Chicken Wings – Drum Vs Flat

Chicken wings are a beloved appetizer and snack that pair well with a variety of sauces. While many people are firmly Team Drum or Team Flat, a good majority of wing eaters will say they can enjoy them either way. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Hidden Valley Ranch found that 7 in 10 wing fans have no preference.

When it comes to dipping, however, there is a clear winner: drums. In addition to their unique shape, drums have the advantage of having most of their meat concentrated on one end. This makes them ideal for dipping as they fit easily into a cup of sauce. Conversely, the cartilage that attaches to the ends of a flat can be a bit tricky to deal with.

This is probably why drums have such a dedicated following. People who prefer them often cite that they have more flavor, are easier to cook and, of course, can be dipped more easily since the bulk of the meat is on one end. Those on Team Drum also cite that they don’t have as much of that tough, gristly bone to contend with — which can be especially challenging when eating around the large center bone on a flat.

Those on Team Flat, meanwhile, will likely cite that they have more surface area for sauce and are easier to eat as well. They also offer a nice combination of crispy skin and juicy meat, which is ideal for those who like to go all-in on the chicken wing experience. People who prefer flats will also cite that they have less of that mushy, stringy cartilage that can be difficult to eat around, and that the meat is more cleanly eaten — which can be a plus for those who prefer to avoid blood veins while devouring their food.

While it’s easy to understand why people love both types of chicken wings, some may wonder why there are different packages for chicken wings at the grocery store. The answer to this is simple: chicken wings are typically sold in a mix of drums and flats, with the wing tip excluded from both parts. The entire wing is then cut into two separate pieces: the drum and the flat, or wingette.

Once they are separated, the drum and the wingette can be repackaged into their own separate packaging. That’s why you see drums and flats in the same section of your local supermarket, or even at your favorite wing joint.

So which is it, drums or flats? It really boils down to personal preferences. Those who prefer the drum may find comfort in knowing that they can get both in the same package when purchasing them at the grocery store or at their favorite wing joint. Those who are fans of the flat might want to consider asking for them extra when ordering, or at least ask whether they can order just the flats to avoid any potential awkwardness when trying to navigate those pesky bones and cartilage.