Meat Claws

Maybe it's just me, but some tools really require sound effects when using them. Seriously. I can't pick up my Meat Claws without a few "rawr" sounds and maybe some hissing and slashing noises as well.

Which makes a lot more sense when I'm shredding meat than when I'm tossing vegetables.

Meat claws aren't exactly cute in the way of some kitchen items, but they're clever and amusing and ... rawr.

Think of them as heat-impervious pointy replacements for your delicate fingers. Or really wide, fat forks.The tips are sharp, so you can impale things, or use the curved surface to hold something - like that roast that you're slicing.

Since your hands aren't covered, you wouldn't want to use them too close to splashy boiling water, but they're big enough to keep you a relatively safe distance from thing that aren't actively splurting or flaming.

These claws obviously aren't an essential item, but they're the sort of thing that you'll use more often if they're within you reach. Like as a strainer when you'd draining water from a pot - as long as you're draining something that's big enough for the claws to catch them. So, draining peas wouldn't be so good. Potatoes would be fine.

The claws are dishwasher safe, but not microwave safe. Why someone would put them in the microwave, I haven't a clue. But I guess you never know. They're made from a hard nylon and are heat-resistant to 450 degrees, so that's pretty safe for most cooking applications. And if you're dealing with something hotter than that, maybe you should be keeping your hands further away, anyway.

Who's it for: People. Mostly people who shred meat, because that's what they were made for.

Pros: Keeps your fingers clean and away from the heat.

Cons: Obviously not an essential tool. If you put them in the junk drawer, you might never think of using them.

Wishes: Different colors would certainly be cool. I'd also like something shaped like this, but with silicone nubbins instead of sharp points - that could be useful for things you don't want to stab, or for use in coated pans that you're worried about scratching.

Source: I received these from the manufacturer for the purpose of a review.

If you want to buy your very own claws (rawr) you can get $2 off your Amazon purchase with the coupon code 89XYUOS6. The coupon is valid through 10/12/14.

Required disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.