Image: MomJunction Design Team
Cooking meat is not easy. You need exceptional culinary skills to make the meat tender and juicy and ensure it’s delicious. However, with the best meat tenderizers in your kitchen, you can achieve all these.
Sarah Blair, a chef, culinary producer, food stylist, and founder of Pure Palate, says, Meat tenderizers work wonderfully on tougher cuts of meat to make them palatable, softer, and easier to chew. These would be any meat with more ligaments and tendons in the muscles and parts that support the animal’s weight.”
Whether you are cooking chicken, steak, or fish, the meat has to be tender and succulent. This is where a meat tenderizer comes into play. It helps you achieve the required taste and softness, enhancing your cooking experience. Here’s a list of some of the best ones you can find online.
Top Picks
Types Of Meat Tenderizers
Meat tenderizers are of three types.
1. Mallet meat tenderizers: These are made of high-quality materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and have a textured head with a long handle. They resemble a hammer and can quickly flatten meat.
2. Blade tenderizers: These plastic handheld devices have a dozen stainless steel blades that can quickly puncture meat into pieces. These meat tenderizer machines are user-friendly.
3. Powered tenderizers: These are seasoning-based tenderizers sprinkled over meat. These tenderizer seasoning blends use salt and other active enzymes to quickly break down meat’s tough fibers.
Benefits Of Using Meat Tenderizers
Here’s a list of meat tenderizer benefits.
1. Quick cooking: Meat tenderizers can break down meat fiber, making it easier and quicker for you to prepare various meat dishes. The heat can move through the cuts of meat quickly.
2. Even cooking: Several meat tenderizers have blades of varying thickness, allowing you to make deep, balanced cuts in a slab of meat. It helps you cook the meat evenly without any raw spots.
3. Juicy flavor: Tenderizing the meat before cooking helps it absorb spices and flavors better, making the dish more juicy and flavorful.
4. Softer meat: A mallet-like meat tenderizer can soften even the toughest of meat. It makes it easier for you to chew and digest the meat.
11 Best Meat Tenderizers
1. Best Easy-To-Clean:Weston Manual Heavy-Duty Meat Tenderizer
Image: Weston Effortlessly tenderize any tough meat with the Weston meat tenderizer. It is equipped with 31 stainless steel blades that soften the meat evenly. Its heavy-duty construction and sturdy aluminum base prevent tipping, and the manual crank handle allows you to process the meat smoothly. Moreover, the manual crank tenderizer includes a steel comb to keep the meat from jamming, and its parts can be quickly disassembled for a thorough cleaning.
Pros
- Has food-safe coating
- Comes with two clamps
- Steel tongs included
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May not be suitable for dehydrated meat
- Blades might catch tiny parts of meat
2. Best Double-Edged: Jaccard 48-Blade Meat Tenderizer
Image: Jaccard Jaccard offers a double-edged, sharp, bladed meat tenderizer made of white FDA-certified, food-grade ABS plastic. It has stainless steel blades that can effortlessly cut through the center of the meat. The use of this kitchen gadget will save you up to 40% of your cooking time. You can use this bladed tenderizer to enhance a wide range of meats and improve their flavor and taste. This tried-and-tested easy-clean bladed meat tenderizer is pretty popular among chefs and professional cooks.
Pros
- Apt for meat meant for marinating
- Ensures uniform thickness
- Faster penetration
- Sturdy built
Cons
- Blades might stick to the meat
"I bought this meat tenderizer on a friend's advice, and it's shown exceptional results. My favorite part is that it cuts clean, with no raw meat splatter like conventional meat mallets. It's easy to clean and appears built to last. Now, I'm eager to try it on pork chops and other cuts of beef."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 6,905 positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Comfortable Grip: New Oxo Good Grips Meat Tenderizer
Image: Oxo This two-in-one kitchen tool, made of food-grade quality ABS plastic, allows you to pound and tenderize the meat effectively. It will enable you to cook meat with the best flavor and taste in a short time. The tool tenderizes meat quickly thanks to its pyramid-shaped conical teeth on the textured side. Its slip-free handle provides a comfortable grip and provides enhanced protection. The mallet tenderizer is dishwasher-friendly.
