
For meat lovers and kitchen aficionados, a meat grinder can be a welcome addition. If you’re fed up of purchasing slightly dubious ground beef and sausages from the supermarket, purchasing an automatic or hand meat grinder could be the perfect solution. No longer the preserve of butchers and professional kitchens, these handy devices can now be enjoyed by the average amatur.
If you think that your home could benefit from a meat grinder, read on, as we run through 10 of the best options on the market right now. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve also put together a brief buying guide. Here, we address some common questions and concerns about how to choose your meat grinder, how to care for it, and why you might want to purchase one.
The Best Meat Grinder
1
LEM Products Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder
Kicking off our list is this electric meat grinder by LEM. The sturdy machine is housed inside brushed stainless steel housing, specially designed to resist fingerprints for a sleek finish. Meanwhile, all metal gears – each fitted with roller bearings – allow the device to last and last. Featuring a 110 volt, permanently lubricated motor, the grinder can tackle almost anything you throw at it.
The device also features improved grease circulation to cut down on noise, and a full five year warranty. Thanks to the inclusion of three stuffing tubes and a meat stomper, the grinder is a versatile powerhouse. Developed with LEM’s Big Bite technology, the handy machine offers a superior second grind, and improved sausage stuffing function. Overall, its diverse features, sturdy build, and impressive warranty have earned LEM the top spot on our list, making it the best meat grinder you can buy right now.
Electric meat grinder
Brushed stainless steel housing
110 volt, permanently lubricated motor inside
Protected by a 5 year warranty
- BrandLEM Products
- Model17801
- Weight33.1 pounds
Sleek design resists fingerprints
All metal gears for excellent durability
Unique Big Bite technology makes for superior grinding
Sausage stuffing equipment included
Meat stomper included
Versatile machine
Quick and easy to use
Not well-suited to domestic applications
Comparatively high price point
2
STX International Turboforce Electric Meat Grinder
STX International have also earned themselves a spot on our list, thanks to this surprisingly affordable electric meat grinder. This solid option is perfect for heavy duty applications, making it a great commercial meat grinder for professional kitchens and butchers. Thanks to 1,200 watt capacity, the device can grind up to 360 pounds of meat every single hour. With two speed settings, plus a reverse setting, to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect grinding option no matter what you’re processing.
Made from strong and lightweight aluminum, the grinder is built to last, too. Each machine includes three stainless steel cutting blades, three grinding plates, one sausage stuffing plate, and three sausage stuffing tubes. With all this equipment included as standard, it’s simple to get started on your grinding adventure straight away. The meat auger included with this unit also features AVI (Advances Variable Intake) technology, which ensures a large and consistent grinding capacity.
Electric meat grinder
Ideal for heavy duty applications
3 speed settings (including 1 reverse)
Features AVI technology
Grinds up to 360 pounds of meat per hour
- BrandSTX INTERNATIONAL
- ModelSTX-3000-TF
- Weight12 pounds
All the equipment you need to get started is included
Affordable price point
Made from quality materials – aluminum and stainless steel
3 year warranty included
Not suitable for grinding bones
May be unnecessarily powerful for home use
3
ALTRA Stainless Steel Meat Grinder
Tipping the scales at under eight pounds, this lightweight meat and sausage grinder by Altra is perfect for the home kitchen. Powerful yet easy to use, the device makes it easy to create your own burgers, sausages, and more without even leaving the house. Thanks to a 350 watt engine, the device allows users to grind up to two pounds of meat every single minute.
Fitted with three spiral cutting circles, and a spiral rod attachment, meat is effectively ground and squeezed out of the machine without destroying meat fiber. Each grinder comes with three different cutting plates, making it simple to achieve both coarse and fine grinds. Two sausage stuffers are also included, for great versatility. Each of these components can be conveniently stowed away in the grinder’s built-in, concealed storage box. Constructed from a combination of triple-layered stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and high-grade ABS plastic, the grinder as a whole resists corrosion and is built to last.
Electric meat grinder, ideal for home use
350 watt engine
3 cutting plates, and 2 sausage stuffers included
Made from triple-layered stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and ABS plastic
- BrandAltra
- ModelAZ-MG090
- Weight7.4 pounds
Great starting point for budding chefs
Grinds up to 2 pounds of meat every minute
Built-in storage for grinding accessories
Corrosion-resistant materials
Lightweight and compact design
Parts are not dishwasher safe
Not suitable for more than 10 minutes of continuous use
4
STX International Turboforce II Meat Grinder
STX International have earned their second spot on our list with their Turboforce II electric meat grinder. Equipped with patent pending ‘Quad Air Cooling’ technology, the device keeps its cool with ease, allowing it to last for twice as long as a comparable model. The 2,000 watt engine offers users three different speed settings, making it easy to grind a diverse array of meats effectively.
