Being a dedicated carnivore, I always want to know that my meat is fresh and I can control its fat content by choosing lean cuts. To do that, I have used different meat grinders over the past years.
I know what makes a good meat grinder, so I've compiled a list of the best meat grinders for home cooks who want to make their own ground beef, sausage, and other meats.
Here are my favorites.
The Best Meat Grinders
- Best Overall Meat Grinder: STX International Turboforce Electric Meat Grinder
- Cheapest Meat Grinder: Cuisinart Meat Grinder
- Top-Rated Heavy-Duty Electric Meat Grinder: LEM Stainless Steel Meat Grinder
- Ideal Stainless Steel Meat Grinder for Easy Storage: Cuisinart Meat Grinder
- Best Easy-Clean Meat Grinder: Sunmile SM-G50 ETL Electric Meat Grinder
- Leading Manual Meat Grinder: Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder
- Best Value Meat Grinder: ALTRA Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder
Our Top Products
1 - STX International Turboforce 3000 Electric Meat Grinder (Best Overall)
The STX International Turboforce 3000 is one of the most versatile and powerful home meat grinders on the market.
Its 3000 Watt peak power and three speeds mean that it can handle tough grinding jobs. It comes with three stainless grinding plates for coarse, medium, and fine grinding.
This full-sized #12 head meat grinder has three sizes of sausage stuffer tubes and a kubbe maker attachment.
It also comes with a hamburger patty press, two meat claws, and three stainless cutting blades.
I like that this grinder has a high-capacity meat tray. Instead of a 1 lb. tray like many other meat grinders, the Turboforce 3000's tray will accommodate 3 pounds of meat. This means I can grind a pork butt or other large cut of meat at once.
- Powerful motor with three speeds
- Three sausage stuffing tubes
- Free meat shredder claws and a burger press
- Circuit breaker on the machine for safety
- Rusting can occur if parts are left to air dry
Quick Facts:
- Product Dimensions : 19" x 8" x 14"
- Power : 1800 watts
- Weight : 12 pounds
- Material : Stainless steel
2 - LEM Products Stainless Steel Big Bite Electric Meat Grinder (Top-Rated Heavy-Duty)
The LEM Big Bite electric grinder is a heavy-duty grinder that can handle large quantities of meat.
It has a 0.75 HP motor, three stuffing tubes, and fine and coarse grinding plates, which will grind up to 7 pounds of meat per minute.
The durable stainless steel construction makes it easy to use a cleaning brush.
The oversized augur in this grinder grabs more meat, which means that it can grind a lot in a short amount of time.
The Big Bite electric meat grinder also has an internal tray where you can store the meat grinding plates and a free included stainless steel knife.
I appreciate that this grinder has a 5-year warranty and an 800 number to call for information and advice.
I find that LEM stands behind its products in this very tangible way and offers lifetime customer service.
- 5-year warranty and 1-800 customer service number
- High capacity - can grind up to 7 lbs per minute
- All metal gears with metal roller bearings for quieter operation
- More expensive than many competitors
Quick Facts:
- Product Dimensions : 21" x 9" x 16"
- Power : 550 watts
- Weight : 33 pounds
- Material : Stainless steel
3 - Cuisinart MG-100 Electric Meat Grinder (Cheapest & Easy Storage)
The Cuisinart MG-100 meat grinder is a good choice for the home cook who doesn't want to spend a lot of money on a meat grinder.
It has a 300 Watt motor and two stainless steel plates for a medium or coarse grind.
This grinder also comes with two sausage stuffer tubes for breakfast links and regular sausage making.
The operation is exceptionally straightforward - a single on/off switch runs the entire show for grinding meat.
I find that the storage for this grinder is particularly clever. The plastic food pusher doubles as a storage case to keep all the attachments together.
I like that I never have to hunt to find a meat grinding plate or sausage stuffer.
- The low cost makes grinding meat accessible to all
- Simple storage for all accessories
- Easy to operate
- Aluminum attachments can oxidize if not dried promptly
Quick Facts:
- Product Dimensions : 9" x 16" x 9"
- Power : 300 watts
- Weight : 8.5 pounds
- Material : Stainless steel
4 - Sunmile SM-G50 ETL Electric Meat Grinder (Best Easy-Clean)
The Sunmile SM-G50 ETL is a large-size #12 electric grinder designed for frequent home use.
It has a 1.3 HP motor that can grind up to 200 pounds of meat per hour.
The plastic body and stainless steel cutting blades make this grinder durable and easy to clean.
The Sunmile also comes with three grinding plates, so you can choose how fine or coarse you want your grind.
And if you want to make sausages, a sausage stuffer is included.
I appreciate that there is a reverse function on this grinder. You can simply push the reverse button to clear it out if the machine gets jammed.
But with the strong cross-cutting blade on the SM-G50, I rarely need to use this function.
