Best BBQ Meat Claws Reviews

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to pull a perfectly smoked pork shoulder with a cutlery fork and a dull knife. When it comes to shredding large cuts of meat, you absolutely must have a sturdy, sharp pair of the best meat claws money can buy!

Lucky for you, the BBQ experts at Fire Food Chef have you totally covered! Along with the top reviews of the best smokers and grills, we conducted our own research to find the best brand of meat claws for shredding, pulling, handling.

Read the Best Meat Claws review below and discover which one is right for your barbecue!

In a Hurry? This was our Winner:

Editor's Pick Badge
Cave Tools Meat Claws - Stainless Steel Pulled Pork SHREDDERS Review

Cave Tools Meat Claws - Stainless Steel Pulled Pork SHREDDERS

Why is it better?

  • Premium stainless steel
  • Versatile - used for any food from your grill
  • Safe design with blunt tips

98/100
our score


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Last Updated: January 3, 2024

By William Clay: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding meat claws available for those who are interested in taking their BBQing experience to the next level. The best 7 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best BBQ meat claws currently available on the market.

Best Meat Claws Of 2024 Rankings

7 Best Meat Claws Of 2024

For true blue pitmasters, presentation matters! It’s called pulled pork, not mangled, chewed up pork! A cutlery fork isn’t made for gently pulling or shredding meat. Even a steak knife can be difficult because the handle limits your dexterity, forcing you to tear at the meat instead of slicing.

Handling, carving, shredding and slicing - premium grade meat claw shredders are indispensable to avoid mangling your meat. The best brands offer stainless steel, BPA-free plastic (silicon or nylon), non-slip handles, and are dishwasher friendly. Meat claws are fairly easy to find and relatively inexpensive, but you can easily overpay for a product that chips, dullens, or wears out after only a few months. 


Description:
Premium stainless steel meat claw and pulled pork shredder

Features

  • 2 Meat Claws
  • 6 Prongs each with extended knuckle gap
  • Stainless Steel
  • BPA-free Handle
  • Dishwasher-safe

REVIEW RATING: 4.9 / 5 Stars

Awarded the prestigious ‘Best New Products’ Of 2024 by AmazingRibs.com, the Cave Tools Meat Claws is a stainless steel bbq meat rake and pulled pork shredder. Hold, slice, shred, or pull, these meat claws can shred through a large roast or turkey breast as easily as a hot knife through butter.

Cave Tools is one of the few brands that seems to truly embrace their customers as a community [1]. Their marketing is simple and direct, with messaging that appeals to anyone who’s serious about their BBQ utensils.

Used with a pair of quality bbq gloves, you’ll feel more like a giant grizzly bear with these meat claws in your hands as you quickly make short work of a large smoked brisket or pork shoulder. Each claw has 6 stainless steel blades, with gaps wide enough for your baby finger to fit. This breadth is much wider than a fork, making it ideal for quickly shredding a chicken breast or a 20lb turkey.

When you’re finished shredding, the Cave Tools Meat Claws can be thrown into your dishwasher or washed by hand with a sponge. Suitable for competition grilling or your average kitchen use, these stainless steel shredders won’t bend or warp the way plastic does.

What We Like...

  • VERSATILE USE: Ideally suited for shredding or pulling chicken, beef, brisket, turkey, poultry, hams, roasts or any other food from your grill, smoker, big green egg or crock pot.
  • DURABLE: Stainless steel construction won’t bend or warp with use and is highly resistant to corrosion. It also has a BPA-free handle and is dishwasher safe for easy maintenance.A lifetime guarantee is also offered by the manufacturer.
  • SAFE DESIGN: The Cave Tools Meat Claws are large but blunted on the tips to prevent accidental harm. Even children can use these meat claws safely to handle meat.
  • TEXTURED NON SLIP HANDLES: Large non-slip handles have extended knuckle space and bear-paw design so you can really dig in and make short work of a large turkey breast or 12 lb smoked brisket.
  • GIFT PACKAGING: Includes iOS and Android app download for meat smoking enthusiasts and aspiring pitmasters, with 25 recipes and access to over 135 grilling videos. The packaging is perfectly designed for gift wrapping.

Drawbacks…

  • Extended knuckle gap might be too large for some. They are not ideal for fine shredding or for pulling small portions of meat.

