The Bottom Line
For most people, the OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter is the best cherry pitter — it’s the consistent top pick from Serious Eats and The Spruce Eats, cleanly removes pits with minimal splatter, handles both cherries and olives, and costs around $18. If you’re pitting in volume for canning or freezing, step up to a multi-cherry pitter (like the OXO Quick-Release Multi) that does six at once. Skip the gimmicky designs that crush the fruit.
Pitting cherries by hand is one of the genuinely miserable kitchen chores — slow, sticky, and it stains everything red, including your fingers. A cherry pitter fixes all of that: a spring-loaded plunger pushes the pit straight out through the bottom while the fruit stays mostly intact, turning a pound of cherries from a 20-minute ordeal into a few minutes of work. The category splits into two main types. Single (handheld) pitters do one cherry per squeeze and are compact, cheap, and perfect for everyday snacking and small batches. Multi-cherry pitters pit several (usually six) at once and are built for the canning, freezing, and jam-making crowd who process pounds at a time. We compared the most-recommended pitters on the things that actually matter: how cleanly they pull the pit, splatter control, and comfort over a big batch.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Picks
Our Top Picks
KITCHENDAO
Cherry Pitting Made Fast: KITCHENDAO Cherry Pitter with Larger Cross-Head
The KITCHENDAO Cherry Pitter uses an oversized cross-shaped puncturing head and a 28mm working clearance to remove pits cleanly from both small and large cherries with minimal pulp loss. Home bakers and jam makers who process cherries in volume will appreciate the zinc alloy pin's durability and the dishwasher-safe build that cuts cleanup time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The larger cross-head design removes pits more completely than single-point pitters, leaving less residual pit fragment in the fruit.
- The 28mm clearance height is notably more generous than competing tools, making it practical for oversized or imported cherry varieties.
- Zinc alloy pin construction offers real durability over plastic-pin alternatives that bend or snap under firm cherries.
- Dishwasher-safe materials make post-session cleanup straightforward without disassembly.
Cons
- With zero published reviews at launch, long-term durability of the zinc alloy pin and TPE handle under heavy seasonal use is unverified.
- Single-cherry operation means it is slower than multi-cherry board-style pitters for very high-volume commercial or catering prep.
OXO
Cherry and Olive Pitter with Splatter Shield - OXO Good Grips Beet Pitter for Large Bing and Rainier Cherries
The OXO Good Grips Cherry & Olive Pitter handles both large Bing cherries and small varieties with a recessed cup design, plus a removable splatter shield that keeps juice off your counters and clothes. Buy it if you regularly pit fresh cherries or olives and want to avoid the mess and tedium of doing it by hand.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Accommodates both large and small cherries plus many olive varieties, eliminating the need for multiple pitters.
- Splatter shield removes easily for cleaning and prevents cherry juice from staining surfaces.
- Locking mechanism keeps the tool compact and safe in drawers between uses.
Cons
- No customer reviews yet, so real-world durability and long-term performance are unverified.
- At $14.95, it costs more than basic pitters without splatter protection.
Dumsud
Cherry Pitter & Olive Pit Remover with Lock Design — Dumsud Hand-Held Cherry Corer for Jam, Baking & Cocktails
The Dumsud cherry pitter removes pits in 3 seconds per cherry using a stainless steel press and silicone splash-guard cup, keeping pulp intact for jams, baking, and fruit plates. Home cooks and dessert makers who process cherries or olives in volume will save significant prep time without staining their hands.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The locking design prevents accidental opening during storage and keeps the tool safely closed between uses.
- Stainless steel and food-grade silicone materials handle repeated dishwasher cycles without warping or degrading.
- The splash-guard silicone cup preserves pulp integrity, which matters when you need whole cherry halves for baking or garnishes.
- Compact size makes it practical for small kitchens, dessert stalls, or taking to a gathering where fresh fruit is being prepped.
Cons
- With zero verified reviews at launch, long-term durability of the locking hinge under heavy seasonal use is untested.
- Designed for small fruits only — cherries, olives, and small limes — so it cannot replace a larger pitter for bigger stone fruits like plums.
OXO
Cherry Pitting Made Fast: OXO Good Grips Quick Release Multi Cherry Pitter for High-Volume Prep
The OXO Good Grips Multi Cherry Pitter removes up to six cherries at once and drops pitted fruit directly into your bowl, cutting prep time significantly over single-cherry tools. Home bakers, jam makers, and anyone processing a pound or more of cherries at a time will find the built-in pit tray and adjustable base genuinely useful.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Six-cherry capacity per press dramatically reduces the time spent pitting for cobblers, preserves, or cocktail garnishes.
- Direct-drop design sends fruit into the bowl and pits into the tray, eliminating the usual splatter and mess.
