Understanding the Differences Between a Meat Cleaver and a Vegetable Cleaver
For those who aren’t familiar with the world of cooking, it might seem like any kind of cleaver can be used for any purpose. However, those who know their way around a kitchen will tell you that there are significant differences between meat cleavers and vegetable cleavers. Here’s everything you need to know about these kitchen tools – and why it’s important to select the right one for your needs.
What is a Meat Cleaver?
As its name suggests, a meat cleaver is a type of knife that is specifically designed for chopping through large cuts of meat. They tend to be much heavier and thicker than other knives, providing chefs with the extra leverage they need in order to split through bone and cartilage. The blade of a meat cleaver is typically quite straight, with a thick spine that can withstand the force of hitting bone repeatedly.
What is a Vegetable Cleaver?
On the other hand, a vegetable cleaver is designed specifically for working with vegetable matter. They are generally longer and lighter than meat cleavers, with a blade that is noticeably thicker at the spine but considerably thinner at the edge. This makes them ideal for tasks like slicing through cabbage or chopping up big piles of herbs. Some models may also have a curved blade, which can make it easier to use a rocking motion when chopping.
How are They Different?
So why is it so important to use the right kind of cleaver for the job? Firstly, attempting to use a meat cleaver to work with vegetables will likely be much more difficult, as the heavier blade is designed to chop through denser material – something that vegetables don’t typically provide, and which will slow you down as you work. Secondly, a vegetable cleaver would be ineffective when it comes to breaking down larger cuts of meat – the thinner blade would likely get stuck or bend when attempting to cut through bone, and the lighter weight would make it difficult to provide the necessary force.
When to Use Each Type of Cleaver
Ultimately, whether you use a meat cleaver or a vegetable cleaver will depend very much on what you’re planning on using it for. If you’re working with a lot of dense meat cuts, a meat cleaver is likely to be a better choice, as it will make your work much easier. However, if you’re mostly working with vegetable matter and want something that is more comfortable to work with for extended periods of time, a vegetable cleaver might be the better choice.
