The 10 Best Cherry Pitters
This wiki has been updated 32 times since it was first published in February of 2016. It might not be as "American," but we think a cherry pie beats an apple pie hands down. Of course, we rarely make them, because who can face all the tedious work of removing those annoying pits? Perhaps we'd enjoy them more often if we had one of these convenient stoners, which take all the hassle out of eliminating the kernels for canning, freezing, dehydrating, and baking. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Sur La Table KGCP002
2. PCTC Remover
3. Oxo Good Grips Red
Editor's Notes
December 10, 2020:
Cherry pitters are one of those gadgets that seem innocuous until you get the wrong one for the job, so we made sure this list had a good variety to suit anyone's needs. That meant removing the Cuisipro Pitter to make way for the PCTC Remover, a tool that works much the same way but for a more affordable price. It's bright green, so you aren't likely to lose it, and it sports a longer splatter shield than the Cuisipro.
We said goodbye to the Talisman Designs Chomper, a kid-friendly design that is not as efficient as some would like. It's also quite messy and looks a bit scary when covered in red cherry juice. We figured we could use the vacancy for something multifunctional like the RSVP Compact, which not only keeps the mess confined to an opaque container but can hull strawberries and tomatoes too. Plus, unlike handheld options, you only need to plunge it, making it easier for those with mobility issues. You'll have to empty it often if you're processing a huge batch, however, so it's smart to have a good container on hand.
Also leaving the list today is the Chef'n QuickPit, although it's still a solid choice if you don't plan on pitting too many cherries often. We removed it because it's messy and time-consuming to use, despite being intuitive. We thought the spot would be better served with the Prepworks by Progressive GPC-5005, which can process four cherries at once without getting juice all over the counter or your clothes.
While all of these pitters do their job well, each works differently and is better suited to certain tasks, like stoning the occasional snack or garnish or processing a huge amount with help from the kids. All of them will inevitably miss a pit, though, so it's important to inspect your food before using it in your recipes.
December 05, 2019:
Whether you want clean, pitless cherries every once in a while for yogurt, cereal, and oatmeal toppings, or you're a professional baker who rustles up pastries and pies daily, you should be able to find a reliable cherry pitter to suit your needs here.
When the FStop Labs CloverTale, a selection that's remarkably close to the Cuisipro Pitter in design, became unavailable, we used the vacancy to recommend the Chef'n QuickPit. Highly lauded by Cook's Illustrated, this unit is simple and intuitive to use, and its squeeze-trigger is much less fatiguing than many other hand-operated designs are when processing large amounts of fruit. It's safe for children to use, but note that it has no catch container or splash guard, so things can get messy without a bowl or two and a good apron on hand.
We also said goodbye to the rather simple Casabella Kitchen to make way for the Sur La Table KGCP002, a much more compelling design that can pit seven cherries at once, is remarkably easy to clean, and keeps surfaces and clothes free of staining juices thanks to its inclusive splash guard.
If you want something to last you for years and years, the Westmark Kernex is an ideal choice. It sports a sleek appearance that fits in well with modern utensils and kitchens. The Leifheit 37200 model is great for getting through a ton of cherries in a short time, however, be aware that cherries tend to get stuck in the shoot, so you'll have to stop occasionally to unjam it. We think its ease of use and ability to zoom through large quantities make it worth the trade-off.
Special Honors
The Sausage Maker Deluxe Cherry Pitter Made to stand up to commercial use, the ingenious Deluxe Cherry Pitter from The Sausage Maker is crafted from hardwearing stainless steel and made in the United States by experienced machinists and welders. It can pit five cherries with a single pull of its ergonomic, rubber-coated handle and discards pits into a separate area while the pitted cherries drop into an amply-sized container below. It makes almost no mess and is easy to clean. sausagemaker.com
The Ultimate Cherry Cookbook Cherry lovers looking for new treats to try can check out The Ultimate Cherry Cookbook, which has 135 recipes. Everything from alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to sauces and soups to compotes, glazes, and desserts are covered. There are also useful tips, nutritional information, and calorie counts. barnesandnoble.com
4. Westmark Kernex
5. Prepworks by Progressive Seed
6. Roots & Branches White
7. ProTensils Premium
8. Prepworks by Progressive GPC-5005
9. Leifheit 37200
10. RSVP Compact
Why Use A Cherry Pitter?
Punching out the stone only takes a second or two, and some models come with multiple slots, enabling you to pit more than one cherry with each squeeze.
