Meat grinders are no longer considered kitchen tools that only a butcher or hunter might have on hand anymore. In fact, many consumers are already inspired in purchasing one for their kitchen due to the explosion of food shows that feature how meals are prepared from scratch, using fresh ingredients and without the use of any additives.
With the use of the best manual meat grinder, you can now make your meat dishes using fresh ingredients in your own kitchen.
Since there are different makes and models of manual meat grinders, it is important to choose the best one that fits your budget and suits your needs and preferences.
To help you with your decision, read the guide provided below and pick the best one among the top five manual meat grinders reviewed.
How Does a Meat Grinder Work?
[amazon bestseller =”meat grinder” items=”20″]
A manual meat grinder is considered the cheapest type of meat grinder compared to a standalone grinder and stand mixer attachment. Also, this is the smallest and simplest form of a meat grinder. This device is also rather simple to operate.
This kitchen tool comes in several parts including a hopper, pusher, and a crank handle. The hopper holds the chunks of meat before they are processed. The pusher, on the other hand, is used to shove the meat down into the feed tube. Lastly, the crank handle turns the grinder into motion.
Manual Meat Grinder versus Electric Meat Grinder
Like many kitchen tools, meat grinders are available in manual and electric types. You may be confused whether to buy a manual one or an electric one.
Both types of food processors have their own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a manual grinder is considered more affordable and compact in terms of size. Also, it is considered more portable and saves energy, as it does not require any electricity to function.
On the other hand, an electric meat grinder is considered more convenient to use and more powerful. It also allows you to process meat quicker. However, electric grinders tend to cost more than the manual type.
Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Manual Meat Grinder
There are several things that you need to consider in choosing the best manual meat grinder. Here are some of them.
Durability
In choosing a manual grinder, you have to consider the device that offers sturdy craftsmanship. You should consider investing in a tool that will last long, as this should help you save in the long run because you will not need to purchase grinders often.
You should also check the exterior of the device and make sure that it is dust proof. Also, the blades must be sharp and strong for better cutting capability.
There are some units that are made of hard plastic but the blades are made of stainless steel. They are often more affordable. However, a more durable option would be the stainless steel meat grinder.
Quality of Ground Meat
In purchasing a manual grinder, you have to check the quality of ground meat it can produce.
You should check if the grinder can produce a fine meat texture without any huge lumps or chunks of meat. This way, you know that the grinder you purchase generates the highest quality output.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Another factor to consider in purchasing a manual grinder would be its ease of cleaning and maintenance.
You should look for a grinder that can be disassembled easily to ensure that all parts can be cleaned thoroughly. There are some models that come with parts that are dishwasher safe.
Extra Accessories
There are some grinders that come with extra accessories that extend the normal use of the tool. For instance, there are manual grinders that come with different cutting plates, a cutting knife, and stuffing tubes.
The extra accessories allow you to prepare meat in several ways, enabling you to get more value in just one simple tool.
Versatility and Stability
You should also consider the versatility and stability of a manual meat grinder. It is ideal to look for a grinder that can process not just meat but also fat, tendons, and soft bones. In addition, there are even grinders that can process vegetables.
The stability of the device is also important. You should choose the device that will remain stable on the table while you are using it.
Price
Getting the most affordable brand with the best quality is considered the ideal way to purchase any product. Likewise, you should find a manual meat grinder that offers the best quality at the most affordable cost.
Expensive brands do not always offer the best quality. Thus, you should be very careful in making a choice. In fact, there are more affordable brands that provide the same features.
Also, you should not purchase products that are way beyond your intended budget.
Warranty
Warranty is something that most people neglect to check when purchasing a product. However, you should consider purchasing a meat grinder with a warranty that will cover all the unprecedented defects of the device.
Most meat grinder brands offer a minimum of one year warranty. However, if you can find a grinder that offers more than a year in warranty, that will be great.
The most warranty should provide coverage for the main parts of the device like the cutting plates and the hopper.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Manual Meat Grinder?
The main advantage of using a manual meat grinder is its capacity to create healthier meals without using poor quality ground meat that you can purchase in your local stores.
With the use of this kitchen tool, you can process fresh meat without any additives or preservatives. Not just that, you can cut down the cost of purchasing prepackaged ground meat.
Also, you are guaranteed that the processed meat is clean because you prepared it yourself.
Top 5 Best Manual Meat Grinder Reviews 2024
We have reviewed the top five of the best manual meat grinders in the market today. Read on to learn more about them.
LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder
[amazon box=”B002L84GJU”]
This stainless steel clamp on hand grinder is an exceptionally powerful tool that enables you to process ground meat right in the comforts of your own kitchen.
This device features a heavy duty stainless steel construction, ensuring durability. Not just that, it is designed to be rust resistant. Also, it is very easy to clean.
To ensure stability, this kitchen tool comes with a wide open clamp that you can mount in all types of tables or countertops.
It comes with two steel plates measuring fine plate (3/16 inch) and a coarse plate (3/8 inch). Also, it comes with a stainless steel knife, a stuffing star, and three stuffing tubes measuring a ½ inch, ¾ inch, and 7/8 inch.
