Top 5 Meat Tenderizers for Perfectly Tenderized Meats
The perfect tenderizer can make the difference between tough, chewy cuts of meat and succulent, tender dishes. Whether you're a budget-conscious cook or an experienced chef, these 5 tenders offer a range of features and price points to suit any kitchen. Let's explore the best options available today.
1. Oxo Good Grips Bladed Meat Tenderizer
Price: $18
View on eBay: Oxo Good Grips Bladed Meat Tenderizer
Key Features: Non-slip grip Lightweight Razor-sharp blades Safety lock for blades
Why We Love It:
The Oxo Good Grips Bladed Meat Tenderizer takes a tough cut of meat and turns it into something tender. With 50 razor-sharp blades, this tool slices through dense tissue and fibers, allowing marinades to penetrate easily. The rounded top fits comfortably in the palm, making it easy to tenderize multiple steaks for a dinner party. The clear base helps control the placement of the blades, and the safety lock keeps the blades covered when not in use. It's dishwasher safe and comes apart for thorough cleaning.
2. Professional Meat Tenderizer
Price: $12
View on eBay: Professional Meat Tenderizer
Key Features: Lightweight Easy to operate Sharp prongs for adding flavor
Why We Love It:
This plastic, prong-style meat tenderizer is perfect for budget-conscious cooks. It features sharp prongs that leave larger holes to hold marinades and spices. The handle is comfortable to hold while pressing the tenderizer into the meat, and it's safe enough for kids to use. This tool can also be used for poking holes in potatoes or docking dough before baking. It's dishwasher safe, but should be hand-washed to avoid damaging the plastic parts.
3. Jaccard Meat Maximizer Tenderizer
Price: $19
View on eBay: Jaccard Meat Maximizer Tenderizer
Key Features: Double-sided blades for extra tenderizing Razor-sharp blades Easy to operate Meat comes out very flavorful
Why We Love It:
One of the original bladed meat tenderizers, the Jaccard Meat Maximizer Tenderizer has 45 blades that plunge all the way through steaks and chicken breasts for easy marination. The blades retract automatically, making the process quick and easy. This tool also helps flatten meat, so it's perfect for breading. It's dishwasher safe (top rack only) and washes easily for thorough cleaning. The updated version offers more tenderizing power and flavor retention.
4. Grip-EZ Reversible Tenderizer
Price: $25
View on eBay: Grip-EZ Reversible Tenderizer
Key Features: Comfortable grip Heavy-duty Amples surface area
Why We Love It:
This hammer-style meat tenderizer is packed with multiple features for the home cook. It has a dual-sided design with a flat side for pounding and flattening and a spiked side for tenderizing. The Santoprene handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easy to use with precise motions. The base is wider than most mallet-style tools, requiring less pounding to achieve the desired result. The tenderizer should be hand-washed to maintain its condition.
5. Rsle Meat Tenderizer
Price: $50
View on eBay: Rsle Meat Tenderizer
Key Features: Comfortable grip Easy to clean Heavy-weight construction Large surface area
Why We Love It:
Designed for both precision and power, the Rsle Meat Tenderizer is ideal for professional or home chefs. It features a wide, flat base that distributes force evenly across the meat, requiring fewer hits to flatten or tenderize cuts. The heavy construction provides extra power, but it's still easy to handle and clean. The seamless joint between the base and handle ensures no food gets stuck, and it's dishwasher safe. This tenderizer is versatile, functioning well for breading and quick pan-frying.
6. Weston Manual Meat Cuber-Tenderizer
Price: $115
View on eBay: Weston Manual Meat Cuber-Tenderizer
Key Features: Easy to operate Can be mounted to the counter Tongs included Sturdy construction Combs included for clearing jams
Why We Love It:
The Weston Manual Meat Cuber-Tenderizer is a versatile tool for home chefs. It can handle even the toughest cuts of meat, tenderizing and cubing them for a wide range of recipes. The stainless steel blades pierce and tenderize efficiently, and the cuber can handle meats up to 5 inches wide and 1.25 inches thick. It disassembles easily for cleaning, and the included tongs are handy for handling hot meat. This high-end tool requires a higher price point, but its precision and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for serious cooks.
Conclusion:
Whether you're on a tight budget or looking for a professional-grade tool, these meat tenderizers offer a range of options to suit any cooking preference. From budget-friendly plastic prong-style tenderizers to heavy-duty blade tools, each of these products can take your meat from tough and chewy to tender and flavorful. Choose the one that best fits your needs and enjoy perfectly tenderized meat in all your recipes.