Sausage Stuffer

[smoke happens]

I have poured over the forum and looked a lot online to try and help me decide which stuffer to get. I thought a small 3lb or 5lb "horn" shaped stuffer would be fine, but the reviews I have read on several seem to indicate major problems with the seal around the plunger. Does anyone have one of theses that actually works well for them? At the $50 price range though, it seemed good but just don't want a crappy product.

I'm willing to spend a bit more, but on what? Vertical stuffers seem overkill for what I want to do, are much more $$, but seem to have less problems. I am just starting the sausage thing, will be doing my first batch in a few weeks so am buying supplies now. I have a grinder already, new one from Cabela's while on a Christmas sale. I have a stuffer attachment for the stand mixer but most of what I read states it really degrades texture too much and I don't want summer sausage that feels like a hotdog inside. I'm interested in something in the $50 - $100 price range, simply because I just don't think I will be making a ton of sausage. At the same time, I don't want garbage - right tool for the job are words to live by!

Are my expectations of performance and price point misaligned here?

 

[smoking b]

Avoid the horn stuffers at all cost!!!  This will be perfect for what you want to do  http://www.grizzly.com/products/5-lb-Sausage-Stuffer-Vertical/H6252

 

[smoke happens]

Thanks B. never heard of Grizzly before and they have a location about an hour from me. Good folks/products?

 

[danbono]

Hi I recenty purchased the Grizzly 5 Lb stuffer. Works MUCH better then using the grinder to stuff.

I also do small batches of sausage 5-10 lbs. The grizzly stuffer was alot cheaper around Xmas time.

Dan

 

[smoking b]

You're welcome 

  There are several members on here that use the Grizzly 5lb stuffer & are quite happy with it...

 

[smoking b]

Smoke Happens here is a good thread that will show you all about the Grizzly stuffer http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...rizzly-stuffer-15-pics-qview-good-for-rookies   If you have any additional questions just ask. Lots of people ready to help you out. 

 

[smoke happens]

Thanks AGAIN, great thread - wondering why I could not find that during my search? Seems like a vertical is the way to go. Any probs with the plastic gears, I see some ordered replacement metal gears? I don't think I will be using it enough to worry about it, but would rather start right.

 

[shoneyboy]

There are a couple options here is 1 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200449319_200449319  and the Grizzly is the other http://www.grizzly.com/products/5-lb-Sausage-Stuffer-Vertical/H6252  I think they both are pretty close......Hope this helps you...ShoneyBoy

 

[arnie]

I ended up with a 20 lb vertical stuffer from Cabalas.

I went with the 20 lb because most commercial sausage mixes are divided into 15 lb batches so this option gives me the room to add in cheese or whatever with the least amount of reworking and/or clean up

Works for me anyway

 

[diggingdogfarm]

Seems like a vertical is the way to go. Any probs with the plastic gears,

Most of the threat to plastic gears occurs when the suffer bottoms out or when you're stuffing small diameter sausages like snack sticks.
No biggy if you're careful.


~Martin

 

[smoke happens]

Thanks Martin.

 

[dward51]

Northern Tool runs their 5# vertical stuffer for $69 every month or so.  Use the $10 off $50 or more coupon to get it for $59.  At $9 more than the horn stuffer you are looking at I'm pretty sure you will appreciate the upgrade.  Lots of people have them here and the plastic gears will last if you pay attention to how much pressure you are putting on them.  And LEM metal replacements gears are reported to be a direct replacement if they break (and plastic replacements are also available).

Northern Tool discount codes (free ship to your local store also)

155709 - $5 off $15
155708 - $10 off $50
155707 - $20 off $100

They all expire on 2/16/13

 

[shoneyboy]

Northern Tool runs their 5# vertical stuffer for $69 every month or so.  Use the $10 off $50 or more coupon to get it for $59.  At $9 more than the horn stuffer you are looking at I'm pretty sure you will appreciate the upgrade.  Lots of people have them here and the plastic gears will last if you pay attention to how much pressure you are putting on them.  And LEM metal replacements gears are reported to be a direct replacement if they break (and plastic replacements are also available).

Northern Tool discount codes (free ship to your local store also)

155709 - $5 off $15
155708 - $10 off $50
155707 - $20 off $100

They all expire on 2/16/13