The 10 Best Oyster Shuckers
This wiki has been updated 29 times since it was first published in June of 2018. For seafood lovers, few things can match the enjoyment of fresh oysters, but they can be quite pricey at restaurants and raw bars. Some people try to pry them open at home with a screwdriver or table knife, which is both difficult and dangerous. With one of these shuckers, you can enjoy your favorite briny delicacy for a fraction of the cost of eating out without hard work or splintered shells. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Oxo Good Grips
2. Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe
3. Aozita Set
Editor's Notes
October 29, 2019:
First of all, if you're using one of the traditional handheld oyster shuckers, please exercise extreme caution. The fact is that using one of these consistently safely requires more than a little experience -- you don't need a ton of force, but you do need to get it in just the right spot. It's even a good idea to use a culinary cut-proof glove, but to be honest, the cloth-based cut gloves won't save you if you apply too much force (I still have a scar on my left hand from shucking oysters at work, and I was even wearing a cut glove). To that end, the Rockland Guard High-Performance actually includes a cut glove and doesn't really cost much more than a simple knife. Another interesting safety-related choice is the Zyliss Tool Set, which has a silicone rubber sleeve that helps to safely hold the oyster.
The Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe is by far the most-used in restaurants, but home users may prefer the tacky grip and wide handle of the Oxo Good Grips. The Victorinox is another often found the back of the house. The HiCoup Kitchenware Premium is the one to go for if looks are as important to you as functionality, though its tip is even sharper than standard tool, so be careful.
Then we have the lever openers. These are somewhat specialized tools made for people who are unable or unwilling to perform the task by hand. They're not particularly ideal for opening oysters because they don't retain the precious, flavorful liquid inside, and they tend to chip the edges which can lead to tiny rocks in the final product. Plus, with practice, skilled laborers can shuck oysters by hand at shockingly high speeds. Nonetheless, if you do prefer a machine, the Aozita Set is probably your best bet, partially because of its adjustable nature. The Vollrath 1853 is exceptionally durable, while the King Kooker Opener is one of the least expensive.
One final time, be careful opening oysters. Don't force it; use finesse. It's surprisingly easy to put a dull oyster knife through your hand, and the wound takes quite a while to heal.
4. HiCoup Kitchenware Premium
5. R Murphy Seafood Knife
6. Victorinox New Haven
7. Vollrath 1853
8. Zyliss Tool Set
9. Rockland Guard High-Performance
10. King Kooker Opener
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.