Are you tired of buying pre-ground meat from the grocery store and want to grind your own at home? With so many meat grinders on the market, it can be tough to decide which one to buy.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the factors you should consider when choosing a meat grinder, so you can find the perfect one for your needs and budget. We’ll also discuss the benefits of grinding your own meat and why it’s worth investing in a quality meat grinder.
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Top Meat Grinders
Here are the 5 best meat grinders on the market today:
- Best Overall: LEM Products W781A Stainless Steel Big Bite Electric #22 Meat Grinder
- Runner-Up: STX International Turboforce 3000 #12 Electric Meat Grinder
- Best Budget: Sunmile SM-G50 ETL Electric Meat Grinder
- Best Manual Grinder: LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder
- Best Stand Mixer Attachment: KitchenAid KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder Attachment
Best Meat Grinders Reviewed
If you are looking to purchase a meat grinder for your home, there are a few factors you should consider. These include how often you plan to use the grinder, what type of meat you want to grind, and a few other factors.
As you are setting out to find the best meat grinder for your situation, you will want to consider how often you plan to use it. This is because there are many meat grinders on the market today that range in price from inexpensive to extremely expensive.
If you only plan to use your meat grinder occasionally, you may not want or need to purchase the most expensive on the market. This is because you would not likely get your money’s worth in the long run.
Another factor to consider is the type of meat you may want to grind in your unit. While most meat grinders are suitable for various types of meat, lower-end models may not be able to handle some of the tougher cuts.
Whatever the purpose you have for purchasing a meat grinder, you will likely find one to fit your needs in this article. If you want to ensure that you are choosing the right one for you, then you will need to consider the best options on the market, such as the ones featured here.
Take a look at some of the best meat grinders to fit just about any budget or need below.
Pick #1: Best Overall: LEM Products W781A Stainless Steel Big Bite Electric #22 Meat Grinder
For those looking for the best of the best, look no further than this LEM Products Big Bite Electric model. This unit comes equipped with some of the best features you could possibly want in a meat grinder.
While it is on the more expensive side of other models on the market today, it is the perfect choice for those who plan to grind meat regularly. Whether you are purchasing it for commercial use or to use at home, you will get your money’s worth from this model.
One of the best features of this grinder is the Big Bite technology that allows you to grind more than 13 pounds of meat per minute. This is because of the larger feature at the end of the auger that provides you with the ability to push more meat through at one time.
Additionally, this grinder has several grinder plates that you can use depending on the type of meat you are grinding. This means that whether you want a coarse or fine grinding experience, you will be able to do that with this machine.
Since this unit is ETL certified, you will likely never have to take the time to lubricate the motor parts. Constant grinding can cause the motor to heat up quickly, however, with permanent lubrication, this grinder will continue to function properly for a longer period.
When it comes to safety, the Big Bite Electric Meat Grinder has it covered with an internal circuit breaker to keep the unit from being damaged. This means that if the circuit is overloaded, your unit will be protected from any damage that could occur.
Pros:
- Internal circuit breaker
- Permanent lubrication feature
- Can grind 13 pounds of meat per minute
- Comes equipped with several accessories
- Has a 5-year warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
- The heavy unit makes portability less desirable
- Does not come equipped with a reverse mode
Pick #2: Runner-Up: STX International Turboforce 3000 #12 Electric Meat Grinder
While technically our runner-up, the STX International Turboforce is one of the most powerful meat grinders on the market for home use. This makes it the perfect choice for those who grind either occasionally or more often and do not want to break the bank with a high-cost grinder.
If you are looking for a meat grinder that stands out from the competition and will grind your favorite meats quickly, look no further than the STX Turboforce. This model features dual blades and plates that work to grind the meat faster with less wear and tear on the blades, which translates to the less frequent need to sharpen them.
With a maximum wattage of 1200 watts, this unit can grind just about any cut of meat with little effort. Because of this and the larger grinding head and capacity, you can feed in larger amounts at one time, which cuts down on the time you spend grinding.
As with other models, the STX comes with certain safety features to prevent any damage to the unit itself should your circuit overload. The internal circuit breaker adds a layer of protection to the unit when you encounter an electrical overload or power outage.
Pros:
- Internal circuit protection
- Equipped with sturdy construction
- Easy to clean
- Has the ability to grind larger amounts of meat at one time
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Many parts cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Louder than other units
- The unit may have air-cooling challenges
- Auger does not seal properly
Pick #3: Best for Budget: Sunmile SM-G50 ETL Electric Meat Grinder
For those who want a great meat grinder without the expensive price tag, then look no further than the Sunmile SM-G50 ETL Electric Meat Grinder. While less expensive than other models, this machine still provides you with the quality you may be looking for.
Even though the grinding head for this unit is smaller than some of the larger machines, you will still be able to grind meat to your specifications. The 600-watt motor will allow you to grind your favorite meats, although you will need to cut the meat to fit into the smaller tube.
One of the greatest advantages of this meat grinder is the fact that the stainless steel grinding plates can be cleaned in the dishwasher. While this is true, you may not be able to put the other parts in the dishwasher since they are made of aluminum and not dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Internal circuit breaker to prevent damage to the unit
- Ability to grind 3 pounds of meat per minute
- Equipped with a reverse mode for easy jam clearing
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Aluminum parts may wear out sooner than other models
- Gears are made of plastic and may not be durable
- Smaller than other models
Pick #4: Best Manual Grinder: LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder
If you are someone who wants to grind their meat but is not ready to invest in an electric meat grinder, this clamp-on manual model by LEM Products may be the best choice for you. This is because you can still reap the benefits of grinding your meat without the higher price or large appliance.
