10 Best Meat Tenderizers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Color-coded ones available; get one of each to avoid cross-contamination between pork, beef, and chicken
• Double-sided blades easily slice through meat fibers in cheaper, tougher cuts
• Sturdy steel columns and blades

Cons:

• Not so easy to clean by hand if you don't have a dishwasher

This tool uses 48 stainless steel blades to tenderize dense and thick cuts of meat without smashing. The blades are sharpened on two sides for faster tenderizing. This also allows marinades or juices to soak into the meat better. It comes with a plastic cover to safely store the tenderizer.

A few reviewers complained that the tenderizer wasn't easy to take apart and clean by hand. But, many liked how it made meat tender and juicy. Buyers also loved that it works quickly and can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher.

Pros:

• Almost two pounds of weight smashes down effortlessly
• Flat side for pounding, textured teeth for tenderizing
• Dishwasher-safe (don't forget to take off the rubber gasket)
• Fat, ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip

Cons:

• Metal handle may get slippery if your hands are wet or greasy

This heavy tenderizer has a reversible head with a flat side and a spiky side. The flat side is ideal for flattening thick cuts, while the spiked side tenderizes meat and creates space to absorb the marinade. 

Overall, most buyers liked this tool's hefty weight and versatility. They said the handle is easy to hold, and the sharp spikes tenderize meat well. Reviewers also appreciated that it's easier to clean than other tenderizers.

Pros:

• Makes quick work of tenderizing meat up to three-quarters of an inch thick and five inches wide
• Includes C-clamps to mount it to counter or table
• Comes apart easily, and reviewers find it simple to use

Cons:

• Hand washing is recommended, and do it carefully or wear cut-resistant gloves
• Meats need to be the right shape and size to fit through the hopper

This tenderizer has 31 stainless steel blades for faster processing of steaks, boneless chops, chicken breasts, and other similarly-shaped cuts. Simply crank the handle a few times to run the blades run through the meat on both sides, and if you want to cube it, run the meat through once again. It dismantles for easy cleaning.

Some users reported that it arrived without the screws needed to assemble it. On the other hand, many recommended this product for how well it tenderized various meats. They said it was easy to set up and take apart, as well. 

• Large spikes for thick meats, small ones for thin cuts or flattening
• One-piece construction for easy cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher
• Small size allows control and accurate strikes

Cons:

• May be too small for very large cuts of meat, or users with big hands

This mallet-shaped tool is made of solid rust-resistant cast aluminum. It has two textured sides. The larger pyramid-like spikes tenderize thicker meats, and the smaller spikes work for thinner meat cuts. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe and has a hanging hole.

Pros:

• Rolling action works well for skirt steaks and other flat, thin cuts
• Avoids the splatter, noise, and wrist strain from using a hammer type

Cons:

• Hand wash only
• Roller part is open, and reviewers say that makes cleaning tough

If you want to tenderize thinner cuts of meat, consider a roller type like this one. Sometimes a hammer or needle tenderizer just tears apart a thin piece of meat, but this will break down the fibers without breaking the whole thing.

Some buyers said cleaning was a hassle. But many others loved that it's very comfortable to hold and easy to use. They also said it doesn't cause meat juice to spatter, making it less messy than other styles of tenderizer.

Pros:

• Blade housing can be easily removed for cleaning and drying
• Available in 45 or 15 blades
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• Some reviewers had trouble putting it back together after taking the blades out

This blade tenderizer offers a feature that makes it more simple to clean than others. The entire blade housing can be taken out to be washed and dried, allowing you to see into the nooks and crannies and check that it's thoroughly sanitary.

Negative reviews are mainly about it being tricky to reassemble correctly, but most buyers found it straightforward. In addition to how well it tenderizes meat, they say the ease of cleaning is the biggest advantage of this model.

Pros:

• One-piece construction with rubber handle leaves few gaps where food or soap can get in or bacteria can grow
• Flat side for pounding, side with teeth tenderizes
• Rustproof aluminum
• Not too heavy, so good for those with arm or grip weakness

Cons:

• The light weight is also a con; you may need to pound harder for really tough meats
• Hand wash only
• The info on Amazon and other sites is contradictory when it comes to weight, materials and care

This tenderizer has a side for flattening or evening out thick and thin meats, and a texturized side for tenderizing and prepping for marinades. The head and handle are made of aluminum to prevent rust. The non-slip rubber on the handle keeps your hand steady, too.

The Amazon listing claims it's dishwasher-safe, but reviewers confirm this is incorrect; it should be washed by hand. However, many point out that it comes clean easily regardless. Others say it's not super heavy, so it isn't tiring to use.

Pros:

• Lock keeps blade guard in place while not in use
• Guard is clear, so you can see where the needles are going
• Non-slip, wide handle for a secure grip
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• Some reviewers said the spring tension is too high, which flattens the meat excessively

There will be no worries about reaching into the drawer to grab this blade-style tenderizer since the guard locks into place and won't release until you're ready to use the device. It features 50 sharp blades to break tough meat fibers and allow marinades in.

Some reviewers found it flattened their meat more than they wanted, or that the blades were too close together and tore apart thin cuts. However, most like how it leaves deep channels in thicker meats, leading to quick-cooking and tender chicken, pork, and roasts.

Pros:

• Big handle gives you leverage and a solid handhold
• 48 blades pierce the meat, leaving holes for marinade and heat to get inside
• Two-inch long blades penetrate deep into thick roasts, poultry, and steaks

Cons:

• Some reviewers say the plastic is weak

This tool comes with a large non-slip grip for easier and safer use. The 48 blades are made of durable stainless steel, and there's a removable cover that keeps them safe when stored in your kitchen drawer.

A few users reported that this tool isn't very durable. But for most reviewers, the tool tenderizes meat well and is easy to clean. They also appreciated that it works quickly.

Pros:

• Two-inch diameter head allows you to target certain areas accurately
• Round needles create fairly large holes, which is great for marinades and sauces and speeds up cooking time
• Small size is easy to store

Cons:

• Hand wash only, and some reviewers say it's tricky to do
• Others found the tool can get stuck to the meat while using it
• Not the most heavy-duty

Twenty-four pointy stainless steel needles help this tool tenderize meats of any kind. Since this is a small tenderizer, it's best for infrequent use or to focus on specific parts, like the dense fat at the edge of a porkchop or the thick side of a chicken breast.

A few users said the handle feels flimsy and it's not the easiest design to clean. But, overall, many buyers loved that the tool leaves holes in the meat for marinades to get in.