Functional Pecan and Walnut Nutcrackers

1. Functional nutcrackers typically are grouped into four different types: handheld nutcrackers, tabletop nutcrackers, dynamic (electric) nutcrackers, and kinetic nutcrackers.

2. Handheld nutcrackers generally consist of two hinged, metal levers, which resemble pliers. One simply places the nut between these two levers and applies pressure via the handles.

3. Table top nutcrackers can be used on a flat surface or mounted on a wall. Outward pressure is applied to the nut, which delivers consistent cracking into large pieces, reducing the need for additional finger-opening. These stainless steel nutcrackers include walnut crackers and pecan nutcrackers.

4. Dynamic nutcrackers (or electric nutcrackers) generally crack one nut at a time. To operate, slide a nut into the chamber and flip the switch. This causes an electric motor to crush the nut against a small anvil inside. When the motor stops, simply open the shield and remove your cracked nut!

5. Kinetic nutcrackers can crack multiple nuts in a relatively short period of time. Begin by setting the electrical cylinder in motion, and slide nuts into the rotating cylinder. It's possible to place a nut in the cylinder every two seconds or so. As the cylinder turns, it crushes the nut against an interior anvil and then dispenses the cracked nut out of the bottom. With a little experience, you should be able to crack about 25 per minute...Crack-tacular!