The best pumpkin carving tools and kits of 2024

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Fall is here, so it's almost time to pick out those perfect pumpkins and start coming up with pumpkin carving ideas. But if you don't have the best pumpkin carving tools, the end result probably won't be what you'd hoped for. While these kits won't make you a master carver, they will help make your carving project easier and safer. 

We researched dozens of pumpkin carving tools to find ones that are durable, practical, and useful for specific carving needs. We looked at the materials that make up these kits and the tools needed for different types of carving.  

The carving kits we've chosen are versatile, whether you're looking for something a child can use to carve their first pumpkin or tools that will give you an edge in the neighborhood pumpkin-carving competition. The Elmchee Halloween 13-Piece Professional Kit is our top choice; it's filled with a variety of heavy-duty tools made to last and will suit all your creative endeavors. Plus, it comes with a convenient carrying case.  

Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our top picks for the best pumpkin carving kits

Best overall: Elmchee Halloween 13-Piece Professional Kit - See at Amazon

Best budget: The Ultimate Pumpkin Carving Kit - See at Amazon

Best for detail work: Augsen Wood Carving Knife Set - See at Amazon

Best with molds: Fenvella Pumpkin Carving Kit - See at Amazon

Best overall

When it comes to pumpkin carving, you may be looking to do a basic jack-o'-lantern, or you may have grander aspirations of a highly detailed design. Either way, the Elmchee Halloween 13-Piece Professional Kit includes various tools to suit your carving style.

This kit includes six double-sided detail work tools, as well as two heavy-duty scoops and scrapers, two tooth saws, two hole and circle punches, and one engraving pen. With this kit, you'll have all the tools you need to sculpt, peel, shape, and cut, and the included zippered nylon case offers a convenient storage option. 

The tools themselves are well-constructed. The detail sculpting tools have wooden handles that offer improved grip, and the larger-area tools have ergonomically designed plastic handles. To keep everything organized, the case is divided into sections for each tool.

Best budget

If you're looking for a basic and affordable carving kit this year, the Ultimate Pumpkin Carving Kit contains all the tools you need. With this kit, you'll receive two carving tools, one marker, and one pumpkin scooper, as well as 10 carving patterns.

While the kit is basic, it's a good affordable option if you're just going to carve one or two small pumpkins or if you have multiple kids and want them to each have their own kit to use. 

The pumpkin scooper has smooth edges, which is recommended for long-lasting pumpkin carving. While this kit does include the essentials, it's not the highest-quality kit out there. The tools have plastic handles and aren't durable enough for use across multiple seasons. Instead, plan on using this kit as a single-use-only option.

Compared to other budget-priced kits, though, this kit has proven to be more durable and to work better than other low-cost kits, according to reviews. 

Best for detail work

When you're carving or etching details on a pumpkin, a good grip on your tools matters. The Augsen Wood Carving Knife Set offers an assortment of tools for detail work, all with wooden handles at an affordable price.

This kit includes 12 carving tools with blades featuring different shapes for different effects. Blade options include deep gouge, medium gouge, shallow gouge, narrow straight chisel, wide straight chisel, rounded chisel, four angled knives, a parting tool, and a pinpoint tool.  

The strength of this kit is in its versatility and design. With a dozen detail tools, you'll be able to choose the perfect blade for the effect you're looking for in an intricate pumpkin design. All of the handles are made of wood for both durability and comfort, and the blade heads are made of carbon steel. 

While these tools will certainly carve pumpkins, they can be used for more than just Halloween preparation. This kit is suitable for use on linoleum, clay sculptures, soapstone, and softwoods like pine, hickory, and poplar.

Because these tools are meant for detail work, you may need a separate instrument for larger cuts.

Best with molds

There are many reasons to choose a carving kit with molds. For those who want to minimize time-consuming detail work, limit the sharp tools their kids come into contact with, or pretty much all but guarantee a quality-looking pumpkin, the Fenvella Pumpkin Carving Kit may be exactly what you're looking for to complement your carving activity. 

The kit includes 21 stainless steel molds, a rubber mallet, a scoop, a V-tool, and a hook to help remove the stencils. Using the molds is pretty basic; once you've scooped out the pumpkin and chosen your desired spot, you'll hammer in each mold piece. The hook latches onto the stencil to help you pull it out once it's inserted. Between the various mouths, noses, and eyes, there are lots of combinations to choose from. 

The stainless steel molds are designed to be used repeatedly, but some reviewers did mention that they could be bent out of shape when hammering.