Crab crackers are a must-have tool for seafood lovers. These specialized crackers make it easy to break open crab legs, lobster claws, and other hard-shelled seafood to access the delicious meat inside. But where can you find high-quality crab crackers for a reasonable price? This article will explore the best places to buy crab crackers, from online retailers to local stores.
Online Retailers
Shopping online offers convenience and selection when looking for crab crackers, Large online retailers like Amazon and Walmart offer a wide variety of crab cracker styles and brands to choose from,
Amazon
Amazon has one of the largest selections of crab crackers available online. They sell single crab crackers, multi-packs and full seafood tool sets with crackers picks, and more. Popular name brands like RSVP and OXO are available, along with more affordable generic options. Amazon frequently runs sales and deals on crab crackers too. The fast Prime shipping is perfect when you need new crab crackers quickly for an upcoming seafood feast.
Walmart
Walmart is another excellent option for finding crab crackers at low prices. They offer simple claw-style crackers, scissor-grip crackers and heavy duty stainless steel crackers for tough shells. Brands like Choice and Fox Run can be found for very reasonable prices. Walmart also sells seafood tool sets that include crackers, shellers and picks all in one convenient package. Their everyday low prices and in-store pickup make Walmart a go-to for crab cracking supplies.
WebstaurantStore
WebstaurantStore caters to the food service industry, so they offer crab crackers in bulk. This makes them a great supplier for restaurants and seafood shops. They carry commercial-grade stainless steel crackers from brands like Acopa, Choice, and Vollrath. Cases of 72, 144, and more are available. WebstaurantStore has very competitive bulk pricing and ships many items for a flat fee.
Specialty Online Shops
There are also some specialty online shops that focus on seafood and crab tools. For example:
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GetCrackingCrab.com has decorative wooden mallets, stainless steel crackers, and kits perfect for crab feasts.
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Oceanista.com is a sea-to-table shop with colorful, modern crab tools and crackers.
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SeattleFishGuys.com has Seattle-themed crab hammers, mallets, and utensil sets for Northwest seafood lovers.
The selection may be smaller, but these shops offer unique, high-quality crab tools you won’t find everywhere.
Local Retailers
You can also find crab crackers at stores in your local area:
Grocery Stores
Many grocery store chains sell crab crackers in the kitchen gadget aisle. Stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Winn-Dixie often have a selection of basic claw-style crackers from brands like Fox Run and Norpro. They may also stock small seafood tool sets with crackers, picks, and shellers. Grocery store prices are usually very affordable.
Kitchen Supply Stores
Kitchen supply shops like Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Crate & Barrel typically carry a few crab cracker options. Look for models from OXO, RSVP, and Picnic Time. These stores showcase well-designed crackers and utensil sets great for gifting or hosting. Prices can be on the higher end.
Seafood Shops
Local seafood markets and fishmongers are a great place to ask about crab crackers. They frequently sell individual stainless steel crackers at the counter along with fresh seafood. Staff can advise on the best type of cracker for your needs. Prices will vary but are often reasonable.
Hardware Stores
It may seem odd, but many hardware stores sell crab crackers in their kitchen gadget section. Stores like Ace Hardware, True Value, and Do It Best often have a selection of basic claw-style crackers for just a few dollars. They can make a handy backup option when your regular crackers go missing.
What to Look for When Buying
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Material: Stainless steel is strongest, zinc alloy is affordable but can bend, plastic is inexpensive but may crack.
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Grip Type: Scissor-grip and double-lever offer the most leverage. Claw style is common but has less power.
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Size: Around 5-7 inches fits most hands well. Bigger can crack thicker shells.
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Comfort: Smooth, finished handles are more comfortable to grip. Add cushioning for extra comfort.
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Brand: Quality brands like OXO, RSVP, and Vollrath have good reputations.
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Quantity: Single crackers are fine for personal use. Buy multi-packs or sets for gatherings and gifts.
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Price: Basic plastic claw crackers cost just a couple of dollars. Stainless steel can range from $5 to over $20.
Caring For Your Crab Crackers
Crab crackers are workhorse kitchen tools. Follow this care to keep them in cracking condition:
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Hand wash in warm soapy water after each use. Don’t soak, as trapped food debris can cause rust.
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Towel dry thoroughly. Stainless steel can be air dried to prevent water spots.
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Store safely where they won’t get damaged, ideally in a utensil crock or drawer insert.
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Inspect for damage like bent joints or cracked handles before each use. Replace if needed.
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Sharpen dull stainless steel crackers with a metal knife sharpener to restore their breaking power.
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Remove stuck-on gunk with baking soda and a non-abrasive scrub pad. Rinse well.
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Lubricate joints on scissor-grip or double lever crackers with cooking oil if needed.
With proper care, your quality crab crackers should crack shells for many years. Time to grab some crackers and get cracking on that delicious seafood feast!
Final Verdict
Our favorite option for everyday crab cracking is the OXO Good Grips Seafood and Nut Cracker, which boasts a comfortable grip and durable construction. If you need 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.
Best Set
- Shorter handle
- Includes crackers and picks
- Sturdy zinc alloy construction
What We Dont Like
- Grip is not non-slip
Whether you’re hosting friends 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 them 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. One caveat, however, is that the grip is not non-slip. Material: Zinc alloy | Care: Dishwasher-safe | Dimensions: 6 x 1.34 x 0.39 inches | Includes: 2 crackers, 6 picks
Top 5 Best Crab Crackers in 2022
FAQ
Does Walmart sell crab crackers?
Crab Cracker (Set of 2) – Walmart.com.
What is the best crab cracker?
1. OXO Good Grips Slim Nut & Seafood Cracker. The OXO Good Grips SLIM Nut & Seafood Cracker is tremendous if you don’t need to open big crab claws but still want a durable, easy-to-use product. It is made from high-quality materials with a metal cracker and ridges for gripping.
What can you use instead of crab crackers?
While you’ll primarily need just a claw cracker, a tiny lobster fork might also come in handy.
What is crab cracker called?
A crab cracker (also known as a lobster cracker or crab claw cracker) is a specialized food utensil, similar in construction (and sometimes appearance) to …
Where can I buy crab crackers?
Look at stores like Ace Hardware, True Value, and Do it Best Hardware for options like the Old Bay Seafood Crackers and Claw Daddy Seafood Crackers. Some grocery stores sell crab crackers, particularly during peak seafood seasons. Check the cooking tools aisle or seafood counter at stores like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Harris Teeter, and Albertsons.
Where to buy crab Crackers in Seattle?
Local seafood shops and fish markets are an ideal place to ask about recommendations for quality crab crackers. They sell the seafood and know which tools are best for prepping it! Places like Harbor Fish Market, The Lobster Place, and Seattle Fish Co are good bets.
Do crab leg Crackers come in a box?
Smedley & York’s crab leg crackers and tools kits come in an intricately designed nautical crab board box. Keep your seafood boil party supplies in one place when not in use. Each stone crab claw cracker has easy-to-hold handles for your convenience.
Where can I buy lobster crackers?
Check out their metal shell crackers, lobster cracker, and other seafood preparation tools. Similar to Maine Lobster Now, Get Maine Lobster is a great place to order quality seafood along with the tools you need to prepare it. Grab claw crackers, lobster picks, bibs, and more.
How do you store crab claw crackers?
No-Fuss Storage – This crab leg picker kit comes in a nautical crab storage board box that holds all your crab claw crackers in one place. When not in use, place your seafood tools set in your kitchen drawer to minimize clutter on your countertop. Easy to Clean and Maintain – Hand wash your lobster crackers after using.