Best Manual Meat Grinders

Discover the best manual meat grinders to help you make delicious homemade sausage and other meaty delicacies! Our comprehensive guide compares top-rated options, considering their durability, design, and functionality, helping you choose the perfect device to grind your meat!

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, a grilling enthusiast, or someone just beginning to explore the culinary world, a meat grinder is a fantastic addition to your kitchen arsenal. Imagine taking control over your food’s quality, making your own sausages, and enjoying the freshest ground meat—right at home!

Let’s get started!

The Differences Between Electric and Manual Meat Grinders

When it comes to meat grinding, the type of grinder you choose can make a big difference. Meat grinders generally fall into two categories: manual grinders and electric grinders. Both types have their advantages and drawbacks.

Whether you’re looking for a basic hand meat grinder or a more high-tech electric meat grinder, understanding the differences can help you decide which one is right for you.

Manual grinders

Manual meat grinders, or hand meat grinders, are the traditional choice. They are often simple in design, featuring a hand crank and a few basic parts like a stainless steel knife and a food grinder attachment. A manual grinder is a good meat grinder for those who grind meat occasionally and value simplicity and portability.

Manual grinders are also great for those who want to have total control over the grinding process. They’re perfect for grinding small quantities of meat or vegetables at a time. Additionally, they are generally more affordable than their electric counterparts, making them a good choice for those on a budget.

One thing to note, though, is that manual grinders require a bit more effort to operate compared to electric grinders. The hand cranking can be physically demanding, especially when grinding large quantities of meat.

Electric Grinders

On the other hand, electric meat grinders are designed for efficiency and ease of use. These are powerful machines that can quickly grind large amounts of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients. Many electric grinders, like those at MEAT! Your Maker, come with useful features such as a sausage funnel and food grinder attachments, which can make the meat grinding process even more versatile.

One of the main benefits of an electric grinder is its speed and efficiency. With a powerful motor and a stainless steel knife, an electric grinder can process meat faster than a manual one. This makes it a great choice for those who often grind large quantities of meat or want to save time in the kitchen.

At the end of the day, both manual and electric meat grinders have their place in the kitchen. Your choice will largely depend on your budget, how often you plan to use it, and your personal preferences. Whether you go with a manual or electric grinder, a good meat grinder is a valuable addition to any home cook’s toolkit.

Benefits to Grinding Meat Yourself

Grinding your own meat at home comes with a host of benefits, giving you control and options you wouldn’t normally have with store-bought ground meat. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider this method of meat preparation:

• Freshness and Flavor: Grinding your own meat ensures it’s fresh, which can lead to better flavor and quality. Unlike pre-ground meat from the store, freshly ground meat is juicier and more tender, enhancing your meals.
• Control Over Fat Content: When you grind your meat, you decide the fat content. Want leaner meat? Choose a low-fat cut. Need something richer? Select a cut with more fat. This flexibility allows you to customize your meals based on dietary needs or taste preferences.
• Variety: Grinding your own meat opens up a world of options beyond the usual beef, pork, or poultry found in stores. You can experiment with different types of meat or even blends to create unique flavors and dishes.
• Safety: By grinding your own meat, you control the cleanliness and handling process, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses that can sometimes come with pre-packaged ground meat.
• Cost Efficiency: While there’s an upfront cost for a meat grinder, in the long run, grinding your own meat can be more cost-effective. Whole cuts of meat are often cheaper per pound than pre-ground options, which can lead to savings over time.

Quick Overview: The Best Manual Meat Grinders

• Best Overall: Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder
• Runner-Up: CAM2 304 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Grinder
• Most Durable: Weston Manual Tinned Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer
• Best for Beginners: Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder
• Most Affordable: LHS Manual Meat Grinder

Best Overall Manual Meat Grinder

Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder

The Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder is a standout in our list. This gem is the ultimate combination of sturdiness, efficiency, and versatility.

Made with heavy-duty stainless steel, the Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder has got durability covered. The body and metal parts are all thickened stainless steel which is strong, anti-rust and built to last. Plus, this grinder sports a shiny polished finish, not only adding to its appeal but ensuring safe, debris-free grinding. So, you can trust that this kitchen tool will stick around for the long haul.

