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The days are getting shorter, the weather’s getting colder, and before you know it, Halloween will be here. For those who relish participating in all things spooky season, few tasks are more enjoyable than picking and carving a perfect pumpkin.
However, transforming that stately squash into a ghoul, ghost, or fiend isn’t just dependent on your artistry and skill—it also requires an effective set of tools. While your knife drawer may hold the implements you need to carve out a rudimentary design, there are plenty of easy-to-use sets on the market that will help you create an elaborate, intricate jack-o’-lantern without breaking a sweat (or your skin).
For more ways to decorate your space this Halloween, check out our picks for the best Halloween animatronics and fog machines.
The Best Pumpkin Carving Kits
- Best Overall: Luditek Halloween Jack-O-Lantern 11-Piece Kit
- Best Budget: ASZ Pumpkin Carving Kit
- Most Premium: Messermeister 3-Piece Pumpkin Carving Set
- Best with Guidance: Comfy Mate 12-Piece Pumpkin Carving Kit
- Best for Kids: JUSTOTRY Simple & Safe Pumpkin Carving Kit
What to Consider
Tool Type
Don’t get distracted by the number of tools a carving kit includes. You only need the basics: a serrated knife for carving and a scoop for removing the pumpkin’s innards.
Tools like spikes and small scrapers are for precision cuts and adding intricate details to your jack-o’-lantern. We don’t recommend them for small children, but they can be helpful for achieving a detailed design.
Consider grabbing cutters if you’re a parent worried about sharp blades. These work like stencils or cookie cutters, where you pound each piece into the pumpkin’s fleshy surface. The edges are much smoother and safer for kids, though you may be limited in your design.
Also, remember that pumpkin flesh is thick and cutters may require a rubber mallet or hammer-like object to make them work well. You’ll still need a serrated knife to remove the pumpkin’s crown and scoop out its guts, so keep that in mind.
Popular Mechanics test editor, Bradley Ford, says you should also be mindful of thin tools when it comes to safety. “Tools with narrow serrated blades, while good for cutting out tight curves, can bend easily, so care needs to be taken when using them,” Ford says. “Not that they’re particularly sharp and dangerous—but once they do bend, they’ll forever be prone to bending again.”
Unsure of how to even start the carving process? Check out our a guide to pumpkin carving to do it like a pro.
How We Selected
We found pumpkin carving kits that fit the broadest range of pumpkin carvers, including sets with just the essentials, kid-safe cutters, and pro-level pokers. We also checked what experts recommend, consulted other guides, and talked with resident test editor Bradley Ford to determine the best materials and knife styles for pumpkin carving. We made sure to pay special attention to durability, too, so you don’t have to replace your kit every year.
1
Best Overall
Luditek Halloween Jack-O-Lantern 11-Piece Kit
1
Best Overall
Luditek Halloween Jack-O-Lantern 11-Piece Kit
Pros
Very durable- Easy to use
- Great variety of tools
Cons
- Tools so sharp, it’s not great for kids
This four-piece pumpkin-carving bundle includes a knife, scoop and two carving tools. The set is durable and easy to use for teenagers ages 14 and up. While this basic, durable set is a big upgrade from a classic knife and spoon, you’ll need to have an idea of what you want to do before getting started as it does not come with stencils or specific instructions.
One reviewer praises the sharp quality of the set, while another raves that this will be the last set of pumpkin carving tools they’ll ever have to buy. However, some say that the tools are so sharp that it’s important to keep a close eye on kids using this set.
Key Specs
| Age Recommendation | 14+ |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 11 |
| Material(s) | Plastic, stainless steel |
2
Best Budget
ASZ Pumpkin Carving Kit
2
Best Budget
ASZ Pumpkin Carving Kit
Pros
- Comes with several pieces
- Sturdy tools
- Storage case is easy to pack
Cons
This one has rave reviews if you want a carving kit with plenty of tools but don’t want to spend much. It has six pieces to help carve, etch, scoop, and saw, plus 10 cutters for child-safe stencil cutouts. Several users say the handles and tools are surprisingly sturdy and sharp, and they’re easy to pack away for use next year.
