3 best steel meat tenderizers

Steel meat tenderizers are kitchen tools used to soften and tenderize cuts of meat. They are typically found in the category of meat and poultry tools, and they play a crucial role in preparing meat for cooking by breaking down tough muscle fibers. Here's what you should know about steel meat tenderizers:

Design and Construction: Steel meat tenderizers are usually made of a solid piece of stainless steel or another food-grade steel material. They feature a flat or textured surface on one end, which is used for tenderizing the meat.
Tenderizing Process: The primary purpose of a steel meat tenderizer is to mechanically break down the tough connective tissues and muscle fibers in meat. This is achieved by using the textured or flat surface of the tenderizer to pound or press into the meat, creating small incisions or perforations. This process not only softens the meat but also helps it absorb marinades and flavors more effectively.
Types of Meat Tenderizers:
- Flat-Surface Meat Tenderizers: These meat tenderizers have a flat, smooth surface and are typically used for flattening meat, such as chicken breasts or veal cutlets, to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Textured Meat Tenderizers: Textured tenderizers have a surface covered with small, pyramid-like spikes or blades. These textures are designed to penetrate the meat and break down tough fibers more effectively.
- Mallet-Style Tenderizers: Some meat tenderizers have a mallet-like design with a flat side and a textured side. They are versatile tools that can be used for various tenderizing and pounding tasks.
Benefits:
- Improved Meat Texture: Tenderizing meat with a steel meat tenderizer results in a more tender and palatable texture, making it easier to chew and enjoy.
- Even Cooking: Flattening or tenderizing meat with this tool helps ensure that the meat cooks evenly, reducing the risk of overcooking or undercooking.
- Flavor Infusion: The perforations created by the tenderizer allow marinades and seasonings to penetrate the meat more deeply, enhancing its flavor.
Safety Precautions:
- When using a steel meat tenderizer, exercise caution to avoid injury to your hands and fingers. Keep your hands away from the striking surface to prevent accidents.
- Clean the tenderizer thoroughly after use to remove any meat residue and prevent cross-contamination.
Maintenance: Steel meat tenderizers are relatively easy to clean and maintain. They can typically be washed by hand or in a dishwasher. Ensure that the tenderizer is completely dry before storing it to prevent rusting.
Alternatives: While steel meat tenderizers are effective, there are also other types of meat tenderizers available, such as mallets with textured surfaces and mechanical meat tenderizing machines, which can speed up the tenderizing process.

In summary, steel meat tenderizers are essential kitchen tools used to soften and prepare meat for cooking by mechanically breaking down tough muscle fibers and connective tissues.They are available in various designs, including flat-surface and textured versions, and are widely used for improving the texture and flavor of meat dishes. Proper safety precautions and maintenance are important when using steel meat tenderizers to ensure their effectiveness and longevity.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best steel meat tenderizers on the market

OXO SteeL Dishwasher Safe Meat Tenderizer,Silver

OXO

Based on 937 reviews Check latest price

Product description

56191 Features: -Material: Stainless steel. -Dishwasher safe. Product Type: -Meat Tenderizers. Color: -Gray. Dimensions: Overall Height - Top to Bottom: -12.25". Overall Width - Side to Side: -3". Overall Depth - Front to Back: -2". Overall Product Weight: -0.85 lbs.

Soft, comfortable grip
Solid aluminum construction
For pounding and tenderizing
Non-stick coated for easy clean-up
Dishwasher safe

User questions & answers

Question:	Title says "steel". bullets say "solid aluminum". product description says "stainless steel". which is it
Answer:	I don't think it's true stainless steel, as it's a dark gray color and not bright and shiny. However, I love it! Perfect size and weight.
Question:	what is the non-stick coating made of
Answer:	When I first emailed the company, I got a reply that "The meat tenderizer is a solid aluminum which, makes the unit extra sturdy.", I asked why it said steel in the description and they replied "Thank you for reaching out to me. The steel tenderizer the handle is steel but the tenderizer is aluminum."... then I asked about the non-stick coating it mentioned on the website and they replied " Thank you for your reply. OXO uses ILAG Non-Stick Ultimate Resist R Plus. This is a Swiss-engineered, PTEE, ceramic reinforced, two-layer, commercial-grade coating." It was difficult to get this info out of them and the info kept changing, so I'm uncertain what materials are really in this tenderizer. It is made in China, so you take a chance with safety when you buy anything from China that comes in contact with your food.
Question:	So you can or cannot put this in the dishwasher? The reviews are conflicting
Answer:	Yes! I've been putting mine in the dishwasher the entire year I've had it, and it looks like new. I use/dishwash it about twice a week.
Question:	Is this product made in the USA
Answer:	Made in China

Farberware 5211475 Professional Dual-Sided Stainless Steel Meat Tenderizer with Comfort Grip Handle, Standard

Farberware

Based on 568 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Farberware Meat Tenderizer is a kitchen essential. It features a cast-aluminum head that can be used in various ways. The textured side can be used to tear the connective tissue in meats and make tougher cuts more tender. Use the smooth side to flatten meats when recipes call for this, as well as to crack shellfish and nuts. The tenderizer features an ergonomic handle, designed to maximize comfort and control. Hand-wash recommended.