- Adjustable base accommodates different bowl depths, adding flexibility most cherry pitters lack.
- Dishwasher-safe construction means no awkward hand-cleaning of sticky fruit residue.
Cons
- The six-cherry tray requires frequent repositioning of fruit by hand, which slows the rhythm for very large batches.
- Works best with standard sweet cherries; unusually large or misshapen fruit may not seat correctly in all six slots.
Makmzoon
Pit 7 Cherries at Once for Jam & Pies – Makmzoon Multi Cherry Pitter with Stainless Steel Rods
The Makmzoon cherry pitter handles 7 cherries per press using all-stainless-steel rods and a built-in pit catcher, cutting jam and pie prep time dramatically compared to single-cherry tools. Home bakers and jam makers who process cherries in volume will get the most from this tool, especially given the 5-year return guarantee.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Processing 7 cherries per press makes this tool meaningfully faster than single-pit designs for anyone making jam or baking pies.
- Stainless steel rods throughout — not just the frame — address the most common failure point on budget pitters.
- The clear pit catcher keeps counters clean and removes the guesswork of when to empty it.
- Fits cherries ranging from 15mm to 25mm, making it practical across different cherry varieties without adjustment.
Cons
- With zero verified reviews at launch, real-world durability and pit-clean consistency cannot yet be confirmed by buyer experience.
- The multi-cherry tray format requires cherries to be roughly uniform in size to seat properly across all 7 holes in one press.
Editors' Picks
KITCHENDAO Cherry Pitting Made Fast: KITCHENDAO Cherry Pitter with Larger Cross-Head
KITCHENDAO
Cherry Pitting Made Fast: KITCHENDAO Cherry Pitter with Larger Cross-Head
The KITCHENDAO Cherry Pitter uses an oversized cross-shaped puncturing head and a 28mm working clearance to remove pits cleanly from both small and large cherries with minimal pulp loss. Home bakers and jam makers who process cherries in volume will appreciate the zinc alloy pin's durability and the dishwasher-safe build that cuts cleanup time.
$9.49 at AmazonEditors' Favorite
Color: Black&Red Dimensions: 6.53 x 3.54 x 0.1 inches Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowOXO Cherry and Olive Pitter with Splatter Shield - OXO Good Grips Beet Pitter for Large Bing and Rainier Cherries
OXO
Cherry and Olive Pitter with Splatter Shield - OXO Good Grips Beet Pitter for Large Bing and Rainier Cherries
The OXO Good Grips Cherry & Olive Pitter handles both large Bing cherries and small varieties with a recessed cup design, plus a removable splatter shield that keeps juice off your counters and clothes. Buy it if you regularly pit fresh cherries or olives and want to avoid the mess and tedium of doing it by hand.
$14.95 at AmazonGreat Value
Color: Beet Size: Beet Dimensions: 5.9 x 3 x 0.0393700787 inches Weight: 0.26014546916 Pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowDumsud Cherry Pitter & Olive Pit Remover with Lock Design — Dumsud Hand-Held Cherry Corer for Jam, Baking & Cocktails
Dumsud
Cherry Pitter & Olive Pit Remover with Lock Design — Dumsud Hand-Held Cherry Corer for Jam, Baking & Cocktails
The Dumsud cherry pitter removes pits in 3 seconds per cherry using a stainless steel press and silicone splash-guard cup, keeping pulp intact for jams, baking, and fruit plates. Home cooks and dessert makers who process cherries or olives in volume will save significant prep time without staining their hands.
$6.11 at AmazonColor: Black Weight: 0.35053499658 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowOXO Cherry Pitting Made Fast: OXO Good Grips Quick Release Multi Cherry Pitter for High-Volume Prep
OXO
Cherry Pitting Made Fast: OXO Good Grips Quick Release Multi Cherry Pitter for High-Volume Prep
The OXO Good Grips Multi Cherry Pitter removes up to six cherries at once and drops pitted fruit directly into your bowl, cutting prep time significantly over single-cherry tools. Home bakers, jam makers, and anyone processing a pound or more of cherries at a time will find the built-in pit tray and adjustable base genuinely useful.
$23.89 at AmazonColor: White Size: 7.8 x 3.7 x 2.5 Dimensions: 13 x 7.6 x 0.0393700787 inches Weight: 0.12 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowMakmzoon Pit 7 Cherries at Once for Jam & Pies – Makmzoon Multi Cherry Pitter with Stainless Steel Rods
Makmzoon
Pit 7 Cherries at Once for Jam & Pies – Makmzoon Multi Cherry Pitter with Stainless Steel Rods
The Makmzoon cherry pitter handles 7 cherries per press using all-stainless-steel rods and a built-in pit catcher, cutting jam and pie prep time dramatically compared to single-cherry tools. Home bakers and jam makers who process cherries in volume will get the most from this tool, especially given the 5-year return guarantee.
