Here at Butchers Equipment Warehouse, we’ve been supplying butchers’ equipment for nearly 35 years, and it’s safe to say we’ve learned a thing or two in that time! From meat mincers to butchers’ knives, we know how much of a difference premium equipment makes to the quality of your cuts, and that includes meat hooks. It’s definitely a tool that shouldn’t be underestimated – but how do you choose the right one? Let's break it down!

What are meat hooks?

Put simply, a meat hook is exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a hook used to hang meat. Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit a range of requirements, here’s a look at some of the meat hooks we have to offer.

- ‘S’ hooks – again, the clue is in the title! Available with either a single or double-pointed end, ‘s’ hooks are a versatile must-have for both novices and amateurs. Our ‘s’ hooks can carry a selection of weights, starting from 35kg and going all the way up to 150kg for heavy-duty cuts of meat.

-  Hanging hooks – at Butchers Equipment Warehouse, we offer several different hanging hooks. Take, for example, a gambrel hook, used to simplify the butchery process by spreading the carcass's legs. Our heavy-duty meat gambrel can hold an impressive 170kg at once.

- Plastic sausage hooks – our plastic sausage hooks are available in four different colours and allow you to display and organise your sausages.

Why are meat hooks important?

Ask anyone in the know and they’ll tell you that hanging meat is a crucial part of butchery – but why is it so important? The process can be time-consuming, and you may be tempted to skip forward to enjoying or selling your meat, but a little patience will make a big difference.

During hanging, the natural enzymes work to soften the muscle fibres and ultimately tenderise the meat. At the same time, the meat will lose moisture, intensifying the flavour. Hooks can also be used to help pull bones from joints of meat and to display your products, perfect for a more commercial setting like a butcher's window.

How will the right meat hook help you stay safe and efficient?

Whatever level or location you’re working at, having tools you can depend on is vital. Whether butchery is a hobby or part of your profession, you need a hook that produces quality meat without risking injury or slowing you down. Here’s how the right meat hook allows you to prioritise safety and efficiency at all times.

Hygiene

Our ‘s’ hooks and hanging hooks are all made of premium stainless steel, a perfect option for hygienic butchery. While plastic hooks are prone to micro-cracks that can become havens for bacteria, stainless steel offers a non-porous surface. This reduces the risk of hidden pathogens like Salmonella and E.coli, making cleaning and sterilisation more straightforward. Stainless steel can also hold its own against corrosion, preventing rust contamination and keeping the hook stronger for longer.

Manoeuvrability

A good hook is designed to make moving and processing meat easy, without risking strain, injury, contamination, or waste. Being able to lift meat confidently without hurting your arms is essential – this is where the secure grip of the hook comes in handy. With a sharp hook, you can be sure your meat won’t fall, costing you money and even potentially causing harm to yourself or a fellow worker. You should always make sure the hook in question is suitable for the weight of the meat you are hanging.

Maximising space

It’s good to consider how the hook you choose can maximise your space. Something like a poultry hook or a bacon hook offers multiple prongs and is ideal for efficiently processing or displaying several items at once. This is particularly useful for professional butchers or kitchens where large amounts of meat are handled simultaneously.

Maintaining the quality of the cut

A sharp hook ensures that the meat isn’t left damaged and with unsightly tears that might be off-putting to the customer. By easily penetrating the meat without excessive force, butchers can keep moving quickly without sacrificing quality or risking injury. There are hygiene benefits of a sharp hook, too, as a tear from a damaged hook can allow bacteria to breed deep within the meat.

So if you’re looking for a new meat hook for your business, you can count on us to provide all the butcher supplies you need at competitive prices right here at Butchers Equipment Warehouse. From bandsaw blades to butcher blocks, we’ve got something for every job. If you have any questions, give us a ring on 01254 427 761 today and we’ll be happy to help!