One great feature that makes this meat grinder unique is its firm stability. It uses a steel clip that guarantees smooth operation by stabilizing the grinder. And, the bonus? It comes with non-slip feet to protect your countertops! Talk about a thoughtfully designed product.

Don’t mistake this grinder for a one-trick pony though. It’s got versatility written all over it. It’s perfect for whipping up sausages and can handle not just meat, but onions, mushrooms, peppers and more. This meat grinder is also easy to disassemble, and all its metal parts are dishwasher safe.

The Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder comes with a bunch of useful accessories too, including a meat pusher, cleaning brush, a spare shaft sleeve, and a sausage tube.

What We Liked

• Durable with heavy-duty stainless steel construction.
• Stable operation with a steel clip fixation system.
• Versatile in handling different ingredients, including meat and vegetables.
• Retains the original taste and nutrition of the ingredients.
• Easy to clean and store.

What We Didn’t Like

• High price point.
• Instructions could be clearer.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, durable, and versatile manual meat grinder, the Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder is definitely worth considering.

Best Runner-Up Manual Meat Grinder

CAM2 304 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Grinder

The CAM2 304 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Grinder, a strong contender and the runner-up on our best manual meat grinder list. This kitchen tool is all about durability, performance, and ease of use.

The CAM2 Grinder is a real workhorse, built with heavy-duty stainless steel from top to bottom. One of the standout features of this grinder is its wide-opening clamp. This neat little detail allows you to mount the grinder on almost any countertop or table, giving you a lot of freedom on where you can set up.

Looking for different textures in your ground meat? The CAM2 Grinder has got you covered with its two stainless steel plates for coarse and fine grinding. So whether you want chunky or smooth ground meat, this grinder’s got your back.

Adding to its versatility, this grinder includes a filling tube for making sausages. And the best part? The 420 stainless steel blades are top-of-the-line quality, and you get an extra one for replacement if needed.

However, like any high-quality product, the CAM2 Grinder comes with a high price tag. But considering its robust construction, performance, and the extra features, we think it’s worth every penny.

What We Liked

• Made from heavy-duty, rust-resistant stainless steel for long-lasting use.
• Wide-opening clamp allows easy mounting on various surfaces.
• Offers two different grinding textures with its stainless steel plates.
• Includes a filling tube for sausage making and extra stainless steel blades.
• Damage preventing rubber pads protect your work surfaces.

What We Didn’t Like

• It’s a bit pricey.

So, if you’re in search of a high-performing, durable and versatile manual meat grinder, the CAM2 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Grinder makes a fantastic choice.

Most Durable Manual Meat Grinder

Weston Manual Tinned Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer

The Weston Manual Tinned Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer is known for its durability, offering more than just long-lasting performance.

The Weston Grinder is made to last. It’s packed with features that make it a standout product. With its 2 cutting plates, you can have the freedom to choose between two sizes: 45mm and 10mm. It also has a sausage stuffing kit that includes an adapter, spacer, and three funnels of different sizes.

You’ll have plenty of room to work with as the grinder has a large 3″ x 4″ hopper opening. This means you can grind more meat in one go. It also offers three funnel sizes: 14mm, 19mm, and 24mm, so you can make all sorts of sausages, from breakfast links to hot dogs and bratwurst.

The grinder comes with an easy-to-attach clamp style that can fit any countertop up to 1.5 inches thick. It’s designed with adjustable burrs that let you control how coarse or fine you want your meat to be ground.

The heavy-duty nylon auger bearing makes sure the grinder performs smoothly. And like the other grinders we’ve reviewed, the Weston Grinder cares for your countertops too. It comes with rubber pads that prevent damage to your work surfaces.

What We Liked

• Offers 2 cutting plates for different grind sizes.
• Comes with a sausage stuffing kit with three different funnel sizes.
• Easy to attach to any countertop up to 1.5 inches thick.
• Adjustable burrs for coarse to fine grind control.
• Disassembles for quick and easy cleanup.

What We Didn’t Like

• Instructions can be confusing.

To sum it up, the Weston Manual Tinned Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer offers durable and reliable performance. It’s packed with features that can cater to your different grinding needs.

Best Manual Meat Grinder for Beginners

Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder

The Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder is simple to use, compact, and comes packed with features designed to keep you safe and deliver the perfect grind. This is the one to consider if you’re just starting out.

