I've decided I want to start dabbling in sausage making, but I don't really know what equipment I need aside from a meat grinder and a sausage stuffer, or what's decent vs. what's crap.
I'm looking for recommendations on equipment that's good quality, works efficiently, and will last, but not necessarily so top of the line that it will will break the bank, as this is something I want to start dabbling in, but I probably won't be doing a ton of. Really, I just want to make better use of my beef and pork trimmings and thought sausage making would be perfect for that. All that being said, I'm thinking of setting a budget at $400 for now for both the grinder and a stuffer. I could go up to $500 if it would make a huge difference, but I'd like to stay at $400 if possible.
Another thing I should point out is that I've looked around a little bit online and seen there are different sizes like #5, #8, #12 etc., but I really have no idea what that means.
I saw a recommendation for this Kitchener #12 by Chef jimmyj in another thread and am thinking about going with that for the grinder:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kitchene...AMTbNe9fspQWQG2OivLyDA5YU1MxrqrBoCFokQAvD_BwE which would cost about $161 including tax and shipping, so not bad, I'm open to other recommendations though.
I also saw recommendations for the Lem #12: https://www.lemproducts.com/product/big-bite-grinder-12-head-size/butcher-meat-grinders, but that's way more expensive and would take my whole budget for now so I'd need to save for a stuffer later.
For the stuffer, I have no idea what to look at, so I definitely need some recommendations.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
I'm looking for recommendations on equipment that's good quality, works efficiently, and will last, but not necessarily so top of the line that it will will break the bank, as this is something I want to start dabbling in, but I probably won't be doing a ton of. Really, I just want to make better use of my beef and pork trimmings and thought sausage making would be perfect for that. All that being said, I'm thinking of setting a budget at $400 for now for both the grinder and a stuffer. I could go up to $500 if it would make a huge difference, but I'd like to stay at $400 if possible.
Another thing I should point out is that I've looked around a little bit online and seen there are different sizes like #5, #8, #12 etc., but I really have no idea what that means.
I saw a recommendation for this Kitchener #12 by Chef jimmyj in another thread and am thinking about going with that for the grinder:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kitchene...AMTbNe9fspQWQG2OivLyDA5YU1MxrqrBoCFokQAvD_BwE which would cost about $161 including tax and shipping, so not bad, I'm open to other recommendations though.
I also saw recommendations for the Lem #12: https://www.lemproducts.com/product/big-bite-grinder-12-head-size/butcher-meat-grinders, but that's way more expensive and would take my whole budget for now so I'd need to save for a stuffer later.
For the stuffer, I have no idea what to look at, so I definitely need some recommendations.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.