When it comes to meaty dishes, if you love burgers, sausages, meatballs or meatloaf,or fresh ground beef then buying a good quality meat grinder will ensure that you have much more control over your ingredients and food texture. You can select your own cuts, determine the fat content, pick the grind size and make just what you need instead of having to buy pre-ground meat. You can also make sausage-making and meal preparation very easy with the right meat grinder. But selecting one is not easy due to the variety of sizes, electric motor types, grinding-head sizes, attachments offered and prices at various price points.
Quick Comparison of the 5 Meat Grinders
| Meat Grinder | Type | Best For | Main Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| STX Turboforce 3000 | Electric standalone | Home grinding & sausage making | Large #12 grinding head |
| LEM BigBite #8 | Electric standalone | Regular home use | 0.50 HP motor and #8 size |
| Weston #12 750W | Electric standalone | Larger batches | 750W / 1 HP motor |
| Cuisinart MG-100 | Electric standalone | Occasional home use | Compact and straightforward |
| KitchenAid KSMMGA | Stand mixer attachment | KitchenAid owners | Uses stand mixer power hub |
1. STX International Turboforce 3000 Series Electric Meat Grinder
Turboforce 3000 Series– The STX International Turboforce line is for those who want a heavy-duty stand-alone electric meat grinder with a pretty good sized grinding head along with many accessories. The most prominent feature is its size #12 grinding head, which contributes to the fact that it is larger than most kitchen grinders with smaller size #5 or Size #8 heads. According to STX, the unit is equipped with several hardened-steel grinding plates and a sausage-stuffing plate.
You can use a grinder like this for:
- Homemade burgers
- Meatballs
- Meatloaf
- Sausage
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Ground poultry
- Kebabs
- Stuffed meat mixtures
Pros
- Large #12 grinding head
- Multiple grinding plates
- Reverse function
- Sausage-stuffing capability
- Large meat tray
- Three-speed controls
- Designed for higher-volume home grinding
Cons
- Larger than compact kitchen grinders
- Requires more storage space
- Some metal components require careful hand washing
- Can be more machine than an occasional user needs
STX specifically says the grinder’s head components should be hand washed and dried immediately rather than placed in a dishwasher.
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2. LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinde
LEM is a common name among home processors, and this model from them is the BigBite #8 which caters to what many will be doing most often in small batch grinding. It features a 0.50 HP motor, and as outlined in LEM’s product catalog–the BigBite #8 is rated at around 7 pounds per minute. LEM says the #8 is rated for standard home use. Lourens explains that the BigBite name comes from LEM’s auger design, which is made for getting meat into the grinding system cheaply and efficiently.
Pros
- 0.50 HP motor
- Approximately 7 lb/min listed capacity
- Designed for regular use
- Compact compared with larger grinder sizes
- Strong option for sausage making
- Five-year warranty listed by LEM
Cons
- More expensive than basic home grinders
- May be unnecessary for occasional grinding
- Smaller grinding head than a #12 machine
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3. Weston #12 Electric Meat Grinder – 750W
The Weston #12 Electric Meat Grinder — a second choice for any shoppers seeking stand-along larger than life meat grinder. It usually comes with a 750W / 1 HP motor, #12 grind size and reverse operation. The number (12) format gives you a larger grinding system than most entry level household grinders. If you do a lot of processing larger amounts of meat, that can be very helpful. If you grind several pounds of ground meat at a time, make homemade sausage, or simply do larger batches for freezing, a bigger grinder may prove especially useful.
Pros
- #12 grinding size
- 750W / 1 HP motor specification
- Reverse function
- Suitable for larger batches
- Standalone design
- Useful for sausage making
Cons
- Larger countertop footprint
- Heavier than compact grinders
- May be unnecessary for occasional use
- Requires more storage space
Best For
The Weston #12 is worth considering if you regularly grind larger quantities and want a dedicated electric machine rather than an attachment.
4. Cuisinart Electric Meat Grinder MG-100
The Cuisinart MG-100 Electric Meat Grinder is a bit less intimidating choice for home cooks who don’t feel they need an industrial-strength meat grinder. You tend to put up the MG-100 showing a 300W motor, two grinding plates, and sausage-stop equipment. Being smaller, makes it potentially a better choice for kitchens where there is limited counter space and storage.
