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For anyone who enjoys playing poker, bridge, or another favorite card game, shuffling the deck is often the most tedious part of game night. With a handy card shuffler, you never have to worry about manually shuffling your cards again.
If you want your weekly card game to go off without a hitch, choosing the right shuffler is key. That means knowing what type, capacity, and other features to look for so you can be sure that the shuffler can handle the cards you’re using and the game you’re playing.
Ready to purchase a card shuffler? Check out our recommendations. If you need general tips on choosing one, continue reading our shopping guide.
Efficient
A card shuffler helps keep cardplay moving because it is quicker and more efficient than manual shuffling.
Thorough
A card shuffler helps keep gameplay fair by shuffling the cards more completely than manual shuffling.
Objective
A card shuffler helps keep gameplay fair by letting a machine do the shuffling rather than a player who’s invested in the game.
An automatic card shuffler, or batch shuffler, can accommodate several decks of cards at one time and shuffles all the cards together as a single pack. You can then take out the full stack of cards and deal from them as you normally would.
Automatic shufflers are usually more expensive because they offer greater efficiency. You’ll be able to play more quickly without stopping when several card decks are shuffled at once.
A continuous card shuffler is constantly shuffling one or more decks of cards as the dealer returns the used cards to the machine while play goes on.
Continuous shufflers don’t work as quickly as automatic shufflers, so they may not speed up gameplay as much as you’d like.
They tend to be less expensive, so they might be a better option for beginners.
When you choose a card shuffler, it’s important to make sure that it will work with the playing cards that you want to use. Nearly all models can handle standard playing cards and those used for bridge, but if your cards are a special size or made of special material, they could jam the shuffler.
Check the product specifications to verify that you can use your playing cards with the shuffler you’re considering.
Some card shufflers make a great deal of noise when they’re shuffling the cards, which could be an issue if you’re playing a late-night card game and the kids are in bed. In general, manual shufflers that use a crank are the quietest. Battery-operated models tend to be noisier, but you can find some models that are quieter than others. Check the product specifications to see if quiet operation is a feature.
Not all shufflers are suited for every card game. Most shufflers support all types of poker, but check the product specifications to make sure that a particular model works with the card games that you play most often.
Card shufflers vary in terms of the number of decks they can handle at one time. All models can usually handle at least two decks, but some can handle as many as six. The more decks that a shuffler can accommodate, the faster your gameplay will be because you’ll always have cards ready to go.
If you and your friends vary the location of game night, or you like to play on vacation, you’ll want a card shuffler that’s easy to take with you. Choose a lightweight design (one to one-and-a-half pounds) that isn’t too bulky to pack.
For a card shuffler to be as helpful as possible, it should easy to use.
Card shufflers typically offer one of two modes of operation: manual or battery-powered electric.
A manual card shuffler usually has a crank that you turn to shuffle the cards. This style is fairly straightforward to use, but individuals with joint issues or hand injuries may find a crank-style shuffler difficult to operate. However, a manual shuffler is less likely to jam.
A battery-powered electric card shuffler typically runs on C batteries. You simply press a button to start the shuffling process. An automatic shuffler is easier to use, but it can jam more frequently than a manual model.
Card shufflers vary in price based on whether they’re manual or electric and how many decks they can accommodate. You can typically expect to spend between $8 and $150.
Inexpensive
For a manual card shuffler that can handle two decks, you’ll usually pay between $8 and $15.
Mid-range
For an automatic card shuffler that can handle two to four decks, you’ll usually pay between $15 and $30.
Expensive
For an automatic card shuffler that can handle six or more decks, you’ll usually pay between $30 and $50. For a professional-quality automatic card shuffler that can handle six decks, you’ll usually pay between $100 and $150.
Place your card shuffler on a flat surface before turning it on.
Divide the decks evenly between the two slots on either side of the machine so the device shuffles evenly.
Avoid using cards that are thicker than your shuffler can support. It could cause a jam that’s difficult to remove.
Reposition the gears if both sides of your shuffler aren’t moving when you turn it on. Use a pair of tweezers or an eyeglass screwdriver to push the longer, thinner gear away from the thicker gear to reduce the friction between the two.
Q. How long does a card shuffler last?
A. The lifespan of a card shuffler depends on the model’s quality and how often you use it. If you have an inexpensive shuffler that you use regularly, you may only get a year of use out of it. If you only use the shuffler once a week or month, it may last a few years. Higher-end shufflers tend to be more durable and can last three years or more.
Q. Can you use a card shuffler for nontraditional card games?
A. While most card shufflers are used for standard card decks, many can also accommodate other cards for other games, such as Uno or Cards Against Humanity. Check your model’s product specifications to see if it can support the card size and thickness to avoid jams.
Q. Can I put cards that are in plastic sleeves through a card shuffler?
A. In an inexpensive card shuffler, the plastic sleeves will usually get caught in the machine’s mechanisms and cause a jam. However, higher-end models can often handle cards that are in sleeves. Manual card shufflers are usually less likely to jam, so you may be better off with a crank-style shuffler if you plan to shuffle sleeved cards.
