Beef netting, also known as meat netting or butcher’s netting, is an essential supply for anyone who processes large cuts of meat. This strong, thin netting helps hold roasts, hams, and other large cuts in their proper shape as they cook. It provides a tight wrap that prevents the meat from falling apart.
Buying beef netting has traditionally required a trip to a restaurant supply store or butcher shop. However, it’s now possible to order high-quality beef netting online and have it conveniently shipped to your door. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying beef netting and where to find it available near you.
What Exactly is Beef Netting?
Beef netting goes by a few different names, including meat netting, butcher’s netting, and netting rolls. Essentially, it consists of a woven polyethylene net tube that can be cut to size. It’s designed to be strong, thin, and offer a tight bind.
The netting comes in a tube shape that can be cut open to the desired width. Rolls of beef netting are available in different diameters, lengths, and mesh widths. The netting is stretched over large cuts of meat to hold them together, then removed after cooking.
When wrapped tightly the beef netting prevents roasts and other large cuts from falling apart as they cook. It’s useful for achieving an even shape and tidy presentation with roasts, whole birds hams, and other sizable meat cuts. The netting forms a second skin that keeps everything bound neatly together.
Beef netting is designed to withstand oven and smoker temperatures up to 200°F. The polyethylene material will not melt at cooking temperatures. However, it should be removed before eating since the netting itself is not intended to be consumed.
Key Features to Look for in Beef Netting
When shopping for beef netting, here are some of the key features to consider:
-
Mesh size The size of the mesh holes will determine how tightly the netting fits on meat. A smaller mesh size will conform more snugly. Larger mesh may work better for oddly shaped cuts. Mesh is measured by the number of holes per square inch. Standard options include 10×10, 12×12, and 20×20 mesh.
-
Roll diameter: Beef netting rolls come in diameters ranging from 6” to over 20”. Choose a diameter slightly larger than the meat cuts you’ll be wrapping.
-
Length: Beef netting is sold by the foot or yard. Typical lengths are often 25, 50 or 100 feet. Consider how frequently you’ll use it to choose a supply that makes sense.
-
Strength: Beef netting must be strong enough to contain large roasts and poultry without tearing. Look for netting made from quality polyethylene, nylon, or cotton that won’t break under pressure.
-
Ease of use: Look for rolls that are easy to unravel without tangles. Some feature starter clips to keep the netting aligned. The best netting is easy to handle with gloves on.
No matter what specifications you choose, the highest priority is that the netting is food-safe and BPA-free. Using materials not intended for food could be hazardous.
Where to Buy Beef Netting In Stores
If you decide to buy beef netting at a retail location rather than ordering online, here are some of the best places to look:
-
Butcher shops: Ask your local butcher if they sell beef netting by the foot or in full rolls. Many butcher shops keep it in stock or may specialize in certain diameters.
-
Restaurant supply stores: Beef netting is used by restaurants for large roasts and hams, so restaurant supply shops often carry it. Call ahead to see if they have netting rolls in your desired size.
-
Big box stores: Some big retailers like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s may have beef netting with other kitchen supplies. Check the area with roasting pans and carving boards.
-
Hardware and home goods stores: Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Bed Bath and Beyond sometimes sell beef netting in their kitchen departments.
-
Specialty cooking stores: Retailers specializing in barbeque, meat smoking, and food prep may carry specialty beef netting options not found elsewhere.
If you strike out finding beef netting locally, purchasing online is always an option too.
Ordering Beef Netting Online
Thanks to online shopping, getting beef netting delivered directly to your home is easier than ever:
-
Amazon: Search Amazon for “beef netting” or “meat netting” and you’ll find dozens of options with 2-day Prime shipping. Pay close attention to sizing details.
-
WebstaurantStore: This restaurant supply company has a huge selection of beef netting in all shapes and sizes. Order exactly what you need and get fast shipping.
-
Butcher Netting: As the name suggests, this company specializes in all kinds of netting for meat processing. Find premium netting for all your cooking projects.
-
eBay: Search eBay for discounted bulk and wholesale packs of beef netting. Often you can save money buying in larger quantities.
-
Etsy: For smaller craft quantities of netting, Etsy has beef netting from independent sellers. Read shop reviews before you buy.
-
Overstock: Check Overstock’s kitchen section for beef netting bundles at closeout prices. They often have great deals on surplus stock.
No matter where you order from online, check the seller’s refund and exchange policies in case you need to return an unsuitable netting product after purchase.
Beef Netting Prices: What to Expect to Pay
Beef netting prices depend on the size and type of netting you choose. Here are some typical price ranges:
-
Polyethylene economy beef netting: $3 to $8 per roll
-
Professional-quality cotton netting: $10 to $20 per roll
-
Jumbo commercial beef netting rolls: $20 to $60 per roll
-
Bulk master pack of assorted netting: $50 to $150 per pack
On average, expect to pay around $1 to $5 per linear foot of beef netting. Larger mesh sizes tend to cost a little less than smaller mesh. Nylon netting is generally the most expensive.
For the best deal, buy beef netting in bulk quantities online or look for discount bundles. With proper storage, the netting lasts for years, so buying more upfront saves money in the long run.
How to Use Beef Netting for Cooking
Using beef netting is easy once you get the hang of it. Here are some tips:
-
Cut a section of netting about 2-3 inches longer than your roast or meat cut. It’s easier to work with shorter lengths rather than the whole roll.
-
Unroll the netting and cut down its length to open it up fully. Slide the meat into the center.
-
Wrap the netted meat roll firmly to bind it tightly. Use a rope trusser or tuck the ends under to close.
-
For larger cuts, wrap extra netting around multiple times to reinforce strength.
-
Use scissors or shears to trim away any excess netting material after wrapping.
-
Cook as desired, then carefully remove and discard the netting before serving.
With the right beef netting, you can give large meat cuts perfect structure for carving and crisp outer texture. It’s a useful item for spit roasts, prime ribs, turkey breasts, pork loins, venison roasts, and other sizable meat pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Netting
Is it safe to cook beef netting?
Yes, beef netting is designed to withstand oven and grilling temperatures. It will not melt or release chemicals during cooking. Always look for “food safe” netting made from cotton, nylon, or polyethylene.
Should you eat beef netting?
No, beef netting itself is not intended to be eaten. It should be removed and discarded after cooking the meat inside. Eating it would offer no nutritional value.
Is butcher’s netting reusable?
Beef netting can be reused a few times if handled gently and washed between uses. However, it’s best to use fresh netting each time to prevent tearing. Reusing netting also increases the risk of cross-contamination.
Can you cook meat without netting?
Yes, beef netting is optional and not required. Without netting, roasts and other large cuts may cook unevenly and fall apart more easily when carving. Netting helps hold everything together.
What can I use if I don’t have beef netting?
In a pinch, you can wrap meat tightly in unwaxed kitchen string, cheesecloth, or clean cotton rags. These won’t provide quite as tight of a bind but may work for small cuts.
Get the Highest Quality Beef Netting You Can Find
Getting your hands on high-quality beef netting is easier than ever thanks to