Each grinder includes three stainless steel blades, five grinding plates, one beaner plate, and a set of three stuffing tubes, so you can make a huge array of delicious meaty meals as soon as it arrives. A handy foot pedal is also included, which the grinder can be operated with, or without. Convenient on-board storage makes it simple to store accessories within the device itself. Users say it’s perfect for making a canine raw diet, and noted that it’s reliable, and easy to use for a first-timer.
Electric meat grinder, ideal for home use
2,000 watt engine capacity
Various accessories included
Features 3 different speed settings
- BrandSTX INTERNATIONAL
- ModelSTX-4000-TB2-PD-BL
- Weight13 pounds
Patent pending ‘Quad Air Cooling’ technology makes for an impressively long lifetime
Can be operated with or without the foot pedal included
Includes 5 grinding plates, 1 beaner plate, and 3 sausage stuffing tubes
Easy to use – ideal for first-timers
Accessories built by different suppliers don’t fit well
May require some support to hold it in place
5
Weston Pro Series Electric Meat Grinder
This Weston meat grinder has also earned itself a spot on our list. As its name suggests, the Pro series is ideal for butchers, and commercial kitchens alike. Featuring a permanently lubricated, 1,500 watt engine, the grinder can handle virtually any meat, tackling up to 18 pounds of meat per minute. Thanks to its offset head design, the device can run at high enough speeds to handle even the toughest of meats.
Built with precision engineered steel gears, you’re in for an efficient and quiet performance whenever you switch on the grinder. As you use the grinder, four non-slip rubber feet ensure that it stays firmly in place, for ease of use and improved safety. A built-in tray guard also helps to keep your hands firmly out the way of the grinding mechanism during use. Meanwhile, a sturdy carry handle allows you to transport the device from place to place when need be. When you’re done, the device disassembles into a few discrete pieces, for quick and easy cleaning.
Electric meat grinder
1,500 watt engine
Suitable for virtually any meat, and even bones
Offset head design
Carry handle included
Grinds up to 18 pounds of meat per minute
- BrandWeston
- ModelWSTNGRDR
- Weight73 pounds
Suitable for professional use
Grinds bones
Easy to disassemble and clean
Non-slip feet and tray guard for safe and easy use
Relatively high price point
Few accessories included compared to other options
6
Weston Manual Tinned Meat Grinder
Earning their second spot on our list is Weston, with this high quality manual meat grinder. The lightweight, portable option is perfect for grinding smaller cuts of meat – simply clamp it to the end of a countertop or table, and grind away. A sturdy and easy to grip handle makes the process a breeze. Made from durable cast iron, you can rest assured that the device is sturdy enough to last for years to come.
Each Weston manual meat grinder includes two steel grinding plates – one coarse, one fine – so it’s easy to mince meat for a huge range of recipes. You’ll also be able to put together perfect homemade sausages, thanks to the stuffing kit included. An adapter, spacer, and three different funnels allow you to make sausages of all shapes and sizes. Users agree that the handy and affordable grinder works exactly as it should, and liked the attractive design.
Manual meat grinder
Lightweight, portable design
Constructed from cast iron
Sausage kit included
Attractive design
- BrandWeston
- Model36-1001-W
- Weight7.8 pounds
Ideal for first time users
Includes an adapter, spacer, and 3 different funnels for sausages
Sturdy cast iron design
2 grinding plates includes, for varying coarseness
Not suitable for processing large quantities of meat
Higher effort use than electric options
7
Megaforce Patented Air Cooled Electric Meat Grinder
STX have earned their third and final spot on our list with this ‘Megaforce’ electric meat grinder. As you may have guessed by its name, the device packs quite a punch, powered by a 3,000 watt motor that can tackle all kinds of meat with ease. Thanks to three different speed settings, it’s easy to find the perfect grinding option for your ingredients of choice.
To help you get started, the grinder includes a wide variety of accessories. Three tempered steel grinding plates, each with a different level of coarseness, are accompanied by a beaner plate, three stainless steel cutting blades, three sausage tubes, and a kubbe attachment. Thanks to a simple set of buttons, the grinder is intuitive to use, too. If you prefer, you can purchase the device with a juicer and foot pedal included. Because it’s air cooled, the grinder won’t overheat, allowing it to last for years to come. In fact, STX have included a 12 month guarantee with their machine.
