Ground meat is a staple food in many households and is used in a variety of dishes such as burgers, meatballs, sausages, and meatloaf. However, many people are unaware of the potential risks associated with store-bought ground meat. Ground meat from the grocery store may contain fillers, preservatives, and other additives that can compromise its quality and safety. That's why more and more people are turning to home meat grinders to ensure that they have control over the quality and safety of the meat they consume.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of owning a meat grinder and why you shouldn't trust the ground meat you buy from the store.
Why you shouldn't trust store-bought ground meat?
There are a few reasons why you may want to be cautious when purchasing ground meat from the store:
- Contamination: Ground meat can be more susceptible to contamination because the process of grinding meat can introduce bacteria from the surface of the meat into the interior, where it can grow more easily. Additionally, ground meat may be made from meat from multiple sources, increasing the risk of contamination.
- Quality: Store-bought ground meat may be made from low-quality cuts of meat or meat that have been treated with antibiotics or hormones. It may also contain fillers or other additives.
- Shelf life: Ground meat has a shorter shelf life than whole cuts of meat and may spoil more quickly, especially if it is not stored properly.
To minimize the risks associated with store-bought ground meat, it is important to buy it from a reputable source, check the sell-by date, and cook it to a safe temperature to kill any bacteria that may be present. It is also a good idea to handle the meat carefully, keeping it refrigerated until you are ready to use it, and washing your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with the meat thoroughly.
What are the benefits of owning a meat grinder?
There are several benefits to owning a meat grinder:
- Freshness: When you own a meat grinder, you have the ability to grind your meat fresh, which results in a better taste and texture. Ground meat that has been sitting in the grocery store for days can lose its flavor and texture over time, but with a meat grinder, you can grind fresh meat as needed.
- Control: With a meat grinder, you have complete control over the type and quality of meat that you use. You can choose to use only high-quality cuts of meat or blend different types of meat together to create your own custom blend.
- Cost savings: Buying pre-ground meat can be more expensive than purchasing whole cuts of meat and grinding them yourself. By owning a meat grinder, you can save money on your grocery bill by purchasing cheaper cuts of meat and grinding them yourself.
- Versatility: Meat grinders can be used to grind not just meat, but also vegetables, nuts, and fruits. This makes them a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to create a variety of dishes.
- Health benefits: By grinding your own meat, you have the ability to control the fat content and ensure that your meat is free from additives and preservatives. This can be beneficial for those who are concerned about their health or have specific dietary needs.
How to choose the right meat grinder for your needs?
Choosing the right meat grinder for your needs can depend on several factors, including the amount of meat you plan to grind, the type of meat you want to grind, and your budget. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the right meat grinder:
- Type of meat grinder: There are two main types of meat grinders - manual and electric. Manual meat grinders are operated by hand and are typically less expensive, while electric meat grinders are powered by electricity and can grind meat more quickly and efficiently.
- Size and capacity: Meat grinders come in different sizes and capacities. If you plan to grind large quantities of meat at a time, you may want to choose a meat grinder with a larger capacity. However, if you only plan to grind small amounts of meat occasionally, a smaller grinder may be sufficient.
- Power: If you choose an electric meat grinder, consider the power of the motor. A more powerful motor can grind meat more quickly and efficiently, but may also be more expensive.
- Durability and quality: Look for a meat grinder that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. Stainless steel grinders are durable and easy to clean, while plastic grinders may be less durable but can be more affordable.
- Accessories and features: Some meat grinders come with additional accessories, such as different-sized grinding plates, a cleaning brush, and sausage stuffing attachments. Consider what features and accessories you may need or want.
- Price: Meat grinders can vary in price depending on their size, power, and features. Determine your budget and look for a meat grinder that offers the features you need within your price range.
By considering these factors, you can choose a meat grinder that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Owning a meat grinder can give you peace of mind when it comes to the quality and safety of the ground meat you consume. By grinding your own meat, you can ensure that it is free from additives and fillers and that it meets your specific preferences and dietary needs.