The Gideon Grinder is designed with the user in mind. Simply put your chosen meats or veggies in the grinder and give the hand crank a twist. You’ll end up with a fine paste ready to be cooked to your liking. It features high-quality stainless steel blades and screens for long-lasting performance.

Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to take with you to your next barbeque. The blades are fully enclosed to prevent injuries, and it comes with a meat pusher to keep your fingers safe. The hand crank is super easy to turn. Even better, it has a powerful suction base to keep it in place while you’re using it.

In a nutshell, the Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder is a fantastic option for beginners. It’s simple, safe, and gets the job done.

What We Liked

• Simple and safe to use, perfect for beginners.
• High-quality stainless steel blades and screens.
• Compact and lightweight for easy transport and storage.
• Comes with a meat pusher to keep your fingers safe.
• Easy to clean – it’s dishwasher safe.

What We Didn’t Like

• It might struggle with tough cuts of red meat.
• It can’t handle bones.

In conclusion, the Gideon Grinder is a fantastic option for beginners. It’s compact, safe, and easy to use, and it delivers a great grind every time. Just remember to avoid tough cuts and bones, and you’ll have a fantastic grinding experience.

Most Affordable Manual Meat Grinder

LHS Manual Meat Grinder

Looking to grind your own meats without breaking the bank? The LHS Manual Meat Grinder might be just what you need. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options on our list, but don’t let the price tag fool you. This grinder comes packed with features and has a lot to offer.

The LHS Grinder can do a lot more than just grind meat. It comes with a bunch of attachments, like two grinding plates for coarse and fine grinding, a cutting blade, a sausage stuffer, and even a cookie attachment. So you can use it to make anything from homemade meatballs to fresh cookies and sausages. The power is in your hands, and that means healthier and fresher food.

One of the standout features of this grinder is its double fixation design. It has a strong suction cup at the bottom and a stainless steel table clamp. These two features work together to keep the grinder in place when you’re using it, making your job a lot easier. Just remember to place it on a dry, smooth counter for the best results.

The LHS Grinder takes safety seriously. The blade is fully enclosed, so you won’t accidentally cut yourself. It also comes with a meat pusher, so you can keep your hands away from the feeder. All you have to do is turn the hand crank.

When you’re done, you’ll find this grinder super easy to clean. Most parts can be taken apart and it’s dishwasher safe too. Just remember not to put the white body part in the dishwasher. And once it’s clean, it’s just as easy to store away thanks to its compact design.

The LHS Grinder is made with a heavy-duty plastic body and stainless steel blades. So it’s built to last. You’ll feel the quality as soon as you hold it in your hands.

What We Liked

• Comes with a bunch of attachments, making it very versatile.
• Has a double fixation design to keep the grinder in place.
• Blades are fully enclosed for safety.
• Easy to clean and store.
• Made with high-quality materials.

What We Didn’t Like

• The suction cup might not work as well on some surfaces.
• The white body part can’t go in the dishwasher.

All in all, the LHS Manual Meat Grinder is a top choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly grinder. It’s versatile, easy to use, and built to last. So if you’re a home cook looking for a grinder that won’t break the bank, this is the one for you.

Recap: Thes Best Manual Meat Grinders

• Best Overall: Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder
• Runner-Up: CAM2 304 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Grinder
• Most Durable: Weston Manual Tinned Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer
• Best for Beginners: Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder
• Most Affordable: LHS Manual Meat Grinder

How To Use A Manual Meat Grinder

Getting the hang of a manual meat grinder can be a bit tricky at first, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll find it a breeze. Whether you’re looking to prepare some ground beef for homemade burgers or grinding pork butt for sausages, these handy tools are a game-changer. So, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use one.

Preparing Your Manual Grinder

Before you start grinding, you’ll want to prep your meat. Cut the meat into small cubes or strips that can easily fit into the grinder’s opening. For the best results, partially freeze the meat. This helps the meat to maintain its shape during the grinding process, leading to a more consistent grind.

Next, assemble your grinder. Hand cranked meat grinders usually come in several pieces, including the main body, handle, and different plates for coarse or fine grinding. You’ll want to securely attach the handle to the body, and pick the right plate for the texture you’re after.

Remember, the coarse plate is great for grinding pork butt for sausages, while the fine plate is perfect for ground beef or turkey.