The Cuisinart grinder can be useful for:
- Burgers
- Meatballs
- Meatloaf
- Sausage
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Other ground-meat recipes
Pros
- Compact design
- Suitable for casual home use
- Simple operation
- Includes grinding plates
- Includes sausage-stuffing accessories
- Easier to store than larger grinders
Cons
- Less powerful than larger standalone machines
- Smaller capacity
- Not the ideal choice for frequent high-volume grinding
- Fewer grinding options than some larger models
Best For
The Cuisinart MG-100 is a practical choice for someone who wants to try home meat grinding without investing in a large heavy-duty machine.
5. KitchenAid KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder Attachment
The KitchenAid KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder Attachment has a different approach than from the other four products listed above. Instead of housing its own electric motor, it plugs into the power hub on the front of compatible KitchenAid stand mixers, which then uses the mixing motor to run the grinder itself. The attachment works with all KitchenAid stand mixers, the company said. If you already have a KitchenAid stand mixer, this is a huge plus because you don’t need to buy another standalone motorized appliance.
Pros
- Works with KitchenAid stand mixers
- Doesn’t require a separate motor
- Fine, medium, and coarse plates
- Two sausage-stuffer tubes
- Larger removable food tray
- Convenient storage case
- Pre-chill design
Cons
- Requires a compatible KitchenAid stand mixer
- Not a standalone grinder
- Less suitable if you don’t already own a KitchenAid mixer
- Requires attachment setup before use
Best For
The KitchenAid KSMMGA is an especially convenient option for people who already own a KitchenAid stand mixer and want to add meat grinding without purchasing another motorized countertop appliance.
Final Verdict
Different types of meat grinders for home cooks are covered by this guide. With a #12 grinding head, extra plates, reverse action and sausage-making attachments galore, the STX International Turboforce 3000 can do just about anything for the serious home grinder. The LEM Products BigBite #8 (widely available) is made for everyday work, it features a 0.50 HP motor rated at about 7 pounds per minute, and comes with LEM’s five-year warranty covering the company’s line of BigBite grinders.
Meat Grinder Buying Guide
Choosing the right grinder depends on how frequently you grind meat and what you plan to make.
1. Consider How Often You Grind
If you only makeMeat Grinders burgers a few times per year, a compact grinder such as the Cuisinart MG-100 may be enough.
If you grind meat regularly, Meat Grinders toward a dedicated grinder such as the LEM BigBite #8 can provide a more substantial setup.
For larger batches, a #12 Meat Grindersr can provide more capacity.
2. Think About Grinding Head Size
You’ll often see Meat Grinders described as #5, #8, #12, and other sizes.
Generally, larger Meat Grinders heads use larger plates and are designed for greater throughput.
The STX Turboforce 3000 and Weston #12 fall into the larger #12 category, while the LEM product in this guide is a #8 grinder.
For everyday home cooking, you don’t necessarily need the biggest size.
3. Check the Grinding Plates
Different grinding plates produce different textures.
A coarse Meat Grinders can be useful for burgers and chili, while medium and fine grinds can be useful for sausages and other recipes.
If you want flexibility, look for a Meat Grinders that includes multiple plates.
The KitchenAid KSMMGA, for example, includes fine, medium, and coarse plates.
4. Look for a Reverse Function
A reverse function can be useful if meat or connective tissue becomes difficult to process.
The STX Turboforce 3000 includes high, low, and reverse controls.
Reverse isn’t a replacement for proper preparation, but it can be a convenient feature.
5. Consider Sausage Attachments
If you’re interested in making homemade sausage, check whether the Meat Grinders includes sausage-stuffing tubes.
The KitchenAid KSMMGA includes two sausage-stuffer tubes, while the STX Turboforce package includes sausage-making accessories.
6. Don’t Focus Only on Wattage
Motor wattage can be confusing because manufacturers may Meat Grinders peak or locked-motor wattage rather than the same measurement used for continuous operation.
For example, STX lists a Meat Grinders locked motor wattage of 3000W for its Turboforce 3000 while also listing typical operating wattage under load in its product information.
