- Lack of slip resistance in the grip
This bundle of ten contains crackers and picks and is reasonably priced. For increased leverage and power, these crackers are 1.5 times heavier than their predecessors. Die-cast zinc alloy is a very durable substance that will serve its purpose for many years. The serrated edges of the blades make it simple to get a firm grip on claws and legs of unusual form. They may also be safely cleaned in a dishwasher without any issues.
These crackers may lack the flash of fancier choices, but they’d be perfect for a small gathering of folks to enjoy a seafood boil. In light of its low cost, the set’s high quality and longevity have pleased critics.
3. Best Non-Slip Grip: Cuisinart Sharkbite Nut and Seafood Cracker
In Favor of
- Modest but sophisticated layout
- The curved handles and cushioned grips make it easy to hold on to.
- Having teeth-like projections
- Excellent for those with bigger hands.
Things We Dislike
- Substitutes stainless steel for the more traditional zinc
If you’re looking for the best seafood crackers, you can’t beat those with a firm, non-slip grip. The handles on this model from Cuisinart are padded for comfort and shaped to fit snugly in the palm of your hand. Clamping down on slippery or otherwise difficult-to-secure foods is a breeze because to the serrated edges. If you’re looking for something as long-lasting and solid as zinc, go elsewhere; stainless steel’s build quality isn’t nearly as good.
This appliance can go straight from the kitchen to the dishwasher without sacrificing its stylish design. It’s somewhat greater weight increases leverage and makes it simpler to operate, yet it might be too much for someone with smaller, weaker hands.
Final Verdict
The OXO Good Grips Slim Nut and Seafood Cracker (see at Amazon) is our go-to for daily crab cracking because to its comfortable grip and sturdy zinc construction. The Sur La Table Seafood Kit (see at Sur La Table) is an excellent option for anybody in need of a set for an upcoming seafood boil, since it comes with two crackers and six picks that can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Tips for Choosing the Best Crab-Claw Crackers
Grip
The crackers’ efficacy decreases if they are difficult to grasp. Since your hands will be moist throughout this operation, a non-slip grip will make it simpler to hold on to the crackers and avoid any accidental dropping. Aluminum grips that aren’t contoured to the form of the hand might be awkward to grasp for long periods of time.
Sets
Since seafood crackers are often available in sets, it’s helpful to have an idea of how many you’ll need as well as whether or not you’ll need any other accessories before shopping. You should definitely acquire a set of crackers and picks for a seafood boil, so that your guests can all start to work on their shellfish at once. You probably don’t need the whole toolbox if all you’re doing is cracking a nut for yourself.
Versatility
Products that can do more than one job save time, money, and storage space. It’s best to choose crackers that can easily open not only crab, lobster, shrimp, and hard nut shells, but any hard shelled food. Good, sturdy crackers (usually made of zinc alloy) can easily split apart any food, from shellfish to nuts.
FAQs
Crab legs and claws seem delicious, but how do you eat them?
Breaking apart the crabs’ shells is a simple matter once they have been cooked in a simmering pot of water. First, take the crab and remove its legs and claws from its body. Then, wipe the shell clean after gently cracking it open with a seafood cracker. Just like the claws, the legs can be opened by cracking the shell, albeit the legs of many crabs have shells that are soft enough to be cut open with kitchen scissors. The most and best-tasting flesh is found in the claws and legs, however the bodies may be cracked open as well.
Prepared ways for crab feet and claws?
Crab claws and legs are often offered frozen and pre-cooked, so they only need to be thawed and reheated before being served. They may be thawed by placing them in a basin with cold water in the refrigerator or by placing them in a bowl and setting them out at room temperature. Just place them in a pot of boiling water for three to four minutes, or until heated through. Use a combination of fresh herbs, drawn butter, and lemon wedges to accompany these.
In other words, can you use the same crackers for both crab and lobster?
Due of their identical shell thickness and strength, yes, you may use the same crackers for both crab and lobster. You may use these crackers with both crab and lobster.
Crab claw crackers are used in what way?
To begin, use the cracker to wedge open a space between the filling and the shell. The crackers’ pinching function may also be used to seize the claws and shatter the shells apart, releasing the flesh inside. The fish won’t fall through the crackers thanks to the spiky edges.
