Meat grinder recommendations.

[old sarge]

The LEM Big Bite grinders have a 5 year warranty; Academy says 2 year. The grind per minute - 4 lbs - is for a Big Bite 5, not the 8 which is 7 lbs per minute. I think Academy has made an error. A phone call from a prospective buyer might clear it up. It may or may not be a Big Bite (which has a large grab on the auger).

 

[GonnaSmoke]

Lem's website says the # 5 is .35hp

Academy says they have a LEM #8 Big Bite that is .35 HP. That's why I'm questioning what's going on.

 

[GonnaSmoke]

The link you put up says item no. W779 . When I search that number it comes up as LEM #8 .35 hp grinder .
Old Sarge is probably right . Old stock " Pre " big bite maybe ?
500 watt would be the .5 HP range .

Maybe, but it is confusing. Thanks Rich...

 

[GonnaSmoke]

Double check the rating. LEM did, in the past, have lower HP models but upgraded a several years ago. You may be looking at 'new old stock'! Or it may be just a misprint.

I would like to think that Academy doesn't have "new/old stock" grinders, but maybe...

 

[okie sawbones]

I'll parrot the LEM #12. I've put hundreds and hundreds of pounds of meat through it without a whimper. It is probably overkill for what I do. I imagine the #8 would be just fine for the average person, but you know the Tim the Tool Man mentality -- more power, argh, argh, argh.

 

[old sarge]

The Academy site just refers to the grinder as the LEM #8. Not a Big Bite. 2 year warranty versus 5; grinds 240 lbs per hour versus 420 lbs per hour for the Big Bite 8. Academy price for the LEM #8 is $379. At LEM it is the #5 $349. The Big Bite #8 at LEM is $399. Buyer beware!

 

[hooked on smoke]

Lem makes good equipment, So does a company called "Meat Your Maker" I have the Meat #12 there warranty is the best. Plus they have a great sale going on https://www.meatyourmaker.com/process/grinders/

Thank you, I'll look into them.

 

[hooked on smoke]

I have a Cabela's 1.5 HP. It takes longer to clean it then it does to grind 10-15 pounds of meat.Maybe overkill for you but just don't buy an undersized model . Any cheap beef will make a good burger,you may need to add a bit of fat to some lean cuts like an eye of the round .I like to grind pork butt for homemade sausage(bulk for patties is good) and I save the back fat cap to add to real lean beef. You still get a good beef flavor and a burger that won't fall apart!

Good to know, thanks.

 

[uncle eddie]

If I were to buy one today at an entry level grinder I would go with the LEM #8 big bite. LEM makes good quality equipment.

I have the same...quiet as a can-opener and and runs all day.

 

[hooked on smoke]

Thanks to all of you for your input.