Best cherry pitters for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter is our top pick for its reliable performance and comfortable design.
The Le Creuset model offers a bit more durability for heavy users, while the Norpro is a smart choice if you’re on a tight budget.
Cherry pitters turn a sticky, tedious job into a quick, clean operation, essential if you bake pies, make jam, or freeze fruit for smoothies. The key differences come down to mechanism (plunger vs. lever), capacity, and how well they handle pits of different sizes. We looked at owner reviews, expert roundups, and long-term feedback to find models that balance speed, comfort, and cleanup. A great cherry pitter should eject pits cleanly without mangling the fruit, be easy to empty, and feel sturdy enough for a big bowl of cherries. You’ll also want to consider whether you’re pitting just for a Saturday cobbler or by the bushel for canning season.
Best Overall Cherry Pitter
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter earns its top spot with a comfortable, non-slip handle and a clever catch tray that keeps counters clean. Cherry pits are ejected reliably, and the stainless-steel plunger stands up to heavy use. It’s not the fastest model, but the consistent results and easy disassembly for washing win over most owners.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Runner-Up Cherry Pitter
a premium workhorse
4.5out of 5Le Creuset’s cherry pitter brings the brand’s signature stoneware base and a sturdy, enamel-coated body. The lever-action design requires less squeezing force than many plunger models, and the pitted cherries come out intact. It’s heavier and bulkier, but owners appreciate the stability and the elegant look that doubles as a serving dish.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Best Budget Cherry Pitter
smart savings
4.3out of 5The Norpro Cherry Pitter is the classic manual plunger at a very accessible price. It’s simple: load a cherry, press down, and the pit drops into a small channel. The plastic body feels lightweight but gets the job done for occasional batches. Owners note it can struggle with clingstone varieties or cherries that are too soft, but for the cost it’s a perfectly fine entry point.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best Overall Cherry Pitter | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Home cooks who want a reliable, comfortable pitter for moderate to heavy use throughout ch | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Runner-Up Cherry Pitter | 4.5 / 5 | $$$ | Bakers who value build quality and want a pitter that can sit out as a kitchen counter too | Check price → |
| Best value | Best Budget Cherry Pitter | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Anyone who only pits cherries a few times a year and wants a no-regrets low-cost tool. | Check price → |
| Best premium | Best Premium Cherry Pitter | 4.6 / 5 | $$$$ | Enthusiasts who pit by the pound and want a machine-like tool that won’t slow them down. | Check price → |
| Honorable mention | Honorable Mention Cherry Pitter | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Those who enjoy unique kitchen gadgets and want a fast, engaging pitting process for mediu | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Best Overall Cherry Pitter: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter earns its top spot with a comfortable, non-slip handle and a clever catch tray that keeps counters clean. Cherry pits are ejected reliably, and the stainless-steel plunger stands up to heavy use. It’s not the fastest model, but the consistent results and easy disassembly for washing win over most owners.
Pros
- Comfortable soft-grip handle reduces hand fatigue during long sessions
- Built-in pit catcher holds several dozen pits before needing emptying
- Stainless-steel plunger resists rust and cleans easily
- Works well on both sweet and tart cherries of varying sizes
Cons
- The trigger mechanism can occasionally stick if cherries are very soft
- Not ideal for very small or irregularly shaped fruit
Who it’s for
Home cooks who want a reliable, comfortable pitter for moderate to heavy use throughout cherry season.Who should skip it
You need to pit dozens of pounds in one go and prefer a lever-style pitter that can handle continuous output.2. Runner-Up Cherry Pitter: a premium workhorse
Runner-upLe Creuset’s cherry pitter brings the brand’s signature stoneware base and a sturdy, enamel-coated body. The lever-action design requires less squeezing force than many plunger models, and the pitted cherries come out intact. It’s heavier and bulkier, but owners appreciate the stability and the elegant look that doubles as a serving dish.
Pros
- Lever action is gentle on wrists and joints
- Sturdy base stays put on the counter even with heavy cherries
- Smooth enamel surface wipes clean in seconds
Cons
- The stoneware base can chip if dropped
- Higher price tag may not justify the upgrade for occasional bakers
Who it’s for
Bakers who value build quality and want a pitter that can sit out as a kitchen counter tool.Who should skip it
You have limited storage space and prefer a lighter, easily stashed gadget.3. Best Budget Cherry Pitter: smart savings
Best valueThe Norpro Cherry Pitter is the classic manual plunger at a very accessible price. It’s simple: load a cherry, press down, and the pit drops into a small channel. The plastic body feels lightweight but gets the job done for occasional batches. Owners note it can struggle with clingstone varieties or cherries that are too soft, but for the cost it’s a perfectly fine entry point.
Pros
- Extremely affordable for casual cherry pitting
- Compact enough to tuck into a drawer
- Easy to rinse under the tap with no disassembly needed
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less durable than metal models
- Pit ejection can be inconsistent with clingstone cherries
Who it’s for
Anyone who only pits cherries a few times a year and wants a no-regrets low-cost tool.Who should skip it
You’ll be processing large volumes regularly, where a sturdier design and faster pit removal matter.5. Honorable Mention Cherry Pitter: a clever alternative
Honorable mentionThe Chef‘n CherryPit uses a fun, crank-fed mechanism that drops a cherry into place, presses out the pit, and releases the fruit in one motion. It’s fast and keeps your fingers away from the action, though it’s pickier about fruit size and can jam with underripe cherries. Owners who get the hang of it appreciate the novelty and efficiency.
Pros
- Crank action feels satisfying and quick once you learn the rhythm
- Self-dropping design minimizes hand fatigue
- Compact shape stores easily
Cons
- Jams occasionally if cherries are not uniform in size
- Plastic internal parts may wear over time with heavy use
Who it’s for
Those who enjoy unique kitchen gadgets and want a fast, engaging pitting process for medium batches.Who should skip it
You want a tool that works perfectly out of the box with no learning curve, or you need to pit a wide range of cherry sizes.Best for specific needs
Best for large batches
If you regularly pit multiple pounds of cherries at once for jam, pie fillings, or freezing, the Westmark Cherry Pitter is your best bet. Its lever-action metal build and sequential design let you process cherries much faster than any single-plunger model. The removable waste tray also cuts down on cleanup interruptions, making it a true heavy-duty companion. Our pick: Westmark Cherry Pitter.
Best for occasional use and easy storage
For the cook who only pits a pint or two each summer, the Norpro Cherry Pitter is the smart, low-cost choice. Its lightweight plastic body and compact footprint mean it won’t clutter your drawer, and it cleans up in seconds. While it won’t hold up to constant use, it does exactly what’s needed for small, infrequent jobs without breaking the bank. Our pick: Norpro Cherry Pitter.
Best for comfort and everyday reliability
The OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter strikes the sweet spot between comfort and dependability for most home cooks. The soft-grip handle and built-in pit catcher make extended sessions much more pleasant, and the stainless-steel construction promises years of steady use. It handles both sweet and tart cherries well, making it the ideal daily tool for a range of recipes. Our pick: OXO Good Grips Cherry Pitter.
Our verdict
No matter how many cherries you pit each year, there’s a model here that fits. The OXO Good Grips remains our overall recommendation for its comfort, clean operation, and broad appeal. If you’re processing by the bushel, step up to the Westmark. And if you just need a cheap, cheerful helper for occasional pies, the Norpro won’t disappoint.