Owning the nut chopper may mean a lot of things. Ask 10 people and you’ll get 10 different answers. To some, it means speed. Others might say efficiency or ease.
Nut choppers are essential kitchen appliances especially when your recipe regularly calls for chopped nuts. There are two basic types of nut choppers; manual nut choppers and electric nut choppers, but this review mainly focuses on the latter.
Of course, there are several designs too, with every manufacturer trying to get an edge over the others which means incredible options are available for you!
Without wasting much time, let’s get into what we have prepared for you today.
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Nut Chopper
To differentiate between what to buy and what not to buy from the large pool of products available, you have to consider some important factors. This section highlights some of these factors.
What Material Is It Made From?
There are thousands of nut chopper products out there, made from the same or different materials, but which ones will withstand the test of time? Hold on, we would provide our expert answer to that.
During the stage of checking out the product you’d like to buy, it is imperative that the product is made from strong materials, and to be sure of this, you have to check its material composition.
Products with their body made from plastic, for instance, are great options as long as the plastic material is BPA-free and preferably approved by the FDA. ABS plastic is a good material choice.
The whole body can also be made from stainless steel which is great because stainless steel won’t crack or deform and it is resistant to rust.
Nut choppers have a base that holds the chopped nuts or foods and they can be made from glass or plastic. Usually, most products are a combination of plastic for the food hopper and glass for the bowl or base.
As for the chopping or grinding blades, they must be made from stainless steel. It has to be stainless steel. That’s because they do the work and you need a material that is strong enough to withstand the pressure and stays sharp to deliver consistent results.
What Is The Capacity Of The Clear Container?
You’d be disappointed if you need 2 cups of chopped nuts and all the clear containers your nut chopper can hold is 1 cup, and that’s why this factor is so important.
Common products usually have container capacities ranging from 1-2 cups. Now, that may or may not be enough depending on your needs.
One factor that determines the size of the clear container is the design of the product itself. Products with elliptical designs can’t hold more than 1 ½ cups while some products with a bigger square design can hold as much as 5 cups, an example is the Mueller Ultra Heavy Duty Chopper.
If you can’t go for the big leagues, you can still settle for products with about 1 ½ cups capacity. The good news is the containers are removable, so you can turn out the contents of the container and fix it back in the nut chopper to collect more. Albeit, doing that is stressful.
Are The Clear Containers Marked?
It is one thing to know the capacity of the clear container and it’s another to know the actual capacity at any level of the container. How can this be achieved? We’ll show you.
Let’s say your container capacity is 2 cups and you need only ½ cup of chopped nuts, how do you know when you’ve ground up to a ½ cup of nuts? The container has to be marked. That way, you can keep track of the volume of chopped nuts or food you need and better still, take accurate measurements. So make sure to look out for this.
Is It Safe To Use?
When you’ve confirmed the materials are lead and BPA-free, the next step is to check for safety features.
The handle can be thick or thin, but it must be non-slip. The same thing applies to the base of the product. It can either feature a rough pattern underneath to make it anti-skid or the base has feet attached to it.
These features will make sure the product doesn’t slip from your hands or table hereby ensuring your safety.
Electric Vs Manual: Which One Should I Pick?
Both types of products are great and each has its merits and demerits which we are going to highlight below.
Electric Nut Choppers
Pros:
- Faster
- Less stressful
- Bigger capacity
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- The motor may develop faults
Manual Nut Choppers
Pros:
- Doesn’t require electricity
- Can keep track of the chopped nuts volume
- Affordable
Cons:
- Stressful
- Time-consuming
How to Use a Nut Chopper
Nut choppers are generally easy to use, whether it is manual or electric. Since most of the products we reviewed are manual nut choppers, we’d explain that in detail and touch on the electric ones.
Like we said, manual nut choppers are easy to use. After assembling the parts, open the domed or squared lid to gain access to the food hopper and then proceed to throw in some nuts until it’s almost filled and then close with the lid.
Hold the base with one hand and start cranking the handle with the other. Most products can switch from fine to coarse texture depending on the direction you choose (could be indicated on the product).
Once you start cranking the handle, the nuts will be chopped and collected in the clear bowl attached below.
For electric nut choppers, simply plug them in and push the button on top. That’s all; all you have to do now is collect your chopped nuts.
Are Nut Choppers Versatile?
To simply answer your question, yes. Most nut choppers are compatible with different types of nuts such as pecan, walnut, peanut, and so on.
