Having used manual nut choppers for years, I know how important it is to find the right one. I decided to test a variety of models, focusing on key factors like ease of use, blade sharpness, container capacity, and overall durability.
After trying over a dozen options, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 6 choppers that truly stand out.
Keep reading to find out more.
Things I Considered While Choosing These Products
- Comfortable and easy to operate manually
- Sharp blades for consistent nut chopping
- Durable container with visible measurement lines
- Works well on hard and soft nuts
- Compact size for quick kitchen storage
- Suitable for chopping more than just nuts
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Stable design with non-slip or suction base
What’s the Best Manual Nut Chopper?
| Product Name | Best For |
| 1. OXO Stainless Steel Grips Vegetable Manual Nut Chopper | Best-Overall |
| 2. CUISINART 8.2″ x 3.9″ x 3.9″ Stainless Steel Manual Nut Chopper | Premium-Quality |
| 3. NORPRO Topping Manual Nut Chopper | Budget-Friendly |
| 4. SEMCIDE Dishwasher-safe Stainless Steel Manual Nut Chopper | Best-Value |
| 5. PROGRESSIVE International Manual Nut Chopper | Multi-Purpose |
| 6. OUR Cheese Grater Hand Crank Kitchen Manual Nut Chopper | All-Purpose |
Best Manual Nut Chopper
1. OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper White Manual Nut Chopper
I got the shipping update and, just 48 hours later, the nut chopper manual hand arrived- neatly packed, clean design, and that classic OXO feel: smart, sturdy, and ready to use.
Operation: I got this mainly to help with nuts- almonds, walnuts, pecans- and I was impressed right out of the gate. All I do is load them in, press the knob, and the blades spin and chop like magic. I don’t have to push too hard either. It’s quick, simple, and saves my wrists.
Blades: The stainless steel blade is what makes the difference. It’s sharp and rotates as I press the knob, so the nuts come out evenly chopped instead of pulverized into dust.
It gives me just the right texture- especially when I need chopped pecans for cookies or almonds for salad toppings.
Container: The catcher cup is super handy. I can see exactly how much I’ve chopped, thanks to the built-in measurement lines. And I love that the base has a non-slip grip- it stays put while I’m chopping.
Suitable for Various Nuts: I’ve used this on everything from soft cashews to tough almonds. It powers through without any jamming or uneven chopping. It’s also great for small batches- perfect when I just need a handful for a recipe.
Beyond Nuts: Even though I use it mostly for nuts, I’ve definitely reached for it during regular meal prep. It chops onions without tears, dices carrots, and makes fresh salsa in seconds.
Uniqueness: The pump-action knob feels smooth and natural, way easier than other choppers I’ve tried. And the measuring cup underneath? Super useful.
Pros
- Chops nuts without turning them mushy
- Comfortable knob requires minimal effort
- Sharp blades rotate for even cuts
- Container has clear measurement markings
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Non-slip base keeps it steady
- Top-rated manual nut chopper
Cons
- Can’t chop directly on board
- Several parts to clean each time
2. CUISINART Stainless Steel/Black, CTG-00-SCHP, 8.2″ x 3.9″ x 3.9″Manual Nut Chopper
My order sat in transit for over a week, and I almost gave up. But once it arrived, the solid build and sleek packaging quickly won me over.
Operation: Using this chopper couldn’t be easier. A simple push on the handle is all it takes, and I’m able to chop quickly and consistently with almost no effort.
Blades: The stainless steel blades are sharp and reliable. Whether I’m chopping almonds or walnuts, they slice clean without turning the nuts into powder. They’ve held up great so far.
Container: The container is clear, thick, and durable. It’s big enough for my usual nut batches and easy to dump out once I’m done.
Suitable for Various Nuts: I mainly use it for nuts, and it’s handled everything I’ve thrown in- from pecans to hazelnuts. I get nice, even pieces without having to go over it multiple times.
Beyond Nuts: Though I bought it for nuts, it’s also great for veggies, garlic, and cheese. When I’m in a hurry, this tool saves time and keeps the mess down.
Uniqueness: One thing I love is being able to chop directly on the counter thanks to the non-slip base. The stainless steel body also gives it a durable, professional look that fits right in with my kitchen.
Pros
- Sharp blades cut through tough nuts
- Easy to use- just press down
- Durable stainless steel outer housing
- Works on veggies, cheese, herbs
- No electricity or cords required
- Great control over chop consistency
- Best-rated manual nut chopper
Cons
- Smaller bowl for larger batches
- Not ideal for leafy greens or herbs
3. NORPO Topping Manual Nut Chopper
The box had a crumpled corner, but everything inside was flawless. The retro look reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen- simple, sturdy, and ready to handle anything.
