FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Anytime! Chesapeake Crab Connection is open 24/7.

- All LIVE BLUE CRABS and FRESH SEAFOOD orders ship via Priority Overnight or Next Day Air service. You will select your delivery date from the calendar at checkout.

- All FROZEN Crab Legs, Crab Cakes, LOBSTER TAIL, and APPETIZERS orders ship via 2nd Day Air or Ground service (depending on your location). These frozen orders ship within 1-4 business days.

For LIVE BLUE CRABS and FRESH SEAFOOD orders, we recommend placing orders at least a few days (or weeks) in advance of your requested delivery date. The cut off time for a Live BLUE CRABS or Fresh Seafood order to be shipped the same day is 4PM Eastern Standard Time. Frozen orders must be placed by 4PM EST for shipping within 1-3 days.

All live and fresh orders ship via FedEx Overnight Service and typically arrive earlier in the day (in urban areas). Shipments may be delivered later in the day, during the holiday season. Rural areas may see deliveries later in the day and as late as 8-9pm local time.

**Saturday deliveries are available in most areas

A few possibilities;

– You may have selected the incorrect product. Check that you’ve selected the exact package that your certificate/voucher is for. Ensure that you select the correct quantity or dinner package.

– You might have entered the code incorrectly. Refer back to the code you were provided and enter it exactly as it is without any spaces.

– You may be trying to order a Special we have listed. Unfortunately, Specials will not allow for a discount code to be applied. Email or call us for details.

– Your code may have expired and needs to be updated by us. Please email us the code at EMAIL US.

If the code still does not work, EMAIL US and we’ll get back to you with details and answers.

Method 1: Reheating on the Stovetop (Steaming)

  • Prepare the Steamer: Fill a large pot with about an inch or two of water. Add a steaming rack or basket on top, making sure it sits above the water level.
  • Heat the Water: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the Crabs: Place the steamed blue crabs in the steamer basket. You can layer them, but don't overcrowd them.
  • Steam the Crabs: Cover the pot and let the crabs steam for 5–10 minutes until heated through. Be careful not to over-steam, as this can dry out the meat.
  • Check for Heat: Carefully remove one crab and check that it's heated evenly before serving.
  • Serve: Remove the crabs from the steamer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Method 2: Reheating in the Oven

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare the Crabs: Place the crabs in a baking dish and cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  • Add Moisture: To keep the crabs from drying out, add a splash of water or a bit of melted butter to the baking dish.
  • Reheat: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Check that the crabs are warmed evenly before serving.
  • Serve: Remove from the oven and enjoy.

Method 3: Reheating in the Microwave (Quick Option)

  • Prepare the Crabs: Place the crabs on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  • Heat: Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes. Check the temperature after one minute and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
  • Serve: Once heated through, serve immediately. Be cautious, as microwaving may slightly dry out the crabs.

For all methods, avoid overheating, as it can make the crab meat tough and dry. These techniques will keep the crabs moist and flavorful!

Steaming Times:

Live Crabs By the Dozen

  • Smalls: 14 Minutes
  • Mediums: 15 Minutes
  • Larges: 15 Minutes
  • X-Larges: 16 Minutes
  • Supers: 16-17 Minutes

Live Crabs by the œ Bushel and Bushel

  • Âœ Bushel: 18-19 Minutes
  • 1 Bushel: 21-22 Minutes
  • 2 Bushels: 25-26 Minutes
  • 3 Bushels: 34-35 Minutes

Yes, you can place an order for future delivery dates with ease. Just choose your desired delivery date at checkout with the checkout calendar.

So, you bought a massive Maine Lobster from Chesapeake Crab and you’re wondering how to reheat an already steamed lobster so that it tastes fresh and recently cooked. Try one of these three methods to uphold Maine Lobster’s standard for preparation. 

Oven Method

  • Try protecting your lobster in a foil wrapping with its belly-up and doused with garlic butter. Set the oven at 350°F for 8 minutes and let your lobster become bursting with sweet piping hot meat ready for an entrĂ©e or surf and turf. 

Microwave Readiness

  • Find your microwave safe Tupperware container and add a tablespoon of water in it as you seal in the Lobster for safe heating, maintaining a juicy lobster. The water ensures the meat stays moist. Set the timer at 6 minutes for a healthy 1-pound lobster or an additional minute for each ÂŒ pound of delicate meat. Follow this table for ease.

One Pound Maine Lobster 6 minutes on medium.

Two Pound Lobster 9 minutes on medium.

Three Pound Lobster 12 minutes on medium.

Four Pound Lobster 15 minutes on medium.

  • Peel the meat from the shell while cold, directly after receiving your Maine Lobster. 
  • Submerge and boil your shells for ten minutes, creating a juicy, delicious broth. 
  • Then, in a saucepan, take this broth and douse the removed meat with the juices along with garlic olive oil butter and reheat the meat on low until it has a slight golden-brown hue. 
  • Skillfully, place the lobster on your plate with a slotted spoon. Accompany the sweet and tender meat with clarified butter and side of grilled asparagus or vegetable of choice.

Our return policy is 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.

We pride ourselves on prompt and accurate shipping of all orders. Depending on your selected delivery date, orders received by 5:30 P.M. Easter Standard Time (EST) Tuesday through Friday are shipped the same day. Weekend orders and orders placed on Friday after 5:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST) will be shipped on Monday.

By Phone: Call us Toll free at (866) 509-CRAB (2722) if you are calling from the USA or Canada.

If you have an issue, we want to make it right! Please email us at customerservice@ordercrabs.com with a description of your specific question or issue. We work to answer our emails within 24 hours or feel free to call us Toll free at (866) 509-CRAB (2722) and we will be happy to assist you.

  • Due to the nature of our business and the products we offer, items purchased through the ordercrabs.com website cannot be returned. Chesapeake Crab Connection strives to ship the absolute freshest seafood available anywhere. 
  • Every item we sell is carefully inspected before it is packaged and shipped. When your order leaves our facility, it is packed with more than enough refrigerant to prevent spoilage for at least five (5) days in transit. If our seafood arrives damaged, please contact us immediately. If your order is spoiled or damaged due to negligence by Chesapeake Crab Connection, we will replace it free-of-charge. All concerns must be received within 48 hours of delivery.
  • If you receive an order that you suspect is spoiled, contact us immediately and please do not discard any suspected spoilage or damaged products until a representative from Chesapeake Crab Connection is contacted. We may request that you return them to us for inspection.
  • Since Chesapeake Crab Connection offers nearly all perishable products, shipping ALL our seafood in the freshest condition takes thought and careful planning. We've come up with our own fresh gel pack system that keeps perishables cool in transit for up to 48 hours. We take care to arrange your seafood in specialized boxes designed to keep your order in the freshest possible condition upon arrival. We are dedicated to providing you with the freshest hard shell crabs and seafood on the web; therefore, if you have any questions about our "Return and Refund Policy", please feel free to call us Toll free at (866) 509-CRAB (2722).

The #1 Male Crab, also known as a "Jimmy" are typically the most sought after type of crab. They usually range from 5 1/2 - 6 inches and for transparency, we label them as our Mediums. They are easily identified by their blue claws and inverted T-shape apron which resembles the Washington Monument.

You will receive an email confirmation within a few minutes of placing your order on our website.

These crabs a bit more energetic than the Jumbos (LG, XL, & Supers), but not as wily as the Bays (SM), represent a crab filled with all three types of meat in generous portions: claw, lump, and jumbo.