Description:
Ultra sharp nylon plastic bear claw and meat shredder

Features

  • Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 1 inches
  • 2 Meat Claws
  • 6 Ultra Sharp Claws (per bear paw)
  • FDA-Approved, BPA-Free Nylon
  • Heat Resistant up to 475 degrees fahrenheit
  • Dishwasher-safe

REVIEW RATING: 4.7 / 5 Stars

Few meat claw brands are as widely popular as the Original Bear Paws, and with good reason. These sturdy, reliable meat shredders are the perfect BBQ tool for shredding, cutting, pulling, lifting or handling heavy cuts of meat.

Shredded pork or chicken, these food-grade meat shredders offer a comfortable size grip wide enough for you to handle meat easily on the grill. Even on the high setting, the Original Bear Paws are heat resistant enough to withstand searing temperatures up to 475 degrees fahrenheit.

Used as a pair or individually, your prep work and shredding will take only seconds using these nylon plastic bear paws. After you’re finished pulling or shredding, these BPA-free meat claws can be washed by hand or in your dishwasher.

What We Like...

  • USA MADE: The Original Bear Paws are 100% made in the USA.
  • CONVENIENT: Easily grasp and shred pork, chicken, beef, and more without the hassle of knives and forks. Bear Paws ultra sharp claws make short and quick work of large or small cuts of meat.
  • HEAT RESISTANT: Made of BPA-free nylon and heat-resistant up to 475 degrees, you’ll never need to worry that your beloved Bear Paws will melt or warp near your open flame grill.
  • DURABLE NYLON: Don’t let the nylon plastic fool you. These bear paws may not be stainless steel, but the nylon construction is extremely sturdy and durable. Some users report that even after five years of use they work just as well with no loss of sharpness.
  • EASY TO USE: Lift, handle, shred, pull, and carve to your heart’s content. Excellent as turkey lifters, too! The unique ‘bear claw’ design gives you a perfect grip for safely managing the ultra-sharp shredding blades. They’re also dishwasher friendly!

Drawbacks…

  • ULTRA SHARP: These claws are extremely sharp! This isn’t a drawback, exactly but something to be wary of when storing them away in your kitchen drawer. Keep them well out of reach of children.
  • LARGE GRIP: The hand grip may be a bit large for smaller hands.

Description:
Stainless Steel Meat Rakes

Features

  • Dimensions: 9.5 x 4 x 1 inches
  • 2 Meat Rakes
  • Stainless Steel Prongs
  • Dishwasher-safe

REVIEW RATING: 4.5 / 5 Stars

Ok, so you won’t feel like a wolverine, but the Cave Tools Stainless Steel BBQMeat Rakes won’t disappoint your shredding expectations! These stainless steel meat rakes compare favorably to the shredder claws reviewed earlier as our top pick.

Featured on such programs as The "Q" Review, BBQ Central Radio Station, Outdoor Cooking Channel, FOX, NBC, ABC, Cave Tools was established in 2005 and has quickly become a household name [2].

Six curved prongs on each rake gives you a lot more control of a large pot roast, or a twenty pound whole turkey. The stainless steel is food-grade quality and safe to use on both meat and produce.

Elongated handles also give you more leverage when you’re trying to handle meat straight off the grill or directly on it. The handles are half push tang with a custom mold inside which secures the metal in place and makes sure it doesn't get loose or fall out. There are also handy holes on the ends of the handles so you can hang them up safely instead of storing them in your kitchen drawer.

Overall, these bbq meat rakes make a great alternative to the bear claw design.

What We Like...

  • LARGE SIX-PRONG RAKES: The wide, six-prong rakes give you more control when it comes to handling heavy cuts of meat. Move a whole turkey, a pot roast or brisket from the smoker to the oven, or vice versa, without ever worrying about dropping them. The long tines give you firm grip. Your wrists will thank you!
  • ULTRA SHARP TINES: Stainless steel tines on each meat rake are food-grade quality and very sharp. They can be used and washed repeatedly without signs of wear and tear for years to come. You’ll shred through chicken, beef, brisket, turkey, poultry, hams, and roasts in literally just minutes.
  • BUNDLED WITH EXTRAS: Cave Tools always includes some really great supporting tools such as free online tutorials for BBQ lovers. A free app is available with your purchase, as well as 25 professional barbecue recipes. The Cave Tools Stainless Steel BBQ Meat Rakes are also packaged in a gift box.

Drawbacks…

  • Some users have noted that the tines bend pretty easily and may need to be straightened occasionally.

Description:

Stainless Steel Bear Paw Shredders with Wooden Handles (waterproof)

Features:

  • Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.5 x 2 inches
  • 2 Bear Shredder Paws
  • Stainless Steel Claws
  • Wood Handles
  • Dishwasher-safe

Review Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars

You just might let out a primal grizzly growl after using these incredible bear claws! Stylish and highly effective at shredding, pulling, and handling meat, the Gastronomo Stainless Steel Bear Shredder Paws are the real deal!