This is a solid carving kit for adults and children, though keep in mind that some of these pieces are sharp, and we only recommend cutters for the little ones. The kit’s so cheap, many also mention they picked up a few to share with their children.
Key Specs
| Age Recommendation | 14+ |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 6, plus 10 stencils |
| Material(s) | Plastic, stainless steel |
3
Most Premium Basics
Messermeister 3-Piece Pumpkin Carving Set
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
- Sturdy, well-made tools
- Soft-grip handles
Cons
- No carry case
- Comparatively pricey
Rather than bundling various tools together, Messermeister’s carving set only features the essentials—but really nice versions of them. It comes with a 3.5-inch sawtooth carver for piercing the pumpkin, a channel knife for precise etching, and a toothed scoop for scraping away flesh, seeds, and pulp.
Although this kit is pricier than most on this list, each tool is extremely well-made, with soft-grip handles and sturdy stainless steel. Plus, unlike other options, it’s also dishwasher safe.
What knocks this out of the park is its limited lifetime warranty, which protects against manufacturing defects. It doesn’t come with its own carry case and it’s comparatively pricier than much more robust sets, but this kit does the basics so well, it may be the only one you need.
Key Specs
| Age Recommendation | None listed |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 3 |
| Material(s) | Stainless steel, plastic |
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4
Best with Guidance
Comfy Mate 12-Piece Pumpkin Carving Kit
4
Best with Guidance
Comfy Mate 12-Piece Pumpkin Carving Kit
Pros
- Comes with a case
- Plenty of tools
- Includes useful e-book
Cons
- Narrow tools are easily bent
This 12-piece pumpkin carving set includes two saws, a cambered etching tool, a poker drill, scoops, six double-sided sculpting tools, a high-quality storage bag, and an e-book with 1,000 stencil templates. It even has reusable tea lights for finishing off your creation.
The advanced tools can help newbies achieve 3-D details like noses, teeth and hair, along with clear instructions and patterns. It’s recommended for ages nine and up. One reviewer says this set has lasted them over 12 years and counting, while others praise the included e-book, saying it allowed them to be “very precise.” Some, however, report that some of its thinner tools are easily bent.
Key Specs
| Age Recommendation | 9+ |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 17 (including candles) |
| Material(s) | Stainless steel, plastic, faux leather |
5
Best for Kids
JUSTOTRY Simple & Safe Pumpkin Carving Kit
5
Best for Kids
JUSTOTRY Simple & Safe Pumpkin Carving Kit
Pros
- Lack of blades makes it safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Has a variety of stencils
Cons
- Hammer or rubber mallet needed
This seven-piece pumpkin kit is great for families with young kids. It is, simply put, a set of pumpkin punch-outs. You create a basic sketch of where you want the eyes, nose, and mouth to go, then use a hammer or rubber mallet (sold separately) to “punch” in the stencils (10 different designs are suggested, but you can get creative).
The stencils are sharp enough to puncture a pumpkin but won’t harm human skin with just a touch, which makes them ideal if you have small children. It’s great for kids three and up, with adult supervision.
Key Specs
| Age Recommendation | 3+ |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 7 |
| Material(s) | Stainless steel |
6
Best for Detailing
Antner Professional Pumpkin Carving Tools
6
Best for Detailing
Antner Professional Pumpkin Carving Tools
Pros
- Lots of small tools for detailing
- Comes with storage bag
- Very sharp
Cons
- Not for kids
This 10-piece pumpkin carving set is designed for adults, but that doesn’t mean it’s tough to use. It has comfortable grips, and will make swift work of even the firmest pumpkins. This set contains a pumpkin scraper, an etching tool, a saw, an L-shaped serrated knife, and 10 tools that will enable intricate, minute detailing.
The set comes with a premium storage bag, too. Customers praise the metal scoop, which is big enough to clear out a large pumpkin in a few minutes.