Pros
- BPA-free
- Sturdy grip
- Impact-resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons
- A bit small in size
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
About 4,455 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Weston Manual Heavy-Duty Meat Tenderizer Best Easy-To-Clean | Jaccard 48-Blade Meat Tenderizer Best Double-Edged | New Oxo Good Grips Meat Tenderizer Best Comfortable Grip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Shape | Round | - | - |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel | - | - |
| Color | White | - | One Color |
| Material | Plastic | - | Silicone, Plastic |
| Dimensions | 14"L x 7"W x 14"H | 4 x 1.5 x 5.75 inches | - |
| Weight | 9.9 pounds | 12 ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 852 | 6,905 | 4,455 |
| Price | $109.99 | $27.74 | $11.95 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Heavy-Duty: Norpro Meat Tenderizer
Image: Norpro The Norpro meat tenderizer is a heavy-duty tool with a spring-action mechanism that controls all the action. This tried-and-tested kitchen gadget dramatically improves the texture and flavor of meat and other poultry products. With 24 stainless steel prongs, this meat tenderizer effortlessly breaks down the tough meat fibers. The device is ideal for hand-washing.
Pros
- Comfortable grip handle
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Robust built
Cons
- Might be difficult to clean
"I've always struggled cooking pork belly skin, but this tenderizer saved the day. It cuts down prep time significantly and easily stores away without fear of accidents. Cleaning the center needles can prove challenging, but that's a minor hassle. It's been a few months of use, and the tenderizer is still going strong."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,829 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
5. Best Mallet-Style: Meat Tenderizer Hammer By JY Cookment
The meat tenderizer hammer is a double-side, mallet-style tool suitable for professional and personal use. The tool’s flat side is ideal for pounding, while the textured side is appropriate for tenderizing meat. This kitchen gadget is also arthritis-friendly, thanks to its ergonomic design that makes it simple to use and control. This premium-quality stainless steel meat tenderizer is also very simple to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Rust-proof
- Reduced cooking time
- 100% food-grade
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- A bit bulky
"I've been using this tenderizer for months, and it has truly added to my culinary experience, especially with my steak. The flat side of the tenderizer chops with ease and keeps the delicious juices from getting spilled. Although the quality could use some improvement, the functionality has been worth it."
Quick tip6. Best No-Assembly: Chef-Master Meat Tenderizer Tool
Image: Chef-master The Chef Master meat tenderizer is an innovative, safety-tested tool, made of 48 stainless steel blades, makes it easy to puncture various meats to improve their flavor and juiciness. You can use this kitchen tool for cooking multiple types of meat, including beef, chicken, fish, and turkey, and reduce cooking time by up to 40 percent. This blade-style meat tenderizer is dishwasher-safe and quick to assemble.
Pros
- Rust-resistant
- Lightweight
- ETL-certified
- No assembly required
Cons
- Takes time to clean
"I found this meat tenderizer quite helpful. Initially, it required a bit of strength, but with practice, I've mastered its use. It's a handy tool for all kinds of meat, including pork, beef, or chicken. All in all, it makes food prep easy and enhances the taste of the meat."
7. Best Safety Features: Kitchendao Deluxe Meat Tenderizer Tool
Image: Kitchendao Kitchendao’s deluxe meat tenderizer tool has 48 razor-sharp blades that effectively penetrate tough pieces of meat to create heat channels and shorten cooking time. This device allows the heat to penetrate easily through tough-cut meat, such as pork tenderloin and cooks it evenly. It comes with a transparent cover that is detachable and easy to clean. The palm-shaped handle of the meat tenderizer allows you to press effortlessly.
Pros
- Features safety lock
- Comfortable grip
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
- Easy to store
Cons
- Blades require a hard push
"I've used this tenderizer multiple times, and I'm loving it so far. It was a breeze to assemble, and it tenderizes expertly, turning tougher cuts into delicacies in no time. And the ease of maintenance and efficacy is a big plus."
8. Best For Countertops: Commercial Meat Tenderizer
Image: Killer's Instinct Outdoors This food-grade ABS and aluminum meat tenderizer is a versatile kitchen tool. It lets you pound tough pieces of meat for quick cooking. The clamp-on design is simple to install on any table or countertop. The hand crank tenderizer is ideal for flattening meat chunks and can be used to prepare country-fried steak with ease. Plus, it comes with a plastic cover for added protection.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Smooth handle
- Removable cover
- Makes no noise
Cons
- Comes with no instruction manual
"I've been using this tenderizer on venison steaks, and it's been quite the assistant! The ease of usage and tidiness surprised me. It can be a bit tricky to set up, particularly the shield, but once rolling, it's fantastic. It comes in handy when cooking large meals. Hence, it's a purchase I am pleased I made."
9. Best Easy-To-Store: Gxone Meat Tenderizer
The Gxone meat tenderizer is a durable device made of high-grade 304 stainless steel and has an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable grip. The tool has a solid hammerhead. This mallet tenderizer allows you to strike meat, chicken, and steak with ease to create soft and delectable dishes. The flat and textured sides of this hammer-style tenderizer are ideal for various purposes. You can hang this meat pounder for convenient storage.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant
- Smooth surface
- Multi-functional
- Easy to clean
Cons
- A bit heavy
"The meat tenderizing hammer boasts a well-balanced weight, and its dual-purpose head assists in both flattening and tenderizing meat. Wish the dimpled end could be slightly sharper for better meat penetration. Regardless, its stainless steel construction is a solid addition to my kitchen utilities."
