The Competition
- LEM #8 575 Watt Countertop Grinder: This model did a good job of grinding meat, but it was unpleasantly loud, and the opening to feed meat into the grinder was narrow enough that it made the grinding process fussy.
- LEM #10 Stainless Steel Clamp On Hand Grinder: This handsome stainless steel grinder was utterly serviceable in grinding meat, but it didn’t operate as smoothly as the Chop-Rite, and made grinding by hand feel more like work.
- KitchenAid KSMFGA Food Grinder Attachment: Don’t think of this as a more affordable plastic version of the metal KitchenAid grinder we endorse above; the blade is cheaper and not nearly as sharp. I’ve owned one for years and have learned the hard way it clogs every single time you grind any meat that’s not lean beef. Sadly, that’s still the case.
- Guideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder: A few years ago, Serious Eats recommended this grinder as a budget pick, but I found it frustratingly prone to jamming. It is also difficult to secure to a counter, so it tends to move around when in use.
FAQs
Its not necessarily cheaper, but the flavors a whole lot better and you have more control over grind size.
$50 VS $100 VS $400 Meat Grinder
FAQ
Do I really need a meat grinder?
If you’re grinding meat everyday for commercial sale, it would make more sense to invest in a meat grinder. On the other hand, if you’re a home chef making pet food or the occasional meat dish, a food processor might be the way to go.
Is it healthier to grind your own meat?
When you grind your own meat, with your own appliance, you eliminate a load of known – and unknown – food dangers, bacteria, slime and what-have-yous. Doing it right in your own kitchen, which you can keep as safe and clean as possible, is a big plus, too.
Why are meat grinders so expensive?
High-powered meat grinders have power of 1200–1400 Wt. Such appliances are usually expensive because they belong to the first class of appliances: they can process more than 2 kg of meat per minute. They are designed to process very large amounts of meat.