Additionally, grinding your own meat can be more cost-effective in the long run and can give you more control over the cuts of meat you use. So if you're looking to take your culinary skills to the next level and ensure that you're consuming high-quality meat, consider investing in a meat grinder and taking control of your own ground meat.
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Meat Grinder on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Meat Grinder - Reviews
The Best
Product information
- The LEM Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder includes several components such as the Meat Stomper, a Steel knife, a stuffing plate, a fine plate (3/16"), a coarse plate (3/8"), 3 Tubes (1/2”-1”-1 1/8”), meat pan & plate extractor.
- The meat grinder pan measures 12-1/4” x 9-1/8” x 2-1/4” Deep, while the grinder has an electric motor power of 0.5 HP, consumes 370 Watts of power, and has a voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60 Hz.
- Additionally, it features an added tray in the body for Knife & Plate Storage and an extended auger that pulls more meat in less time.
- This meat grinder has a modern brushed steel finish that minimizes fingerprints, and a rifling pattern in the head that pushes meat forward with less user interaction.
- It is perfect for grinding a few deer a year and is quieter than ever when in use. LEM offers lifetime customer support and a 5-year warranty.
This is a great meat grinder, we love it and it has all the power one could ever need. Heavy duty, and very quiet. Very happy with this grinder. This meat grinder will cut your grind time in half. Grind bigger pieces faster. Good build quality.
Some users said that they have put this unit to the test for a few months and it has performed flawlessly. Never shows the least intention to bog down. It is of extremely good quality and made of heavy-weight materials.
A few users said that they had metal shavings in their meat and parts starting to rust after a single wash. Not what it is claimed to be. Overheats easily. Tried to get a response from the manufacturer but never heard from them. Some users said that after using it a few times there was still black oil in the ground meat, especially at the beginning and end of the whole meat grinding process. They also said that it makes them feel sick to use it again.
Our Thoughts - These electric grinders spit out ground in no time flat. Even if you cut it large and leave gristle and tendons attached, it has no trouble.
Very Good
Product information
- The Turboforce 3000 Classic Series is a heavy-duty meat grinder for home use, with a locked electric motor wattage of 3000 watts, but typically operates using between 800 to 1200 watts "under load" while grinding. It features an extra-large meat hopper measuring 9.75" L x 7.25" W x 2" D, which can hold around 3 lbs of prepped meat ready to grind. This grinder has the capacity to grind between 180 and 240 lbs of meat per hour when properly prepped for grinding, such as stripping or cubing.
- The Turboforce 3000 Series Classic includes a size #12 polished aluminum (food grade) grinding head with a meat hopper, three 304 grade stainless steel cutting blades, three sizes of grinding plates, a sausage stuffing plate, three sizes of sausage stuffing tubes (1/2", 5/8" & 3/4"), and a Kubbe/Kibbe making attachment. Additionally, it comes with two free meat shredder/holder claws and a free 3-in-1 burger & slider maker press.
- This meat grinder comes with a high-capacity, high-volume meat hopper that can hold over 3 lbs. of meat. The meat auger features AVI (Advanced Variable Intake) technology and, when combined with the 2-1/8" hopper opening, allows for grinding larger portions of meat. The meat grinder has a size #12 grinding head, and the four grinding/stuffing plates are 2-5/8" in diameter. It operates on AC 110V/60 Hz voltage and is not suitable for commercial use. Please note that it is not recommended to grind animal tendons, vegetables, plants, nuts, or fruits with this grinder. Also, it cannot grind bones.
- All Paradigm Alley USA products come with a 30-day hassle-free return option and a 3-year warranty, which includes the cost of labor/parts for repair service. The 3-year warranty is valid only when purchased directly from Paradigm Alley USA, and no additional warranty is necessary. Please scroll down for more information on this product.
