Planning ahead - Upgrade to Sausage Making Equipment

[ajbert]

As far as cleaning the mixer, the Cabela's one is pretty easy. Remove the paddle from the mixer and then clean. Do other mixers not have a removable paddle?

 

[tallbm]

As far as cleaning the mixer, the Cabela's one is pretty easy. Remove the paddle from the mixer and then clean. Do other mixers not have a removable paddle?

The one I did had a removable paddle but the ends of it were multiple pieces with springs and meat would get into all of them and the portions of the box they fit into, etc. etc.
Worse thing I've ever had to clean with processing.

 

[JIMSMOKES]

The one I did had a removable paddle but the ends of it were multiple pieces with springs and meat would get into all of them and the portions of the box they fit into, etc. etc.
Worse thing I've ever had to clean with processing.

This! Only piece of equipment I bought for sausage making that I regretted.

 

[processhead]

Some folks will suggest going with the biggest equipment you can afford.
Being in your situation in terms of age and the onset of disabilities, I suggest getting equipment large enough for your immediate needs or maybe just a little bigger.
For grinders, I am a fan of #12 size because they have more than enough capacity for the batches you described and more. The other nice thing about mid-sized equipment is it is less weight to move around, its easier to clean, and they take up less space to store.
Pairing your grinder motor to a compatible mixer makes sense in your situation since hand mixing sounds like it is a non-starter.
I have a 20# Manca mixer, but don't use it too often since hand-mixing is still doable for me. Washing down any mixer is a pain. Hopeful you have a large slop sink where you can clean up your gear.
As far as a stuffer, I still am using a vintage manual cast-iron beast, but the old handle has been replaced with a 18" 1/2 drive ratchet. That little modification takes a lot the effort out of cranking a manual stuffer. An electric stuffer might be right for you.
Walton's makes some pretty good equipment, has great customer service, and stands behind everything they sell. You may want to take a look at their offerings.

 

[archeryrob]

I went with LEM as the #12 and 25# mixer. Grinder acts as a motor too.

The #12, IMO, is more than most home use people need. I have ground 1/2 a pig and multiple deer with mine. I can cut the neck into 1" square strips 12" to 15" long and just drop them in the throat and off it goes. #22 would be great as long as its not compressing your price point.

The 20# stuff would be great but keep the 5# for snack sticks. A lot of people talk about not being able to do small casings with the large stuffers.

I am with you on the large batches. Once I got a recipe I like Its only done in 20# batches and sealed and frozen. I gt too many hobbies to have this one eating more of my time.

 

[hoity toit]

Planning on making the purchase in February, but wanting to get my ducks in a row beforehand.

Current equipment:
No Mixer
Weston 5# manual stuffer - Manual is too hard on the old shoulder
Lem #8 grinder (only 1/2 or 1/2 hp) It's circuit breaker trips at times.

This is what I'm thinking of getting:
Vevor 30# Mixer with motor
Lem 20# electric stuffer
Cabela's #22 (1hp) Grinder & foot pedal

Wondering if anyone has options that may be better than what I've listed...

Pretty well set on the Cabela's grinder. Just looks beefier.
I'll need a sky hook though. It weight 68#.

Would like another good option for the Lem Stuffer. Not a fan of the $900 price tag.

TIA

Get a VEVOR stuffer at half the price..everything else you have listed looks good., about what I use also.

HT

 

[02ebz06]

hoity toit , Do you have a VEVOR stuffer?
If so, can you tell me your experience, likes, dislikes, etc. ?

 

[02ebz06]

Plan was to buy the items above in February.
However, the Vevor mixer was on sale, so what could I do.
The motor will wait until February though (unless it comes on sale, haha).
Some have complained about cleaning being a PITA, but I don't see an issue with this.
Two thumb screws (could be a little larger) to remove and paddle comes right out.
Don't see it being any more difficult that cleaning the grinder.
Need brushes.
As I was typing this, I got to thinking that maybe part of the problem some have had cleaning theirs, is not having a deep sink.
We have a nice deep sink in the laundry room with a spray faucet.
My slicer is more of a pain to clean than this will be. A lot of disassembly with it.

 

[processhead]

On the topic of cleaning equipment, you can simplify cleaning a mixer by giving all the surfaces a light spray or wipe-down with white food-grade oil just prior to use.