The crafted, sturdy wooden handles on each bear claw are stylish, with ample space for getting a firm grip. There’s an extra layer of paint coat and they’re waterproof, so you can wash them repeatedly without them wearing out or falling apart.

Heat resistant up to 1112°F, you can use them right on the grill or in your kitchen. You’ll easily shred and pull pork, chicken, brisket, beef, and turkey with these bear shredder paws in much less time than it takes with flimsy cutlery. They’re admittedly pricier than our top pick, but certainly worth the investment. 

What We Like...

  • STYLISH DESIGN: It’s hard not to feel like a grizzly bear wearing the Gastronomo Bear Shredder Paws. The waterproof wooden handles are handcrafted, with stylish razor sharp blades that give this a more high-end look than bear paws made of plastic.
  • HEAT RESISTANT: Able to withstand searing temperatures of 1112°F / 600°C, the Gastronomo Bear Shredder Paws are perfect for handling meat hot off the grill, or transfering a heavy 12 pound brisket from the smoker to your kitchen.
  • DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: There’s no chance of them melting or cracking. The 18/8 stainless steel claws are super sharp and stay that way time after time. Shredding and pulling chicken, beef, turkey, pork is a breeze.
  • FOOD SAFE & EASY TO CLEAN: Zero BPA materials, food-grade stainless steel, and coated wooden handles that are waterproof make these bear shredder paws highly durable and safe to use with vegetables, fish, poultry, beef or pork. Wash by hand when you’re done or in your dishwasher.

Drawbacks

  • One could argue that the Gastronomo Bear Shredder Paws are a bit pricier than other brands, but doesn’t really include any additional perks to warrant the cost. If you appreciate style, however, then the extra dollars you’ll spend is totally worth it.

Description:
BPA-Free Plastic Meat Claws for shredding and pulling

Features:

  • Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.8 x 1.5 inches
  • 2 Meat Shredder Claws
  • BPA-Free Plastic
  • Dishwasher-safe

Review Rating: 4.3 / 5 Stars 
At first glance these meat claws look a bit more like toys than high quality kitchen utensils. Once you slip them on and start shredding, though, you can’t help but feel a little giddy at how fun they are to use.

Yes, they’re made of plastic, but these are Cave Tools shredder claws. They’re BPA-free, heat resistant, and sharp! Whether you need to handle a ten pound Boston Butt or a twenty pound smoked turkey, the sturdy claws give you the control, dexterity and sharpness you need to work with confidence.

The one drawback mentioned by some reviewers is that the handles aren’t exactly non-slip. If your hands are wet or greasy, getting a firm grip will be more challenging. 

What We Like...

  • BPA FREE PLASTIC: The sturdy plastic material is BPA free and heat resistant so you can use them on the grill or throw them in the dishwasher without worrying.
  • STURDY DESIGN: Surprisingly sturdy, these meat claws make handling heavy game or thick cuts of beef much easier than cutlery. Cave Tools is a reliable, trustworthy brand known for quality construction.
  • COMPETITIVE PRICE: For roughly the same price as the Original Bear Paws, you can pick up a pair of these bad boys and get the same great results.
  • GREAT GIFT IDEA: Included with these bear paws you also get 25 BBQ recipes, and the legendary Grill Master University app for iOS or Android.

Drawbacks

  • The handles aren’t non-slip so they can be difficult to hold if your hands are wet or greasy.

Description:
Stainless Steel Bear Shredder Paws with wooden handles for Shredding, Pulling, Handing, Lifting & Serving Pork, Turkey, Chicken, or Brisket

Features:

  • Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
  • 2 Meat Shredder Bear Claws
  • Stainless Steel and Wood Construction
  • Dishwasher-safe

Review Rating: 4.2 / 5 Stars
The 1EasyLife Stainless Steel Meat Forks with Wooden Handle are identical in many ways to the Gastronomo Bear Shredder Paws reviewed earlier.

Featuring the same wooden handle design and stylish stainless steel claws, these claws also feature a waterproof, painted wooden handle that offers a firm grip for handling unwieldy cuts of beef or big game.

The food grade stainless steel is 304 grade, so it’s safe to use with vegetables or meat, and dishwasher safe. The claws are solid, not hollow like some plastic meat claws on the market, so they’re really sturdy. 

What We Like...