One of the standout features of the STX International electric meat grinder is its size #12 grinding head, which is larger than many other electric meat grinders on the market. This means that it can handle larger volumes of meat, which is particularly useful if you're grinding meat for a large family or for entertaining. Additionally, the five-in-one functionality of this appliance makes it a great all-in-one kitchen tool for grinding, stuffing, and making sausages.
The STX International is also very user-friendly, with simple controls and a clear instruction manual that makes it easy to operate. The various attachments are easy to install and remove, and the included meat pusher helps to ensure safe operation.
Some customers reported that the meat grinder didn't work out of the box. A few users said that while cleaning the device of meat excess, they noticed some discoloration on it. It was coming from the grinding plates! We don't know what the plates are made of but it's not something we want to have in our meats. Even cleaning them with soap and water the discoloration continued. So please be aware of this. Also being inside the device, the gears are made of plastic.
Our Thoughts - If you are only going to do a few pounds of meat here and there, these electric grinders are probably more than you need. However, manual meat grinders can also be used for small batches. The components feel high quality, there was thought put into the design, and it can put out a lot of ground meat in a very short period of time.
Good Value
Product information
- Fast and Efficient: This electric meat grinder machine packs a punch with its 500/1000 watt motor, certified by ETL, making it capable of grinding through the toughest slabs of meat for fresh and flavorful minced meat, sausage, and kibbeh.
- 3 Grinding Plates: This grinder comes with 3 sturdy stainless steel grinding plates that can produce fine, medium, and coarse cuts, perfect for processing chicken, game, or beef.
- Simple and Safe: This meat grinder is designed with a heavy-duty food tray, a 3-way on/off/reverse switch, and a dual safety switch for added safety. All parts are removable for easy cleaning and can lock into place for sturdy operation.
- Bonus Accessories: In addition to the meat grinder, this set includes a food pusher, kibbeh attachment, and sausage stuffer horn, making this ground meat chopper an essential tool in any kitchen.
- Comprehensive Warranty: For your peace of mind, all Gourmia Appliances come with a 1-year comprehensive international warranty.
We are thoroughly impressed with the Gourmia Electric Meat Grinder. This appliance is a powerhouse when it comes to grinding meat - the 500 to the 1000-watt motor is incredibly efficient and makes quick work of even the toughest cuts of meat. It's also surprisingly easy to use, with intuitive controls and a clear user manual that made set-up a breeze.
One of the things we appreciate most about the Gourmia Electric Meat Grinder is its versatility. With three different grinding plates, you can easily switch between fine, medium, and coarse grinding to suit whatever recipe you decide to make. Plus, the included sausage and Kibbeh attachments make it easy to experiment with different types of dishes. We were also pleasantly surprised by how easy the Gourmia Electric Meat Grinder is to clean.
A few users said that it failed the first time they used it. Some found a greasy metallic substance in the meat. This problem has been encountered by multiple people in the past and has clearly not been corrected. Others mentioned that once the meat goes down into the tube it just spins inside the grinder till it becomes a paste vs. ground meat. Some received open boxes and missing parts.
Our Thoughts - Most of the negative feedback for the Gourmia GMG525 Meat Grinder can be attributed to customers who either didn't bother to read the user manual or disregarded the instructions and warnings provided. Additionally, some customers expected the appliance to perform tasks that were not advertised or designed for, and as a result, the appliance failed to meet their expectations or produced unsatisfactory results. These customers then blamed the appliance and posted a negative review. This pattern is observed in the majority of one-star reviews for the product.
Good
Product information
- This meat grinder is capable of grinding various types of meat, such as beef, chicken, turkey, venison, and others.
- It has a cord length of 34 inches and a powerful 300-watt motor that can grind up to 3 pounds of meat in a minute.
- With two metal cutting plates, you can achieve varying thickness levels, from medium to coarse.
- Additionally, the meat grinder comes with two sausage attachments, which can be used to make breakfast links and regular sausages.
- The reverse function is available to unclog any trapped food and ensure a seamless operation.