Operation: Using this manual nuts chopper is so straightforward. I simply drop in my chosen nuts, secure the lid, and start cranking the handle. It’s a smooth process, and the chopped nuts fall neatly into the glass base below.
Blades: The stainless steel blades are sharp enough to handle soft nuts like walnuts, cashews, and peanuts. I find that they cut through them quickly, giving me the perfect consistency every time.
I stick to softer nuts, though, since the blades don’t work as well on harder nuts like almonds.
Container: The glass base is another feature I really appreciate. It’s thick and sturdy, almost like a mason jar, and holds about 1.25 cups of chopped nuts.
It’s also easy to clean, which is a big plus in my kitchen. The transparency lets me see exactly how much I’ve chopped.
Suitable for Various Nuts: This manual nuts chopper is perfect for softer nuts like pecans, pistachios, and cashews. I usually fill the hopper with about a quarter cup of nuts, and the handle turns easily, giving me an even chop in no time.
Beyond Nuts: What I really like is that it’s not just for nuts. I’ve also used it to chop up graham crackers and cookies for toppings on ice cream or cakes. It’s also great for cereal- so versatile! I’d avoid anything sticky, but for dry, soft ingredients, it’s fantastic.
Uniqueness: The hand-crank design is what makes this manual nuts chopper stand out. The combination of stainless steel blades and a glass base feels solid and old-school, like something my grandma would have had in her kitchen.
Pros
- Easy to use and operate
- Stainless steel blades work well on soft nuts
- No electricity needed for operation
- Clear glass base for easy visibility
- Perfect size for small batches
- Great for chopping nuts and cookies
Cons
- Not suitable for almonds
- No grind size adjustment options
4. SEMCIDE Handheld Veggie Vegetable Onion Garlic Nut Hand Vegetable Cutter Dishwasher-safe Stainless Steel Blade White Manual Nut Chopper
The clear markings on this chopper’s jar made measuring easy. First impression? Lightweight but durable. Unboxing was quick, and the quality stuck with me, especially for chopping nuts fast.
Operation: Using this manual nut chopper is super easy. I simply place my nuts or other ingredients in the container and press down on the plunger. It’s a smooth, quick motion that gives me evenly chopped results without the hassle of knives.
Blades: The stainless steel blades are sharp and effective. I love how they slice through tough nuts like almonds and walnuts with just one press. It’s so much faster than chopping by hand, and I can count on it to get the job done right every time.
Container: The container is just the right size for a good batch of chopped nuts. I can clearly see the ingredients through the transparent jar, and the markings make measuring effortless.
Suitable for Various Nuts: As a fan of baking and snacking, I appreciate how versatile this manual nut chopper is. I’ve used it for almonds, walnuts, and even hazelnuts- chopping them down to the perfect size without any issues.
Beyond Nuts: It’s not just for nuts, either. I’ve used it to chop up veggies, garlic, herbs, and even cheese. Having one tool that handles so many tasks is a real time-saver, and I don’t need to clutter my kitchen with extra gadgets.
Uniqueness: What really stands out for me with this manual nut chopper is how easy it is to clean. The whole thing is dishwasher-safe, which is a big plus. I can disassemble it in seconds, pop it in the dishwasher, and it’s ready to use again in no time.
Pros
- Sharp stainless steel blades for precision
- Easy to assemble and disassemble quickly
- Compact design fits in any kitchen
- Transparent container with clear measurements
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
- Chops various ingredients with ease
- Best manual nut grinder chopper
Cons
- Reassembly can be a bit tricky
- Not ideal for chopping large volumes
5. PROGRESSIVE International Manual Nut Chopper
I timed my order for the week before Christmas, and it showed up right on schedule. This manual nuts chopper made holiday baking fast, easy, and actually fun.
Operation: Using this manual nuts chopper couldn’t be easier. I just pop open the top, toss in the nuts, and turn the handle. I like that I don’t need to plug anything in or pull out a bulky appliance- just crank and go.
Blades: The blades are solid and run the full length of the container, which gives me a more even chop compared to others I’ve tried. Softer nuts go through effortlessly. When I’m working with harder ones like almonds, I just slow down a bit and it still gets the job done.
