5 Best Cherry Pitters for Canning Cherries That Save Hours
Discover the 5 best cherry pitters for effortless canning! From budget-friendly options to premium tools, find the perfect pitter to streamline your cherry preservation projects this season.
Why it matters: Cherry canning season arrives faster than you think and you’ll need the right tool to remove hundreds of pits efficiently without destroying your fruit.
The bottom line: A quality cherry pitter transforms the tedious task of preparing cherries for canning from a messy chore into a streamlined process that saves hours of work.
What’s ahead: We’ve researched the top cherry pitters on the market to find the five best options that’ll handle your canning projects with speed and precision.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter
The OXO Good Grips consistently ranks as a top choice for serious cherry canners who process multiple pounds of fruit each season. You’ll find this pitter handles both sweet and sour cherries with remarkable efficiency.
Ergonomic Design for Extended Use
Your hands won’t cramp during marathon canning sessions thanks to the thoughtfully designed soft-grip handles. The lever mechanism requires minimal pressure while providing maximum pit extraction power. After pitting 20 pounds of cherries in one afternoon, you’ll appreciate how this design reduces hand fatigue compared to basic handheld models.
Easy-Clean Non-Slip Base
The sturdy suction-cup base keeps the pitter firmly planted on your counter, even when you’re working quickly through large batches. You can operate it one-handed while positioning cherries, which speeds up your workflow significantly. The smooth surfaces wipe clean instantly, and all removable parts are dishwasher-safe for thorough sanitization.
Splatter Shield Protection
Cherry juice won’t spray across your kitchen thanks to the built-in splatter guard that redirects messy bits downward. You’ll keep your workspace cleaner and avoid staining your clothes during busy canning days. The clear shield lets you see your work while containing the inevitable mess that comes with processing juicy fruit.
Progressive International Cherry-It Pitter
Quickly pit cherries and olives of all sizes with the OXO Good Grips Pitter. Its splatter shield keeps your workspace clean, and it locks for compact storage.
The Progressive International Cherry-It Pitter delivers reliable performance at an accessible price point. This compact tool works well for small to medium cherry canning batches without taking up excessive counter space.
Compact Space-Saving Design
You’ll appreciate this pitter’s minimal footprint when kitchen space is at a premium. The unit measures just 6 inches long and stores easily in drawers or small cabinets. Its lightweight design makes it simple to move around your workspace as needed during canning sessions.
Durable Plastic Construction
The reinforced plastic body withstands regular use throughout cherry season without cracking or warping. While not as heavy-duty as metal alternatives, the construction handles typical home canning volumes effectively. The plastic components clean easily and won’t stain from cherry juice exposure.
Budget-Friendly Option
This pitter costs significantly less than premium metal models while delivering solid functionality. You’ll spend under $15 for a tool that processes cherries efficiently for most home canning projects. It’s an excellent starting point if you’re new to cherry preservation or working with budget constraints.
Leifheit Cherrymat Cherry Pitter with Juice Container
The Leifheit Cherrymat stands out as the premium choice for serious home canners who process large quantities of cherries annually. This German-engineered tool combines efficiency with thoughtful design features that address real canning challenges.
Built-In Juice Collection System
The integrated juice container eliminates the mess that typically accompanies large-scale cherry pitting. You’ll collect valuable cherry juice that would otherwise stain your countertops and create cleanup headaches. This captured juice works perfectly for making cherry syrup or adding natural flavor to your canned fruit, turning waste into a bonus product for your pantry.
German Engineering Quality
Leifheit’s reputation for durability shows in every component of this cherry pitter. The all-metal construction withstands years of heavy seasonal use without the plastic failures common in cheaper models. You’re investing in a tool that’ll handle decades of cherry seasons, making the higher upfront cost worthwhile for dedicated canners who process 20+ pounds annually.
Large Capacity Processing
This pitter handles high-volume canning sessions without the constant emptying required by smaller models. You’ll process entire flats of cherries efficiently, maintaining steady rhythm during peak harvest periods. The generous capacity means fewer interruptions during those marathon canning days when you’re racing to preserve your entire cherry harvest before spoilage sets in.
Norpro Deluxe Cherry Pitter and Corer
The Norpro Deluxe Cherry Pitter and Corer stands out as a versatile tool that tackles both cherries and stone fruits with professional-grade reliability. You’ll appreciate its thoughtful engineering when processing multiple varieties during peak canning season.
