Now, it’s a tall order shopping for a manual meat grinder in a market flooded with similar brands, types, and designs. You know, an ideal manual meat grinder should be functional, right? But, what are the extras that make it stand out?
Rest assured, we got you covered. This in-depth guide focuses on nine of the best manual meat grinders of 2020 ideal for your type of homemade foods. In particular, we go through a checklist of factors you should use to sieve through the different brands.
Or, do you have a general question about manual meat grinders? Then, head straight to our FAQ section.
Ready? Let’s get to it!
9 Best Manual Meat Grinders on the Market:
1. LHS Manual Meat Grinder
View at AmazonReview
If you are looking for a manual meat grinder with versatile capabilities, then opt for the LHS Manual Meat Grinder. This unit comes fully accessorized with large and small cuts. Use it to grind your cooked trout, pork, steak, and chicken, and make patties in all shapes and sizes.
There is a fine and a coarse cutting plate for your meats, plus four cooking cutters shapes for your cookie dessert. Then, for your convenience, there is a meat pusher to save time and cut on residue meats.
Do you prefer monitoring your grind? The see-through construction makes this pleasure possible. Its power suction base and large hopper size make it ideal for grinding more meat faster.
What Customers are Saying
The grinder uses enclosed blades that make it safe for home use. Also, customers say that its non-slip base stabilizes the unit on most countertops.
Features
- Measures 10 inches by 6.2 inches by 4.2 inches
- Weighs 2.13 lbs.
- Heavy-duty plastic design
- Two stainless steel blades
- One cookie cutter
- One meat pusher
Pros
- It is a lightweight and portable design
- Retails with more accessories of versatile use
- Easy to use, disassemble and clean in a dishwasher
- Includes a ¾ inch sausage stuffing tube
Cons
- It is a delicate design
2. Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder
View at AmazonReview
The Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder is an entry-level handheld meat grinder for all your meat and vegetables. Its distinct white finish makes it easy to spot and clean any meat residue after each cycle.
At a light weight of only 2.5 pounds, this meat grinder retails in a portable yet affordable design. It is the ideal grinder for outdoor barbecues as you go trekking on a weekend getaway.
Next, the grinder uses two stainless steel blades that remain enclosed for safety. Plus, the meat pusher ensures you don’t harm your fingers, feeding the hopper with more meat.
What Customers are Saying
Most customers appreciate this grinder’s safety features in protecting the user against hand injury or accidents. Still, the handle can be firmer, as it is prone to break under lots of pressure.
Features
- Measures 10.9 inches by 6.7 inches by 6.1 inches
- Weighs 2.5 lbs.
- 2 Stainless steel blades and screens
- Suction base
Pros
- Excellent grinder for meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Includes a convenient mincing plate
- It has distinct safety features
- It uses a firm suction base for anchoring
- A lightweight design ideal for traveling
- It is dishwasher safe
Cons
- It is not ideal for soft bones
3. Kitchen Basics 3 N 1 Manual Meat and Vegetable Grinder
View at AmazonReview
Kitchen Basics 3N1 Manual Grinder consists of a meat and vegetable grinder and mincer, a pasta maker, and a sausage stuffer. It has two sharp stainless steel blades that grind a variety of meats and vegetables.
The pasta maker will turn your dough into desirable strands for your homemade spaghetti or rigatoni. Use the unit for your soft dishes, including baby foods.
Next, there are three sausage stuffing funnels for different sizes. Use it for your homemade sausages, appetizers, and hamburgers.
Most parts of this meat grinder are easy to detach and clean in a dishwasher.
What Customers are Saying
This grinder is ideal for small amounts of meat of between 1 to 10 lbs. per cycle. However, due to its lightweight construction, it will not crush soft bones.
Features
- Measures 7.8 inches by 5.6 inches by 5.4 inches
- Weighs 1.9 pounds
- Includes a meat grinder, sausage stuffer, and a pasta maker
- Uses a suction cup for anchoring
- Easy to use and clean, Dishwasher safe
Pros
- It is safe and efficient for baby food
- It has sharp and durable stainless steel blades for precision
- Easy to use and clean in the dishwasher
Cons
- It is more effective on softer foods than meats
4. Weston #22 Manual Tinned Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer
View at AmazonReview
The size 32 Weston Meat Grinder (36-3201-W) is an extra massive manual metal meat grinder fit for a hunter, professional chefs, and other food enthusiasts. The model is of cast iron construction with steel, carbon, and plastic parts.
