Questions for those that grind their own hamburgers

GrillSgt

1) What size disk do you use? (I like a coarse grind)
2) To get your meat/fat ratio correct do you trim your meat and weigh the two separately?
3) Any tips?

Thanks

fishlessman

i like the 3/8 hole size for burger, 1/2 for chili

Carolina Q

I've only done it a couple of times and I use the larger of the two standard plates that come with the KA grinder kit. Seems to be okay. 

I want to try using my food processor next time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fz2fvvkqw

fishlessman

you

Carolina Q said:

I've only done it a couple of times and I use the larger of the two standard plates that come with the KA grinder kit. Seems to be okay. 

I want to try using my food processor next time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fz2fvvkqw

check ebay for bigger aftermarket plates for your ka, those stock plates are worthless. its worth it to upgrade just for the chili grind plate

GrillSgt

Well thanks, because those plates are just too fine.

fishlessman

if using a kitchen aid
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-pc-SET-Meat-Grinder-plates-knife-for-new-FGA-KitchenAid-Mixer-Food-Chopper-/311450365073

lkapigian

GrillSgt said:

1) What size disk do you use? (I like a coarse grind)
2) To get your meat/fat ratio correct do you trim your meat and weigh the two separately?
3) Any tips?

Thanks

Use choice or prime chuck, it will have the perfect ratio...cut it grind it, good to go

Best tip I have, get one of these

Carolina Q

fishlessman said:

Carolina Q said:

I've only done it a couple of times and I use the larger of the two standard plates that come with the KA grinder kit. Seems to be okay. 

I want to try using my food processor next time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fz2fvvkqw

check ebay for bigger aftermarket plates for your ka, those stock plates are worthless. its worth it to upgrade just for the chili grind plate

@fishlessman, why worthless? I haven't done much grinding, but some beef, chicken and pork seemed okay to me. I prefer to cube the meat for chili. A PITA, but I like the texture better. Is a chili grind as coarse as a 3/8" cube? If so, I'm about to buy a set of plates.

1voyager

I grind beef with my food processor exactly as this video describes. Works great.

lkapigian

Carolina Q said:

fishlessman said:

Carolina Q said:

I've only done it a couple of times and I use the larger of the two standard plates that come with the KA grinder kit. Seems to be okay. 

I want to try using my food processor next time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fz2fvvkqw

check ebay for bigger aftermarket plates for your ka, those stock plates are worthless. its worth it to upgrade just for the chili grind plate

@fishlessman, why worthless? I haven't done much grinding, but some beef, chicken and pork seemed okay to me. I prefer to cube the meat for chili. A PITA, but I like the texture better. Is a chili grind as coarse as a 3/8" cube? If so, I'm about to buy a set of plates.

My LEM came with 3/8ths it is pretty much all I use except for Bratwust

GrillSgt

Thanks guys. I watched some YouTubes, I hope to give it a go next week. I will try 2-3 different combinations. 

westernbbq

Short rib and flap meat 50 50.  Lem fine grind.  Best burger i ever made...

nolaegghead

I find a delicious burger mix is brisket - cut off all the bulk fat, then estimate what it would take to go 80/20 using pork belly (or bacon).

nolaegghead

I have a LEN grinder.  I use the 3/8" plate.  Don't ever grind twice.  Try to mix whatever you're grinding up the first time.