Like you, every meat enthusiast has struggled with cutting it the right way at least once in their life. Moreover, the numerous appliances available today to process meat can make the task even more confusing.
While grinders and tenderisers are the common kitchen appliances used to tend to meat, people often think they can use them interchangeably. However, these two appliances and their uses are quite different.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand the different utensils that can help you prepare your meat the right way.
Read on to find the difference between meat grinders and tenderisers and how to choose the right one depending upon your need and preference.
Table of Contents
What Are Meat Grinders?
Many people now are grinding their own meat because they feel it is a fresher option than buying a burger patty or a sausage. There are innumerable benefits to grinding your own meat as it is a much healthier and more durable option.
Here, meat grinders help with the grinding of big pieces of meat. They cut down the meat into small pieces with the help of a rotating knife.
The holed plate assembly inside the metal casting with a corkscrew-shaped feed worm rotates the meat, producing ground or minced meat.
It grinds or minces pieces of meat easily without the need for any other appliance. The meat generally gets tender through this process after a point, making it perfect for cooking. Although traditional meat grinders were manual, now you can even get electric grinders.
What Are Tenderisers?
A tenderiser is a simple hand-powered appliance that you can use to tenderise a slab of meat to prepare for cooking.
It is also referred to as a meat mallet or a meat pounder. You can beat the meat with a tenderiser, but the meat still retains its original shape.
Each cut of meat consists of muscle fibres bound together by protein filaments known as collagen, which makes the meat juicy and more enjoyable.
Tenderising meat can help in reducing cooking time and make the meat more even to cook.
Quick Comparison Guide
| Aspect | Meat Grinder | Meat Tenderiser |
| Purpose | Tool for grinding, mincing, mixing raw meat and less desirable cuts of meat | A hand-powered tool to break down proteins so that there is less chewiness |
| Material | Made from polished aluminium and the cutting blade and plates are made up of stainless steel | Made up of aluminium, stainless steel, and tough plastic |
| Type Of Meat | Meat for burger patties or sausages and even vegetables can be grinded through this tool | Tough meats like deer meat, pork & steak can be tenderised using this tool |
| Portability | Heavy and not portable | Compact and easy to carry |
| Preparation | Better to chill the grinder | No need to chill it |
Meat Grinders vs Meat Tenderisers – What’s the difference?
Purpose
A meat grinder is a tool that helps with grinding and mincing big pieces into ground meat. It is ideal for less desirable cuts of meat.
On the other hand, a meat tenderiser is a hand-powered tool used to break the tough meat down to be less chewable. They usually aim for higher-quality cuts.
Material
The structure of the meat grinder consists of polished aluminum, while the cutting blades and the plates are made up of stainless steel.
Meat tenderiser is made up of aluminium, stainless steel & tough plastic.
Type Of Meat
You can use a meat grinder for soft meat that goes in delicacies like burgers, sausages, and also vegetables. For tough meats such as deer meat, steak, and pork, you will need a tenderiser to make the meat more juicy and eatable.
Portability
Meat grinders are bulky & heavy, making them harder to carry. Meat tenderisers are small and compact, and hence they are comparatively easier to carry.
Preparation
Chilling the meat grinder in advance can help to make the meat tender to extreme lengths. Although chilling the meat tenderiser can help, not many people advise it. It is better to follow the given instructions on the manual for the tenderiser.
FAQs
Can You Use A Meat Grinder Instead Of A Meat Tenderiser?
No, it is not possible to use a meat grinder in place of a tenderiser as both of these appliances function differently.
A meat grinder often aims at grinding down less desirable cuts, while on the other hand, a meat tenderiser seeks to break down the higher quality cuts through the mallet.
What Types Of Meat Can You Tenderise?
You can use a tenderiser on various kinds of meats like chicken, steak, venison, and even pork.
What Are The Advantages Of Tenderising Meat?
There are innumerable advantages of tenderising the meat.
Some significant benefits would include reduced cooking times, meat cooking evenly, and less chewiness.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Meat Grinder?
If you grind your own meat, then you might be aware that there are several benefits to it like it is a much healthier option, cost-effective, and the machine is durable.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the two appliances is entirely up to you and what you’re using them for.
If you prefer minced meat or ground meat, go for a meat grinder and if you like less chewiness for your higher quality cuts, then go for a meat tenderiser for sure.
Keep in mind the differences listed above for your next buying decision regarding meat appliances. Make sure to think really carefully before heading out to choose between these two appliances!