High quality and work amazing. The motor is very strong and does the job. Great design makes it easy to clean. A great stand mixer, and meat grinder at a reasonable price.
Some users found that it seems to struggle when grinding meat that is not fully thawed. A few users said that after several months it stopped working. All metal pieces tarnish under very hot water, and the hands end up with a black color when touching them.
Our Thoughts - The Attachments are made of cheap Aluminium and the oxide it produces is difficult to clean. Aluminum oxide is a thick black tarnish that will get in your meat if you don't clean it all off. Only purchase a meat grinder without Aluminium attachments.
Good
Product information
- The Weston Meat Grinder is equipped with a powerful 1.5 HP motor, delivering a continuous grind for large volumes of meat. With its rifled-head design and tapered throat, the electric meat grinder ensures fast grinding at a rate of 14 lbs. of meat per minute.
- Built to last, the Weston Meat Grinder boasts of its durable and quiet performance, capable of processing hundreds of pounds of meat. This grinder includes accessories such as a patented auger-grabbing stomper, a patented storage tray with cover, and coarse (7 mm) and fine (4.5 mm) stainless steel plates, among others.
- Convenience is key with the Weston Meat Grinder. It includes a built-in knife sharpener, ensuring your knives are sharp for preparing meat before grinding. The forward-reverse mode is also useful for grinding tougher meats and meats with connective tissue.
Ease to clean and grinds very well for a smaller type of meat grinder. It's quieter than we expected. It doesn't overheat nor does the meat get stuck or back up. Many users said that this grinder has met their needs and more. It's a beast. It will grind all chicken parts with bone exactly as described on the company's website. It also grinds other meats and all effortlessly.
A few customers received used meat grinders and some were in horrible condition. Stopped working after the warranty was up, and customer support is not great. A few long-term users said that this grinder doesn't last past the warranty period. However, the company has many weird conditions and is not practical to achieve them all.
Our Thoughts - Easy to use and easy setup. Buy a pedal for better control of the machine.
Good
Product information
- The CHEFFANO electric meat grinder is ETL certified, with premium parts made of food-grade materials. It includes 3 grinding plates (2mm/5mm/7mm diameter), 2 blades, 1 food pusher, and a set of Kubbe and sausage accessories. With different attachments, this heavy-duty meat grinder can function as a meat grinder, sausage stuffer, and kibbe maker to meet your daily needs.
- The powerful 100% pure copper motor has a normal rated power of up to 350W and can reach a peak value of 2600 watts. The 3-layer auger pulls reduce heat in grinding to lock in nutrition and prevent storing the meat fiber. The meat grinder reduces the occurrence of gray streaks on minced meat, ensuring fresh ground meat that is healthier for you and your family.
- It's easy to operate; after assembling the parts, plug in the power supply (120V Voltage, 60Hz Frequency), press the "on" button, and feed the food. If something gets stuck, the "REV" button can easily unclog the unit. All parts are removable and easy to clean. However, they are not dishwasher safe; it is recommended to wash the attachments by hand with water under 122°F or neutral detergent and quickly dry them with a towel.
- The product comes with a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty with attachments free replacement and technical support. Customer support is available 24/7, so feel free to contact us with any questions.
This meat grinder it's easy to put together grinds the meat very well and is easy to use. It can do large amounts of meat, we did up to 25 lbs and it worked very well. It did get pretty hot but that's to be expected after running for an hour. Cleanup was so easy and it's not too big to store either.
Do Not use the dishwasher to clean it, if you do all the silver/chrome coating will vanish. Some customers said that it arrived with missing attachments. This meat grinder is not made of stainless steel at all and feels very flimsy. It can't be cleaned in the dishwasher, and it can't be cleaned in hot water. In winter, using cold water and detergent to clean a greasy meat grinder is not going to do a good job!
A few users said that it puts metal shavings and grease into the meat.
Our Thoughts - It is definitely different and outstanding. The meat flows out like water without hardly any force pushing it down.
