Differences in meat grinders.

[ngiovas]

I am considering upgrading to a new meat grinder, but after doing some research, I am on information overload. For reference, I have been using my Kitchenaid stand mixer with a grinding attachment (and sausage stuffer) for around 30 years. To be honest, I hate it. I really have to want to grind meat to use it, but it works for an occasional small batch.

I'm trying to figure out what makes one grinder better than another. I understand horsepower and tube size, but there must be way more to it than these two things. For example, I was looking at the following Vevor meat grinder: Vevor Electric Grinder 750W, mouth size 22 - $389

But then I also see another Vevor mixer that is 1100W and mouth size 22 for $219:

The one with more power is significantly less expensive. I must be missing some other specs? Also, is there anything wrong with this style of grinder? The only complaint I could find was that you can't remove the feed tube for cleaning without taking out some screws. What else do I need to consider?

 

[SmokinEdge]

The first pick looks just like my LEM. The second pick just stay away from. You want that grinder head to come off with a thumb screw.

 

[pc farmer]

About any grinder is better then using the KA. I tried it once. I bought a cheap #12 for when I don't have enough meat to break out the big grinder and it works good. Awesome compared to the KA but ok compared to the Hobart. With that being said buy the first one. My Hobart is a #22. That's a good sized grinder

 

[Boris1]

I would buy an LEM and be done with it. You want bigger than you need and more horsepower than you think you want in my opinion LOL

 

[pc farmer]

And there is a thread on here that a lost member has on sharpening the blades and plates. That is important for a good grind

 

[luvcatchingbass]

If that first grinder is anything like the Vevor chamber vac sealer I got then I wouldn't worry much about buying it. Probably just like a LEM without the name. Was just using my LEM today and was trying to think hiw many years and how much use I have gotten out of it. Used it to stuff sausage once and for sure a dedicated stuffer is the way to go, picked up a 5lb'er for tinkering finally

 

[Fueling Around]

No experience with Vevor or LEM grinders.
Tried the KA a few times and just used store ground meat or used the Armstrong (hand grinder).
Got a Weston #8 really cheap. Not the ideal grinder, but it will outlive me and does the job.
The thing I question on the Vevor versus my Weston is both are 750 watts. I think the Vevor might struggle with a larger meat load.

If that first grinder is anything like the Vevor chamber vac sealer I got then I wouldn't worry much about buying it. Probably just like a LEM without the name. Was just using my LEM today and was trying to think hiw many years and how much use I have gotten out of it. Used it to stuff sausage once and for sure a dedicated stuffer is the way to go, picked up a 5lb'er for tinkering finally

Yes a dedicated stuffer is the only way to go forward in this venture.
I think Vevor offers them too
Back north I have the cast iron 8# unit inherited from my wife's family.

Down here I have a Cabelas 2# jerky gun. Bought some stuffing tubes off Amazon to compliment. A bit small, but works very well to make sausage.

 

[JIMSMOKES]

And there is a thread on here that a lost member has on sharpening the blades and plates. That is important for a good grind

Is this it?

Time to Sharpen Grinder plates and knives...

So, with our big wild game processing day coming up in about a month, it's time to sharpen grinder plates and knives. Since we will be doing 24 deer and 3 wild hogs this year, we will have two grinders going. So I picked up Dad's grinder today and looking at the plates and knives, yep-time for a...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[luvcatchingbass]

Is this it?

Time to Sharpen Grinder plates and knives...

So, with our big wild game processing day coming up in about a month, it's time to sharpen grinder plates and knives. Since we will be doing 24 deer and 3 wild hogs this year, we will have two grinders going. So I picked up Dad's grinder today and looking at the plates and knives, yep-time for a...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Thanks for this
Was thinking as I was using mine today that it probably wouldn't hurt me to do a little tune-up on my plates and blade again.

 

[pc farmer]

Is this it?

Time to Sharpen Grinder plates and knives...

So, with our big wild game processing day coming up in about a month, it's time to sharpen grinder plates and knives. Since we will be doing 24 deer and 3 wild hogs this year, we will have two grinders going. So I picked up Dad's grinder today and looking at the plates and knives, yep-time for a...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

.no but the same process

 

[ngiovas]

The first pick looks just like my LEM. The second pick just stay away from. You want that grinder head to come off with a thumb screw.

