Ever stared at a pile of meat, wondering if your knife can handle the job? You’re not alone. Choosing the right meat cleaver can feel like a daunting task. There are so many brands and styles, and you want one that’s strong, sharp, and safe. It’s frustrating when a tool doesn’t do what you need it to, making cooking harder than it should be.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They test kitchen tools thoroughly to help you find the best ones. We’re diving deep into their findings about meat cleavers. You’ll learn what makes a cleaver good for chopping bones, slicing through tough cuts, and even dicing vegetables. We’ll break down the key features to look for so you can pick a cleaver that makes your cooking easier and more enjoyable.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of what to look for in a meat cleaver, armed with the knowledge from America’s Test Kitchen. Let’s get chopping!
Our Top 5 Meat Cleaver America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Meat Cleaver America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Chef Craft: Select Meat Cleaver
Rating: 9.4/10
The Chef Craft Select Meat Cleaver is a sturdy tool for any kitchen. Its 7-inch stainless steel blade is designed to tackle tough jobs. The black, durable handle offers a comfortable grip. This cleaver measures 12 inches in total length, making it a substantial piece for chopping and cutting.
What We Like:
- It easily chops through thick meats and even bone.
- The stainless steel blade resists rust, even after many washes.
- The blade is heavy, which helps it cut through meat quickly.
- The handle is made of strong ABS plastic and has rivets for extra durability.
What Could Be Improved:
- Handwashing is recommended to keep the blade sharp.
This cleaver is a strong performer for its price. It’s a reliable option for anyone who needs to cut meat with confidence.
2. Huusk Meat Cleaver with Sheath
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Huusk Fire Phoenix Meat Cleaver, a knife designed for both the busy kitchen and the adventurous outdoors. This Japanese-style cleaver is built to make your meal prep faster and more enjoyable. Its special design makes it a beautiful and powerful tool for any cutting task.
What We Like:
- Sharpness and Durability: Made with high-carbon steel (ATS-34) that’s treated for a hardness of 58 Rockwell, this knife stays sharp and resists rust.
- Unique Design: The hexagonal blade and oblique right-angle tip reduce air resistance for faster cutting. The wave pattern on top helps you grip it better.
- Comfortable Grip: The full tang oak handle is designed for comfort and stability, reducing wrist strain during long use. It’s also non-slip.
- Versatile Use: It’s great for chopping, slicing, and dicing meat, vegetables, and fish, making it perfect for BBQs, camping, and everyday cooking.
- Great Gift Idea: It comes in a nice gift box, making it a thoughtful present for holidays and special occasions.
- HUUSK Guarantee: Huusk offers a 30-day return policy and a 12-month warranty, showing their commitment to quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- Maintenance Required: The description emphasizes keeping the knife clean and dry after each use to maintain its quality.
The Huusk Fire Phoenix cleaver is a fantastic blend of style and function. It’s a reliable companion for any cooking enthusiast or outdoor adventurer.
3. America’s Test Kitchen Better With Bacon: 20 Bacon-Loaded Recipes
Rating: 8.6/10
Calling all bacon lovers! America’s Test Kitchen, known for its thorough testing and reliable recipes, has released a cookbook dedicated to everyone’s favorite smoky, salty treat. “Better With Bacon: 20 Bacon-Loaded Recipes” is your ticket to elevating everyday meals and special occasions with the irresistible flavor of bacon. From breakfast to dessert, this book promises to show you just how versatile bacon can be.
What We Like:
- The book features 20 delicious recipes that all star bacon.
- America’s Test Kitchen is famous for its tested and true recipes, so you know these will work.
- You’ll find a variety of dishes, not just the usual suspects.
- It’s a fun way to try new things in the kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The book only includes 20 recipes, leaving you wanting more.
- Some recipes might require special ingredients not found in every pantry.
If you adore bacon and enjoy cooking, this cookbook is a must-have. Get ready to impress yourself and others with these bacon-infused creations.
4. ZWILLING HENCKELS Classic Razor-Sharp 6-inch Meat Cleaver Knife
Rating: 9.5/10
The ZWILLING HENCKELS Classic Razor-Sharp 6-inch Meat Cleaver Knife is a powerful tool for any kitchen. It’s made with German engineering and over 100 years of experience. This knife makes chopping and preparing meat much easier. Its sleek black and stainless steel design looks great too.
What We Like:
- It has ultra-sharp blades that cut with precision.
- The blades stay sharp for a long time.
- Cutting is effortless thanks to its lightweight design.
- It’s great for many kitchen tasks like trimming fat and cutting ribs.
- Cleanup is quick and easy; it’s dishwasher safe and rust-free.
- It is durable and built to last, making it a worthwhile investment.
- The fully forged construction ensures a strong blade-to-handle connection.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 6-inch size might be too small for breaking down very large cuts of meat.
- While it’s built to last, the initial cost is higher than basic knives.
This cleaver is a fantastic addition to your kitchen. It offers excellent performance and durability for years of cooking.
5. KOFERY 7 Inch Professional Meat Cleaver – Heavy Duty Bone Chopper
Rating: 8.9/10
The KOFERY 7 Inch Professional Meat Cleaver is a heavy-duty tool that can handle all your butchering needs. It’s designed for serious cooks, whether you’re a pro chef or just love cooking at home. This cleaver makes cutting through tough meats and bones much easier.
What We Like:
- Its tall blade (3.54 inches) gives you great leverage for chopping and dicing.
- The wide blade makes moving food from your cutting board to your pan simple.
- It’s built tough to cut through raw chicken, lobsters, and even squash.
- The knife is made from strong high-carbon stainless steel for lasting quality.
- Its handle is designed for a comfortable and secure grip.
- The tapered blade works for both heavy chopping and delicate slicing.