Electric meat grinder
Powered by a 3,000 watt motor
Features 3 speed settings
Grinding plates, cutting blades, sausage tubes, and kubbe attachment included
- BrandSTX INTERNATIONAL
- ModelSTX-3000-MF
- Weight12 pounds
Affordable grinder
Powerful enough for home or professional use
Includes a wide array of accessories
Easy to use
Parts are not dishwasher safe
Not suitable for bones
8
LHS Manual Meat Grinder
The second manual grinder to make it onto our list is this modern design by LHS. The heavy duty grinder is easy and comfortable to use, making it simple to grind virtually any meat, as well as vegetables and roots. Unlike traditional manual grinders, it doesn’t need to be clamped to the edge of a surface. Instead, it can be secured to any flat surface using a non-slip suction mechanism. This helps to provide a sturdy base, and things remain sturdy as you move up the machine.
The grinder is constructed from a combination of heavy duty plastic and stainless steel. It’s strong, lightweight, and totally resistant to corrosion. Whatever you’re processing, this meat grinder is easy to use. Simply place the ingredients in the hopper, and turn the ergonomic handle to easily grind. The device includes two stainless steel blades, one dough shaper, and a pushing device. If you’re a keen baker, this versatile grinder could make a great addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Manual meat grinder
Ideal for meat, vegetables, and dough
Connects to the counter via suction
Made from stainless steel and heavy duty plastic
- BrandLHS
- Weight2.2 pounds
Great option for keen bakers
Dough shaper included
2 stainless steel grinding plates included
Easy to use
Versatile
Portable
Sausage stuffing equipment not included
Less powerful than electric options
9
AICOK Electric Meat Grinder
Nabbing the penultimate spot on our list is AICOK, with this effective and budget friendly meat grinder. Powered by an 800 watt motor, the electric grinder can tackle all kinds of meat, helping you to make burgers, mince, sausages, and kubbe at home. This surprisingly powerful device can grind up to two pounds of meat every minute, making the process quick and convenient. Thanks to a simple set of controls, using the machine is easy and intuitive.
Whatever you want to make, AICOK probably has you covered. Their grinder comes with two different stainless steel cutting plates, a sausage attachment, a cutting blade, a kubbe attachment, and a food pusher. This impressive array of accessories makes it easy to get started on your latest culinary adventure straight away. When you’re done, cleanup is an easy affair. The grinder features a handy ‘reverse’ setting, which is ideal for dealing with clogs, and it’s easy to disassemble, too. Carefully wash the parts in warm soapy water, and you’re ready to go once again.
Affordable electric meat grinder
Ideal for use at home
Powered by a 800 watt motor
Wide array of accessories included
Disassembles easily for cleanup
- BrandAICOK
- ModelMG-2430RB
- Weight5.51 pounds
Budget friendly option
Grinds up to 2 pounds of meat every minute
Intuitive controls are easy to use
2 year warranty included
More accessories included than other options
Parts are not dishwasher safe
Not suitable for bones, nuts, or frozen foot
10
Kitchener Heavy Duty Electric Meat Grinder
Last, but not least, comes this heavy duty meat grinder by Kitchener. Its powerful 500 watt motor can grind up to 330 pounds of meat every hour – more than enough for many home and professional applications. Thanks to a steel gear-driven mechanism, and an air cooled design, the grinder won’t overheat – you can rest assured it’s built to last. It’s easy to use, too, thanks to simple and intuitive controls. In use, you’ll notice that the grinder runs smoothly and quietly, so it’s also easy on the ears.
Meanwhile, an oversized pan and hopper allow the grinder to hold more meat at once than other models. This is great news if you want to make burgers, sausages, or other ground meat foods in bulk. With two speed settings and a reverse setting to choose from, optimal grinding is easy to achieve, whatever your preferred ingredients. It also includes two cutting plates, three sausage stuffers, and a meat stamper. When you’re done, the meat grinder is very easy to disassemble and clean, adding up to a very smooth overall experience.
Heavy duty electric meat grinder
500 watt motor
Grinds up to 330 pounds of meat per hour
Operates smoothly and quietly
- BrandKitchener
- Model52021250R
- Weight15 pounds
Wide hopper holds plenty of meat at once
Plenty of accessories included
Suitable for home or professional use
Carry handle for easy transportation
Air cooled design is built to last
Components aren’t dishwasher safe
Best Meat Grinder Buying Guide & FAQ
We hope that these meat grinder reviews have given you a good idea of what’s on the market right now, and what to look out for. If you think that your kitchen could benefit from one of these handy devices, read on, as we discuss how to select your perfect meat grinder, how to take care of it, and what these surprisingly versatile tools can be used for.