For this reason, compare the entire machine—including grinding-head size, motor type, intended use, accessories, and manufacturer specifications—instead of Meat Grinders solely by the largest wattage number.
Tips for Better Meat Grinding
For a cleaner grind, keep the meat cold before grinding. Chilled meatMeat Grinders holds its structure better during grinding.
Cut meat into appropriately sized Meat Grinders before feeding it into the grinder, and remove unwanted connective tissue according to your recipe.
Don’t force meat into the feed oMeat Grinders with your fingers. Always use the supplied food pusher and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Clean the Meat Grinders r promptly after use. Meat residue can dry onto components and make cleaning more difficult.
Also, never assume that a meat Meat Grinders is designed to grind bones. The STX Turboforce 3000, for example, is explicitly described by STX as a grinder that will not grind bones.
Always follow the instructions for your specific model.
Standalone Grinder vs. KitchenAid Attachment
One important decision is whether you want a standalone grinder or an attachment.
A standalone grinder has its own motor and can be used independently. This is convenient if you don’t own a stand mixer or if you want a dedicated meat-processing appliance.
The KitchenAid KSMMGA works differently. It connects to a KitchenAid stand mixer and uses the mixer’s power.
If you already have a KitchenAid mixer, the attachment can save countertop space because you don’t need another motorized appliance.
If you don’t own one, however, buying an entire stand mixer just to operate a grinder attachment would generally be a different purchasing proposition than buying a standalone meat grinder.
Why Use a Meat Grinder at Home?
One of the biggest advantages of grinding meat yourself is control.
When you buy a whole cut of beef, pork, chicken, or another suitable meat, you can decide how much fat to include and how coarse or fine you want the final mixture. This can be especially useful when making burgers, sausages, meatballs, kebabs, and meatloaf.
A meat grinder can also be useful for preparing small batches. Instead of buying a large package of ground meat, you can grind only what you need.
Another advantage is versatility. Many meat grinders include multiple grinding plates and sausage-stuffing accessories, allowing one appliance to handle several kitchen tasks.
For example, the KitchenAid KSMMGA includes fine, medium, and coarse grinding plates as well as two sausage-stuffer tubes. KitchenAid also recommends pre-chilling the Meat Grinders for a cleaner Meat Grinders g process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best meat grinder for home use?
The right meat Meat Grinders r depends on how often you grind and how much meat you process. Compact models can be suitable for occasional use, while larger #8 and #12 grinders are more appropriate for regular or larger-batch grinding.
What size meat grinder should I buy?
For occasional home use, a smaller grinder can be sufficient. A #8 model offers a middle ground for regular household grinding, while a #12 model can be useful for larger batches and higher-volume preparation.
Can I make sausage with a meat grinder?
Yes. Many meat grinders support sausage making when used with the appropriate stuffing plate and tubes. The KitchenAid KSMMGA, for example, includes two sausage-stuffer tubes.
Can a meat grinder grind bones?
You should never assume that a standard household meat grinder can grind bones. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact model. STX explicitly states that its Turboforce 3000 will not grind bones.
What meat can I grind at home?
Depending on the grinder and recipe, you can grind suitable cuts of beef, pork, poultry, and other meats. Always follow food-safety practices and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Should meat be cold before grinding?
Keeping meat properly chilled before grinding can help maintain a cleaner grinding process. KitchenAid specifically recommends pre-chilling its KSMMGA grinder to maintain a cold grinding temperature.
Is a KitchenAid meat grinder attachment worth considering?
If you already own a compatible KitchenAid stand mixer, the KSMMGA can be a convenient way to add grinding capability without buying a separate motorized grinder.
What grinding plate should I use for burgers?
A coarse grind is commonly used for burgers because it produces a more substantial texture. KitchenAid’s guide specifically identifies the coarse plate for raw meats used for burgers and chili.
What should I look for in a meat grinder?
Consider motor specifications, grinding-head size, included plates, sausage accessories, reverse functionality, cleaning requirements, storage space, warranty, and how much meat you expect to process.
Is a meat grinder useful for meal preparation?
Yes. A meat grinder can help you prepare ground meat in batches for burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, sausages, tacos, pasta sauces, and other recipes. Grinding your own meat also gives you control over the cuts and fat ratio you use.