For stability, this massive grinder uses a suction cup and a clamp-on unit that attaches to surfaces up to 1 ½ inches thick. Accessories include a spacer, three sausage funnels of varying sizes, and a stuffing kit.
What Customers are Saying
Customers see this grinder and sausage stuffer’s trademark design as a reflection of the century-old meat grinding traditions. It is substantial and effective on large quantities of meat. Still, this model will not mount well on plastic or other delicate surfaces.
Features
- Measures 10.5 inches by 13 inches by 13 inches
- Weighs 19.2 lbs.
- 4.5 mm and 10 mm steel plates
- Uses a C-clamp and protector pad
- 14 mm, 19 mm, and 24 mm sausage funnels
Pros
- It uses rust-resistant steel plates and knife for grinding
- Includes a sausage stuffing kit
- Broad hopper size for large amounts of meat
- It has an ergonomic handle for easy turning
- Optional permanent mount on countertops
Cons
- Too heavy for traveling
5. Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder Stainless Steel
View at AmazonReview
The Huanyu Manual Meat Grinder is a stainless steel manual meat grinder and sausage stuffer for all types of meat and vegetables. Further, its two-size meat plates give you the option to grind your food to precision.
This grinder features a suction cup base for its anchoring. Also, there is a steel clip that further stabilizes the equipment on countertops. This dual anchoring system guarantees a safe operation for large amounts of grinding.
Next, the internal components include a 3cr13 stainless steel auger and a 304 stainless steel shell bracket that are rust-resistant, hence, long-lasting. Also, there is a circular feed port, a push rod, two enema nozzles, a plastic funnel, and a cleaning brush for multiple functions.
What Customers are Saying
Customers find it easy to remove and assemble the parts. Also, the dual anchoring system makes the grinder appropriate for handling more massive amounts of meat. Hence, it is a fast manual grinder, giving the best value for the money.
Features
- Measures 10.6 inches by 7.7 inches by 6.9 inches
- Weighs 7.1 lbs.
- Has a 4.5 mm and an 8 mm grinding plate
- Suction cap and table clamp for anchoring
- Aluminum and stainless steel internal components
Pros
- It grinds meat and vegetables with precision
- There is a minimal residual matter
- The parts are easy to assemble, disassemble and clean on a dishwasher
- It uses a dual anchoring system for optimum stability
- Fully accessories for versatile functions
- It features a noiseless operation
Cons
- The aluminum parts corrode over time
6. LEM 1384#10 Aluminum Hand Grinder
View at AmazonReview
The LEM 1384#10 Aluminum Hand Grinder consists of a sturdy cast aluminum construction body with coarse and fine carbon steel grinding plates. Further, this manual meat grinder uses a clamp-on anchor system to attach to countertops up to 1 ½ inch thick.
This manual meat grinder is excellent for a variety of foods, including fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. More so, it is easy to operate and retails at a fair price.
What Customers are Saying
Customers appreciate the efficient style of the cutting blades. More so, the small yet robust size makes it useful in a kitchen with limited space. Still, mounting this grinder can be challenging when working on smooth surfaces.
Features
- Measures 7.6 inches by 4.3 inches by 10.8 inches
- Weighs 2.93 pounds
- A coarse and fine carbon steel grinding plate
- One carbon steel grinding knife
- A 3 3/8” x 4” Hopper
- Clamp-on for 1 ½” thick surface
Pros
- It features a durable carbon construction
- Excellent on most types of meat
- Its bolt down anchor makes it stable on most surfaces
- An old fashioned model that is easy to use
Cons
- Cleaning the grinder is time-consuming
7. LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder
View at AmazonReview
When you long for the restaurant-class type of food in the comfort of your home, consider getting the LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder.
This high-quality manual meat grinder retails with a stainless steel knife, two stainless steel plates, three stuffing tubes, and a stuffing star to handle a variety of food processing styles. This way, it works best for commercial and home use to prepare sausages, thinly sliced meat strands, and a variety of gourmet foods.