- Dishwasher-safe plates and cutting blade
- Reverse function to clear jams
- Circuit breaker to prevent motor burn-out
- Noisier than some other options
Quick Facts:
- Product Dimensions : 12" x 11" x 15"
- Power : 350 watts
- Weight : 13.6 pounds
- Material : Plastic
5 - Weston #5 Electric Meat Grinder & Sausage Stuffer
The Weston #5 is a compact meat grinder made for the home cook who doesn't need to grind large quantities of meat at once.
It has a powerful 5/8 HP motor that will grind 2 pounds of meat per minute. It also comes with a sizeable grinding tray and a sausage stuffing plate.
This model has a metal auger drive and all-metal gears like many electric grinders. But what sets the Weston apart is its sturdiness.
The steel housing and die-cast metal hopper give this grinder a solid feel that is built to last.
What stood out for me was the fact that the Weston came with a food pusher designed to fit into the hopper opening.
This helps to feed meat down into the grinder without your fingers getting too close to the stainless steel blades.
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Comes with a meat stomper that stores all the accessories
- All-metal construction for durability
- #5 size yields smaller through-put
Quick Facts:
- Product Dimensions : 17" x 13" x 9"
- Power : 500 watts
- Weight : 9.8 pounds
- Material : Steel
6 - Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder (Leading Manual Grinder)
The only manual grinder on the list, the Huanyu is a compact grinder that is great for small grinding jobs.
It has a suction cup base with a fixed steel clamp that will attach to most smooth surfaces, so you can operate it without holding it in place.
The Huanyu also comes with two different grinding plates, so you can choose how fine or coarse you want your grind.
And if you want to make sausages, a sausage stuffer attachment is included. Unlike many other grinders on this list, the Huanyu tube is made from stainless steel instead of plastic.
I appreciate that this grinder is dishwasher-safe. Many other manual grinders have parts that can rust or oxidize, but the Huanyu is made from stainless steel and plastic, so it is easy to care for.
Simply disassemble this manual meat grinder and put all the parts in the dishwasher.
- A comfortable handle provides good leverage
- 100% stainless steel and dishwasher safe
- The suction cup plus C-clamp ensures a sturdy grip on the counter
- No motor to help with grinding
Quick Facts:
- Product Dimensions : 9" x 6" x 13"
- Power : Hand-crank
- Weight : 7.1 pounds
- Material : Stainless steel
7 - ALTRA Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder (Best Beginner-Friendly)
The ALTRA Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder is a good mid-range option that can generate 3 pounds of meat per minute.
It has a motor with forward and reverse functions to help clear jams.
And like many of the other grinders on this list, it comes with three different grinding plates for coarse, medium, and fine grinds.
It also comes with a sausage stuffing meat grinder attachment and a kubbe kit. This kit allows you to make a type of Middle Eastern sausage that is usually made with lamb or beef.
This machine can also grind meat for burgers, lasagna, or chili.
I appreciate the fact that the exterior of this grinder is made from stainless steel. Not only does it look good, but it is also easy to keep clean.
That said, the parts are not dishwasher safe, so you need to handwash and dry them after disassembly.
- Easy to assemble, use, and wash
- Suitable for home applications and homemade dog food
- Kubbe kit included
- The unit gets hot to the touch with prolonged grinding
Quick Facts:
- Product Dimensions : 14" x 7" x 13"
- Power : 350 watts
- Weight : 9 pounds
- Material : Stainless steel
Buyer's Guide
Given that meat grinders are not an everyday purchase for most people, it is essential to do your research before making a decision.
Below are some factors you may want to consider when purchasing a meat grinder.
Power
The power of a meat grinder is an important factor to consider. You will need a powerful machine if you plan on grinding large quantities of meat.
However, a less powerful unit will suffice if you only plan on grinding small amounts. Consider not only your current usage patterns but how much you might use the grinder in the future.
Manual grinders will have less power than electric grinders.
Read More: How Do Meat Grinders Work?
Size
Another factor to consider is the size of the meat grinder. If you have limited counter space, you will want to purchase a smaller machine.
Conversely, if you have plenty of room for storage, then you can opt for a larger device.
Additionally, a machine with a larger grinder head can grind more meat at a time than a smaller machine.
So, if you are a high-volume user, you will want to purchase a unit with a bigger grinding head.
Material
The material of the meat grinder is also an important consideration. If you plan on using your new meat grinder frequently, then you will want to buy one made from high-quality materials.
You can opt for a less durable model if you only plan on using it occasionally.
Additionally, some materials are easier to clean than others. So, if you are concerned about hygiene, you will want to purchase a meat grinder made from materials that are not prone to rust or oxidation.
Accessories
Some meat grinders come with accessories that allow you to do more than just grind meat. For example, some models come with a knife, meat claw, sausage stuffer plate, meat grinder attachment, or kubbe kit.
If you are interested in such features, you will want to purchase a model with the accessories you desire.
Of course, many manufacturers have options to purchase these accessories separately.
So, even if a particular model does not come with the attachments you want, you may be able to buy them individually and use them with the machine.