Container: The clear base is great- it holds up to 1.5 cups and has measurements right on the side. I can see how much I’ve chopped as I go, which helps when I’m following a recipe. It also comes apart easily, which makes cleaning easy.
Suitable for Various Nuts: I’ve mainly used it for walnuts, pecans, and almonds. Walnuts and pecans glide right through. Almonds take a little more effort, especially if I overload the top, so I just chop smaller batches and it works fine.
Haven’t tried Brazil nuts yet, but I’d guess they’re doable in smaller amounts.
Beyond Nuts: It’s not just for nuts- I’ve run chocolate chunks and even hard-boiled egg yolks through it. It surprised me how versatile this little chopper actually is.
I’ve even used it for herbs a couple of times when I was in a pinch.
Uniqueness: Two things really make this manual nuts chopper stand out for me:
First, you can control the coarseness just by turning the handle in the opposite direction- no extra settings or switches.
Second, the hinged lid on top makes it super easy to refill, and the non-skid base keeps it from sliding around on the counter.
Pros
- Chops nuts quickly and evenly
- Handle reverses for coarse or fine
- Compact and easy to store
- Dishwasher safe for fast cleanup
- Holds 1.5 cups of chopped nuts
- Good grip with non-skid base
- Great for small-batch prep
- Also chops chocolate and egg yolks
- Best manual nut grinder
Cons
- Handle flexes with hard nuts
- Not ideal for large batches
6. PROGRESSIVE Cheese Grater Hand Crank Kitchen Shredder Speed Mandolin Slicer Nut Grinder with Handle and Drum Manual Nut Chopper
The packaging was bright and fun. Everything was wrapped neatly, and the handle felt great. I tried peanuts, this manual nuts chopper crushed them with no effort.
Operation: Using this manual nuts chopper is really simple. I just lock it onto a smooth surface with the suction base, load the food into the top, and turn the handle. It’s smooth, fast, and doesn’t hurt my hands – way easier than using a box grater.
Blades: It comes with three drum blades: one for slicing, one for coarse shredding, and one for fine shredding. I mostly use the fine one for nuts, but they all work well.
Switching between blades is super quick, and they’re sharp enough to slice through cheese, carrots, and even chocolate without struggling.
Suitable for Various Nuts: I’ve used it on walnuts and peanuts so far, and it handled both easily. The fine blade gives me the perfect texture for toppings or baking.
It’s a solid option if you’re looking for a reliable manual nuts chopper that can do more than just one job.
Beyond Nuts: This thing isn’t limited to just nuts. I’ve shredded blocks of cheese, sliced beets, grated carrots, and even chocolate. It does clog with stringy stuff like celery, but otherwise, it handles most foods like a champ.
Uniqueness: Unlike typical nut choppers, this one’s more like a manual mandoline with interchangeable blades. That makes it way more versatile. I can grate, slice, and shred- all with one gadget that doesn’t take up much space.
Pros
- Easy to clean and store
- Smooth and effortless to operate
- Sharp blades cut through food fast
- Works well for most hard nuts
- Great for cheese and vegetables too
- Takes up very little counter space
- Handle feels comfortable and sturdy
- Doesn’t need electricity to run
Cons
- Chute is low for deep bowls
- No counter attached
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Manual Nut Chopper
Q: How do I know which manual nut chopper is right for different nut types?
A: I always check if it can handle both soft and hard nuts. The best ones I’ve used have sharp blades that don’t jam and give me even results, whether I’m working with walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even tougher ones like hazelnuts.
Q: Is a manual nut chopper better than an electric one?
A: Personally, I prefer a manual nut chopper for small batches. It’s quicker to clean, doesn’t hog counter space, and gives me better control. I don’t need a cord or outlet- just a few presses or turns, and I’m done.
Q: How do I avoid turning nuts into powder when chopping?
A: I avoid that by using a chopper with sharp, rotating blades. Those give me nice, even pieces instead of pulverizing the nuts. It also helps when I press steadily rather than too hard or fast- especially with softer nuts like pecans.
Q: Can I chop other foods with a nut chopper?
A: Definitely! I’ve used mine for more than just nuts. It works great for onions, garlic, herbs, chocolate, and even hard-boiled eggs. It saves me from dragging out bigger tools when I just need something quick and mess-free.
Q: What’s the biggest advantage of using a manual nut chopper?
A: For me, it’s all about control and convenience. I don’t need electricity, I get the exact texture I want, and cleanup is quick. It’s ideal when I just need a small batch of chopped nuts or ingredients without making a mess.