For stability, the model features a heavy-duty stainless steel design that has a clamp-on system to stay firm on any countertop up to 1 1/4″ thick. Hence, its design is long-lasting, giving great value for the money.
What Customers are Saying
Consumers find the clamp on and rubber feet quite convenient to keep the grinder steady on most countertops. More so, the feed screw has a progressive design that makes it effortless to grind large quantities of meat.
Features
- Measures 11.5 inches by 8.3 inches by 5.3 inches
- Weighs 7.95 lbs.
- 1/2″, 3/4″, 7/8″ Stuffing tubes
- 1 stuffing star
- Stainless steel knife
- A Coarse 3/8″ and A Fine 3/16″ stainless steel plate
- Clamp-on anchor
Pros
- Classic rust-resistant stainless steel construction
- Its sharp blades grind soft bones with ease
- Includes versatile features
- It is easy to clean
Cons
- Not safe for the dishwasher
8. Victoria Manual Meat Grinder and Sausage stuffer
View at AmazonReview
The Victoria Manual Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer is a heavy-duty cast iron unit that can withstand large quantities of meat. Its dual tin design ensures that it remains corrosion-free for years.
This grinder handles all types of meat like a pro. At a rate of 5 pounds per minute, it will process your ingredients for meatballs, sausages, ground beef, and burgers. Hence, you get to prepare restaurant-style dishes in the comfort of your home.
The model uses an adjustable clamp to hold on to any countertop. Plus, its lock-on system keeps it firm and steady as you grind your food.
If you are looking for a high-quality meat grinder, that you will use to make some sausages or burgers for a big family, take a look at those electric meat grinders that are easier to use.
What Customers are Saying
Customers find this model to be quite robust for long-term use. Still, other customers do not that the cast iron tends to erode over time if the grinder stays damp after cleaning.
Features
- Measures 11 inches by 7 inches by 5 inches
- Weighs 9.75 lbs.
- Cast iron construction
- 12.7mm, 18mm, and 22mm sausage stuffing fillers
- A fine 3/16″ and a thick 1/2″ carbon steel grinding plate
Pros
- It is of a heavy-duty cast iron that lasts for years
- It uses a self-sharpening stainless steel knife for fast and precise cuts
- Has ample accessories for versatile functions
- It is easy to assemble and disassemble when cleaning
- Has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for traveling
9. TRE SPADE TRE10800/I Meat Mincer Tc-8 Stainless Steel
View at AmazonReview
Since 1894, the Tre Spade remains a leading food processing brand famous for its premium grinders. Hence, its TRE SPADE TRE10800 series is one of the best manual meat grinder and sausage stuffer for home use.
This TC-8 Inox model is a heavy-duty stainless steel mincing system with a supporting integrated vice unit. Hence, it clamps on up to 1.5″ thick counters, grinding up to 6 lbs. of meat quite effortlessly.
Most manual meat grinders use lots of force to push the meat into the rotation to crush it. Yet, this unit imitates a rifle barrel, cutting the meat through the knife with the least effort.
Use this grinder for your homemade sausages, fruit salad, dry bread, nuts, and cooked vegetables.
What Customers are Saying
Most customers find this 100% stainless still grinder a rare gem, using minimal effort to mince the meat. Still, some consumers find the plastic screw cup inappropriate for such a premium grinder.
Features
- Measures 10.3 inches by 9.5 inches by 3.5 inches
- Weighs 5.5 lbs.
- Has 100% sturdy stainless steel make
- Uses 2-3/8″ full grinding plate with 6 mm perforations
Pros
- Its heavy-duty design, stable on most surfaces
- It is easy to assemble, use, and disassemble
- Includes two rubber pieces to protect table surfaces from scratching
- It uses a removable blade that is convenient to clean
- It is corrosion-resistant 100% stainless steel construction
Cons
- Has one perforated plate only
Factors to Consider When Buying Manual Meat Grinders
From the above review, it is evident that some specific features make the best manual meat grinder stand out. The ultimate goal is to have a manual meat grinder that will not strain your hand. Instead, it is a durable and convenient investment that grinds meat with precision.
Then, here is a checklist of attributes that you must see in your choice grinder before making your final purchase.
Construction Material
A manual meat grinder has to have sturdy construction to withstand the grinding pressure. That way, you know it will not break after a few uses.
