Crustacean Stunners

Crustastun, proudly manufactured by Mitchell & Cooper, is a revolutionary appliance created specifically to humanely stun crustaceans. Developed as an alternative to traditional methods of killing lobster, crayfish and crab, the Crustastun is recognised as the only humane method of stunning crustaceans ready for cooking.

As diners have become more aware of, and increasingly concerned with, the treatment of animals and the slaughter methods used within the food industry, the need for humane and fair practices has never been greater. As evidence that crustaceans can feel pain has grown, so too have calls for traditional cooking methods, such as boiling, to be classed as inhumane and made illegal. Switzerland recently became the first country to ban the boiling of live lobsters, whilst animal welfare organisations such as Crustacean Compassion are campaigning for better treatment of crustaceans in the UK.

Crustastun is recognised by a number of leading welfare groups, including the RSPCA, as a humane and swift method of stunning crustaceans. Compared to boiling, which can take up to three minutes to kill even a small lobster, and cutting the animal in half which is unreliable, Crustastun interrupts the nerve function of the animal within half a second, meaning the shellfish can not feel pain. The animal is also killed in under 10 seconds, making it a dramatically quicker process compared to existing methods.

How it works

The animal is placed belly down on a sprung tray in the unit. As the lid is closed, the shellfish and tray are pushed down by the electrode sponge into the saline solution. The operator then presses one of the stun buttons on the front of the machine and a current passes through the 13 brain centres of a lobster, or the two brain centres of a crab.

Stunned in 0.5 seconds - Killed in under 10 seconds.
Manufcatured from 316 stainless steel (Marine grade)
Stun tank: 14 Litres
Stun tank dimensions: 440mm x 360mm
500mm x 470mm x 270mm
220-240V~ 50Hz
One year parts and labour warranty