Best Meat Tenderizers Reviewed

Best Meat Tenderizer Reviewed

Who doesn’t love a thick juicy steak? If you live on a budget, you may not be able to afford an expensive tender piece of meat. Do you wish you could enjoy an expensive tasting cut of meat, without blowing your budget? Clearly, you’re in the right place. The secret to getting a tender piece of meat is to use a great meat tenderizer.

We’ve created a complete guide to help you find the best kitchen gadgets with reviews for each product. As a result, the best kitchen gadget for meat is within your reach. Take a look!

Best Meat Tenderizer

1. Westmark German Meat Tenderizer

The Westmark German Meat Tenderizer is great for tenderizing steak, chicken or lamb. It is heavy duty tenderizing meat quick and easy. This is our first pick on the best of list because it has a secure grip handle that is easy to hold.

We really love that this neat tool because it is double sided which allows you to tenderize larger meat with the larger textured side and finer meat with the smaller textured side

What We Like:

-The Westmark Germany Meat Tenderizer is strong, durable and made in Germany

-It is two sided. Therefore, you can flatten meat out with the smooth side and tenderize with the textured side

-It is dishwasher safe

What We Don’t Like:

– This is smaller than other tenderizers, however it gets the job done.

– It is lightweight, but is still very strong

Details about the Westmark Germany Meat Tenderizer

Dimensions: 8.46 x 2.36 x 1.38 inches

Item Weight: 8.4 ounces

Manufacturer: Westmark

Summary

The Westmark Germany Tenderizer is great for tenderizing quickly and easily. It is made from one solid piece of aluminum. As a result, you don’t have to worry about the head and handle coming apart. If you’re looking for a solid gadget and a great price, this is your tool.

2. Great Credentials Extra Large Meat Tenderizer

This Great Credentials Meat Tenderizer comes in an extra large commercial size. Therefore, the double sided head of the mallet can flatten and tenderize a wide range of meats.

It features an aluminum head and a wood handle. This tenderizer is great because it comes in an extra large size.

What We Like:

-The head of the mallet is large, which means you won’t have to pound as much

-The construction is solid, therefore it can be used daily

-It is used to flatten or tenderize since it is double sided

What We Don’t Like:

-The actual item is light, but it makes using it easier for someone smaller to use

-The finish on the handle could be better, but it works extremely well

Details about the Great Credentials Meat Tenderizer

Dimensions: 13 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches

Item Weight: eleven ounces

Manufacturer: Great Credentials

Summary:

This Great Credentials Meat Tenderizer because it comes in an extra large commercial size. As a result, the double sided head of the mallet can flatten and tenderize a wide range of meats.

It features an aluminum head and a wood handle. This tenderizer is great because it comes in an extra large size.

3. Jim Beam Heavy Duty Meat Tenderizer

This is the ultimate kitchen tool because it double sided. It can tenderize and flatten it. It is made of aluminum. As a result, it is durable enough to tenderize and light enough to use without tiring out.

The Jim Beam meat tenderizer will take less expensive cuts and make then more tender. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and it has a hole which allows for easy storage.

What We Like:

-This is a solid and sturdy kitchen gadget made by Jim Beam

-It is made of light weight aluminum

-The handle has a hole in it. As a result, it can be hung for storage

What We Don’t Like:

-This item is made out of aluminum, however it be better if it was stainless steel

-It is not dishwasher safe

-It is small. However, it gets the job done

Details about the Jim Beam Heavy Duty Meat Tenderizer

Dimensions: 14 x 2 x 2.5 inches

Weight: eight ounces

Manufacturer: Jim Beam

Summary:

The mallet is double sided. The textured side will tenderize while the smooth side will flatten meat. It can take less expensive cuts of meat and make them tender. Well worth the price, great gadget.

4. Jaccard 48-Blade Meat Tenderizer

The Jaccard Meat Tenderizer works by piercing holes in the meat to break down the connective tissue. It contains forty-eight two sided sharp stainless steel knives, which pierce the meat. This item not only tenderizes meat but it also prepares them for marinating.

The Jaccard Meat Tenderizer is made from high quality materials. As a result, it works well with all types of meat. It should be noted, you will save time cooking your meat and create tender meat from less expensive cuts of meat.

What We Like:

– The Jaccard Meat Tenderizer is fast and easy to use. In addition, it tenderizes meat really well

-It is super easy to clean, just throw it on the top shelf of your dishwasher

-Cooking time is reduced by thirty or forty percent when meat is tenderized.

What We Don’t Like:

-The marinade penetrates almost too well, but if you adjust the amount of marinade and marinade time, you’ll be pleased

-The tenderizer is a little heavy, but works extremely well

-It is a little hard to clean. Despite this, you will get best results by putting in the top shelf of the dishwasher

Details about the Jaccard 48-Blade Meat Tenderizer

Dimensions: 4 x 1.5 x 5.75 inches

Weight: 12 ounces

Manufacturer: Jaccard

Summary

The Jaccard 48-Blade Meat Tenderizer has forty-eight two sided sharp stainless steel knives, which pierce and tenderize. This product not only tenderizes but it also prepares meat for marinating. As a result of its high quality, marinating time and cooking will be reduced.

Overall, this is a great item and we love how well it works with marinades.