  • STYLISH DESIGN: The waterproof wooden handles are handcrafted, with stylish razor sharp blades that give this a more high-end look than bear paws made of plastic.
  • HEAT RESISTANT: These Bear Shredder Paws are perfect for handling meat hot off the grill, or transferring a heavy pork butt from the smoker to your kitchen.
  • DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: There’s no chance of them melting or cracking. The 18/8 - 304 grade stainless steel claws are super sharp and stay that way time after time. Shredding and pulling chicken, beef, turkey, pork is a breeze.
  • FOOD SAFE & EASY TO CLEAN: Zero BPA materials, food-grade stainless steel, and coated wooden handles that are waterproof make these bear shredder paws highly durable and safe to use with vegetables, fish, poultry, beef or pork. Wash by hand when you’re done or in your dishwasher.

Drawbacks

  • The handles aren’t non-slip so they can be difficult to hold if your hands are wet or greasy.
  • They are a bit pricier than the Cave Tools meat shredders or The Original Bear Paws.
  • Some users with large hands may find them a bit small.

Description:
BPA-free plastic meat claws for Shredding and Handling Pulled Pork, Chicken and Other Foods

Features:

  • Dimensions: 6 x 5.9 x 1.5 inches
  • 2 Meat Shredder Claws
  • BPA Free Plastic (FDA Approved)
  • Dishwasher-safe

Review Rating: 4.0 / Stars
Sharp, durable and food-grade safe, the Jasons Premium Meat Shredding Claws include a handy pouch for storing safely in your kitchen drawer. The pouch is also the reason they are priced slightly higher than the Original Bear Paws or the Cave Tools Pulled Pork Shredder Claws.

Jasons isn’t as popular a brand name like Cave Tools, but their meat shredding claws compare favorably in every way. Heat resistant, food-grade safe, and dishwasher friendly, these meat claws do exactly what they’re supposed to do. 

What We Like...

  • HEAT RESISTANT PLASTIC: Durable nylon, sharp, solid claws do not crack or melt, and can withstand high temperatures. Use directly on the grill or in your kitchen without burning your fingers or wearing down the tips and edges.
  • DURABLE PRONGS: Your wrists will thank you for the ergonomic handle and grip which offers better handling and faster results than fork pulling. Whether it’s a tender chicken breast or a thick, prime cut of filet mignon, these shredders cut through clean and fast.
  • DISHWASHER SAFE: Clean in the dishwasher and store the set in the included airtight storage pouch.

Drawbacks

  • Although there's a draw string on the pouch to close it, there’s nothing to hold them closed so I’m not sure that qualifies as ‘airtight’. You pull it and cinch it closed but as soon as you let go it starts to open again

What Are Meat Claws Used For?

A set of premium meat claws, also known as meat shredders, bear claws, or pulled pork shredders, combines the benefits of several grilling utensils in one. They’re designed for handling large cuts of meat like a fork, and for shredding or pulling meat. Shaped like a rake or animal claw, they can quickly shred or pull meat with less hassle than ordinary cutlery.

Large roasts, chicken, turkey or ham can be unwieldy cuts of meat to handle. Removing them from a hot grill surface or frying pan can be awkward with just a fork. Even spatulas can bend under the weight of a thick angus steak, and a meat fork is a great for piercing, but not shredding or slicing.

Meat claws give you the versatility of a spatula, a fork, and a knife all in one. Instead of using a spatula, meat fork and a large, sharp meat knife, you can use a pair of meat claws to do the job of all three. That’s less cleanup for you and a much more efficient way of cooking!

What Cut Should You Use For Shredding Meat?

How do you know which is the best cut of meat for shredding [3]? Can you shred a chicken wing? Not all parts of an animal are suitable for pulled meat recipes. With the right cut of beef, pork, poultry or game bird, your pulled meat will be moist, flavorful, and shred easily. 

Beef And Pork
Beef chuck, beef brisket, or pork shoulder are the best for shredding beef or pork. You’ll find endless recipes that call for either shredded beef or pulled pork. These are all fairly inexpensive cuts that you can get at any butcher or grocery.

Large cuts of beef and pork require ‘low and slow’ cooking over several hours for the best results. They take long, but once you put them in your grill or smoker and set the right temperature, they don’t need a lot of ‘babysitting’ or attention.

Chicken
For pulled or shredded chicken, use chicken thighs, which are more moist and flavorful than other parts of the chicken. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, if you prefer white meat.


References

[1] Cave Tools (Official Site)
[2] How We Built A $2M/Year Business Selling Barbecue Tools (StarterStory.com)
[3] How To Shred Meat (Better Homes & Gardens)

About the Author William Clay

William Clay is a BBQ enthusiast dedicated to sharing his grilling (and overall cooking) expertise with FireFoodChef's readers.