Key Specs
| Age Recommendation | 14+ |
|---|---|
| Piece | 10 |
| Material(s) | Wood, stainless steel |
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7
Best for Professionals
Falling in Art Craft Linoleum Block Cutters
7
Best for Professionals
Falling in Art Craft Linoleum Block Cutters
Pros
- Easy storage
- Variety of blades
Cons
- Some say blades dull quickly
While not designated as a set specific to pumpkin carving, this tool kit may be the only one you need if you have an eye for detail. Best for adult use, this block cutting tool includes six blades and two plastic handles, with a screw cap on each to store excess blades inside the handle.
In addition to the soft flesh of pumpkin, these cutters are great for carving into soft blocks, rubber, and linoleum. Reviewers love the precision these tools offer, as well as their steady handles, though some say that it’s difficult to sharpen the blades when they become dull.
Key Specs
| Age Recommendation | 16+ |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 8 |
| Material(s) | Plastic, stainless steel |
Kevin Cortez
Commerce Editor
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
Kathleen Willcox
Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics, Wine Enthusiast and SevenFifty Daily. She is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she lives with her husband and twins.
Tested byBradley Ford
Test Editor
Brad Ford has spent most of his life using tools to fix, build, or make things. Growing up he worked on a farm, where he learned to weld, repair, and paint equipment. From the farm he went to work at a classic car dealer, repairing and servicing Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and Jaguars. Today, when he's not testing tools or writing for Popular Mechanics, he's busy keeping up with the projects at his old farmhouse in eastern Pennsylvania.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
About Pumpkin Carving Kits
Pumpkin carving is a popular activity during the Halloween season, and having the right tools can make the process easier and more enjoyable. There are various types of pumpkin carving kits available, each designed to cater to different needs and skill levels. Let's explore the concepts and information related to pumpkin carving kits mentioned in the article.
Types of Pumpkin Carving Kits
- Basic Tools: A pumpkin carving kit typically includes essential tools such as a serrated knife for carving and a scoop for removing the pumpkin's innards. These are the fundamental tools required for creating a basic design.
- Cutters for Kids: Some kits come with cutters that work like stencils or cookie cutters, providing a safer alternative for children to create designs on pumpkins.
- Premium Sets: Premium pumpkin carving kits may feature high-quality, durable tools with soft-grip handles and additional accessories, such as storage cases and lifetime warranties.
- Guidance and Instructions: Certain kits include guidance in the form of e-books with stencil templates, making it easier for beginners to achieve intricate designs.
Recommended Pumpkin Carving Kits
- Luditek Halloween Jack-O-Lantern 11-Piece Kit: This kit is durable and easy to use for teenagers ages 14 and up. It includes a knife, scoop, and two carving tools, making it suitable for creating elaborate designs. However, the tools are sharp, so it's not recommended for kids [[1]].
- ASZ Pumpkin Carving Kit: A budget-friendly option with several pieces, sturdy tools, and a storage case. It is suitable for both adults and children, but some pieces are sharp, and cutters are recommended for the little ones [[2]].
- Messermeister 3-Piece Pumpkin Carving Set: This premium set features well-made tools with soft-grip handles and a lifetime warranty. It includes essential tools for piercing, etching, and scraping the pumpkin [[3]].
- Comfy Mate 12-Piece Pumpkin Carving Kit: This kit includes a variety of tools, a storage bag, and an e-book with stencil templates, making it suitable for achieving detailed designs. However, some of its thinner tools are easily bent [[4]].
- JUSTOTRY Simple & Safe Pumpkin Carving Kit: Designed for kids, this kit lacks blades, making it safe for young children. It includes a variety of stencils and is recommended for kids three and up, with adult supervision [[5]].
Expert Insights
The article features insights from Popular Mechanics test editor, Bradley Ford, who emphasizes the importance of safety when using pumpkin carving tools. He advises being mindful of thin tools and recommends considering cutters for parents worried about sharp blades [[6]].
Conclusion
Pumpkin carving kits cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals, and offer various tools and features to enhance the carving experience. Whether it's for creating simple designs with children or achieving intricate details, there are kits available to suit different preferences and skill levels.