5. OXO Good Grips Meat Tenderizer

We love the OXO Good Grips Meat Tenderizer because it is doubled sided, which allows for tenderizing and pounding meat. It is constructed with one piece of aluminum which provides strength and durability.

The OXO Good Grips Meat Tenderizer is true to OXO’s philosophy. OXO designs their tools based on item is comfortable and non-slip.

What We Like:

-It is very easy to use and super easy to clean by hand

-OXO is known for its signature grip. This product does not disappoint.

-It is a sturdy product. It that can be used to tenderize meat, but also chop other items like nuts and garlic

What We Don’t Like:

-The OXO meat tenderizer cannot be put in the dishwasher, but it is very easy to hand wash

-The handles are comfortable, however they take a while to get used to

-It is a little small, but the quality definitely makes up for the size

Details about the OXO Good Grips Meat Tenderizer

Dimensions: 4.96 x 2.56 x 4.92 inches

Weight: Eight ounces

Manufacturer: OXO

Summary

The OXO Good Grips Meat Tenderizer serves two purposes. It can tenderize meat with the textured side and flatten cutlets with the smooth side. It is solid aluminum. As a result, it is very strong. Meanwhile, the handle is comfortable and won’t slip even if your hands are wet.

What Is a Meat Tenderizer?

A meat tenderizer is a great kitchen gadget. It works by pounding the meat, which breaks down the connective tissue. Undoubtedly, this makes the meat more tender.

A second way to use a meat tenderizer is to smooth out and thin meat. Thinner meat will cook more evenly.

3 Types of Tenderizers

  1. Mallet Tenderizer- Certainly, the mallet tenderizer is the most popular type of meat tenderizer. A double sided mallet tenderizer will have a textured side for tenderizing meat and it will have a smooth side which is used to pound meat.
  2. Blade or Needle Tenderizer – A manual blade tenderizer punctures the meat with many small and very sharp blades or needles. They are designed to break up the connective tissue the same way a mallet tenderizer does. The goal is to make a less expensive chewy cut of meat more palatable.
  3. Powdered Tenderizer – Powdered tenderizer can be bought at your local grocery store. It comes mixed and ready to use. It is usually a combination of salt, bromelain and/or papain. It works when you rub it onto your steak, by breaking down the enzymes. For this reason, powdered tenderizer only needs to sit on meat for a few minutes. If you have a thicker piece of steak, you may need to stay on for 20-30 minutes. If powdered tenderizer stays on meat too long, it could end up soft and mushy.

5 Benefits of Using a Meat Tenderizer

  1. More Tender Meat: A meat tenderizer will break down tough connective tissue in the meat so it will become more tender, and more flavorful. Tender meat is also easier to chew and digest.
  2. Even Thickness: Thickness is eliminated when meat is tenderized. For example, you would make thick cuts near the center of the meat and small cuts at the ends of the meat. This will allow the meat to be cooked evenly and eliminate overcooking and undercooking.
  3. Improved Flavor: It should be noted, it will improve the flavor of your meals. The reason it improves the flavor is the tenderizer makes holes in the meat. Those holes allow seasonings, and marinade to go deeper inside the meat. As a result, the meat will be flavored on the inside and outside.
  4. Reduced Cooking Time: Tenderized meat has tiny cuts in it. These cuts allow for heat to pass through them easier, which in turn allows the meat to cook faster. Tenderized meat can cook almost fifty percent faster than non tenderized meat.
  5. Save Money: If you want to save money, you can buy less expensive cuts instead of premium cuts. Cheaper cuts of meats doesn’t have to mean bad meals. With a tenderizer you can create tender and flavorful meals with just a few minutes of prep time.

4 Things to Look for in a Meat Tenderizer

There are a few things you should look for when buying a meat tenderizer: what you plan to cook, handle, price and cleaning method. Lets take a look at these items in more detail.

  1. What You Plan To Cook: Is your goal to mostly flatten, you will want a mallet style tenderizer. If you want to marinade, flatten, and tenderize mallet is your best choice. If you just want to tenderize and marinade, a blade tenderize is your best choice. Figure out your needs before you buy any kitchen gadget.
  2. Handle: Undoubtedly, having a comfortable handle is a must every buyer. The best meat tenderizers will absorb vibration and reduce fatigue as you tenderize and flatten your cut of meat. The handle should fit well in your hand and have just the right amount of weight to pierce and tenderize the meat.
  3. Price: Well made kitchen gadgets are worth every penny. You should buy the best product that you can afford. Buying a quality product that is a little more expensive will save you money in the long run, because it will be built to last and you won’t have to replace it.
  4. Cleaning Method: If you don’t like hand washing kitchen gadgets, make sure you buy a meat tenderizer that can be thrown in the dishwasher. If you hand wash your kitchen gadget, it will last longer.

Do you really need a Meat Tenderizer?

Without a doubt, you absolutely need a meat tenderizer if you want to serve up tender meat. A meat tenderizer is a kitchen gadget that will save time, save money and enhance the quality of your meal. Finally, meat tenderizers make great gifts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to get a soft and juicy steak. Moreover, meat tenderizers can transform a budget friendly cut of meat into a premium cut. The best meat tenderizer is the secret to a tender piece of meat. Let us know which tenderizer you bought.