Nutcracker

[edwardsboi]

What's a good versatile nutcracker that I can use to crack both nuts and shellfish like lobster and crab claws?

I used to use one of those plier-style nutcrackers, and they worked fine for shellfish. But, I had trouble with nuts like hazelnuts, where it didn't do a good job of separating the nut from the shell without breaking the nut into pieces. In fact, I ended up breaking the nutcracker when I tried to use it to crack Brazilian nuts.

When I researched nutcrackers, it seems Reed Rockets was the best nutcracker for cracking nuts. But, its not something that I would use to crack shell fish. Plus, I'm more likely going to use it crack shell fish rather than cracking nuts so the ability to do the former is important. At the same time, it was incredibly frustrating and time consuming trying to crack nuts when I used those plier nutcrackers.

Any suggestions? Or, do I need to get two separate crackers- one for nuts and one for shellfish. In that case, what would be the best cracker for shellfish?

[andiesenji]

I use a Reed's Rocket nutcracker for nuts - although I have a different one for macadamias but both of these are unsuitable for shellfish.

I use this one http://www.nutcrackers.com/functional-nutcrackers/handheld/squalonutcracker.cfm

for shellfish because it is easier on my right hand in which I have severe arthritis.

It works better than any others I have used and I think I have used just about every type over the years.

You can use it for nuts and it will crack hazelnuts, in the small jaws, without damaging them.

[edwardsboi]

I use a Reed's Rocket nutcracker for nuts - although I have a different one for macadamias but both of these are unsuitable for shellfish.

Does Reed Rocket have any problems with a tough nut like a Brazil nut?

[andiesenji]

I use a Reed's Rocket nutcracker for nuts - although I have a different one for macadamias but both of these are unsuitable for shellfish.

Does Reed Rocket have any problems with a tough nut like a Brazil nut?

No. The amount of "throw" is adjustable so you put the Brazil nut in lengthwise and it will usually crack along the "seams" making it easier to retain the whole nut.

I can no longer use a hand-grip type nutcracker so have one of these for macadamias and black walnuts.

http://www.peasandcornco.com/popup/kenkelhardshellnutcracker.htm

It comes without the board but I had half of an old cutting board (had split apart years ago) and simply screwed the bracket to it.

When doing a large batch of nuts, I place the board with cracker in a bus tub and that way the tub catches all the shards of shells as well as the nuts.

I bought the Rocket several years ago from this same vendor and when they got the Kenkel, I ordered that.

The Rocket does come with the board on which it is mounted.

Edited January 18, 2010 by andiesenji (log)