A perfect example is Mueller Ultra Heavy Duty Chopper which can also function as an egg-white separator. How cool is that? It doesn’t end there; some products are known to be effectively used as onion choppers, vegetable slicers, cheese shredders, etc.
Can I use a Blender to Chop Nuts?
Yes, you can. Surprised? This can be achieved by pulsing. A lot of food processors and blenders offer this function. If yours doesn’t, you can turn the appliance on and off quickly to pulse. The important thing is to do so in small batches so you can get great results.
While this works and could prove to be fast, you should note you will most likely get uneven results and that’s why it’s better to just use a nut chopper.
What Other Way Can I Chop Nuts?
One simpler but exhausting method of chopping nuts is using a knife and cutting board. You start by placing them on a clean cutting board and then chop them with a knife.
If you’re interested in further crushing them into a finer texture, pack and put them in a Ziploc bag. Then use a rolling pin or mallet to hit the bag until you get your desired texture.
How to Clean Nut Choppers
How well you maintain your kitchen appliances also plays a vital role in their durability. Nut choppers are easy to maintain, however, dishwasher-safe nut choppers are not so common. Most of the time hand wash is recommended.
If you happen to find a dishwasher-safe nut chopper, follow the instructions stated by the manufacturer – whether it goes in the top rack or other level racks.
To clean nut choppers manually, dismantle the product and then wash with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water. Be careful around the blade region. You can simply place under running water to clean the blades instead of using the sponge.
Nut Chopper Reviews
1. Prepworks by Progressive Nut Chopper
Highlighted Features
- Made from plastic
- Robust, non-slip handle
- Fine to coarse grinding
- Clear base with measurement markings
- Works with all types of nuts
This is a very fine product from Progressive International. With this product, their mission is clear – to make a simple but functional product and we can confidently say they achieved that.
It boasts of plastic construction with a patented elliptical design. It features a clear base marked for accurate measurements. The handle, which is connected to the grinding blades, is thick and non-slip.
Users will find this nut chopper easy to use. The nuts are introduced from the top and then sealed with a well-designed domed cover. Turning the handle provides you with fine to coarse options.
It has a non-slip base and it works with all types of nuts and seeds.
2. HIC Manual Nut Chopper
Highlighted Features
- Durable
- 18/8 stainless steel blades
- Dishwasher-safe glass base
- 1.25 cups capacity
- Works with all types of nuts
You’d be surprised to find out the amazing features packed in this product despite its price. It is constructed using three different materials. The top half is made from plastic, the blades from 18/8 stainless steel, and the base from the glass.
All the materials used are lead and BPA-free to make using this product safe for users. The glass base can collect enough chopped nuts with a capacity of 1.25 cups.
It works well with several nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, pecans, and so on. The glass base is dishwasher-safe and hand wash in warm, soapy water is recommended for other parts.
3. Norpro Nut Chopper
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel blades
- Dishwasher-safe glass base
- 1.25 cups capacity
- Compatible with different types of nut
Doesn’t this product look fierce? It features a brilliant combination of stainless steel and glass for efficiency and durability.
The chopping blades are made from stainless steel while the glass base receives chopped nuts up to 1.25 cups! It works well with walnuts, cashews, pecans, peanuts, etc.
The food hopper is wide enough to hold enough nuts for chopping also. The handle is firm to hold and easy to turn – works perfectly for right or left-handed users.
Only the glass base is dishwasher-safe. Some users have found a place in the top-rack of dishwashers effective and safe, but hand wash is strongly recommended for the other parts.
4. Geedel Food Chopper
Highlighted Features
- Plastic construction
- 430-grade stainless steel blades
- Multi-purpose
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe
If you’re looking to get a portable nut chopper, this might be the one for you. It features a plastic construction except the blades are made from 430-grade stainless steel which automatically turns 24° at every slap press.
Wondering what the slap press is? It’s like a doorbell button that you push to get the blades chopping. The design also entails a holder which replaces the handle. There’s the rotating scraper which removes food from the sides for even chopping.
The clear base receives and holds chopped nuts while the non-slip base ensures rigidity on surfaces. It works not just with nuts; you can use this to chop onions or garlic.
It can be dismantled effortlessly for handwashing but it’s also top-rack dishwasher-safe.
5. Progressive International Prepworks Nut Chopper
Highlighted Features
- Made from plastic
- Clear base with marked measurements
- 1 ½ cups capacity
- Dishwasher-safe
Chopping nuts have been made incredibly easier with this product and the best part is its bigger capacity – 1 ½ cups!
