Mallet or needle?
A mallet flattens.
Use the flat face to bring a chicken breast or a schnitzel to an even thickness so it cooks through at the same rate, and the textured face to break the surface of a tougher cut. Reach for a mallet when thickness is the problem.
A needle pierces.
Rows of sharp blades open channels straight through the meat, so marinade reaches the middle instead of sitting on the outside, and the fibres are cut without changing the shape of the cut. Reach for a needle tenderizer for steak, brisket and anything going on the BBQ whole.