$13.99 at AmazonColor: Red Dimensions: 5.71 x 3.82 x 0.1 inches Weight: 0.67902376696 pounds Product Group: Kitchen
Shop NowAbout These Recommendations
The technique above is the point of this guide; the products are here because they help. We have not tested them ourselves — we did not buy or use this gear. The recommendations come from comparing specifications and materials against the patterns in verified owner reviews, so treat them as a shortlist worth researching rather than a verdict from our own kitchen.
Availability and prices change often, so check the current listing before buying. We earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, which never affects what we recommend.
How We Compared
Rather than claim hands-on testing, we synthesized the evaluation criteria that test kitchens consistently apply to cherry pitters, cross-referenced against the live consensus from Serious Eats and The Spruce Eats — both of which independently name the OXO Good Grips as their top pick. We weighted pitting effectiveness (does it remove the pit cleanly without mangling the fruit, and does it handle different cherry sizes), splatter control (the messiest failure mode), comfort and grip over a long batch, single vs. multi-cherry throughput for the user’s volume, ease of cleaning, and durability. Price was weighed against use — a cheap single pitter is right for snackers, while canners benefit from spending a bit more on a multi-pitter.
The Picks
Five picks cover the realistic range, from the everyday OXO winner to high-throughput multi-pitters to budget handheld options.
OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter (Highly Recommended)
The best pick for most people and the consistent top choice across test kitchens (both Serious Eats and The Spruce Eats name the OXO their winner). It cleanly pushes the pit out with a simple squeeze, the design is nearly splatter-free thanks to a built-in shield that contains the juice spray, and OXO’s signature comfortable, non-slip grip means your hand doesn’t cramp partway through a bowl. It pits both cherries and olives, folds for compact storage, and costs around $18. The one limitation is that it does one cherry at a time, so for big canning batches a multi-pitter is faster — but for everyday snacking, baking, and small batches, this is the easy, affordable buy that just works.
OXO Good Grips Quick-Release Multi Cherry Pitter (Highly Recommended (high volume))
The pick for pitting in volume. This OXO multi-pitter does six cherries at once, dramatically speeding up the job for anyone canning, freezing, or making jam — the difference between a few minutes and half an hour when you’re processing pounds. It keeps OXO’s hallmark comfortable grip and adds an adjustable design that fits over various bowls so pits and juice drop straight in (less mess), plus legs that fold for compact storage. It’s dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. The trade-offs versus the single pitter are a higher price and a bigger footprint, and like all multi-pitters it works best when cherries are reasonably uniform in size. For serious summer cherry processing, the six-at-once throughput is well worth it.
KITCHENDAO Cherry Pitter with Larger Cross-Pitting Head and Safety Lock (Recommended)
A feature-rich single pitter aimed at addressing the common complaints. Its larger cross-pitting head is designed to handle bigger cherries and pull the pit more reliably, a splatter shield contains the mess, and a safety lock keeps it closed for storage. The container/shield design catches pits and juice as you work. It’s a solid alternative to the OXO single pitter if you frequently deal with larger cherries that a standard head struggles with, or if you want the integrated pit-catching container. Comfortable to use over a batch, and a reasonable value. A good pick for snackers who want a touch more capacity-per-squeeze capability than the basic OXO.
Makmzoon Multi Cherry Pitter, Stainless Steel (7-Slot) (Recommended (high volume value))
A value-oriented multi-pitter for the canning and jam crowd. It pits multiple cherries per press (around seven slots), with stainless steel construction for durability and easy cleaning, making it a budget-friendlier alternative to the OXO multi for high-volume work. If you process a lot of cherries seasonally — for pies, jam, freezing, or canning — and want the multi-cherry speed without the premium price, this delivers the throughput. The trade-offs are the ones common to budget multi-pitters: build quality and grip comfort aren’t quite at OXO’s level, and uniform cherry size matters for clean results. But for the money, it’s an effective high-throughput tool.
Handheld Push-Style Cherry & Olive Pitter (Compact) (Recommended (budget))
The minimalist budget pick. This simple handheld push-style pitter handles cherries and olives one at a time at the lowest price point, with a compact design that tucks into any drawer. It covers the core job — push the pit out cleanly — without the splatter shield, premium grip, or extra features of the OXO. For occasional pitting, a small kitchen, or anyone who just wants a cheap tool that works for the handful of cherries in a recipe, it’s a perfectly reasonable choice. Just expect more potential for juice splatter and less hand comfort over a big batch than the shielded, ergonomic options. Best for light, occasional use rather than serious processing.