Stainless Steel Construction
Stainless steel construction makes this pitter a long-term investment for serious home canners. The non-reactive metal won’t absorb cherry acids or stain from repeated use with dark fruit varieties like Bing cherries. You can expect consistent performance year after year without rust or corrosion affecting the mechanism’s precision.
Dual-Purpose Functionality
Dual-purpose functionality sets this tool apart from single-use cherry pitters in your canning arsenal. You’ll core apples and pears during fall preservation while using the same device for cherry season. This versatility maximizes your storage space and tool investment across multiple fruit processing projects.
Professional Grade Durability
Professional grade durability handles high-volume canning sessions without mechanical failure or performance degradation. The reinforced pivot points and sturdy base withstand the repetitive motion of processing 30+ pounds of cherries in a single day. You won’t experience the wobbling or misalignment that plagues cheaper alternatives during extended use.
Chef’n QuickPit Cherry Pitter
The Chef’n QuickPit stands out as the most user-friendly cherry pitter for beginners and casual canners. Its innovative design eliminates the learning curve that comes with traditional lever-style pitters.
Innovative Plunger Mechanism
You’ll find the Chef’n’s push-down plunger system requires minimal hand strength compared to squeeze-action pitters. The vertical plunging motion feels natural and reduces wrist strain during extended pitting sessions. This mechanism works exceptionally well with soft, ripe cherries that might get crushed in traditional clamping-style pitters, making it perfect for delicate varieties like Rainier cherries.
Dishwasher Safe Components
All plastic components detach easily for thorough cleaning in your dishwasher’s top rack. The smooth surfaces prevent cherry juice from staining permanently, unlike porous materials found in cheaper alternatives. You’ll appreciate this feature during busy canning seasons when hand-washing multiple tools becomes tedious and time-consuming.
Portable Design for Small Batches
This lightweight pitter fits comfortably in small kitchens and requires no counter clamping or mounting. You can easily transport it to farmers’ markets or friends’ homes for collaborative canning projects. The compact footprint makes it ideal for processing 2-5 pounds of cherries at a time without overwhelming your workspace or storage areas.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cherry pitter transforms your canning experience from tedious to enjoyable. Whether you’re processing a few pounds for family preserves or tackling commercial-sized batches you’ll find an option that matches your specific needs and budget.
Each pitter on this list offers unique advantages that cater to different canning styles. From the OXO’s ergonomic design to the Leifheit’s juice collection system your choice depends on how often you’ll use it and what features matter most to your workflow.
Don’t let cherry season catch you unprepared. Investing in a quality cherry pitter now means you’ll spend less time struggling with individual cherries and more time creating delicious preserved treats that’ll last throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cherry pitter for serious home canners?
The OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter is the top choice for serious cherry canners. It features an ergonomic design that reduces hand fatigue, a sturdy non-slip base for stability, and a built-in splatter shield to keep your workspace clean. This pitter works efficiently with both sweet and sour cherries, making it perfect for extended canning sessions.
Which cherry pitter is best for beginners on a budget?
The Progressive International Cherry-It Pitter is ideal for newcomers to cherry canning. Priced under $15, this budget-friendly tool offers reliable performance for small to medium batches. Its compact design makes it easy to store, while the durable plastic construction withstands regular use without cracking or warping.
What cherry pitter is recommended for processing large quantities?
The Leifheit Cherrymat Cherry Pitter is perfect for serious canners who process over 20 pounds of cherries annually. This premium tool features a built-in juice collection system that captures valuable cherry juice and reduces mess. Its all-metal construction ensures durability for high-volume canning sessions without frequent interruptions.
Which cherry pitter offers the most versatility?
The Norpro Deluxe Cherry Pitter and Corer provides exceptional versatility by handling both cherries and other stone fruits. Its stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion, while the dual-purpose functionality allows you to core apples and pears too. This professional-grade tool can process over 30 pounds of cherries daily.
What’s the most user-friendly cherry pitter for casual canners?
The Chef’n QuickPit Cherry Pitter is the most beginner-friendly option. Its innovative push-down plunger mechanism requires minimal hand strength and reduces wrist strain, making it perfect for delicate cherries. The dishwasher-safe components ensure easy cleaning, and its portable design is ideal for small batches and collaborative canning projects.
How do cherry pitters make canning easier?
Cherry pitters significantly simplify the canning process by efficiently removing pits while reducing mess and time consumption. Quality pitters feature splatter shields, ergonomic designs, and stable bases that streamline cherry processing. They eliminate the tedious manual pit removal, allowing you to focus on the actual canning and preservation process.
