Xspecial Meat Tenderizer

Making Tough Meats Tender and Flavorful

If you love cooking juicy, tender cuts of meat but find yourself avoiding cheaper tougher options, then a meat tenderizer like the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer can be a game changer in the kitchen. This handy appliance can transform budget-friendly roasts, steaks, and other meats into fork-tender morsels bursting with flavor.

But with so many meat tenderizers on the market, how do you know if the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer is right for your needs and budget? This comprehensive buying guide covers everything you need to know, from key features and benefits to independent reviews and comparisons. Let’s dive in!

An Introduction to the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer

The Xspecial Meat Tenderizer is designed to break down the tough muscle fibers in cheaper cuts of meat, helping them cook up as tender as premium steaks and roasts. It features jagged stainless steel blades that slice through connective tissues, while its ergonomic handle allows you to firmly press the blades into the meat’s surface.

This manual meat tenderizer requires just hand power – no batteries or electricity needed. It also doubles as a marinade infuser, allowing seasoned liquids to deeply penetrate meat for enhanced flavor. The heavy-duty metal construction and protective blade cover help make the Xspecial built to last.

How Does It Work?

Meat tenderizers work by cutting through the collagen-rich connective tissue between muscle fibers. Collagen gives meat its structure but also makes it chewy. The serrated blades of the Xspecial pierce and slice this tissue, allowing the meat to cook up tender rather than tough.

The act of tenderizing also allows marinades to soak into the meat better. Those same cuts that the blades make give salty, acidic liquids channels to flow deep into the meat. This imparts marinade flavors throughout while further softening the fibers.

What Types of Meat Can the Xspecial Tenderize?

The Xspecial Meat Tenderizer can improve the tenderness of just about any type of meat including:

• Steaks like chuck, flank, skirt, and flat iron
• Roasts like chuck, rump, and shoulder
• Game meats like venison and bison
• Pork chops, loin roasts, country-style ribs
• Lamb shoulder chops, stew meat, leg steaks
• Poultry breasts, thighs, legs, whole birds

Really, any less expensive, collagen-rich cut of meat will benefit from a few minutes of tenderizing. Even choice cuts like ribeye can absorb flavors better after some surface tenderizing.

Key Features of the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer

Manual Design

The Xspecial Meat Tenderizer requires no batteries or outlet access. Just grip the ergonomic handle and apply downward force to tenderize meats. This makes it convenient for use anywhere, from home kitchens to campsites. The Manual design also means less parts that could potentially break.

Stainless Steel Blades

The 26 jagged blades are made from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel. They easily slice through tough tissues without rusting or dulling too quickly. The stainless steel material also makes this tenderizer easy to clean and sanitize.

Protective Blade Cover

A hard plastic cover keeps the razor-sharp blades safely concealed when not in use. This helps prevent accidental cuts while also protecting the blades from damage.

Comfortable Handle

The soft grip handle allows you to firmly press the blades into meat without tiring your hand. It gives you control while cushioning the force.

Doubles as Marinade Infuser

In addition to tenderizing, the blade perforations let marinades deeply penetrate meat. This infuses flavor while further tenderizing the meat from the inside out.

Dishwasher Safe

All components conveniently clean up in the dishwasher, including the blades. This makes sanitizing between uses quick and hassle-free.

Safety Lock Feature

A sliding button locks the blades closed to ensure safe storage in drawers or when traveling. This lock also provides peace of mind when storing it around kids.

Where Can I Buy the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer?

The Xspecial Meat Tenderizer is sold through various online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, WayFair, Overstock, and directly through the manufacturer’s website.

Online shopping allows you to easily compare prices between sellers. Make sure to factor in any shipping costs when evaluating true costs between retailers.

If you prefer to buy locally, check kitchenware stores in your area. Some national chains like Target, Kohl’s, and Macy’s may carry the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer on their kitchen gadget aisles.

How Much Does the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer Cost?

Pricing for the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer ranges from $15 to $25 USD depending on the retailer. Here are some typical price points:

• Amazon: $16.99 with free shipping for Prime members
• Walmart: $19.99 + free in-store pickup
• Bed Bath and Beyond: $24.99
• Manufacturer’s Site: $19.99 + shipping

The Xspecial Tenderizer represents an affordable option compared to many powered electric tenderizers. For a manual tool, the quality and performance make it a great value purchase.

Of course, always keep an eye out for sales around major holidays when you can snag this tenderizer for even less. The manufacturer may offer discounts around Christmas, Thanksgiving, Father’s Day, etc.