Honorable Mention
Product information
- Easily attach the metal food/meat grinder to any household KitchenAid Stand Mixer power hub* and take advantage of the motor's power to grind fresh ingredients. (Stand Mixer sold separately.) The food/meat grinder includes fine, medium, and coarse grinding plates, as well as two sausage stuffer tubes, providing endless possibilities for creating your own unique dishes.
- With a larger food tray than the previous model (FGA), you can process more ingredients at once, reducing prep time. (*Compared to model FGA.) For a clean and precise grind every time, pre-chill the grinder in the fridge or freezer before use.
- Conveniently store and access the KitchenAid Metal Food Grinder and its accessories in the provided storage case. Model KSMMGA comes with a metal food grinder, removable food tray, fine, medium, and coarse grinding plates, cleaning brush, food pusher, sausage stuffer tubes, and sausage stuffer plate.
Excellent stand mixer meat grinder attachment. Easy to clean, soak everything in soapy water and clean with the included brush. Grinds consistently and fast for its size. Long-time users of manual grinders say that after grinding by hand for years, this attachment did 10 lbs in 5 minutes.
Definitely not dishwasher friendly. Some customers didn't receive their refund for returning the KitchenAid Food Grinder. There is no seal to stop the meat juices from leaking into the KitchenAid Stand Mixer machine. The meat juices enter the machine and mix with all the internal grease parts. Very smelly and absolutely disgusting! This will ruin your KitchenAid machine.
Our Thoughts - This KitchenAid Stand Mixer meat grinder attachment is good for batches under 10lbs but if you need higher you will need a bigger setup, especially if you do a double grind.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of a meat grinder?
As with any kitchen appliance, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using a meat grinder. Some of the disadvantages of a meat grinder include:
- Time-consuming: Grinding meat with a meat grinder can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have a large quantity of meat to grind.
- Requires cleaning: A meat grinder needs to be cleaned after every use, which can be a bit of a hassle, as meat can get stuck in the grinder's blades and other parts.
- Can be expensive: A good quality meat grinder can be quite expensive, which may be a deterrent for some people who are on a budget or only occasionally grind meat.
- Limited functionality: Meat grinders are designed specifically for grinding meat and cannot be used for other food items, which means you will need to invest in additional kitchen equipment if you want to grind other types of food.
- May not grind bones: While some meat grinders can grind bones, not all are designed to do so. If you want to grind bones for your pets or for making bone broth, you will need to invest in a heavy-duty meat grinder that is capable of grinding bones.
Is it cheaper to grind your own meat?
Grinding your own meat can be more cost-effective in the long run, depending on the type and quality of meat you are buying.
If you are buying high-quality cuts of meat, such as sirloin or ribeye, it may be more expensive to buy these cuts and grind them yourself than it would be to buy pre-ground meat. However, if you are buying less expensive cuts of meat, such as chuck or round, and grinding them yourself, you may be able to save money.
Additionally, when you grind your own meat, you have more control over the quality of the meat and can choose to use grass-fed, organic, or hormone-free meat, which may be more expensive to buy pre-ground. You also have the ability to customize the grind of the meat to your liking, which can be a big advantage.
Overall, while it may not always be cheaper to grind your own meat, it can be a good way to save money and have more control over the quality and flavor of the meat.
What's better to grind meat cold or warm?
It is generally better to grind meat when it is cold, as this makes it easier to handle and reduces the risk of the meat becoming too warm and developing harmful bacteria.
When meat is cold, it is firmer and easier to cut into small pieces, which makes it easier to feed into the grinder. It also helps to keep the meat from getting too warm during the grinding process, which can cause it to become mushy and lose its texture.
Additionally, when meat is cold, the fat in the meat is firmer and easier to grind, which helps to distribute it evenly throughout the meat. This can help to create a more tender and flavorful finished product.
Therefore, it is recommended to chill the meat in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes before grinding to make it easier to handle and produce the best quality meat.
