In the exciting world of kitchen gadgets, where convenience meets cooking artistry, cherry pitters stand out as a beacon of efficiency and safety. These ingenious tools, also known as cherry stoners, are the unsung heroes of the summer kitchen, transforming the tedious task of pitting cherries from a chore into a joy.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, the attraction of creating delicious homemade preserves, like cherry jam or cherries in brandy, calls to you. Yet, the path to these sweet creations is often paved with the painstaking job of removing cherry stones – a task where the cherry pitter shines.
The practical benefits of adding a cherry pitter to your collection of kitchen tools cannot be overstated. Beyond their fundamental function, these nifty gadgets are versatile too, with many models designed to destone olives as well, making them a valuable addition to your kitchen.
They are not only about saving time but also about improving safety. The traditional method of using a knife or spoon to dig out those stubborn cherry pits is ‘ripe’ with the risk of slips and cuts. Not to mention a lot of mess! Enter the cherry pitter, which lowers the amount of mess and helps to keep your fingertips whole, proving itself as a safer alternative and a testament to modern kitchen innovation.
Gone are the days when cherry pitters were a niche tool, hard to come by. Thanks to popular retailers like Amazon UK and Lakeland UK, finding the perfect cherry pitter to suit your cooking needs has never been easier. These stores have improved your access to this essential gadget, ensuring that the process of pitting cherries is not only quick but also efficient.
In this review, I explore the pros and cons of four different cherry pitters, highlighting their distinct features and how they can cater to various preferences and requirements.
Whether you’re just wanting to enjoy the simple pleasure of eating fresh cherries without the hassle of the stones, preparing ingredients for preserves, or creating desserts that draw compliments at every bite, a cherry pitter is your indispensable companion.
REVIEWS
Cherry Pitter
PRICE: £6.99**
FEATURES:
- A stainless-steel plunger removes pits.
- This is an easy portable size.
- Comfortable silicone handles.
PROS:
- It is versatile and can be used for removing the pits of olives as well.
- Easy to clean.
- This pitter has an ergonomic handle to limit hand fatigue during use.
CONS:
- This pitter may not be considered as attractive or easy to store as other more expensive options.
- Some users found the plunger mechanism slightly stiff to use.
- You are unable to avoid the mess from juice splatter, so prepare to manage this.
JTMM Cherry Pitter
PRICE: £11.99**
FEATURES:
- This device can remove the stones from 6 cherries at a time.
- There is an in-built splatter screen.
- It has a useful non-slip base.
PROS:
- This cherry pitter can remove stones from multiple cherries at once.
- It has a removable tray at the bottom that catches the cherry stones and juice, and so limits the mess that is common with this task.
- You can take the gadget apart for ease of cleaning and then clip it together for storing.
CONS:
- There may be a bit of a struggle to store easily in the kitchen drawer.
- You must check the de-pitted cherries to make sure that they have all been successfully destoned and that there is no nasty hard surprise in that bite of jam!
- Some users may find the action of pressing down onto the gadget tiring.
OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter
PRICE: £14.99**
FEATURES:
- Sturdy construction.
- Non-slip handles for a comfortable grip and control.
- Removes stones in one easy action.
PROS:
- Affordable, good-looking kitchen tool, that is simple to use.
- Can remove olive pits as well as cherry pits, so versatile.
- Dishwasher-safe and can be stored easily in a locked position.
CONS:
- Some users with hand problems may find the grip action that is needed to remove the cherry stones challenging.
- May not work well with very small or irregularly shaped cherries.
- Almost always cherry stone removal can be a messy process of varying degrees and it is the same here!
Westmark Cherry Pitter
PRICE: £39.23**
FEATURES:
- The design and mechanism are aimed at pitting larger amounts of cherries.
- Plunger for quick and efficient pitting.
- Inclined shute and plunger allows fruit to slide into the pitter.
PROS:
- Can be used to remove the stones from fresh, frozen, or preserved cherries.
- Designed with a base container to catch the remove sherry pits.
- Plunger offers quick and efficient pitting, with limited mess.
CONS:
- Plastic construction may not be as durable as metal options.
- Some users found the plunger mechanism a bit of a challenge. Larger cherries can struggle.
- You must check the pitted cherries for any hidden stone which could slip through.
- Must be washed by hand.
After exploring the differences, advantages, and minor setbacks of four different cherry pitters one truth remains undisputed: owning a cherry pitter can revolutionize your cooking experience with cherries.
Each cherry pitter reviewed brings something unique to the job, catering to a range of needs, whether it’s handling baskets full of cherries for a big preserving or baking project or prepping just a handful for a snack.
When choosing the ideal cherry pitter for your kitchen, consider the price tag and convenience value it can add to your cooking jobs. The quality of the construction, ease of use, simplicity in cleaning, and storage convenience are all factors to consider.
If you don’t have a cherry pitter in your kitchen yet, now is the moment to make that change. Once you’ve experienced the benefits, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Happy pitting, and even happier eating!
**Note:
The prices listed here were correct at the time of this review was written. For up-to-date prices, please visit the relevant retailer’s website.