Shredded chicken and pulled pork are BBQ staples for a reason — they’re easy to make in large quantities, people can serve themselves the amount they want, and, most importantly, they make for a delicious meal.
Arguably the hardest part of preparing shredded chicken and pulled pork is actually getting the meat to the desired shredded consistency, leaving many people to settle for uneven chunks. A knife will get you clean cuts but isn’t ideal for shredding, and you may not want to use your bare hands. Most people settle for dual-wielding forks, but their small size makes them time-consuming to use. That’s why meat shredder claws are one of our favorite kitchen tools right now — they’re one of the easiest ways to quickly and evenly shred cuts of meat.
While there are a lot of kitchen hacks that overcharge and underdeliver, shredder claws excel at the thing they’re designed for, and they typically cost less than you’d pay for a pulled pork sandwich at the corner spot. And unlike some niche tools, you’ll actually get a lot of use out of them. For all these reasons, they’re one of our favorite kitchen hacks of the moment.
Many of our favorite options have large handles that allow you to grip them with your entire hand. This gives you good leverage while tearing up denser pieces of meat. Even if you’re not shredding meat, these claws still come in handy almost anytime you’re preparing large pieces of meat. For example, if you’re slicing a whole chicken, it can be hard to hold the chicken in place while cutting. You can use these claws to get a secure grip as you slice.
We’ve rounded up some of the best meat shredder claws on Amazon. They include heat resistant plastic options and stainless steel claws.
1. The Original Bear Paws Shredder Claws
Like the brand name conveys, these shredder claws resemble bear paws. Their ergonomic handle allows you to get a comfortable grip while you tear up pieces of meat. These claws are made from BPA-free nylon, which is designed to be heat resistant up to 475 degrees. The shredder claws are available in several different colors, and we’re partial to the eyecatching options like orange.
Pros: Made in USA. Endorsed by National BBQ Association. Dishwasher safe.
Cons: Tips can lose their sharpness over time.
2. 1Easylife Stainless Steel Meat Forks
If you prefer the classic look of steel, then consider this option for shredding your meat. It has stylish wooden grips and is made from durable 18/8 stainless steel. The larger size makes it easy to get a grip without burning your hands on the hot metal or meat. The claws are easy to clean, and you can even put them in the dishwasher.
Pros: Stylish wood and stainless steel make these a good gift option. Larger size for more comfortable holding.
Cons: Wooden handles could be better finished.
3. Cave Tools Meat Claws
This option from Cave Tools has a plastic handle with stainless steel claws. The textured grip prevents slippage, and a wide gap between the handles and the claws give your knuckles ample space. The large space is good news if you’re working with your bare hands, but it also allows you to work with the claws if you’re wearing gloves.
Pros: Stainless steel meat claws. Free optional app with BBQ tips and recipes.
Cons: Plastic grip can be a little uncomfortable for extended use.