Weston meat grinders Pro vs Butcher series ??

[poacherjoe]

Looking at a new grinder but it's a toss up between these 2 . Anyone have a review on them ?

 

[DRKsmoking]

I am no help to your question, but I am in because I need to get a grinder. As need to start grinding my own meat after my sausage fail
So here is a bump to bring back to the top.

David

 

[sawhorseray]

I've had a 1hp commercial grade grinder from Cabelas for 20 years Joe, made by Weston and looks to be the Butcher series. The nice thing about the #22 grinder is they have a reverse switch, and are powerful enough to turn an attached meat mixer. I'm seeing they have really gone up in price since I got mine. All I can say is I've had flawless service from mine, never a problem and plenty of power. Looks like the Pro series costs $100 more, they are all heavy as hell. RAY

 

[river100]

Looking at a new grinder but it's a toss up between these 2 . Anyone have a review on them ?

I just bought a Weston pro # 8 today, $ 399.99.
I did a ton of research on the Weston and others. The difference between the pro and butcher series is the hp. Pro has 3/4hp and the butcher series has 1/2hp. They have the same heads. Cabela's has the #12 3/4hp for about the same price or maybe $ 30 more.

 

[Oceantoad]

Also following this thread, looking into grinders myself. Like the looks of the Meat your Maker 1hp and the Cabela's Carnivore 1hp. Problem is the one from MYM is never in stock.

 

[Dave in AZ]

The main consideration if doing 1hp or 1.5hp, and 22 vs 32, is whether there is a mixer that will attach. Meat yourMakrr, only the 32 1.5hp attaches to their mixer. The 1hp #22 you have to hopw will work with LEM mixer, or you can jerry rig a 50lb waltons mixer.

Once you're at that size, its a shame to get a grinder that you can't find a mixer for... I got the #22 1hp Meat grinder. Love it... but now I have to search and hope the Walton's mixer works.

Lem has a 20lb motorized mixer that will attach to some of their grinders, which is more my size....

 

[tallbm]

Looking at a new grinder but it's a toss up between these 2 . Anyone have a review on them ?

Don't have a Weston Pro but have a Weston 450watt one they haven't made a for a while now. It's no where as heavy duty or powerful but it works like a champ!

Mine is all metal gears, has reverse capability, and NEVER gets hot. I just need chilled meat, not frozen and it never ever ever gets hot. I also NEVER have to put my grinder parts in the freezer either!

It works about as fast as I can go as a 1 man operation cutting meat and feeding at the same time so I have never really needed the higher powered ones though I see the value in being able to grind a bunch of prepped meat very quickly.
Personally if the extra power leads to heating and smeared meat I don't see the value in trade off for power on something you then have to coddle or run more slowly because of that issue.

Not saying the ones you are looking at heat up (I have no clue if they do), but am saying that it is a consideration that I put high on my list. :)

 

[DougE]

Don't have a Weston Pro but have a Weston 450watt one they haven't made a for a while now. It's no where as heavy duty or powerful but it works like a champ!

I have the 575 watt 8# version, and it does all I ask it to do. It won't run a mixer or anything like that, but it serves me well for the time being. I will likely upgrade to something bigger eventually, though.

 

[tallbm]

I have the 575 watt 8# version, and it does all I ask it to do. It won't run a mixer or anything like that, but it serves me well for the time being. I will likely upgrade to something bigger eventually, though.

Good to know it runs well. It ever heat up or heat the meat up on you? Curious because if mine craps the bed I wouldn't mind going back to Weston for another reliable one since I don't need anything too hardcore but well enough to do a couple hundred pounds a year maybe :)

 

[DougE]

It ever heat up or heat the meat up on you? Curious because if mine craps the bed I wouldn't mind going back to Weston for another

It does fine so long as I do my part with knife work and keeping the meat cold. Zero issues with fat smearing or anything like that. I'd upgrade mainly to cut down on the knifework to something that would eat strips.

 

[tallbm]

It does fine so long as I do my part with knife work and keeping the meat cold. Zero issues with fat smearing or anything like that. I'd upgrade mainly to cut down on the knifework to something that would eat strips.

Great info, mine is basically the same way!
Mine will eat strips but I notice it works tends to work harder on beef strips vs pork, venison, chicken, or pork backfat.
I don't grind a lot of beef though but have known to do so when select grade briskets go on sale for like $1.79-1.99/lb once or twice a year around here. Makes for amazing burger :)

 

[DougE]

tallbm Mine would likely eat bigger pieces than I feed it, but I don't push it. Really no reason to when it doesn't take that much longer to cut it in one inch, or so, cubes. I also mostly grind pork and chicken.

 

[Cattoon]

I have the pro series #8 and have been very satisfied, I bought the cuber attachment and use it several times a year. Using the grinder is a pleasure. I have no complaints about it at all.