I have been using a hammer type of meat tenderizer for years. When I saw this meat tenderizer that uses 24 stainless steel needles by #MMOACC I knew I just had to try it. It really is so much easier to use than my hammer type of meat tenderizer, and it also is a ton easier to clean. At $11.99 it's a great price and I've already tossed my old fashioned hammer in the donation box.