Anyone who’s ever tackled a pork shoulder or whole chicken knows the struggle. You’ve just spent hours smoking, roasting, or slow-cooking the meat, and now comes the messy part: shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Two forks will get the job done—eventually—but they’re slow, awkward, and get tiring long before the meat even reaches the platter.
That’s where meat claws come in. They look like Wolverine’s blades, but these sharp prongs are designed to make shredding fast and easy. They let you tear through pulled pork, shred chicken in seconds, or keep a roast steady while you carve. And unlike the plastic versions, Hobby Lobby’s metal meat claws feel tough enough to handle whatever you throw at them—all for just $6.99.
Metal Meat Claws, $6.99 at Hobby Lobby
For just $7, Hobby Lobby’s metal meat claws are about as affordable as it gets in the grilling aisle. Each claw features a smooth wooden handle paired with pointed stainless prongs. They’re sturdy enough to dig into brisket or turkey without bending, and they’re dishwasher-safe, which is a big win after a messy cookout. Measuring 4.5 by 4.25-inches, they’re compact enough to store in a kitchen drawer but rugged enough to handle big batches.
Compared to the cheaper plastic claws you’ll find online, the metal build makes a difference. Plastic ones can bend if they get too hot, but these stay solid straight off the smoker. The wooden handles give you a good grip, so you can pull, lift, and slice with ease. They’re not just for shredding either. They work for mixing pulled pork with sauce or transferring a hot turkey from pan to cutting board.
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The Smarter Way to Shred
Sure, you could stick with forks, but shredding that way is slow, messy, and inconsistent. Meat claws take a job that usually feels like a chore and turn it into a quick, almost fun process. The pointed prongs cut through protein like butter, producing evenly pulled strands instead of uneven chunks. They also keep your hands out of the heat and grease, cutting down on burns and cleanup.
Pitmasters are split on whether claws are essential, but most agree that they’re faster and easier than the alternatives. Some pros still prefer gloves or forks for precision, but for home cooks, these claws are a game-changer. They’re inexpensive, durable, and using them feels a lot easier than fumbling with forks.
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