Thinking about grinding meat

BigGreenBamaGriller

I am considering buying a meat grinder for small quantities (hamburgers, chili, etc) of meat once or twice a week at most. I am initially leaning toward a manual grinder, but am not ruling out an electric grinder. What input do ya'll have?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

RaleighGuy

Go with an electric grinder. I use the kitchen aid attachment that gets the job done for my needs. Will eventually get a stand alone grinder. Once you taste the difference in home ground meat, you will be hooked.

RRP

I do grind my own chuck roasts for chili, but just haven't mustered the energy to grind all my hamburger needs. I just use this handy attachment on my KitchenAid pro model 600. I've never stressed it yet!

BugCollector

I have the kitchenaid attachment.  Mine's about worn out (the plastic is cracking).  I would like a manual one too, as I'll only likely use it a few times a month.  I bought one from Amazon and had to return it.  It was a #10 grinder by Weston.  It was very hard to use even when we had the meat very cold (in the freezer for hours). Before we had ground a pound of meat the handle stripped from the shaft and the handle had fallen off.  

I'm looking at one by Kitchener http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200449763_200449763   It has a wheel for a V-belt so I can add a motor if I feel I need to.

grEGGorys

We use our Vitamix to 'grind' our chuck/sirloin steak.  Our son grinds his own meat in his food processor.  It is super easy, just trim the fat and cut in 2" chunks and drop it in.  We empty the bowl after about a cup of meat has been ground.  It takes less than a minute to grind about 1 to 2 pounds of meat. 

SmokinTiger81

+1 on the kitchenaid.  For $50 works very well.  I put it and meat in freezer before grinding.  It also was rated fairly high by CooksIllustrated for grinding.  Also very easy to clean--comes apart and goes in dishwasher.

williamadamsesq

Porkert hand grinder. Nothing beats it.

Griffin

Kitchener #12 from northern tools. Works like a champ, but I suggest if you get into sausage get a dedicated stuffer.