Buying guide for Best marinade injectors
There are plenty of ways to make sure your favorite meat dishes are as flavorful as possible. Spice rubs and liquid marinades can both be quite effective, but they don’t infuse the meat with flavor all the way through. With a marinade injector, you can make sure your favorite marinade penetrates the meat in its entirety for a flavorful, moist meal.
A marinade injector consists of a large needle and a plunger. You fill the plunger barrel with the marinade of your choice and insert the needle into the meat. When you press down on the plunger, the marinade injects into the meat so it reaches the center of the cut. You can insert the needle in the meat in multiple spots to make sure every piece is equally delicious.
Our handy shopping guide can help you find the best marinade injector for your kitchen. Read on for more information and prepare for some tasty main dishes in your near future.
Key considerations
What it’s made of
It’s important for a marinade injector to be sturdy and durable because some cuts of meat are thick and tough.
Many budget-friendly marinade injectors are made of plastic. If you opt for a plastic model, be sure to choose one made of food-grade plastic so you can trust that it’s safe to use with your favorite recipes.
While plastic marinade injectors can work well for a while, they don’t offer the best durability and longevity. If you want a model with the longest lifespan, opt for a stainless steel marinade injector. You’ll pay more, but this kitchen tool is also likely to last longer.
How much it holds
The size of the barrel is another important consideration. Most marinade injectors have a capacity of one to two ounces, although some can hold more.
A one-ounce marinade injector works well for small pieces of meat, but you have to take care not to overfill the barrel, as excess pressure inside the injector could damage the needle. If you opt for a smaller barrel but are preparing a large cut of meat, you may need to refill the injector with marinade once or twice.
For most kitchens, a two-ounce marinade injector is the best option because it works well for large cuts of meat and you can just fill it to half-capacity if you’re flavoring a smaller piece. If you routinely cook extra-large cuts of meat, however, you may want to look for a barrel that holds more than two ounces.
Marinade injector features
Needles
Most marinade injectors include at least two needles. One of the needles usually has holes along the sides; the other does not. The needle with holes is designed for use with thicker, chunkier marinades, while the solid needle is suitable for use with liquid marinades.
The size of the needles is an important feature to consider. Narrow needles that are approximately three inches in size are effective if you’re injecting liquids into your meat. If you want to use a thicker marinade with minced herbs, however, a thin needle could get clogged. In this case, a six-inch needle would work best. For the most versatility, opt for a marinade injector with needles in different sizes to be sure you can accommodate any marinade you like.
Measuring window
Many marinade injectors have a solid barrel, so you’re not able to see how much marinade is inside as you inject the meat. However, some models feature a clear measuring window that not only allows you to see how full the barrel is but also lets you determine how much marinade you inject with each press of the plunger.
Seal
A marinade injector plunger should have a tight seal, so the marinade doesn’t leak when you press down on the plunger to inject your meat. Often, there is a silicone O-ring that forms a secure seal between the plunger and the barrel. Over time, it is normal for an O-ring to break down, which can cause the marinade to leak. Choose a marinade injector that includes spare O-rings so you can easily replace a faulty ring.
Ease of cleaning
Many marinades are oil-based, so cleaning the injector can be challenging. Opt for a model that comes apart easily so you reach all nooks and crannies where marinade residue may hide. You may also want to look for an injector with dishwasher-safe components that you can wash on the top rack of your dishwasher rather than by hand.
Accessories
Some marinade injectors include accessories that make it easier to use or maintain the injector. Many models include a storage case or box that can protect the injector when it’s not in use. Some injectors come with a cleaning brush, a basting brush, and a recipe booklet.
Did you know?
To make sure the marinade is fully dispersed throughout the meat, let the food rest for 30 to 60 minutes after injecting it before you cook it.
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Marinade injector prices
Marinade injectors vary in price based on material, barrel size, number of needles, and other accessories. Most range from $5 to $55.
The most affordable marinade injectors are made of plastic with a barrel capacity of one to two ounces. They may include one or two needles and a storage box or cleaning brush. They usually cost between $5 to $15 and can work well if you’re on a tight budget.
Mid-range marinade injectors are made of stainless steel and usually have a barrel capacity of one to two ounces as well. They typically include two or three needles and may have accessories like a storage box, cleaning brush, and/or recipe book. The price for a mid-range marinade injector sits between $15 and $30.
The most expensive marinade injectors are made of stainless steel and usually have a barrel size of two to four ounces. Two to four needles are usually included, as well as accessories such as a storage box, cleaning brush, basting brush, and/or recipe book. They usually cost between $30 and $55.
Tips
- When you’re preparing your marinade, mince any herbs or solid items as finely as possible to make sure they will pass through the holes in the injector needle.
- If you’re concerned about your marinade being too chunky to flow through the marinade injector, process it in a food processor to remove any large chunks.
- It’s usually easier to fill the barrel of a meat injector if you pour your marinade into a tall, narrow container.
- When you’re using your marinade injector for meat with bones, try to avoid hitting the bones with the needle. Instead, aim to inject the marinade alongside the bones.
- If you’re using a marinade injector for meat with a tough skin like chicken, use a knife to pierce the areas where you plan to inject first. This will make it easier to press the needle in.
"You don’t have to get fancy with the marinades you use in your injector. Broth, melted butter, olive oil, hot sauce, soy sauce, whiskey, and honey are tasty options that don’t require any mixing."
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FAQ
Q. How do I clean a marinade injector?
A. If your marinade injector has dishwasher-safe components, you can simply take it apart and wash the parts on the top rack. For injectors that must be washed by hand, take the entire injector apart. Soak all parts in hot, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, scrub all the nooks and crannies with a bottle brush. Rinse the injector pieces, dry them thoroughly, and reassemble the marinade injector before storing it.
Q. Can I use a marinade injector with foods other than meat?
A. Yes. Many people use a marinade injector with baked goods like cream puffs and eclairs. The injector makes a much smaller hole than a pastry bag, so you don’t have to worry about the baked good falling apart.