One of the most time-consuming parts of cooking is prepping the ingredients. Thankfully for cherry lovers, there are devices designed specifically for the purpose of extracting those pesky pits. Here are a few reasons you should purchase a cherry pitter.
First of all, they're simple to operate. Most pitters have a straightforward mechanism that can actually make the monotonous task of pitting enjoyable. After all, gouging the tiny fruit by hand can turn into a slippery, frustrating affair and demands a level of dexterity that can usually only be maintained for a short period of time. Without the proper tools for the job, your recipe could be in trouble.
Another reason you should look into purchasing a pitter is for your health. Many of these devices are crafted to fit nicely in the hand, requiring only a gentle squeeze to remove each pit. Don't let strain or fatigue stop you from baking when products like the cherry pitter exist.
Pitters allow you to process a ton of fruit in one session. Punching out the stone only takes a second or two, and some models come with multiple slots, enabling you to pit more than one cherry with each squeeze. Before you know it, you'll have a pile of fruit on your counter ready to be baked into delectable pastries. And, even if you aren't firing up the oven, cherries make a wonderful snack at parties of every kind (as long as you have enough to go around). In short, owning a cherry pitter will help increase your productivity.
If cleanup is one of your concerns, you'll be happy to know that most pitters eliminate much of the mess associated with processing cherries. All you have to do is keep a container nearby for collecting the pitted fruit. The device will bear the brunt of the mess, sparing your hands, clothing, and tabletops.
When you use a knife to gouge out cherry pits, you're putting yourself at risk of suffering an accident. With a cherry pitter, you will be able to get your work done efficiently while avoiding any kitchen mishaps. As a bonus, these tools are compatible with several varieties of olive, as well.
Features To Look For In A Cherry Pitter
There are tons of cherry pitters out there, so how will you know which one is right for you? Review the following features to get a better idea of the type of product that will best meet your needs.
Think about how you intend to use your pitter. Do you typically make dishes that call for more than just a few cherries, or do you simply like to snack on the flavorful fruit one at a time? Those who make cherry-heavy pies and cobblers should invest in a pitter that can process more than one fruit at once. The snackers out there should settle on a lightweight pitter that removes stones one at a time.
Review the following features to get a better idea of the type of product that will best meet your needs.
Similarly, if you're processing a pile of fruit, it would be wise to pick a pitter that catches the stones. When you're busy prepping, you won't have extra time to waste chasing stray stones around the kitchen. To save even more time, choose a cherry pitter that is dishwasher safe.
Cherry pitters are constructed from a range of materials, including silicone, plastic, and metal. Aluminum models offer durability and a sleek appearance, though plastic pitters can also stand up to frequent use and tend to be slightly more affordable than their metal counterparts.
Pay attention to the shape of the device. Many options come with ergonomically-shaped handles for comfort and ease of use. You might choose to go with a product that has a non-slip coating, so you don't have to worry about accidental drops.
For storage and portability, there are plenty of slender options on the market that won't take up too much space in your cabinet. A smaller model will be perfect for those days you want to bring cherries to snack on at the beach, park, or any other outdoor area. Additional details you'll want to watch for are splash guards and non-skid bases.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Cherries
Now that we've gone over the advantages of owning a cherry pitter, let's talk about the fruit itself. Cherries are packed with nutrients and make a healthy snack for kids and adults alike. Here are some of the benefits of consuming cherries.
Cherries contain tons of antioxidants, which support heart health and can reduce your chance of developing various cancers. Antioxidants are also shown to curb inflammation and lessen pain associated with gout and arthritis. Other conditions that antioxidants may combat are high blood pressure and insomnia.
Other conditions that antioxidants may combat are high blood pressure and insomnia.
For muscle repair and immunity, vitamin C is the micronutrient your body needs. Cherries can help you meet the daily recommended amount of vitamins necessary for maintaining optimal health.
If you struggle with gastrointestinal irregularity, try chowing down on some cherries. They're a good source of dietary fiber, which is one of the keys to keeping your colon working as it should.
There is no need to fret about your waistline when it comes to eating cherries. These fruits contain zero fat and are low in carbohydrates, so you won't feel guilty no matter how many you manage to put away. Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar to satisfy your craving for sweets, opt for cherries.
This dynamic fruit is also good for the skin. Consuming cherries on a regular basis can help your skin appear refreshed and clear. Who says you need to spend a fortune on creams and ointments to keep your skin looking radiant?
There you have it: not only do cherries taste great, they're also great for you. With a cherry pitter in your kitchen, you'll be able to create delicious snacks quickly and easily.
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.