KITCHEN ESSENTIAL: get better results cooking any meat when you prep using this meat tenderizer
DUAL-SIDED: heavy-duty cast aluminum head features both a ridged side and a textured side
TEXTURED SIDE: use to tear connective tissue to make tougher meats more tender
SMOOTH SIDE: great for flattening is ideal for pounding meats thin, as well as for cracking shellfish or nuts
ERGONOMIC HANDLE: special grip maximizes comfort and control

User questions & answers

Question:	Is the mallet dishwasher safe
Answer:	No it is not dishwasher safe. The front packaging says “hand wash only”.
Question:	Is this stainless steel or aluminum
Answer:	Stainless steel
Question:	What is it made of
Answer:	Aluminum, not stainless steel.
Question:	What is it made of? Aluminum
Answer:	The one I received was NOT STAINLESS STEEL and NOT DISHWASHER SAFE (like the description and the pictures said). It is aluminum, and the packaging says "Hand Wash Only." I was specifically looking for a meat tenderizer I could put in the dishwasher, so I'll be returning it.

Product features

About Us

Farberware represents high-quality and> in products you can trust. Immediately recognized as America’s houseware brand, today Farberware includes a wide range of kitchen products including tools and gadgets, cutlery, cutting boards and shears.

KitchenAid Gourmet Meat Tenderizer, One Size, Black 1

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This versatile KitchenAid meat tenderizer will tenderize or flatten meat for your favorite recipe. Features both a flat and a raised surface for all types and cuts of meat. The soft grip handle provides a comfortable experience when using the tenderizer. Also a useful tool for crushing spices. Hand wash. Measures 11 inch long.

TEXTURIZED SURFACE : One of the sides surface is textured for optimum use on a variety of meats
SMOOTH SIDE INCLUDED : The opposite side of the meat tenderizer is smooth for pounding and flattening For cutlets
ALUMUNUM CONSTRUCTION : Aluminum construction provides a lightweight, strong and durable tool for the kitchen
MULTIPLE STORAGE OPTIONS : There is a hole in the ergonomic handle that gives you the option for convenient hanging storage
WARRANTY: It also comes with a 1-year Hassle-Free replacement and a lifetime Limited Warranty

User questions & answers

Question:	This listing is contradictory. Is it aluminum or stainless steel? Is it dishwasher safe or hand wash only
Answer:	Hand wash only!!! I ruined mine in the dishwasher.
Question:	how do I clean it
Answer:	I wash mine with a dish sponge. Easy to clean and rinse out.
Question:	Is this hammer made in USA 🇺🇸 or not, no clears answers
Answer:	The only thing it says on the product is Kitchenaid. I no longer have the package
Question:	Why do they advertise as stainless steel if it’s aluminum? It makes a hughe difference
Answer:	You're quite right: Upon closer inspection, the implement seems to be aluminum, not stainless. Wish I could answer your question. It's a good one.

Product features

What Is It For?

A meat tenderizer is used to help break out the flavor of all your favorite meat and to soften tougher cuts. But its uses go beyond meat. Use this tool to crack or smash other foods including shellfish and nuts, peppercorns, hard candy, and more.

Which Side When?

The ridged side of the mallet features rows of spikes designed to tear connective tissue, breaking fibers and making meats softer and more receptive to marinades. The flat side pounds meats thin, which also enhances flavor and ensures a shorter cook time.

How to Use?

This mallet is suited to use with all meats, including all cuts of beef, veal, chicken, and pork. To use the flat side, place the meat down on a wooden cutting board. Cover with plastic wrap or wax paper. Start in the middle, and pound in a circular motion, working your way out toward the edges. Use the ridged side directly on the meat itself. (Be sure to place on a wooden cutting board so the spikes won’t get damaged.)

KitchenAid

KitchenAid knows you’re a passionate maker, and that your favorite kitchen tools are the ones that help you expand your skills, so we’re sure you’re going to love using this versatile Meat Tenderizer mallet for making your meats more delicious—and more.