Made mainly from plastic, this nut chopper is durable and convenient to use. Its stainless steel blades are up to the task of chopping your nuts however you want it. All you have to do is turn the handle to switch from fine to coarse textures.
To make it easy to follow your recipe, the clear container that holds the chopped nuts are marked and it has a maximum capacity of 1 ½ cups. The food hopper is easily accessible by removing the square lid.
It comes with an anti-skid base to promote sturdiness on flat surfaces and it’s dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.
6. Mueller Ultra Heavy Duty Chopper
Highlighted Features
- Surgical stainless steel blades
- Capacity of 5 cups
- Multi-functions
- Safe and durable
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe
This amazing product from Mueller is a great substitute for electric nut choppers. It’s a manual nut chopper but it’s efficient and fast.
It can also function as an egg white separator. How cool is that? Oh, that’s not all. Besides chopping nuts, it does an excellent job slicing vegetables, chopping onions, slice cheese, whip eggs, and make hash browns! Talk about a do-it-all!
In terms of construction, the blades are made from surgical-grade stainless steel with a non-slip base and handle. It also comes with an oversized crank for improved safety.
It boasts a jaw-breaking 5 cups capacity. All parts can be dismantled easily for cleaning. It is a top-rack dishwasher-safe.
7. Cuisinart Nut Grinder
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel blades
- In-built safety interlock
- Removable bowl
- Bowl is dishwasher-safe
This flask-looking nut chopper looks like it means business! It’s made from stainless steel including the blades. It’s a plug-in device that runs on a 200 Watt motor.
Using this appliance is pretty easy. A gentle press on the lid initiates the grinding process and the chopped nuts go straight in the receiving bowl which is removable for quick and easy access to the chopped food.
It features a safety interlock that prevents the appliance from working if the lid is not properly in place and that’s a really nice touch to it.
There’s also a storage lid that allows you to keep additional spices in the bowl. It has non-slip feet around the base for enhanced stability and safety. The bowl is dishwasher-safe.
8. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Chopper
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel construction
- Versatile
- Fast
- Dishwasher-safe
- Anti-skid base
This is another great product from Cuisinart. It is 100% made from stainless steel including the blades. It’s very easy to use; a push of the top button will send the blades in motion, chopping your nuts effectively.
It also works well for chopping hard cheese or garlic and the amazing thing is – it does that in seconds, like literally! It’s also great for chopping onions, veggies, herbs, etc.
The base has a rough design to ensure it’s non-slip on all tables or countertops. All parts come off easily for maintenance. They can also be put together easily for use. It is dishwasher-safe.
9. FireKylin Nut Chopper
Highlighted Features
- ABS plastic construction
- Stainless steel blades
- Clear container
- Works with different types of nuts
- Dishwasher-safe
Want a simple nut chopper that gets the job done? Check this product out. It is made from ABS plastic which means its quality and safe to use. The blades, 16 of them, are all made from stainless steel for precise and reliable nut chopping.
You will be glad to find out this product works well with different types of nuts from pecans to walnuts or peanuts and almonds. It can also be used to chop garlic and ginger to spice up your meals.
The handle turns easily and all parts can be dismantled for easy cleaning. It is dishwasher-safe for fast and easy maintenance.
10. Progressive Nut Chopper
Highlighted Features
- Patented design
- Capacity of 1 ½ cups
- Different texture options
- Dishwasher-safe
Get chopping with this product made from plastic with stainless steel blades. See that shape? It’s a patented design.
One great thing about this product is that it gives you texture options. Cranking the non-slip handle will help you navigate from fine to coarse textures. It has a large, lucid container that collects the chopped nuts. The container is marked for precise measurements and has a maximum capacity of 1 ½ cups.
The domed lid gives you access to the food hopper where you put the fresh nuts for chopping. As expected, it has a non-slip base to prevent it from slipping on tables or countertops. It is dishwasher-safe for fast and easy cleanups.
Final Thoughts
Finally, you can quit the hunt for the nut chopper and just get it! This post contains all you need to make an informed decision.
Hey, don’t just pick one out of excitement – well, you can, but make sure to go through our buying guide and product reviews. They will help you select the product that fits your style and meet your needs.
We recommend Prepworks by Progressive Nut Chopper. It features a patented design, works with all kinds of nuts, and is highly durable.
However, if you’re shopping on a small budget, go for HIC Manual Nut Chopper because it is very affordable, made from quality materials, and works with all types of nuts.
