Pitting a bowl of fresh cherries can be a tedious and messy task, but the right tool makes it quick and clean. Whether you’re preparing for a pie, jam, or just want a hassle-free snack, a dedicated cherry pitter is a game-changer for any home cook. It saves time, preserves the fruit’s shape, and keeps your hands and countertops free from sticky juice.
With various designs available, from simple handheld plungers to multi-pit machines, choosing the best one depends on your volume and preferences. This roundup highlights eight of the best cherry pitters, evaluating them on ease of use, cleanup, and overall effectiveness to help you find the perfect model for your kitchen.
Our Top Picks for Cherry Pitters
- OXO Good Grips Cherry & Olive Pitter
- Prepworks by Progressive Cherry Pitter
- Cherry Pitter Tool with Lock Design
- Orchard Cherry Pit Remover with Suction Base
- ProTensils Cherry Pitter with Locking Mechanism
- Chef’n QuickPit Cherry and Olive Pitter
- OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter
- Leifheit Nut Cracker and Cherry Stoner
OXO Good Grips Cherry & Olive Pitter
The OXO Good Grips Cherry & Olive Pitter is designed for versatility and mess-free operation. Its generous cup comfortably holds large cherry varieties like Bing and Rainier, while the recessed design is equally effective for smaller cherries. This ensures you can handle any fruit you find at the market without issue.
A key feature is the removable splatter shield, which protects your work area and clothing from stray cherry juice. Combined with the comfortable, non-slip handle that OXO is known for, this pitter makes a potentially messy job neat and straightforward.
Prepworks by Progressive Cherry Pitter
If you need to process a large quantity of cherries quickly, the Prepworks by Progressive pitter is an excellent choice. Its unique design allows you to pit up to six cherries in a single, smooth motion, dramatically cutting down your prep time. This is ideal for making multiple pies or preserves.
Cleanup is simplified with a removable base that collects all the pits and juice, keeping your counters clean. The non-skid base ensures the unit stays stable while you press down, and the durable zinc prongs cleanly push the pits through without damaging the fruit.
Cherry Pitter Tool with Lock Design
This Cherry Pitter Tool stands out for its user-friendly and space-saving design. It disassembles completely for thorough cleaning and locks tightly together for compact storage. The tool is dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and effortless after use.
Operation is simple: just remove the stem, place the cherry in the cup, and squeeze the handles. The easy-grip handle is comfortable for users of all ages. The locking mechanism is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to store it securely in a drawer without it coming apart.
Orchard Cherry Pit Remover with Suction Base
The Orchard Cherry Pit Remover is built for efficiency, focusing on removing the pit with minimal juice loss. This helps keep the fruit intact and presentable for dishes like clafoutis or cocktails. Its large capacity hopper lets you work through big batches without constant stopping and starting.
A major advantage is the strong suction base, which securely attaches to any smooth, nonporous countertop. This provides a stable platform for the pitting action, freeing up both of your hands to load cherries and making the process faster and more controlled.
ProTensils Cherry Pitter with Locking Mechanism
Constructed from premium zinc alloy, the ProTensils Cherry Pitter is built for long-term durability and consistent performance. It swiftly extracts pits in seconds without damaging the fruit, making it a reliable tool for regular use. The sturdy plunger needle is designed for repeated action.
User comfort is a priority, with non-slip, pressure-absorbing handles that reduce hand stress during use. The tool features a compact locking mechanism, making it lightweight and easy to store in a kitchen drawer when not in use.
Chef’n QuickPit Cherry and Olive Pitter
The Chef’n QuickPit offers a simple and effective solution for pitting cherries and olives. Its hand-held, trigger-operated design allows for easy one-handed use. You can hold the pitter over a bowl or trash can, making disposal of the pits incredibly convenient.
To use, you simply insert a cherry into the nook and pull the trigger to cleanly pop the pit out. This straightforward mechanism requires minimal effort and is very easy to understand, making it a great option for those who prefer a no-fuss kitchen tool.
OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter
Another reliable option from OXO, this Cherry and Olive Pitter is known for its ergonomic design and dependable performance. The soft, comfortable handle provides a secure grip even with wet hands, reducing hand fatigue during larger pitting jobs.
It features a chamber that captures the pits as you work, helping to contain the mess. The design is effective on both cherries and olives, making it a versatile tool for various recipes and kitchen tasks.
Leifheit Nut Cracker and Cherry Stoner
The Leifheit tool is a unique 2-in-1 device that functions as both a cherry stoner and a nut cracker. This dual functionality makes it a space-saving addition to your kitchen gadget collection, perfect for those with limited storage.