Stainless steel is a dense material, quite robust for manual meat grinders. Plus, its rust-resistant properties make them last for longer, giving you more value for your money.
Some grinders combine stainless steel with aluminum and carbon parts to make an affordable, yet long-lasting grinder.
Anchoring Technique
Now, as you manually grind your meat, you want to make sure that the grinder is firmly anchored on the tabletop. Otherwise, you’ll use more effort, or end up causing an accident.
A standard manual meat grinder retails with a suction cup base that secures the device on your workspace. However, these cups tend to damage the surfaces.
To address this challenge, we now have the best meat grinders for bones with a clamp-on mechanism for stability. Though it takes a bit of time and adjustment to achieve the right anchor, a clamp-on grinder is safe to use.
Other anchoring techniques involve the use of bolts. Hence, you can bolt down the grinder onto a board before placing it on the countertop.
Capacity
A handheld meat grinder produces less ground meat than its stand-alone counterpart. In turn, it will take you longer to grind lots of meat on a manual unit.
Being a handheld unit, this grinder’s input and output limits are a factor of the hopper size and the anchoring system.
Then, consider the maximum capacity for each grinder before you settle for your ideal one.
Parts
Grinders with large plates will have higher input and output capacity. And, a unit with smaller blades will make smaller minces. Next, the screws, hoppers, edge, and plates should be corrosion-resistant making for clean and durable grinding.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
A typical manual meat grinder has several parts that need cleaning and regular maintenance. Then, settle for a blender that is easy to assemble and disassemble. Besides, elements that you can clean in the dishwasher are more convenient.
In case of a breakdown, you should be able to find a replacement part with ease. Alternatively, opt for grinders that retail with extra parts for future use.
Budget
Finally, what is your budget for a manual meat grinder? Or, are you shopping for a large family get-together?
Then, weigh the price and capacity of the model against the anticipated frequency of use. An expensive unit that remains idle most of the time is a waste of money.
Accessories
An ideal manual meat grinder retails with accessories that allow you to use the unit for more functions. Typical fixtures include a sausage stuffing plate, a meat pusher, a rubber foot, and food trays.
Pick a grinder that has sufficient accessories for your cooking needs.
Manual Meat Grinders – FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions by customers.
How does a hand-operated meat grinder work?
A manual meat grinder has a handle that turns the auger to grind the meat. As it turns, the blades cut through the flesh, producing fresh and tasty ground meats.
Hence, one has first to secure the grinder on a stable surface. Then, you must ensure that your meat cuts are in sizes that can fit through the model’s opening. Trim away excess fat to avoid clogging the device.
Once done, you should run some bread slices through the grinder to clear any remaining meat pieces. Then, disassemble the unit, clean it as per instructions, and store it for future use.
Is it easier to grind meat when frozen?
Yes, partially frozen meat does not get mushy. Hence, it will not clog the blades, making it easier to use a mechanical meat grinder.
Is it possible to grind bones using the manual meat grinder?
Select manual grinders that are strong enough to grind rabbit and chicken bones. For, if the bones are too hard, forcing them down the unit may damage its internal parts. When such damage occurs, you risk losing out on the appliance’s warranty.
Then, opt for a manual meat grinder that has metallic internal parts able to cut through the soft bones. Keep off from grinding the beef or pork bones as they tend to damage even the most hardened meat grinders.
When should I opt for a manual meat grinder instead of an electric one?
A manual meat grinder works best for persons who only mincemeat on a few occasions. For manual meat grinders require more effort and will only mince up to 1 kg of meat per minute.
Second, such grinders are smaller, making them ideal for a limited kitchen space. Next, if you are on a tight budget, the manual meat grinder offers a pocket-friendly option.
Summary
From the above review, it is evident that there are quite many reliable manual meat grinders for all types of home use. Then, if you want a top-notch grinder, but are on a strict budget, these nine models are your best pick.
Indeed, a manual meat grinder retails at a much more affordable price than an electric one. It has safety features that make it ideal for a beginner. Plus, it is easy to assemble, disassemble, and clean in a dishwasher.
If you still feel you need more information before making your purchase decision, consider the FAQ section, where we addressed some of your questions. Then, what’s holding you back from getting the best value for your money? Make an informed buying decision today.