Why Meat Claws Are a Must-Have BBQ Accessory, According to an Expert | Food & Wine

2022-05-14 19:57:07 By : Mr. Peter Lee

From smoky fall-off-the-bone ribs to sizzling kebabs to summer produce caramelized by blazing heat, we can think of countless ways to enjoy grilling season. But no matter what's on the menu, there are certain tools and techniques that take grilled dishes over the top.

Grilling expert Susie Bulloch has experimented with tons of equipment and recipes on her popular blog "Hey Grill, Hey" in a quest to make grilling, smoking, and barbecuing approachable to everyone. And when recommending a tool that can do it all, Bulloch swears by meat shredder claws.

"These guys are super handy to have in your kitchen," she told Food & Wine. "They're the multipurpose BBQ tool you didn't know you needed."

To buy: The Original Bear Paws Shredder Claws, $13 at amazon.com

Shaped like, well, claws, meat shredders feature sturdy handles and are typically made from metal or heat-resistant plastic. Unlike traditional fork pulling, the claws make quick work of shredding meat and poultry, especially with large cuts like pork shoulder or whole chickens. 

They aren't just handy for tearing barbeque into tender shreds, Bulloch adds. "They allow you to lift heavy items like brisket, pork butt, [and] ribs while keeping your hands away from that scorching direct heat," she said.

Related: The 7 Best Electric Smokers on Amazon for Delicious Meat, Poultry, and Seafood

Bulloch isn't the only one who raves about the Wolverine-looking accessory. Amazon has an entire category dedicated to barbeque claws, and its best-seller, the Original Bear Paws Shredder Claws, has more than 16,000 five-star ratings.

Each Bear Paw (you'll get a set of two) consists of six ultra-sharp nylon claws that can withstand temperatures up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. What's more, they're dishwasher-safe for no-fuss cleanup.

"The Bear Paws help pull pork faster and more consistently than any other method," one user wrote. "I usually smoke my meat for 10 to 12 hours so there is no reheating needed once it comes off the smoker. These Bear Paws protect my hands from getting burnt while pulling the pork, and they are far more effective than forks. I pulled a 10-pound butt in less than two minutes with these!"

A second added, "Used to lift my 18-pound Thanksgiving turkey and they worked like a charm."

Meat claws typically cost around $25, depending on the brand; however, the Bear Paws are only $13 right now. Add the affordable barbeque accessory to your gear collection before summer officially begins.