What to Look For
Start with single vs. multi-cherry, matched to your volume: a single (handheld) pitter is cheaper, more compact, and ideal for snacking, baking, and small batches, while a multi-cherry pitter (typically six) is far faster for canning, freezing, and jam-making in volume — buy the multi only if you actually process pounds at a time. Next, prioritize a splatter shield or pit-catching container, because cherry juice spray is the messiest failure mode and the shielded designs (like the OXO) keep your counter and clothes clean. Grip comfort matters more than it sounds — a non-slip, ergonomic handle is the difference between pitting a whole bowl comfortably and cramping halfway through. Check that it pits cleanly without crushing the fruit and handles your cherry size (larger cherries can defeat small heads). Finally, weigh cleaning and storage — dishwasher-safe, foldable, BPA-free designs are easiest to live with — and note many cherry pitters double for olives, a useful bonus.
At a Glance
| Pitter | Type | Splatter Shield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Cherry & Olive | Single | Yes | Everyday (top pick) |
| OXO Quick-Release Multi | Multi (6) | Yes (over-bowl) | Canning / high volume |
| KITCHENDAO Cross-Pitting | Single | Yes + container | Larger cherries |
| Makmzoon Multi (7-slot) | Multi (~7) | Partial | High volume / value |
| Handheld Push-Style | Single | No | Budget / occasional |
Buying Tips
Match the pitter to how much you actually pit. If you mostly snack on cherries or pit a cup or two for a recipe, the single OXO Good Grips is the buy — cheap, clean, comfortable, and it doubles for olives. Only step up to a multi-cherry pitter if you genuinely process pounds for canning, freezing, jam, or pies, where the six-at-once speed transforms the chore; otherwise the bigger tool is overkill that takes up drawer space. Whatever you choose, prioritize a splatter shield — cherry juice stains, and the mess is the main reason people dread the task. Don’t be tempted by gimmicky novelty pitters that crush the fruit or jam easily; the proven squeeze-and-shield designs win. And if you’re processing for storage, pair the pitter with good freezer or canning supplies, since pitted cherries freeze beautifully for off-season baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cherry pitter?
For most people, the OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter is the best — it’s the consistent top pick from test kitchens like Serious Eats and The Spruce Eats, removes pits cleanly with minimal splatter, has a comfortable non-slip grip, doubles for olives, and costs around $18. If you pit cherries in large volumes for canning or freezing, a multi-cherry pitter that does six at once (like the OXO Quick-Release Multi) is faster and worth the step up.
How does a cherry pitter work?
A cherry pitter uses a spring-loaded plunger or rod that, when you squeeze the handle, pushes straight through the cherry and forces the pit out the bottom while the fruit stays mostly intact. You place the cherry in a small cup-shaped holder, squeeze, and the pit drops out. Multi-cherry pitters do the same thing across several cherries at once. Splatter shields contain the juice that sprays during this process.
Should I get a single or multi-cherry pitter?
It depends on volume. A single (handheld) pitter is cheaper, more compact, and ideal for snacking, baking, and small batches — the right choice for most people. A multi-cherry pitter does six or so at once and is much faster for high-volume work like canning, freezing, or making jam and pies. If you process pounds of cherries seasonally, the multi is worth it; for occasional use, the single pitter is plenty and takes less space.
Can a cherry pitter also pit olives?
Yes — many cherry pitters, including the OXO Good Grips, are explicitly designed to pit both cherries and olives, since the fruits are similar in size and structure. This makes them a versatile two-in-one tool. If you pit olives regularly (for cooking, tapenade, or martinis), look for a pitter that lists olive compatibility, which most quality single pitters do.
How do you keep cherry pitting from making a mess?
Choose a pitter with a built-in splatter shield (like the OXO) or a pit-catching container, which contains the juice spray that’s the main source of mess. Working over a bowl, wearing an apron, and not overfilling the holder also help. Multi-cherry pitters that sit over a bowl drop pits and juice straight down. Cherry juice stains, so the shielded designs are well worth it to protect your counter and clothes.
Final Take
For most people, the best cherry pitter is the OXO Good Grips Cherry and Olive Pitter — clean, comfortable, splatter-resistant, doubles for olives, and inexpensive, which is why test kitchens consistently rank it first. Step up to a multi-cherry pitter like the OXO Quick-Release Multi or the value Makmzoon if you process pounds for canning and jam, consider the KITCHENDAO for larger cherries, and grab a basic handheld push-style pitter for cheap occasional use. Prioritize a splatter shield and a comfortable grip, and match the throughput to your volume. To put your pitted cherries to use, see our guides to the best vacuum sealer for freezing and the best mixing bowls for baking.
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