Xspecial Meat Tenderizer Reviews

Independent customer reviews can provide helpful insight into an appliance’s real-world performance. Here are some key takeaways from reviews of the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer:

• Easy to use – Customers find the ergonomic handle and clearly labeled buttons make this tenderizer intuitive to use right out of the box. It’s great for beginners.
• Tenderizes effectively – Numerous reviews remark how well it works to make budget cuts tender after just a few minutes of use.
• Robust construction – The metal and plastic materials are deemed durable enough for regular kitchen use. No complaints of parts wearing out.
• Easy to clean – Many like that all parts can go right in the dishwasher between uses. Quick to sanitize.
• Great value – For an affordable price, most feel the Xspecial performs comparably to far more expensive electric models.

Based on hundreds of buyer reviews, the Xspecial earns very high overall satisfaction ratings across retailers. Most agree it’s an excellent, hassle-free tenderizer that makes it easy to transform cheap tough cuts into tender, flavorful meat.

How Does the Xspecial Compare to Other Meat Tenderizers?

The Xspecial Meat Tenderizer stacks up nicely versus other manual tenderizers in its price range. Key advantages include:

• More blade points (26) than most competitors for faster tenderizing
• Protective cover included unlike some other models
• Ergonomic handle for more comfortable use
• Durable stainless steel blade construction
• Ability to also act as a marinade infuser

Compared to electric meat tenderizers powered by electricity, the Xspecial won’t tenderize quite as quickly or easily for large batches of meat. However, it excels at the following:

• Lower price – Much more affordable than electric models that run $50+
• Compact size – Takes up hardly any storage space unlike bulky electrics
• Portable use – Can easily bring it camping or to BBQs, no outlets required
• User-friendly – Slight learning curve on electric controls vs intuitive manual use

For a manual tool, the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer surpasses most competitors on performance, quality, safety features, and value. It’s a great option for your primary meat tenderizer unless you frequently cook large quantities of meat.

Does the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer Reduce Cooking Time?

Yes, tenderizing meat before cooking will allow you to reduce oven roasting or grilling time versus not tenderizing. All those blade cuts weaken the meat’s tough fibers so it can cook faster to become fork-tender.

Tenderizing first could shave 10 to 30 minutes off the normal cooking time for budget cuts like chuck roast or flank steak. This quicker cooking also means less time where juices can dry out. Meat tenderized ahead will be juicier in addition to more tender.

The exact time savings will vary based on the meat’s thickness. Thicker cuts benefit the most from prior mechanical tenderization.

Can You Use the Xspecial on Frozen Meat?

The Xspecial Meat Tenderizer can be used on partially frozen yet soft meats. However, don’t try to tenderize meat that is fully rock hard frozen. Attempting to penetrate completely frozen meat can damage the blades.

For best results, thaw meats in the refrigerator until slightly soft but still cool. Then apply the tenderizer until cuts are visible in the meat’s surface. At this pliable stage, the blades can easily pierce and slice the tissues without risk of bending or dulling.

Plan ahead and transfer meats from the freezer to the fridge the day before to fully defrost enough for tenderizing. This little advance prep helps ensure tender, flavorful results.

Does the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer Come with a Warranty?

Yes, the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer is backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship.

If any damage occurs under normal use, contact the manufacturer’s customer service within 1 year of purchase. Be prepared to show your original receipt as proof of purchase date.

The company will determine if damage falls under the warranty’s scope of coverage. If so, they will repair or replace your meat tenderizer free of charge.

With routine precautions like handwashing and avoiding dishwasher heat dry, your Xspecial Meat Tenderizer should provide many years of reliable performance. But the included warranty provides peace of mind backing its quality.

Are Replacement Parts Available?

In addition to the 1-year warranty, the manufacturer makes replacement components available for purchase if needed after the warranty expires.

Common replacement parts for the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer include:

• Stainless steel blade set
• Plastic blade cover
• Ergonomic handle
• Safety locking button

Contact customer service to inquire about purchasing replacement pieces for your Xspecial model. They will provide current pricing and availability for any parts needing repair or replacement out of warranty.

Having access to replacement parts helps you get years of use from this meat tenderizer rather than needing to replace the whole appliance. Their affordable pricing also makes repairs budget-friendly.

Xspecial Meat Tenderizer: Final Verdict

For home cooks looking to turn tough bargain meats into tender, juicy dishes, the Xspecial Meat Tenderizer is a great value. It allows you to save money buying less expensive cuts while still enjoying quality you might expect from a premium steakhouse.

The manual functionality provides controlled, user-friendly operation with no batteries required. Considerable blade strength makes quick work of even dense meats. And the dishwasher-safe design plus protective cover offer convenient, safe use and storage.

If you’d like to elevate your cooking without breaking the budget on meat, a reliable meat tenderizer like the Xspecial can help take your dishes to the next level.