Grinding Meat

Once your grinder is assembled and your meat is prepped, you’re ready to start grinding. Take a handful of your prepped meat and place it in the grinder’s hopper. Use the food pusher to safely push the meat down into the grinder. Never use your hands or fingers to push the meat, always use the food pusher for this job.

Now you’re ready to start turning the handle. Apply steady pressure and keep the turning speed consistent. As you crank the handle, ground meat will start to come out of the front of the grinder.

Key Tips to Keep in Mind

Remember to clean out your grinder between different types of meat to avoid cross-contamination. Also, make sure to keep the meat as cold as possible during the grinding process to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Once you’ve mastered the basic steps, you can start experimenting with different types of meat and textures. You might be surprised at the amazing dishes you can create with a simple hand cranked meat grinder!

Best Manual Meat Grinder Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to cooking at home, having the right tools can make a world of difference, and a manual meat grinder is no exception. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, having your meat grinder gives you control over the freshness, fat content, and texture of your meat.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this buyer’s guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when shopping for a manual meat grinder.

Performance

When it comes to manual meat grinders, the first thing to consider is performance. After all, the primary purpose of a grinder is to grind meat. So, how well does it do that?

You’ll want to choose a model that can handle the type and quantity of meat you plan to grind, whether it’s lean chicken breasts or a chunky pork butt. The grinder should work efficiently and produce a consistent grind.

Ease of Cleaning

Next, consider how easy the grinder is to clean. Meat grinders can be a bit tricky to clean because they have several parts and meat can get stuck in small crevices.

Look for a grinder that is easy to disassemble and has dishwasher-safe parts. Remember, keeping your grinder clean is not just about convenience; it’s also crucial for food safety.

Size

What size meat grinder do you need? This will largely depend on your kitchen space and your cooking needs. If you have limited counter space, you might want to opt for a smaller, more compact model. But if you often cook for a crowd or like to prep meals in advance, a larger grinder might be a better fit.

Keep in mind that the size of the grinder can also affect its capacity and how quickly it can grind meat.

Features and Attachments

What kind of bonus features and attachments should you look for? This depends on your cooking needs. Some manual meat grinders come with attachments for making sausages, pasta, or even cookies.

If you’re interested in making homemade sausages, look for a grinder with sausage-stuffing attachments and various sized sausage stuffing tubes. These sausage stuffer tubes are essential for making delicious homemade sausages, so if your meat grinder comes with them, that’s a huge bonus!

Adjustable Speeds and Reverse Functions

Lastly, consider whether the grinder has adjustable speeds or a reverse function. While these features are more common in electric grinders, some manual models also offer them.

Adjustable speeds allow you to control the pace of grinding, which can be helpful when you’re grinding different types of meat. A reverse function can help clear any clogs that might occur during the grinding process.

Meat Grinder Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your manual meat grinder is essential to keep it functioning well and prolonging its life. Follow these tips to get the most out of your grinder:

Clean After Every Use

One of the most important things to do is clean your grinder after each use. Meat residue left behind can harden and become difficult to remove. More importantly, it can also lead to bacterial growth, which can be a health hazard.

Disassemble your grinder as much as possible and wash each part with warm, soapy water. If some parts of your grinder are dishwasher-safe, you can use your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.

Dry Completely

After washing your grinder, it’s crucial to let it dry completely before reassembling and storing it. Moisture left on the metal parts can cause rust. You can air-dry the parts or dry them by hand with a clean towel to speed up the process.

Regularly Inspect Parts

Regularly inspect the parts of your grinder, particularly the blades. They should be sharp for efficient grinding. If you notice any dullness or damage, you might need to replace them. Also, check other parts like the handle and the feeding tube to make sure they’re secure and working properly.

Lubricate

Some manual grinders might benefit from occasional lubrication. This can help keep the parts moving smoothly and prevent wear and tear. If you decide to lubricate your grinder, make sure to use a food-grade mineral oil and apply it sparingly.

Store Properly

Proper storage is also important for maintaining your grinder. Keep it in a dry, clean place where it’s safe from dust and damage. Some grinders come with a storage box or case, which can be very useful.

Following these maintenance tips can help you get the most out of your manual meat grinder. Remember that caring for your grinder can help ensure its longevity and performance, making your cooking tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Manual Meat Grinders FAQs