Contemplating A Meat Grinder and Looking for Educated Input

UncleKeith

So, I’m all fired up to buy a meat grinder. I’ve seen some discussions on other forums and it seems that there are some different options out there.

Im pretty much thinking I only need a 1/2-3/4 hp unit because the most meat I anticipate processing at one time would be a whitetail deer. I don’t think the Kitchen Aid stand mixer types are an option in my world.

It seems I see LEM, Cabela’s, and MEAT! units mentioned a fair bit. What are the thoughts and evaluations around here?

lkapigian

I have a LEM #12 and it’s perfect, my first grinder was from harbor freight, loved it as well and $50.00 price point 

how much will you be using it, will you be grinding bones , how much meat will you be grinding at a time

GregW

I bought a LEM 15. It proved to be a beast that was too big for the kitchen.

The LEM 12 that lkapigan recommends may be a better choice. I kept the LEM for a few months and sold it at the beginning of hunting season.

buzd504

I have an LEM #8 for casual grinding and I love it.

fiber_induced_deuce

When I was younger, we didn’t need any machines for casual grinding.

shtgunal3

I started out with one from harbor freight as @lkapigian mentions above. My thought process was that it was cheap and I could see just how often I would use it and I could always upgrade later. I’ve had it for several years and still haven’t upgraded. I used it quite a bit for awhile but not very often anymore.

Griffin

I started out with the Harbor Freight one to see if I would like it. It lasted a few years before it crapped out.

Went to the LEM #8 and it works so much better. Couldn't be happier.

Now you got me wanting to make sausage this weekend. 

nolaegghead

I have the mighty bite #8.  Plenty of power for me at a very good price.

https://www.lemproducts.com/product/mighty-bite-8-grinder/butcher-meat-grinders

The aluminum is harder to clean than stainless tho.  You don't want to put the aluminum parts in the dishwasher because they get a black powdery patina.  the SS doesn't have this problem.

kdink

Went with the Weston #12, Model  33-1301-W, ordered from Costco, figured any issues easy to return.  Love it.  Thinks its like $150.00 now online its $229.00 on Westons website
https://westonbrands.com/12-electric-meat-grinder-33-1301-w

Ozzie_Isaac

Buy once, cry once, just be forewarned it will not fit through a standard 80" doorway.

32 lb Hobart MG2032-1 Meat Mixer and Grinder

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/hobart-mg2032-1-32-meat-mixer-grinder-with-air-drive-foot-switch-operation-7-1-2-hp/425MG20321.html

fishlessman

a friend of mine butchers a deer a year and grinds his own with a hand crank. i should say he feeds it, his wife turns the grinding handle. i wouldnt blink an eye grinding 1 deer with the ka.  i dont use it for grinding as much as i thought i would so would not upgrade to something larger

Runamuck

I used a KA for years because I had one; it did the job, you just have to take it slow. I have owned several grinders over the years, and if I were to do it again, I would get a LEM or Weston #12- it's heavy enough to last doing regular processing without being too large to deal with. I currently have an LEM #32 that is an absolute beast, but it's big and expensive and big-time overkill at 17 lbs per min. If you will use it alot and bigger batches, maybe a #22. Have fun, this is an addictive journey! haha

alaskanassasin

I’ve run a few deer through the ka. Not ideal but the attachment takes up little space

Photo Egg

Another vote for the Lem Big Bite.
I have the 12 and can’t imagine you needing more for what you described above. It’s crazy strong.

paqman

What is the meaning of the # value?  grind size? pound per hour?

lkapigian

paqman said:

What is the meaning of the # value?  grind size? pound per hour?

HP and outlet size 

caliking

alaskanassasin said:

I’ve run a few deer through the ka. Not ideal but the attachment takes up little space

Grinding with the KA attachment(s) isn't the worst part. Stuffing is the nightmare. 

alaskanassasin

I tried the stuffer and it was a pita, air pockets, up too high. I bought the lem gun and that works great but again not for large scale.

westernbbq

LEM #12 is what I have.  I make sausage 3x per year in 30 to 50 lb batches at a time and grind hamburger 6 x per year.  This thing handles it all with ease