For pitting cherries, it uses a simple and effective plunger mechanism. Its sturdy construction is designed to handle the task efficiently. If you also frequently need to crack nuts, this versatile tool offers great value and utility.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cherry Pitter for Fresh Cherries
I have pitted a lot of cherries in my time, and let me tell you, the right tool makes all the difference. Stained fingers and cherry juice everywhere is not a fun time. If you’re looking at the different options for cherry pitters, here’s what I consider when I’m choosing one for my own kitchen.
First, think about your volume. How many fresh cherries are you typically processing? If you’re just doing a handful for a snack or a single pie, a simple, inexpensive single-punch pitter is perfect. It’s a small, handheld device that you press a cherry into. It’s easy to store and clean. For larger batches—like when you come home from the farmers’ market with a flat of cherries—a multi-pitter that can handle several cherries at once is a huge time-saver. These sit on a bowl and use a plunger mechanism to pit many cherries in one press.
Next, consider the construction. I look for a pitter that feels sturdy in my hand. For plastic models, make sure it’s a thick, durable plastic that won’t crack under pressure. The pitting mechanism itself, usually a metal punch, should be firmly attached and made of stainless steel to resist rust. A weak or flimsy pitter is just going to break and leave you frustrated.
Ease of cleaning is a big one for me. Cherry pulp and juice can get sticky and gunk up the works. Models that come apart easily for a thorough wash are ideal. Many single-punch pitters are dishwasher safe, which is a major plus. Multi-pitters often have more nooks and crannies, so check if the parts are dishwasher safe or if they require careful hand washing. The simpler the design, the easier it is to clean.
I also pay attention to the pitting action and safety. A good pitter should cleanly remove the pit without squashing the cherry. Some models have a built-in container to catch the pits, which is a nice feature that keeps your counter tidy. Others shoot the pit out the bottom, so you’ll need to work over a bowl or the trash. If you have younger helpers in the kitchen, look for a design that keeps fingers well away from the poking mechanism.
Finally, think about storage. A bulky multi-pitter might be fantastic for your annual cherry canning day, but if you have limited drawer space, a compact single-pitter might be the more practical choice year-round.
By considering how much you’ll use it, the build quality, clean-up, and storage, you can find the perfect tool. The right cherry pitter turns a messy job into a quick and simple task, letting you get back to the good part: eating your fresh cherries.
FAQ
Can I use a cherry pitter for olives?
Yes, in most cases you can! The basic mechanism for removing an olive pit is the same as for a cherry pit. Most handheld single-punch pitters work perfectly well on large green or black olives. Just be cautious with very small or delicate olives, as they might get crushed. It’s always a good idea to test one first.
What is the easiest type of cherry pitter to use?
For sheer simplicity, I find the basic handheld single-punch pitter the easiest to use. There are no parts to assemble; you just place a cherry in the cup and press down the lever. It’s intuitive, easy to control, and very difficult to use incorrectly. While multi-pitters are faster for large quantities, they have more moving parts and can be a bit more cumbersome for a small, quick job.
How do I clean my cherry pitter?
Cleaning right away is key because dried cherry juice is sticky. Most pitters come apart. I typically disassemble mine and rinse all the parts under warm water immediately after use. For a deeper clean, a quick soak in warm, soapy water does the trick. Many models are also top-rack dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. Pay special attention to the area around the metal punch where pulp can accumulate.
Are there any cherry pitters that don’t make a mess?
Some mess is inevitable, but certain designs contain it better. Look for pitters that have a built-in pit container. These models trap the pits inside the device, so you don’t have pits flying across your kitchen. You just empty the container when it’s full. This is a much cleaner option than the models that simply eject the pit out the bottom, which require you to work directly over a trash bowl.
Is it worth buying a cherry pitter if I only use it once a year?
This depends on how much you value your time and sanity during that one annual cherry event. If you’re only pitting a cup or two for a pie, you might manage with a paperclip or a chopstick (though it’s messy). But if you’re processing several pounds for jam, freezing, or baking, a simple, inexpensive pitter is a very worthwhile investment. It saves a massive amount of time and prevents stained fingers. I think even a basic model is worth it for the convenience alone.
Can a cherry pitter handle different sizes of cherries?
Most standard pitters are designed for the common range of cherry sizes you find at the grocery store, like Bing or Rainier varieties. They can usually accommodate smaller cherries too. However, very large cherries, such as some heirloom varieties, might not fit perfectly in the holder and could get squashed. If you frequently work with unusually large or small fruit, it’s a good idea to check the product specifications or reviews to see how the pitter performs with different sizes.