First Thoughts on the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife promises consistent jerky strips with minimal effort. As someone who’s spent countless hours meticulously slicing meat for jerky, the allure of uniform thickness and width is undeniably appealing. This kit from LEM Products, a brand known for simplifying meat processing, aims to streamline the jerky-making process.
I’ve always struggled with achieving consistent jerky thickness using just a knife. It’s frustrating to have some pieces cook faster than others, leading to either burnt edges or under-dried centers. The promise of the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife to address this inconsistency is what really grabbed my attention.
Unboxing the kit, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel of the cutting board and the sharpness of the knife. The plastic board felt durable, and the integrated depth guides were a smart addition. The Jerky Knife had a good weight to it and felt well-balanced in my hand.
I considered other jerky slicing options, like mandolines or electric slicers, but they seemed like overkill for my relatively small batch sizes. A mandoline felt too precarious for handling raw meat, and an electric slicer was too much investment. The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife seemed like the perfect middle ground: simple, effective, and affordable.
My first impression was definitely positive. I was eager to put the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife to the test and see if it lived up to its claims of ease and consistency.
Real-World Testing: Putting LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife while preparing a batch of venison jerky. I used it in my kitchen, on my butcher block countertop. The countertop was clean and provided a solid surface.
The non-skid grip mat was immediately useful. It kept the Jerky Board firmly in place, preventing it from sliding around as I worked. The ribbing and nubs on the board also helped to keep the meat from shifting. The cutting board being double-sided with 1/4″ and 1/8″ thickness choices was very nice.
Using the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife initially felt a bit awkward. I had to get used to the pressing plate and ensuring consistent pressure. Once I got the hang of it, the slicing became much easier and more uniform than my previous freehand attempts. There was one slight issue with the Jerky Knife, it would slightly stick to the meat.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple batches of jerky (beef, venison, and even some salmon), the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife continues to perform well. The plastic board shows no signs of cracking or warping. The Jerky Knife has maintained its edge with just a few passes on my honing steel.
The kit is easy to clean. The plastic board washes up quickly with soap and water. I’ve been careful to dry the Jerky Knife immediately after washing to prevent any rust.
Compared to my previous method of hand-slicing, the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife is a significant improvement. My jerky pieces are now much more consistent in thickness, which results in a more evenly dried and tastier final product. It’s safer too, keeping my hands away from the blade.
Breaking Down the Features of LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife
Specifications
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife consists of several components designed to work together:
The Cutting Board: A 12″ x 12″ double-sided plastic board with cut depths of ¼” and ⅛” (6.4mm & 3.8mm). These depths allow for customizable jerky thickness. The ribbing and nubs help to hold the meat securely in place during slicing.
Jerky Knife: Features a 10″ stainless steel blade. This blade length is ideal for slicing through larger pieces of meat in a single pass.
Pressing Plate: Includes a handle to keep hands safely away from the cutting area. The plate also secures the meat.
Non-Skid Grip Mat: Measures 12″ x 18″. This mat is designed to keep the board from moving and improving safety.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of the jerky-making process. The depth options, the long blade, and the secure grip all work together to ensure consistent and safe slicing.
Performance & Functionality
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife excels at creating uniform jerky slices. The cutting board’s depth guides are precise, ensuring each strip is the desired thickness. The Jerky Knife‘s sharp blade slices through meat with ease.
The main strength of this kit is its ability to improve consistency and safety compared to freehand slicing. One minor weakness is that very large pieces of meat might require some trimming to fit comfortably on the 12″ x 12″ board.
Overall, the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife meets my expectations. It simplifies the jerky-making process and delivers consistent results.
Design & Ergonomics
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife features a functional and straightforward design. The plastic cutting board is lightweight yet durable. The Jerky Knife has a comfortable handle that provides a secure grip.
The pressing plate is easy to use and keeps your hand safely away from the blade. There’s a small learning curve to mastering the technique, but it’s quickly overcome with a bit of practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife appears to be built to last. The plastic cutting board is sturdy and resists cracking. The stainless steel blade of the Jerky Knife is resistant to corrosion.
Maintenance is simple. The board and knife are easily cleaned with soap and water. The knife’s blade should be honed regularly to maintain its sharpness.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife comes as a complete kit. No additional accessories are required for basic operation. The only accessory that could be helpful is a sharpening steel for maintaining the Jerky Knife‘s edge.
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife isn’t really customizable in terms of add-ons. However, users could choose to use different knives with the board, as long as they are long enough to slice through the meat.
Pros and Cons of LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife
Pros
- Consistently cuts uniform jerky strips, ensuring even drying and flavor.
- Significantly safer than freehand slicing, keeping your fingers away from the blade.
- The Non-skid mat keeps board securely in place.
- The depth guides on the board (¼” and ⅛”) offer versatility in jerky thickness.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- The knife can stick to the meat slightly.
- Larger cuts of meat may need trimming to fit on the board.
Who Should Buy LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife?
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife is perfect for home jerky makers of all skill levels. It’s especially beneficial for those who struggle with achieving consistent thickness when slicing meat. Hunters, campers, and anyone who enjoys making their own jerky will find this kit to be a valuable addition to their kitchen.
This product might not be ideal for those who only make jerky occasionally or in very small quantities. In those cases, a standard knife and a bit of patience might suffice.
A must-have accessory for this kit is a good quality honing steel to keep the Jerky Knife‘s blade sharp.
Conclusion on LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife
The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife is a well-designed and effective tool for making homemade jerky. It simplifies the slicing process, improves consistency, and enhances safety. The value proposition is excellent, considering the time and frustration it saves.
I would definitely recommend the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife to anyone looking to elevate their jerky-making game. For a reasonable price, you get a reliable and easy-to-use kit that will help you create delicious and perfectly dried jerky every time. If you’re tired of uneven jerky and the risk of cutting yourself, give the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife a try. You won’t be disappointed.