The Best Meat Tenderizers for the Juiciest Steaks

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The meat tenderizer is the hero of the budget cook. These simple tools, and a little elbow grease, take a tough cut of chuck or chicken and transform it into a softer-to-chew, flavorful protein by physically breaking down dense tissue and fibers.

There are a couple considerations to make when shopping for a meat tenderizer that will properly turn tough cuts into ready-to-cook meats that taste as tender as more expensive varieties. Look for a model that sits comfortably in your grip and is not too heavy to avoid hand fatigue. Also, keep in mind the types of tasks you will perform. If you prefer creating cuts in the meat to help marinades and seasonings get in deep, go for the bladed or needled models. If you are a fan of schnitzel and piccata preparations, be sure to get one of the mallet-style tenderizers. If you want something easy, you should also consider a dishwasher-safe version.

From models with retractable blades and safety locks to traditional double-faced mallets, these are the best meat tenderizers.Who else recommends it? Bob Vila also picked the Oxo Good Grips Bladed Meat Tenderizer.1

What do buyers say? 76% of 800+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Take your steak from tough and chewy to tender and juicy with the help of a tenderizer, such as this bladed version from Oxo. It has 50 sharp blades that slice through the meat's tough fibers to create channels for marinades to penetrate easily. The rounded top fits comfortably in the palm, so it’s easy to tackle enough steaks for a whole dinner party. A clear base makes it easy to control the placement of the blades for even tenderizing. When it’s time to store the tenderizer, a toggle lock keeps the blades covered, and because the lock is recessed, it won’t unlock accidentally. It’s dishwasher safe and comes apart for more thorough cleaning.Get the job done with this budget tenderizer made from plastic and no moving parts. Rather than thin blades, it has spikes that leave larger holes to hold marinades and spices. Since the spikes aren’t as hard or sharp as metal blades, this tenderizer can be left loose in the kitchen gadget drawer without worrying about accidental cuts. The top handle is comfortable to hold when pressing the tenderizer into the meat, and it’s safe enough for kids to use. When it’s not being used for steaks, this tenderizer can be used to poke holes in potatoes or dock dough before baking. It should be washed by hand.
Mallet-style meat tenderizers are quite popular and easy to use. This one can be wielded one-handed or with one hand over the other for a bit more power or control. There's a smooth side for flattening meat without creating any holes and a side with pyramid-shaped teeth for tenderizing. The head is angled so it hits the meat flatly while using a normal hammering motion. Like other Oxo products, this tenderizer has a comfortable, soft-touch handle.