With this model, you can clamp it on just about any tabletop or countertop to be able to grind your favorite meats. The construction of this LEM Products model is sturdy and durable to last for years to come.
Another benefit of the Clamp-on Hand Grinder is that it is made of stainless steel, which means that you do not have to worry about it rusting or corroding over time. This means that you can enjoy grinding meat manually with this unit for some time.
With stainless steel blades, you will experience smooth chopping of your favorite meats with a power that comes from hand grinding. In addition, this hand-operated grinding machine comes equipped with a sausage tube and a variety of blades so you can vary the grinding experience.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Stainless steel construction means no rusting or corrosion
- The clamp is wide enough to mount onto any tabletop or countertop
- The manual crank is made from wood for comfort
Cons
- Space below the grinder is limited to catching ground meat
- Unit is not as easy to use as other electric models
Pick #5: Best Stand Mixer Attachment: KitchenAid KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder Attachment
For those who want to grind their meat, but do not want to add another appliance to your counter, you may be in luck if you already have a KitchenAid stand mixer. This is because you can purchase a meat grinder attachment such as the KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder Attachment.
Buying this attachment for your stand mixer means that you are not adding another appliance to your already overcrowded space. The attachment takes only seconds to attach to your stand mixer, which allows you to save time.
The attachment comes equipped with several different accessories to add variety to your grinding experience. With several different blade plates, you will be able to grind any food you wish by changing them out as you see fit.
With this food grinder attachment, you also have the choice to purchase one made from aluminum or plastic, depending on your needs and desire. Keep in mind, however, that the one made of metal will last much longer and is much more durable.
Pros
- Less expensive than buying an entire meat grinder
- The three grinding plates allow for more variety
- The attachment is easy to use and clean
Cons
- The attachment may not work as well as other meat grinders
- May not be as sturdy and durable as other units
Why You Should Grind Your Own Meat
If you are considering purchasing a meat grinder for your home, you may be curious about why you should be grinding your meat. According to those who do so already, there are several reasons you should consider doing so.
One reason you may want to grind your own meat is for the better flavor profile you can get from choosing your favorite meats. You can also select the cut of meat and how you trim the fat before grinding. You can also mix different things with your meat (like cheese in a burger!)
Another advantage to grinding your own meat is the satisfaction you get to know that your meat is not sitting in a package oxidizing for a long period. The result you get from using fresh meat that you prepared yourself is that the texture is much better.
Overall, grinding meat yourself helps you to know exactly what is going into the meat you serve, which gives you several health advantages. Since the flavor, texture, and cut of the meat are controlled, you will end up serving your guests a better quality product.
How to Use a Meat Grinder
Using a meat grinder may be easier than you may think, especially when you read the owner’s manual before you dive in. There are specific safety precautions you need to follow, however, using a meat grinder is pretty straightforward.
To use a meat grinder effectively, follow these instructions:
- Ensure that your meat grinder parts are cold by placing them in the freezer for an hour or two before your grinding session
- Choose your favorite meat, keeping in mind that fattier meats typically do better
- Trim the fat and sinew from your meat, especially if your meat grinder is not as powerful
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to grind your meat
It may be important to note that while the process is quite simple, you may need a bit of time to get used to the process. Most of the time, grinding your own meat is a learning process that takes time and effort to master.
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What to Look for When Purchasing a Meat Grinder
As you begin the process of looking for the best meat grinder for your kitchen, there are several factors and features that you need to consider. This is especially important if you plan to grind meat regularly so that you choose the right unit for your needs.
Frequency of Use
The most important factor you need to consider before purchasing a meat grinder is how often you are planning to use it. If you are going to only use it occasionally, you may not want to purchase the most expensive, however, if you plan to use it regularly, a more expensive grinder may be best.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
When purchasing a meat grinder for your personal use, you should also consider how easy it is to use and clean. This is because the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time and effort using and cleaning the machine before and after use.
Power
Another consideration that is important when purchasing a meat grinder is how much power the unit comes with. This is especially important when you are considering an electric model since more power equals an easier grinding experience.
Construction of the Unit
Whether you will use your meat grinder more or less often, you may want to consider purchasing one that has a reputation for being well-built. The last thing you want is to purchase a meat grinder to learn that it is cheaply made and limits your ability to grind your favorite meats.
Accessories and Features
While the other features for purchasing a meat grinder are important, you may also want to consider the features the unit comes equipped with and other accessories. To have the most variety in your unit, you will want to purchase a meat grinder that gives you several different options to choose from during your grinding session.
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Common Types of Meat Grinders
As with most products, meat grinders come in a wide variety of types and are made to fit just about any needs you may have. The different types that are on the market make it easier for you to be able to grind the meat yourself whether or not you have a limited or flexible budget.
Electric Meat Grinder
An electric meat grinder, while more expensive, can cut down on the time and effort it takes to grind your favorite meats. This is because once you plug it in, it takes care of the hard work while you only have to feed the meat into the unit.
Manual Meat Grinder
This type of meat grinder, although less expensive, relies entirely on your strength since you have to turn the crank to push the meat through. This means that you are not only feeding the meat into the unit but are required to use your hand and muscle strength to grind the meat.
Stand Mixer Attachment
The attachment for grinding meat that you attach to your standing mixer is typically the least expensive of all grinders. To use this type of meat grinder, all you have to do is attach it to your stand mixer and begin grinding.