What We Like
- Designed with sturdy stainless steel construction
- Stable and comes with a wide opening clamp for mounting
- Comes with extra accessories
- Includes two steel plates
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean and assemble
What We Didn’t Like
- Heavy
Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder
[amazon box=”B01K2VLSNY”]
With this manual meat grinder, you can effortlessly and quickly grind meat. Not just that, you can even use this device to grind fruits, vegetables, and spices.
This device is made from heavy duty plastic and stainless steel. Its stainless steel blades and screens ensure durability and optimum performance while allowing it to be easily cleaned using a dishwasher.
Also, the grinder comes with a coarse grinding plate and a fine mincing plate to meet all your grinding needs and preferences.
Not just that, it is simple and safe to operate. Its blades are enclosed and it comes with a perfect fit plunger to avoid hand to blade contact during operation.
What We Like
- Small and compact for easy storage
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with suction base for stability
- Comes with extra grinding plates
- User-friendly and safe to operate
What We Didn’t Like
- Designed with plastic material and may not be as durable as steel or aluminum
- Smaller capacity
- Does not grind soft bones and tendons
Weston #10 Manual Tinned Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer
[amazon box=”B000BQSW44″]
This heavy duty grinder is definitely one of the best manual grinders in the market. The device has been tested for health and safety. Not just that, it is considered as one of the high performing and quality meat grinders in the market today.
This device is designed with adjustable burrs that will allow you to control your grinding process from coarse to fine grinding.
It can be assembled and disassembled easily for convenient grinding and ease in cleaning. For stability, this grinder comes with a clamp that you can mount on countertops up to 1 ½ inch thick.
It is lightweight and portable. In fact, it only measures about a pound. It can also easily be stored as it is quite compact.
What We Like
- Sturdy and durable
- Performs grinding process well
- Crank turns effortlessly
- Easy to clean
- Designed with adjustable burrs
What We Didn’t Like
- Clamp may not fit some countertops
- Does not come with plunger
CucinaPro Meat Grinder
[amazon box=”B0000DE4LW”]
Now you can create healthier and cleaner ground in your home using the CucinaPro Meat Grinder.
This device is specifically designed for home use. It comes with three distinct cutting discs including fine, medium and coarse cutting discs.
This manual meat grinder is made of heavy duty cast iron, which ensures the device’s durability. For its stability, it comes with table clamp that you can attach to any table or counter ledge.
What We Like
- Heavy duty construction
- Portable and compact
- Comes with three distinct cutting discs
- Stable with table clamp
- Easy to clean and assemble
What We Didn’t Like
- Clamp may not fit all types of countertops
- Does not come with plunger
Bellemain Manual Meat Grinder
[amazon box=”B010R3DCCW”]
If you are looking for a device that can help you create small batches of ground meat then the Bellemain Manual Meat Grinder may just be the best device for you.
This grinder is small and lightweight but performs well when it comes to grinding meat. Also, you can easily store it when not in use, as it does not take up too much storage space.
If features a strong suction base that ensures its stability during operation. In addition, you can easily disassemble the device for easy and convenient cleaning. It even comes with parts that are dishwasher safe.
It is made of heavy duty plastic and comes with a plunger, several grinding plates, and stainless steel blades.
What We Like
- Easy to operate
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
- Stable with powerful suction base
- Comes with a plunger
- Comes with multiple blades and grinding plates
What We Didn’t Like
- Comes with a small feed tube
- Plastic material may not be as durable as steel
The Bottom Line – What Is the Best Manual Meat Grinder?
Manual meat grinders are definitely useful tools and can be a great addition to your kitchen. With this device, you can process your own ground meat using fresh ingredients without any additives. Not just that, using a manual grinder will ensure that you are preparing healthier meals for the entire family.
No | Name | Image | Details |
1 | [amazon link=”B010R3DCCW” /] | [amazon fields=”B010R3DCCW” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B010R3DCCW” value=”button”] |
2 | [amazon link=”B0000DE4LW” /] | [amazon fields=”B0000DE4LW” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B0000DE4LW” value=”button”] |
3 | [amazon link=”B000BQSW44” /] | [amazon fields=”B000BQSW44” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B000BQSW44” value=”button”] |
4 | [amazon link=”B01K2VLSNY” /] | [amazon fields=”B01K2VLSNY” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B01K2VLSNY” value=”button”] |
5 | [amazon link=”B002L84GJU” /] | [amazon fields=”B002L84GJU” value=”thumb”] | [amazon fields=”B002L84GJU” value=”button”] |
Since there are several makes and models of this kitchen tool, it is important to choose your grinder carefully. Based on the reviews conducted, the best manual meat grinder is the LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder.
[amazon box=”B002L84GJU”]
This device is not only sturdy but also powerful. It is designed with a clamp for stability during operation. With this device, you can effortlessly make ground meat right in the comforts of your own kitchen. Not just that, it even comes with two steel plates and extra accessories like a stainless steel knife, a stuffing star, and three stuffing tubes measuring a ½ inch, ¾ inch, and 7/8 inch.
Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.