Tenderizer is a kitchen gadget for softening meat. Despite the fact that in our country it is considered an innovation, in its homeland, in the USA, it has been popular since the second half of the last century. Butcher André Jacquard invented the meat softener back in 1962. Since the culture of grilling meat is extremely developed in the countries of North America and Canada, in these countries there is a device in almost every kitchen.
Manual device description
This small kitchen appliance is often called a meat softener or baking powder. Tenderizer is of three types: electric, manual and mechanical. The most widely used manual models, for example, a meat softener Redmond.
The device consists of:
- needle tooth plates;
- spring base;
- supports with small holes;
- short pistons.
Depending on the model, the needle pins can be replaced with thin sharp blades in an amount of 16 to 60 pieces. As a rule, the base has a rectangular or rounded shape.
Principle of operation
The meat softener works on the principle of stamping. When you press the handle with a sharp jerk, sharp needles, blades or pins pop out, which destroy the fibers of the meat, making it softer. Accordingly, it will cook faster and will have a more delicate texture. Depending on the size of the gadget, the area of impact on the product will change. Most often, this figure is 3-5 cm.
If we compare the device with the usual chopping hammer, then it does not crush and does not tear the meat fibers, but makes micronores. Therefore, during cooking, the meat almost completely retains its previous weight, shape and size. If the product has a decent thickness, the hammer beats only the top layer, without penetrating inside, while the blades pass through.
Advantages and disadvantages
As pluses it is worth noting:
- the process of harvesting meat for chops, schnitzels and other dishes is much faster;
- meat is easier to pickle and is better saturated with spices and other additives;
- a product that has been processed by a tender is faster to prepare;
- the dish turns out juicy, but not overdried after a long heat treatment;
- suitable for any meat, even hard varieties are tasty and tender.
As a minus you need to consider:
- high risk of injury;
- it is rather problematic to wash the appliance.
Mechanical and electrical tenders
Unlike manual meat softeners, mechanical and electric tenderisers are used in professional kitchens and installed permanently.
The mechanical device is mounted on the work surface with a screw like a meat grinder or simply placed on top. Its upper working part is equipped with needle rollers, which are actuated by manual rotation of the handle. To make the device safe, the studded part is protected by a lid made of metal or plastic. Thus, during use, the risk of injury is minimized.
An inlet is provided between the rollers - meat is loaded into it. During rotation, it advances and is pierced with sharp teeth at the same time. The amount of processed product depends on the operating staff. As a rule, one device is enough to meet the needs of the whole culinary or meat shop.
An electric tender is installed in the same way as a mechanical one. Its principle of operation is similar to the previous device. Their main difference is that such an apparatus is activated by an electric motor. The device is able to process a large piece of meat in a few seconds. Therefore, its performance is an order of magnitude higher.
Modern models of electric tenderizer make it possible to soften about 200 kg of meat per hour. The device is used in large public canteens, professional kitchens with high bandwidth and production workshops.
Device from Redmond-RAM-MT1
Redmond RAM-MT1 Tenderizer is a special model of meat softener designed for cooking steaks and chops at home. The device is equipped with 48 blades made of safe high-tech stainless steel. They are arranged in such a way that during the processing of meat they carefully separate the tissues, without destroying the structure of the product, while making it soft and juicy.
Users in Redmond meat softener reviews say the kitchen gadget is easy to assemble and disassemble. Due to this, the care of the device is greatly facilitated. The protective cover included in the package provides convenient and safe storage. The device is quite simple to use, however, instructions and a warranty card are attached to it. Thanks to the thoughtful design and color scheme, the device looks elegant and simple, it is comfortable to hold in your hand. Redmond-RAM-MT1 greatly facilitates the cooking process.
Reviews
People leave reviews about the meat softener, both positive and negative.
Those who tested the device in action were divided into two camps: some note the many advantages of the tender, others are not particularly surprised by its properties. However, the mass production of the device speaks for itself.
Users leave positive feedback on the meat softener Redmond RAM-MT1, noting the convenience in that you do not need to use a hammer and knock, the cooking process has become much quieter, which is convenient for people around.
Mistresses note that the cooking process practically does not pollute the work surface, since when processing meat, the pieces and spray do not fly apart, as with hammer blows. It is also attractive that the chop retains its shape and looks attractive.
Some users are pleased that there is a case for storage and the device is small in size. It is convenient to hold in your hand, and storage does not require much space.
Also, people note the reasonable price of the device and the fact that the device does not require skills for use.
Among the negative reviews there are such opinions that cheap models have poor quality: poor plastic, there is a smell from the blades.
Some housewives did not like the fact that small needles are not suitable for chicken - the meat is spreading, it is necessary to buy large needles. Some users say that a hand gets tired from the long use of the device.
Meat softener is a convenient and modern device for processing steak, chop and similar dishes. Thanks to sophisticated technology, the cooking process becomes cleaner, quieter, faster and more comfortable.