Things to Consider When Buying a Meat Grinder
When it’s time to purchase a meat grinder for your own kitchen, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Type
There are two main types of meat grinder to choose from: manual and electric. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each in more detail below. For now, suffice to say that electric grinders are best for grinding in bulk, while their manual counterparts cope well with more occasional use. If you have a stand mixer in your kitchen, you may also be able to buy a meat grinder attachment for it.
- Capacity
When working out which meat grinder is right for you, it’s a good idea to bear capacity in mind. Most manufacturers will let you know just how much meat their device can tackle in a minute or hour, and this figure can give you a useful idea about how efficiently it works. Most good quality electric grinders can handle 300 to 400 pounds of meat in an hour. With manual grinders, though, the capacity is dictated more by your technique than the machine itself. However, you can look out for a wide hopper if you want a manual grinder that’s fast to use.
- Accessories
Most good quality meat grinders will come with a few accessories to help you get started, such as:
- Grinding plates of varying coarseness
- Sausage stuffer attachments
- Kubbe attachments
- Dough shapers
- Food pusher
Which accessories you require will depend very much upon what you plan to use the grinder for.
- Budget
As our list has made clear, meat grinders can cost anything from a modest $50, to hundreds of bucks. Luckily, there’s something for everyone on this scale. A good quality manual grinder can be purchased for as little as $30, while electric options start at a modest $50. As far as electric grinders are concerned, spending more money usually means investing in a more powerful motor, sturider materials, and better accessories. For home use, though, having a high end grinder just isn’t necessary.
- Usage
Not all meat grinders are tough enough to cope with commercial use. If you plan on using your new grinder in a professional setting, make sure that it can stand up to this sort of heavy duty usage. It’s also worth bearing in mind that not every grinder is designed to accommodate bones - if you plan on grinding bones, this will affect your decision.
Manual vs. Electric Meat Grinder
As we mentioned earlier, meat grinders come in two main varieties; manual, and electric. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and which one is right for you depends on what you want to use it for.
- Manual
For most home cooking applications, a manual grinder is the perfect option. They tend to be a lot more cost effective, as well as being lightweight, and taking up less space. Some models are clamped down onto the edge of your countertop, while others are held in place with a suction cup - all are operated by a simple handle mechanism. If you want to process larger quantities of meat, though, electric is the way to go.
- Electric
For heavy duty and professional applications, a standalone electric grinder is usually the best option. Although they’re pricier than their manual counterparts, they are much more powerful - and often easier to use. Electric grinders also tend to feature a wider array of accessories, such as different plates and sausage stuffers. Most also feature a reverse function, so it’s easier to free trapped meat compared to a manual option. On the other hand, these devices are much bulkier, taking up more valuable space in your kitchen.
Best Meat Grinder FAQ:
Q: Can I grind cooked meat?
A: Although it’s possible to grind cooked meat, you should do so with caution. Because the grinder is usually used with raw meat, cooked meat can become contaminated without very thorough washing. It’s probably safer and easier to use a food processor to quickly dice cooked meat.
Q: How do I clean my meat grinder?
A: Cleaning a meat grinder can be a little complex, since there are so many components to worry about. Most manufacturers will provide detailed cleaning instructions.
Although this guidance can vary, you can expect to work through the following steps:
- If you were making bread crumbs, run bread through the meat grinder to help absorb sticky or oily substances.
- Disassemble the grinder.
- Place the parts into a bucket of warm water with a splash of dish detergent (be careful not to submerge any motorized parts).
- Leave them to soak, and be disinfected, for 15 minutes.
- In the meantime, wipe down the motorized parts with a dry cloth.
- Gently scrub your submerged parts using a gentle brush.
- Ensure each part is thoroughly dry before returning it to storage.
- If you’re using a manual grinder, help maintain it by oiling the parts with a little food-grade mineral oil now and then. This aids lubrication, and helps prevent rusting and jamming.
Q: Can I put bones in a meat grinder?
A: Not always - it depends on the grinder in question. Always check the manufacturer’s advice before attempting to grind bones.
Sources:
- What Other Foods Can Be Processed In A Meat Grinder? - Pro Meat Grinder
- Consider: The Meat Grinder - Esquire