Eating meat on its own is unappetizing. Seasonings and spices are truly what makes that piece of steak or rack of lamb come alive. The combination of fruit juices, aromatics, herbs, and oils adds a whole other dimension to that cut of pork or beef.
Marination is the process of combining ingredients into what’s called a marinade, usually an acidic solution or paste. It is used to make the meat tender and more flavorful. Marinades can be wet or dry, depending on the recipe, but they always work best when used for more than an hour or more than a day. However, many of us don’t (or can’t) wait that long. That’s when a marinade injector comes in handy.
A marinade injector is a syringe-like tool you use to pump flavor into the deepest parts of the meat. It saves you loads of prep time and ensures that meat won’t dry out when subjected to intense heat like on a grill.
Best Marinade Injectors Comparison & Rating
Image | Marinade Injectors | Rating |
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| 93% | |
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| 89% |
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While marinade injectors look the same, they are made from different materials. Some are equipped with extra features or come with a variety of accessories to make the cooking process easier. Up top are our favorite marinade injectors and down below are detailed information about each of them. Read on be sure to click the yellow buttons below to see their best deals on Amazon!
Ofargo Stainless Steel Meat Injector
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 6.8 x 1.2 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | 9.8 ounces |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Color | Silver |
This marinade injector doesn't just look great but it gets the job done, too! It’s solidly built using high-quality metal so it won’t break or crack. All the removable parts fit snugly and operate smoothly as a whole. It’s a versatile product that you can use for both roasting and baking. Inject marinades into your turkey as easily as you can inject jam filling into those homemade donuts. Want a bonus? Buyers can get a recipe download that has delicious tips on cooking.
Premiala Awesome Meat Injector
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 6.69 x 1.18 x 1.57 inches |
Weight | 9.7 ounces |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Color | Silver |
If you want that juicy and tender piece of meat, this marinade injector does the job and more. It has three needles of varying lengths and hole layouts capable of approaching about any meat injection job thrown its way. It’s solidly built with a good feel and tight fit on the plunger. The plunger and the needles all have high-end O-rings. Plus, you get an extra set for each piece that uses them. Finally, the packaging it comes in is impressive. The thick box has form-cut slots for all the pieces so they rest nicely inside a snug-fitting foam piece.
PBKay Heavy Duty Meat Injector
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 7 x 3 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | 1.44 ounces |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Color | Silver |
The PBKay heavy duty meat injector is a must for pitmasters and cooks. The multi-holed metal needle works really well when you have to inject a thick piece of meat or an entire Thanksgiving turkey. The ends of the needles are also wider than most so they won’t fall through the cracks of your silverware drawer. Highly durable and usable for a variety of cooking situations. Use it to make impressive roast dinners at home or juicy barbecued meats while camping.
SIMACOCINA Meat Injector Kit
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 7.6 x 4.6 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | 3.2 ounces |
Material | Plastic and Stainless Steel |
Color | Red |
The SIMACOCINA meat injector is a great addition to your kitchen. The plastic barrel can hold more than enough marinade. The metal needles have ports on both sides which helps distribute the fluid and prevents them from plugging up. You get spare parts and seals, which will come in handy if that O-ring wears out. Best of all, you can use this marinade injector for sucking up liquid as well.
SHEbaking Meat Tenderizer and Marinade Injector Tool
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 9.5 x 3.6 x 3.1 inches |
Weight | 11.7 ounces |
Material | Plastic and Stainless Steel |
Color | White |
The SHEbaking meat tenderizer and marinade injector tool is ideal if you’re looking to reduce prep time and cook meat that’s both tender and flavorful. The meat tenderizer needle can break down the connective tissue of the meat, making the meat easier to eat. Strategic holes on the needle ensuring that the marinade seeps into that lamb chop or tri-tip for that full-on flavor. It even helps you thaw that cut of meat so you can have dinner on the table a lot faster. Truly a must-have for any home cook
Marinade Injector Buyer’s Guide
Marinade injectors are usually made from plastic, stainless steel, or a combination of both. Products manufactured from purely metal won’t crack and tend to last longer.
Look for a marinade injector that’s ergonomically designed. You’ll want a product that’s not too heavy, fits well in your hand, and has a non-slip handle.
The metal needles that come with marinade injectors come with multiple holes or just one. Do your research to determine what type of needle length and design best fits your needs.
Some marinade injectors come with accessories that you might already have in your kitchen. This can add up to the cost so in some cases it’s better to just buy the gadget on its own.
FAQs
Injecting the juices into the cut will mean that the flavor will be spread across more of the meat. It also reduces preparation time because you can inject the meat 30 minutes to an hour before you need to cook it.
Common ingredients in a wet marinade might include water, oil, wine, beer, liquor, sauce (such as soy or Worcestershire), an acid such as citrus or vinegar, salt, pepper, and a variety of spices. A dry marinade, on the other hand, includes a mixture of dry spices that you rub into the meat, but sometimes mustard is included to help adhere the seasonings to the food.
You can use it for injecting broth, melted butter, and other seasonings. The metal or plastic barrel can also hold cream or jelly for pastry filling.
Fill a deep cup with hot soapy water, like when you fill the injector with marinade, place the needle into the liquid and pull the plunger, filling the chamber with the dishwater. Depress the plunger, ejecting the water. Repeat until clean.