- The rear of the blade is great for small bones, while the front handles meat and veggies.
- It’s hand-sharpened to a sharp edge for excellent performance.
- The full tang and triple rivets provide good balance and strength.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, it might be a bit large for very small kitchens or light tasks.
- The “professional-grade” label might suggest a higher price point, which could be a factor for some buyers.
This KOFERY cleaver is a robust and reliable kitchen companion. It’s a great investment for anyone who needs a powerful and versatile knife for their culinary adventures.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your America’s Test Kitchen Meat Cleaver Companion
Choosing the right meat cleaver can make a big difference in your kitchen. It’s not just for chopping bones; a good cleaver is a versatile tool. This guide will help you pick the best one, especially if you’re looking at options from America’s Test Kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a meat cleaver, keep these important features in mind:
- Blade Weight and Balance: A cleaver that feels good in your hand is crucial. It should have a nice weight that helps you cut through tough meats without feeling too heavy. The balance point should be comfortable, usually near the bolster (where the blade meets the handle).
- Blade Thickness and Edge: The blade should be thick enough to handle heavy-duty tasks like breaking down poultry or pork. The edge should be sharp and durable. A thinner blade might be better for slicing, but for a true cleaver, thickness is key.
- Handle Grip and Comfort: Your handle needs to be secure and comfortable. Look for materials that offer a good grip, even when wet. A non-slip surface is a big plus. The handle should fit your hand well.
- Overall Durability: You want a cleaver that will last. Check the construction to make sure it’s built to withstand regular use and cleaning.
Important Materials
The materials used in a meat cleaver greatly affect its performance and lifespan.
- Blade Material: Most good cleavers are made from high-carbon stainless steel. This steel is strong and holds an edge well. It also resists rust, which is important for kitchen tools. Some might use carbon steel, which can be sharper but requires more care to prevent rust.
- Handle Material: Handles can be made from various materials. Common options include:
- Wood: Offers a classic look and comfortable grip, but needs regular oiling and can be prone to cracking if not cared for.
- Synthetic materials (like POM or Micarta): These are very durable, water-resistant, and provide excellent grip. They are often preferred for their low maintenance.
- Metal (like stainless steel or aluminum): These are very hygienic and durable, but can be slippery if not designed with a textured grip.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a cleaver great or not so great.
- Full Tang Construction: This means the metal of the blade extends all the way through the handle. It makes the cleaver stronger and more balanced. A partial tang can make the cleaver weaker.
- Forging vs. Stamping: Forged cleavers are made by heating and hammering metal into shape. This process creates a stronger, more durable blade. Stamped cleavers are cut from a sheet of metal. They are usually less expensive but can be less robust. America’s Test Kitchen often favors forged knives for their superior quality.
- Blade Hardness: The hardness of the steel, measured on the Rockwell scale, affects how sharp the blade can get and how long it stays sharp. A good range is usually between 55-58 HRC. Too hard, and the blade can chip easily. Too soft, and it dulls quickly.
- Maintenance: How easy is it to maintain? A cleaver that rusts easily or requires constant sharpening will be less enjoyable to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good meat cleaver is a workhorse in the kitchen.
- Breaking Down Poultry: This is a primary use. A sharp, strong cleaver can easily cut through chicken carcasses and other poultry bones.
- Chopping Through Tough Meats: Pork ribs, lamb chops, and even some tougher cuts of beef can be managed with a cleaver.
- Slicing and Dicing: While not its main job, a cleaver can also be used for chopping vegetables like squash or large onions. The wide blade can also be used for scooping ingredients.
- Home Cook vs. Professional: For home cooks, a cleaver might be used for occasional heavy-duty tasks. For butchers or professional chefs, it’s an everyday tool. America’s Test Kitchen tests products with both home cooks and professionals in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about America’s Test Kitchen Meat Cleavers
Q: What makes an America’s Test Kitchen recommended cleaver stand out?
A: America’s Test Kitchen recommends cleavers that perform well in their rigorous testing. They look for durability, sharpness, comfort, and overall value. They often highlight cleavers with good balance and strong construction.
Q: Is a meat cleaver only for bones?
A: No, while it’s great for bones, a meat cleaver is also useful for chopping through tough meats like ribs and for dicing larger vegetables like squash. The wide blade can also scoop ingredients.
Q: What is the best material for a meat cleaver blade?
A: High-carbon stainless steel is generally considered the best for meat cleavers. It offers a good balance of sharpness, durability, and rust resistance.
Q: Should I look for a forged or stamped cleaver?
A: Forged cleavers are generally of higher quality. They are made by heating and hammering metal, which makes them stronger and more durable than stamped cleavers, which are cut from a sheet.
Q: How important is the handle grip?
A: The handle grip is very important for safety and comfort. A good grip prevents the cleaver from slipping, especially when your hands are wet or greasy.
Q: How do I maintain a meat cleaver?
A: You should wash your cleaver by hand with warm, soapy water and dry it immediately. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher. For wooden handles, oil them occasionally.
Q: Can I use a meat cleaver for everyday chopping, like onions?
A: Yes, you can. The wide blade is good for scooping chopped ingredients. However, for very fine chopping of smaller vegetables, a chef’s knife might be more nimble.
Q: What does “full tang” mean for a cleaver?
A: A full tang means the metal of the blade extends all the way through the handle. This construction makes the cleaver stronger, more balanced, and less likely to break.
Q: How heavy should a meat cleaver be?
A: The weight is a personal preference, but a good cleaver should feel balanced. It needs enough weight to cut through tougher items, but not so much that it’s tiring to use.
Q: Are expensive meat cleavers always better?
A: Not always. America’s Test Kitchen often finds excellent value in mid-priced cleavers that perform very well. It’s more about the quality of materials and construction than just the price tag.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!