Besides the head not being removable for cleaning, are there differences in the quality of the two? I just can't figure out why the second one is so much cheaper for a more powerful grinder. I don't mind spending the extra money if the first one is better, but I can't figure out what the differences are.

I was wondering if I could remove the bolts from the head and replace them with stainless thumb screws. In theory, that would work, but I don't know if there is some kind of seal that wasn't intended to be removed repeatedly.

Of course, once I make this decision, I will probably want a new sausage stuffer :^) . Those seem to be even more expensive.

 

[ngiovas]

Besides the head not being removable for cleaning, are there differences in the quality of the two? I just can't figure out why the second one is so much cheaper for a more powerful grinder. I don't mind spending the extra money if the first one is better, but I can't figure out what the differences are.

I was wondering if I could remove the bolts from the head and replace them with stainless thumb screws. In theory, that would work, but I don't know if there is some kind of seal that wasn't intended to be removed repeatedly.

Of course, once I make this decision, I will probably want a new sausage stuffer :^) . Those seem to be even more expensive.

Ok, I may have found some differences after reading the specs more carefully and after finding some reviews. The more expensive model has an induction motor with pure copper windings. I couldn't find anything in the specs or any of the reviews for the cheaper grinder specifying pure copper wire or an induction motor.

I noticed in the reviews that the induction motor model is much quieter. My guess is that the motor is the big difference between the two. For home use, the cheaper one would likely work for me, but I think an extra $150 is probably worth it.

I also found a review from someone who had owned multiple grinders, including both a Lem and a Vevor, and they stated that they both appeared to be built with similar quality. I will continue doing some research. The Vevor is out of stock right now anyway, so I would have to wait regardless.

Thanks for all of the input. I will likely post once I make a final decision and will try to provide a review of the grinder I end up buying.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

And there is a thread on here that a lost member has on sharpening the blades and plates. That is important for a good grind

This one?

Sharpen your grinder blade and true the plates

I made this video a while back and thought about it today when I sharpened my blade and refaced the plate. Thought it might be helpful to some others here. There are 3 videos total that take you through the whole process. Mods, feel free to remove if I'm breaking any rules...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[ngiovas]

Another quick update. I reached out to Vevor last night to ask when the #22 (the first one I listed) would be back in stock. Unfortunately, they told me it has been discontinued and will no longer be available. The only model they still have in stock is the #32. Because of that—and since I couldn’t find the #22 anywhere else, including Amazon—the Vevor is no longer an option.


After doing some more research, I came across the Valley Sportsman grinder, which appears to be identical to the Vevor and LEM grinders. The price is slightly higher than the Vevor but significantly lower than the LEM. After watching a lot of videos and reading forum posts, I also realized that a #22 may be more than I actually need. Many people seem very happy with a #12 grinder, so I started looking into those as well.


While browsing Amazon, I found a Valley Sportsman #12 grinder listed with “slight cosmetic damage to the packaging” for $280 (regular price is $419). On top of that, there was a 10% coupon available, bringing the total down to $250. At that price, it seemed worth a try. Worst case, I can return it and go with the #22 for $431 (assuming the coupon is still available), but I doubt that will be necessary.

I will likely post a review of the grinder once I have used it a few times.

 

[Boris1]

Check MEAT brand as well

 

[bmudd14474]

I have the Cabela's commercial 1/2hp grinder and its a work horse.

The biggest question you need to ask is how much are you grinding at 1 time.

If your doing 5-10 lbs then almost any of them would be fine. If your going to be doing 25lbs then yes it will make a huge difference in which one to get. The less time spent grinding means less heat build up and a better grind.

Good luck with your find. Can't wait to see how it works.

 

[hoity toit]

The first pick looks just like my LEM. The second pick just stay away from. You want that grinder head to come off with a thumb screw.

ditto what you said.

 

[Fueling Around]

Looking forward to future posts
Remember to put the grinder head including auger and meat tray in the fridge a few hours before starting the process. Use cheap cotton gloves under the the nitrile gloves to keep your hands warm and keep the meat cold.