LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife Review

The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife Made a Bold First Impression

The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife promises perfectly uniform jerky strips with minimal effort. LEM Products, a name synonymous with home meat processing, aims to simplify the jerky-making process for both novices and seasoned pros with this kit. Having spent countless hours crafting jerky the old-fashioned way, I was eager to see if this tool could live up to the hype.

My jerky-making adventures started as a way to preserve meat from successful hunts. What began as a practical solution quickly became a passion. I’ve tried everything from simple kitchen knives to makeshift jigs, always chasing that perfect balance of thickness and consistency. The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife immediately caught my eye with its promise of precision and ease.

Unboxing the kit, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design. The double-sided plastic board felt sturdy, and the included knife had a reassuring weight. The non-skid grip mat was a welcome addition, promising stability during use. Initial impressions leaned towards a practical and well-thought-out tool.

Compared to manually slicing with a knife, which is always a gamble, or using adjustable mandolines that often struggle with meat, the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife appeared more promising. The pre-set depths and secure pressing plate offered a level of control that other methods lacked. I ultimately chose this kit due to LEM Products’s reputation for quality and the potential for consistent results.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The kit seemed well-made and functional, but the real test would be in its performance. I was excited to see if the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife could truly streamline the jerky-making process and deliver consistently perfect results.

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 in my kitchen, using a 3-pound top round roast that had been partially frozen for easier slicing. The initial test involved both the ¼” and ⅛” cut depth settings. I wanted to assess the kit’s ability to produce different jerky thicknesses.

The kitchen environment was clean and dry, typical of indoor food preparation. The non-skid mat proved its worth immediately, keeping the board firmly in place on the countertop. Slicing the partially frozen roast was relatively easy, although some initial adjustments were needed to find the best technique for applying pressure with the pressing plate.

The learning curve was minimal. After a few initial strips, I quickly got the hang of using the board and knife. The consistently sized strips were immediately noticeable compared to my usual freehand method. There were no major issues, although I did find that the ⅛” setting required a bit more precision and downward force to achieve a clean cut.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, making multiple batches of jerky, the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the board or the knife. The plastic board resists staining and scratching, which is important for hygiene.

The kit is easy to clean with soap and water. The non-skid mat can be wiped down or washed as needed. Overall, the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife is designed for simple maintenance, which is a huge plus for frequent users.

Compared to my previous, more manual methods, the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife has significantly improved the consistency and speed of my jerky-making process. It consistently outperforms my previous efforts in terms of slice uniformity and overall efficiency. It is a vast improvement.

Breaking Down the Features of LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife

Specifications

• The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife kit includes a 12″ x 12″ double-sided plastic board. The board features cut depths of ¼” (6.4mm) and ⅛” (3.8mm) to accommodate different jerky thicknesses.
• Ribbing and nubs are integrated into the board’s design. These elements are meant to hold the meat securely in place during slicing.
• The kit includes a pressing plate with a handle. It is intended to keep hands safely away from the cutting area while holding the meat firmly.
• The Jerky Knife features a 10″ stainless steel blade. This provides ample length for slicing larger pieces of meat.
• A 12″ x 18″ non-skid grip mat is included. The mat helps prevent the board from slipping during use.

These specifications are crucial for achieving consistent and safe jerky slicing. The pre-set depths and secure meat holding system enable uniform slices, while the knife’s length and sharpness facilitate clean cuts. LEM Products intended this to be a comprehensive kit for producing consistent jerky.

Performance & Functionality

The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife performs its primary function of slicing meat for jerky extremely well. The consistent slice thickness allows for even cooking and marinating, resulting in a superior final product. Accuracy is paramount when drying meat.

The kit’s strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. The pressing plate and non-skid mat provide stability and safety, while the pre-set depths eliminate guesswork. One weakness is that very tough cuts of meat may require extra force.

The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife meets and, in many ways, exceeds my expectations. It streamlines the jerky-making process and delivers consistently uniform results.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife is solid. The plastic board is durable and easy to clean. The 10″ knife feels well-balanced and comfortable in hand.

The kit is very user-friendly. Minimal setup is required, and the learning curve is virtually nonexistent.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife should last for many years. The plastic board is resistant to wear and tear, and the stainless steel knife is durable and corrosion-resistant. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that’s needed for maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit comes complete with everything needed to start making jerky. There are no additional accessories included, nor are there any customization options available. The LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife is designed as a complete, self-contained system.

Pros and Cons of LEM Products Jerky Board and Knife