10. Best Slip-Resistant: Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Meat Tenderizer
Image: Gorilla Grip Flatten and soften the tough meat with the Gorilla Grip meat tenderizer. It is dual-sided, with a flattened side to cook evenly by releasing the natural flavors and a textured side with conical teeth to break down the proteins. It has a long handle that helps apply the correct pressure to loosen and soften tough muscle fibers. You can use this tenderizer for chicken breasts, tough-cut meat, and vegetables.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy to use
- Non-slip handle
- Made of safety-tested, food-grade, and BPA-free material
Cons
- May be lighter than expected
- Coated plating may flake
"I was amazed with this meat tenderizer as it helped me to tenderize any cut easily, especially steaks. Its non-slip grip is comfortable to hold. This kitchen tool has helped improve my cooking experience."
Do remember11. Best Durable: Gourmet Easy Stainless Steel Meat Tenderizer
Image: Gourmet Easy With an ergonomic design, this meat tenderizer by Gourmet Easy features a patterned non-slip grip handle. It is made of food-grade stainless steel to ensure health and safety. This dishwasher-safe tenderizer is dual-sided with a mirror-polished surface for easy cleaning. In addition, the flattened side helps in smooth pounding, while the textured side aids in breaking tough meat proteins and tenderizing. This hammer helps tenderize the meat properly to facilitate even cooking without flavor loss.
Pros
- Suitable for cutlets, barbeque, pork ribs, steak, and more
- Provides even weight distribution
- Helps prevent hand fatigue
- Free of odor, chemical, and color
- Ideal for juicy steaks and pork cutlets
Cons
- May be slightly smaller than expected
- May develop rust spots
"I bought this functional meat tenderizer for its sturdiness, easy cleaning option, and stainless-steel finish. At first, I felt handling it was heavy, but it didn't strain my arms. The handle is also pretty easy to grip and well-designed."
How To Choose The Right Meat Tenderizers?
Consider the following factors before purchasing a meat tenderizer.
1. Design: Consider the product’s design before making your choice. Choose a sturdy product equipped with a hammer-head or sharp blades and a comfortable grip handle. A meat tenderizer with an ergonomic handle and design is convenient to use.
2. Build: A meat tenderizer with a robust build will last longer and provide increased reliability. Choose a device made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or ABS plastic.
3. Safety: A meat tenderizer with safety locks that remain in place while using the tool protects against all types of risks. The lock keeps the gadget’s sharp blades and needles in place.
4. Easy to clean: It’s always preferable to purchase a meat tenderizer that is easy to clean and dishwasher-friendly. You can save time if the tool is promptly cleaned with hands, a brush, or a dishwasher.
5. Warranty: A meat tenderizer that comes with a warranty period of at least one year provides enhanced reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are needle meat tenderizers good?
You can use a needle tenderizer to make grooves on thick pieces of meat. The thin grooves can reduce the duration of time taken to tenderize the meat during the cooking process and make the meat flavorful by absorbing all the spices.
2. What should I put on meat to help tenderize it?
Any acidic liquid can tenderize meat and improve its flavor. Wine, vinegar, lemon, and orange juice are a few ingredients that can help tenderize meat effectively.
3. Are there any other methods for tenderizing meat?
You can effectively tenderize meat by using a slow cooker and marinating in an acid-based marinade containing enzymes.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is a product writer and reviewer who covers furniture, kitchenware, home requirements, and more. He has listed some of the best meat tenderizers in this article to facilitate hassle-free cooking as he is aware of the difficulty people face while cooking meat in the kitchen. Wedetso has also highlighted the pros and cons of each of the meat tenderizer options and included a buying guide to help the readers choose one that meets their requirements.
Meat tenderizers are essential kitchen tools that help you get soft, tender, and flavorful meat in no time. They work by breaking the connective tissue of meat, thereby reducing the cooking time and effort. When choosing the right tenderizer, make sure it has a comfortable grip and safety locks and is easy to clean. The ergonomic, sturdy, rust-resistant, and multifunctional options listed here can cut your cooking time significantly and let you enjoy delicious meat every time.
Infographic: How To Clean Meat Tenderizing Tools?
Cleaning meat tenderizing tools is essential for maintaining hygiene and prolonging their lifespan. With proper cleaning, these tools ensure safe and effective meat preparation, making them a must-have for any kitchen. However, the cleaning mechanism varies depending on the type. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to clean two popular types of meat tenderizers.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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