Demystifying the Two Types of Chicken Wings: Drums and Flats

Chicken wings are an all-time favorite snack across the globe These meaty, flavorful pieces of poultry can be seasoned and sauced in endless ways to satisfy any palate But the next time you order a platter of wings, take a closer look at the shapes and you’ll notice there are two distinct types – drums and flats.

A Quick Look at Chicken Wing Anatomy

To understand the difference between drums and flats, it helps to know how chicken wings are put together. The wing is divided into three sections:

• The drumette is the meatier part of the chicken that is attached to the body. It looks like a small drumstick.

• The flat or wingette is the middle part. It has two thin bones and thinner meat stretched across them.

• The tip – The skinny, boneless end section. These are rarely eaten.

The drumette and flat (wingette) are the two edible portions used for chicken wings,

What Makes Drums and Flats Different

Drums and flats may come from the same wing, but they have distinct differences:

Appearance

• Drumettes – Resemble mini drumsticks with a larger round meat section attached to a single bone. Skin covers the meat.

• Flats are long and flat, with two long bones inside and thin slices of meat across the middle. More exposed bone.

Texture

• Drumettes – Since the meat is thicker, drums tend to be juicier and more tender when cooked. The meat falls easily off the bone.

• Flats – The meat is thinner and closer to the bone, so flats have a chewier texture. The meat tends to cling to the bones.

Size

• Drumettes – Generally larger and meatier than flats. More substantial.

• Flats – Smaller in size than drums. Provides less edible meat.

Flavor Differences Between Drums and Flats

Due to variances in skin coverage, meat thickness, and fat content, drums and flats can provide slightly different flavor experiences:

• Drums – With more fat and juice, drumettes often taste richer and more savory. The skin also lends more flavor.

• Flats – The thinner meat absorbs sauces and seasoning well. Flats may taste slightly more intense.

Preparation Tips for Drums vs. Flats

Drums and flats can be cooked using all the same methods – baking, frying, grilling etc. But a few tips can help optimize and accentuate their differences:

• Drums – The thicker drumette meat benefits from a lower and slower cooking temp to become tender. Higher heat risks drying them out.

• Flats – The thinner flats can handle more direct heat. A hotter, higher temp helps render fat and crisp the skin.

• Sauces & Rubs – Flats love lots of sauce options since the meat absorbs flavor. Go lighter on drums to let the natural flavor shine through.

Which Type of Wing Is Better?

The battle between drums vs. flats is really a matter of personal taste. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding:

• Meat quantity – Drums provide more substantial, juicy meat per piece. Flats offer less meat.

• Effort – Drums are easier to eat. With flats, you work harder to get the meat off the bones.

• Flavor – Drums highlight the natural chicken flavor. Flats absorb more sauce/seasoning flavors.

• Texture – Do you prefer tender and fall-off-the-bone or chewy meat? Your texture preference may decide.

• Appearance – Prefer classic drumstick shape or a flat bone-in wing? Visually, one may appeal over the other.

Tips for Eating and Handling Drums vs Flats

Here are some useful tips to make the most of drums and flats:

• Pick drums up by the bone rather than the meat to avoid ripping.

• Use your teeth to pull meat from the ends of flat bones. Don’t risk swallowing the bones.

• Flats can be awkward to hold. Use a plate to balance and bones as handles.

• Fold flats in half to fit cleanly in your mouth if struggling to bite.

• Enjoy flats with wet wipes handy to handle the sticky sauce coating fingers.

The Final Takeaway

When it comes to chicken wings, drums and flats each offer their own advantages. Drums provide juicy, meaty mouthfuls while flats deliver a more intense sauce flavor and fun hand-held experience. Whichever you prefer, just remember that flats and drums come from the same humble wing. Giving them both equal love does the whole chicken justice!