Small Scale Grinder/Stuffer

[dmichaelm]

Traditionally we have done a lot of large scale sausage making with our annual venison. 3lb tubes smoked. The rest gets turned into roasts, sandwiches, etc.

This year I would like to do some smaller scale grinding and stuffing. Take a chance to do some smaller scale sausages. Think 1-2 lbs at a time. give me a chance to try a bunch of recipes.

Anyone have experience with small scale grinders? Easy to use?

I was looking at some of the small hand crank countertop models. We have a kitchen aid stand mixer. What about the attachment? there is plaastic and "pro grade".

Any thoughts?

[dairyman]

Yep---don't buy a hand grinder--------too much frustration. Been there,done that. Get an electric model,I'm using one from Northern tools 1200 watts output power. Makes the job much easier

[corncob]

I have found that when doing smaller scale sausages, wieners, various links, that I wish I had a bigger grinder than the electric model I have.....It does the job , but, grinding and regrinding is tedious and time consuming and difficult to keep the meat cool at the same time....I wish I had a bigger grinder or at least a more powerful one for these jobs.

[DonBo]

Definetly NOT a hand grinder.

[dmichaelm]

So we've established hand grinding is not preferable....

and how about some suggestions? what do you have that you like?

[LABS4ME]

Why not do all your grinding when you do your 'large scale' work, then just reserve some ground meat for small batches? I don't get the 'small' grinder/stuffer option that's needed.

If you want to do 3 lb batches, use 3 lbs of ground meat. Buy a 5 lb stainless stuffer for 100 bucks and your done.

Good Luck!

Ken

[Walleyehooker]

A lot of guys use the cheaper about $100 electric grinders and they will do the job if you don't force feed them and break the plastic gears. Or you need to spend quite a bit more for a commercial grade grinder that will last a LONG time.

[highlife4me]

I have a small electric one that my wife got me from Cabela's. I've had it for a few years and have no problems with it. Works good for doing small batches and is small enough to keep in the kitchen cupboard so the wife uses it too. I have had to grind a couple 50 lb batches and it worked fine but if you plan on grinding more than 10 - 15 lb often then you will want a larger one.

[leechlake]

I have one from Cabelas too. Its a model 30-0011 "Heavy Duty Grinder".

Heavy duty may be pushing it. I think it cost $150 or so and all I do is the small batch stuff with it. I've had it for about 5 years and it works fine. I'm amazed in those five years I haven't lost any of the attachments, but generally my wife puts that stuff in a bag so I don't lose it.

The only problem I've run into is when I add the pork the fat can get hung up on the auger and I have to pull it off and throw it away. I think if I had it a bit more frozen that wouldn't be as much of an issue.

[LABS4ME]

Right in thinking small grinder for small jobs, but it sounds as though they have a large grinder for doing large amounts. Get all your grinding done then and just buy a stuffer.

They work much better than a stuffer attachment on a grinder. I've done it both ways, will use a stuffer 98% of the time. Especially for filling tubes! Not sure where the thought is that he would need to buy another grinder?

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I started with either the Cabelas Pro Grinder, or the Pro Series Grinder (they look fairly similar). In any case, it lasted through about 1/4 of a deer and burnt out. Definitely not up to the task. The Kitchen Aid mixer had to finish the job, which was extremely tedious.

I also had one of their small slicers. That lasted for a couple uses, and also burnt out.

Cabela's took both items back, no questions asked.

I have since purchased a commercial grade grinder and slicer from them, with MUCH better results. Based on my experience I'd stay away from these low end products. Just grind everything together, and freeze in smaller packages until you are ready to make individual batches.

[leechlake]

I got the impression he wanted his own small grinder because...well...he said he did. Sitting there in the Winter with nothing to do on a Saturday so you break out the smallish grinder about the fridge in the cabinet and get at it. It's fun. Waist of money? His call. Less convenient than grinding 100#'s and freezing it to tinker with later? Maybe, but he wants to tinker with mix ratios probably and other things.

[eyeguy 54]

got one of these about 25 years ago. still works great as long as I really tighten down the round blade holder. I probably grind 30 to 50 pounds a year average so not a lot but have borrowed it to friends and they liked it also. saw a used one on e b a y for under 40 with shipping. When I grind if i am doing say 20 pounds I just put 2 pounds into 10 zip loks and freeze. then I thaw what I need for whatever be it hotdish, chile, jerky, burger, fatty...

[LABS4ME]

Yep I get the tinker mid winter part, but you ave to freeze meat either in chunks to be groud later or pre ground... You have to thaw either way, my way you are down to seasonings and stuff... No need for a small cheapo grinder that may or may not last... That's the on,y part of the equation I am saying should be removed... I think it more prudent to put your money into a good stuffer if you already have a good grinder...

But you are right, if he wants to grind and stuff with a little grinder, it's his call. As eye guy says, grind it all at once and freeze into one or two pound portions to pull out when you feel like it and concoct your new favorite sausage recipe.

Good luck!

Ken

[NEANGLER]

I have the kitchen aid mixer attachment, just used it today and made 15lbs of deer summer sausage. Also good for small batches and very easy to clean. Think it's only around $50 so worth the spend to try it instead of buying a spendier grinder when you plan on doing small batches.

[thirdeye]

I have the kitchen aid mixer attachment, just used it today and made 15lbs of deer summer sausage. Also good for small batches and very easy to clean. Think it's only around $50 so worth the spend to try it instead of buying a spendier grinder when you plan on doing small batches.

I've had the KA grinder for at least 20 years. Our mixer is the same age and is one of the lower watt models, but this grinder works great. Using the large plate, I can grind at the rate of one pound per minute, and I give it a rest every 10 or so minutes while I transfer the ground meat, or prepare the next batch for grinding. I have done as much as 50 pounds in an afternoon. I prep my beef or pork by slicing and chilling in the freezer until it's icy... then grind.

That said, the KA stuffer is not that great of a tool. A dedicated stuffer is the way to go. I have two 5 pound vertical models from The Sausage Maker, there are many out there that work fine.

[eyeguy 54]

just ground 10 pounds to freeze with old faithful. It took 6 minutes. It sure is nice for grinding if you are just doing that. Not sure how the stuffing process goes. I take some trimmings to a locker for brats.