“So in order to make a large volume of sausage, you need to have a dedicated refrigerated room, where you can grind and mix and stuff and everything, because if sausage mixture gets too warm while you're forming it, it doesn't bind properly, and your sausages end up crumbly and dry.”
- J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, American Chef
Price
Meat grinders can vary in price from around $100 to $600. The cost will depend on the features and quality of the machine.
If you plan on using the grinder frequently, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality machine.
However, a less expensive model may suffice if you only plan on using it occasionally.
Cleaning
Cleaning a meat grinder can be a time-consuming and tedious task. So, if you are concerned about your health, you will want to buy a machine with simple disassembly that is easy to clean.
Additionally, some models come with dishwasher-safe parts, which makes cleaning even easier.
Who Should Buy a Meat Grinder?
If you eat freshly ground meat regularly, then you may want to purchase a meat grinder. A meat grinder will allow you to grind your own meat, saving you money in the long run.
Additionally, it can also be healthier since you will know exactly what is going into your ground meat.
Plus, if you prefer higher-quality cuts of meat in your ground, you can purchase a more expensive cut of meat and grind it yourself rather than purchasing lower-end ground meat from the grocery store.
Additionally, if you are a hunter or fisherman, then you may also want to purchase a meat grinder.
This way, you can grind your game meat and fish, which can save you money on processing fees. No need to pay for a butcher to do something you can easily do yourself.
Finally, you may benefit from a meat grinder if you like to make your own sausages. You could attempt to stuff sausage by hand, but using a machine with sausage attachments would be much easier.
A meat grinder with sausage stuffing attachments will allow you to create links quickly and easily. Plus, making sausages with unique flavorings and ingredients can be fun.
Of course, you can also use a unit to grind vegetables, make your own pet food, or even create homemade pasta. So, if you are looking for a versatile kitchen appliance, you may want to purchase a meat grinder.
Optionally, some people choose to purchase a food grinder attachment for a Kitchenaid stand mixer instead of a stand-alone grinder. But attachment meat grinders are not as long-lasting as heavy-duty meat grinders.
Who Should Not Buy a Meat Grinder?
Those who do not eat ground meat regularly will not need a meat grinder. It is probably not worth purchasing a machine if you only occasionally eat burgers or tacos.
After all, you can easily purchase ground meat from the grocery store.
The same thought is valid for sausage. If you are not interested in creating your own sausage flavors, then there is no need to purchase a machine.
You can easily find pre-made sausage at the grocery store that will suit your needs.
Additionally, those who do not hunt game or fish may not need a meat grinder. If you do not need to process meat or fish, you will not need a machine to grind it.
Also, if working with raw meat grosses you out, then a meat grinder is probably not the right kitchen appliance for you.
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FAQs
What Is a Good Wattage for a Meat Grinder?
A good wattage for a meat grinder is around 1000 watts. This will provide enough power to grind most meats without overworking the motor.
Commercial meat grinders should have more wattage, but a home grinder can get away with less power.
Can I Grind Bones in a Home Meat Grinder?
No, you should not grind bones in a home meat grinder. Most meat grinders are not powerful enough to grind bones properly, so you can damage the blades and other parts of the machine.
If you want to work with bones, you should purchase a commercial-grade meat grinder.
How Big is a #22 Meat Grinder?
A #22 meat grinder has a plate that is 3 1/4" in diameter [1]. This is a reasonably large grinder, and with a strong motor, it can quickly create a lot of freshly ground beef.
Why Does a Meat Grinder Get Clogged?
Meat grinders get clogged because the meat gets stuck in the grinding plate or cutting blades. This can happen if the meat is too tough or too fatty.
Additionally, excess gristle can also cause a meat grinder to become clogged.
What Is the Difference Between a Manual and an Electric Meat Grinder?
The difference between a manual and an electric meat grinder is that a manual meat grinder is operated by hand, whereas an electric motor operates an electric meat grinder.
Electric meat grinders are more expensive but much easier to use. They are also much more powerful than manual meat grinders.
What Is the Difference Between a Meat Grinder and a Meat Mincer?
The difference between a meat grinder and a meat mincer is that a meat grinder grinds the meat, whereas a meat mincer cuts the meat into smaller pieces.
A meat grinder will produce ground meat that is uniform in texture, while a meat mincer will produce an output that more closely retains the texture of the original meat.
What’s The Best Meat Grinder for You?
After analyzing the features of the top meat grinders, we have determined that the STX Turboforce 3000 is our #1 choice for the best meat grinder on the market.
This grinder has a powerful motor that can quickly grind the meat placed in its generous meat pan. Additionally, this versatile machine comes with all the accessories you need.
Of course, the quality of your grinder output depends on the quality of the meat you put in. That is why I like to use high-quality meat that has been delivered to my home. For my review of the best meat delivery services, click here.
STX International Turboforce 3000 Electric Meat Grinder (Best Overall)
Our #1 Recommendation
- Powerful motor with three speeds
- Three sausage stuffing tubes
- Free meat shredder claws and a burger press
- Circuit breaker on the machine for safety
