Meat grinders are an inseparable part of our kitchen. Manual and electric, both types of meat grinders are equally popular these days. Both of these types have different pros and cons. Manual meat grinders have a variety of qualities. Therefore, when you go for selecting a manual meat grinder you may become confused to find the right one for you. In this article, I will help you select the best manual meat grinder that is perfect for your kitchen condition. After the read, you will be able to understand what is the pros and cons of each of the best options and identify the right manual meat grinder for you.
Top 5 manual meat grinders
A manual meat grinder can be of different types. It can be made of plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. Each of these types has its own pros and cons. Therefore, it is difficult to make any single model the champion. For this reason, I have picked 5 different best manual meat grinders based on different attributes. Find a basic comparison in the table below. I have discussed this in detail right after that.
Table of comparison
Name of the Model | Dimension (inches) | Weight |
Kitchen Basics | 7.8 x 5.59 x 5.39 | 1.9 lbs |
Gideon Hand Crank | 9.5x 7 | Not Found |
LEM 1384#10 | 7.6 x 4.3 x 10.8 | 3.2 lbs |
Weston #10 Manual | 3″ x 4″ (hopper) | Not Found |
Bellemain Manual | 9.9 x 6.3 x 5.5 | 2.29 lbs |
Kitchen Basics 3 N 1 Manual Meat and Vegetable Grinder
Specification
- Dimension: 7.8 x 5.59 x 5.39 inches
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Size: #8
- Material: Plastic, Stainless Steel
Size, dimension, and weight: Kitchen Basics manual meat grinder is a popular model. It is a small and lightweight machine that is suitable for small families for everyday meat grinding. The weight of this unit is around 2 pounds. Therefore, considering the dimension and weight, it is better for a small kitchen and also good for portability.
Built-quality: Kitchen Basics manual meat grinder is made of plastic and stainless steel. The finishing is satisfactory. Although plastic is not sturdy, it is better for resisting rust. Overall, I liked the built quality.
Utility: Apart from regular meat grinding Kitchen Basics manual meat grinder can be used for pasta making. With the two different sizes of plates, you can prepare two types of pasta – spaghetti and rigatoni. For the preparation of pasta, you need to input the dough instead of raw meat. Other than this, you can also use this machine as vegetable mincer and sausage stuffer.
Accessories: You will get two stainless steel grinding plates with this little manual meat grinder. One is for fine output and the other for coarse output. You will not get a meat pusher or kibbeh maker with this.
Value for money: Overall, the value for money of this unit is great. Although there are few drawbacks, considering the price, I think this one has created more value than the cost.
Advantages: The size and dimension are great for small families with a small kitchen. It is also great for portability. It can be used as a pasta maker and vegetable mincer as well other than meat grinding. Overall, it is great for everyday residential use.
Disadvantages: I would love more there were more free accessories. The body is made of plastic instead of metal alloy. Although it is OK if we consider the price.
Suitable for: Kitchen Basics manual meat grinder will be suitable for small kitchens for daily residential meat grinding. This is a light machine. Therefore, I do not recommend it for grinding bones. It will also be suitable for the preparation of snacks such as pasta and vegetable items.
Gideon Hand Crank Meat Grinder
Size, dimension, and weight: The dimension of Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder is 9.5 X 7 inches. Although we do not know the exact weight of it, it will be lightweight due to the plastic material that has been used for its body. Therefore, it will be suitable for a small kitchen.
Built-quality: Gideon Hand Crank meat grinder is made of plastic and stainless steel. Overall, the built quality is good. The fishing is acceptable.
Utility: With this lightweight meat grinder, you can grind mall to medium amount of meat in your residential kitchen. It is also suitable for vegetable mincing.
Accessories: Gideon hand crank meat grinder comes with two different sizes of grinding plates. It also provides a meat pusher so that you can perfectly put the meat into the hopper. Overall, the number of accessories is satisfactory.
What can you do with it? With this Gideon manual meat grinder, you can grind everyday meats. It can also be used for mincing vegetables. I don’t know whether you can prepare pasta with it, but you should try and see that happens.
Value for money: The price of this unit is around 30 dollars. Overall, the value for the money is great. You will get more than what you pay.
Advantages: First of all, it is small, compact and portable. The price is another advantage of this little meat grinder. This is dishwasher safe. Therefore, easy to clean. It also comes with a sufficient number of accessories.
Disadvantages: Gideon Hand Crank meat grinder is not suitable for heavy use. It is made of plastic, therefore, not enough sturdy. Other than these, I do not find any more drawbacks.
Suitable for: Gideon hand crank meat grinder is suitable for a small to a medium family that grinds meats infrequently. It will not be suitable for pet food preparation. Also, it will not be suitable for heavy use.
LEM 1384#10 Aluminum Hand Grinder
Size, dimension, and weight: LEM 1384#10 hand crank meat grinder is one of the best manual meat grinders in the market. The size of the unit is #10. Therefore, it is better for larger chunks of inputs. The weight of this unit is around 3 pounds. It is slightly heavier than plastic made manual meat grinders but still portable. The dimension of this meat grinder is 7.6 x 4.3 x 10.8 inches. Therefore, it is suitable for a small kitchen.
Built-quality: The grinder is made of aluminum alloy. The clamp-on manual meat grinder is sturdier than plastic meat grinders. Although this is made of cast aluminum, the finishing is smooth and fine. As it is not made of stainless steel, you need to be a little cautious when washing it.
Utility: What you can grind with it? You can grind the meats at your home. It can be used for the preparation of jerky, sausage, and other meat recipes.
Accessories: You will get one stainless steel knife and two stainless steel grinding plates – coarse and fine. Overall, the number of accessories is sufficient.
What can you do with it? LEM 1384#10 hand crank meat grinder is a good option for everyday meat grinding in your kitchen. It is also suitable for grinding bone for pet food in a limited way.
Advantages: This manual meat grinder is made of aluminum. Therefore, it is sturdy. The size of the grinder is #10. The grinding feed tube is larger than usual #8 or #5 meat grinders. The price of this unit is another great advantage. The value for money of this unit is great.
Disadvantages: Suitable for: LEM 1384#10 hand crank meat grinder is appropriate for residential kitchen, restaurant, or butchers’ shop. But is suitable for limited use. Because you need to hand crank, for commercial use, you need to use it for less amount of meat processing.
Weston #10 Manual Tinned Grinder
Size, dimension, and weight: Weston #10 manual meat grinder is another popular hand crank meat grinder. The dimension and weight of this unit are enough to fit it in a small space.
Built-quality: The body of this meat grinder is made of cast aluminum. Therefore, it is stronger than plastic made manual meat grinder.
Utility: You can use this meat grinder for everyday meat grinding at home, restaurant, and butchers’ shop. It can also be used for chum grinding. For commercial use, it is not suitable for frequent use but doable for light use.
Accessories: Weston #10 hand crank meat grinder comes with two stainless steel cutting plates of 45mm and 10 mm sizes, one stainless steel knife, sausage stuffer with adapter and spacer and three different size sausage funnels. Overall, the number of accessories is satisfactory.
What can you do with it? Weston #10 meat grinder is suitable for everyday kitchen grinding. You can prepare different kinds of sausage with the three different sizes of sausage funnel such as hot dogs, breakfast links, and so on. You can also prepare burger patties. It is also suitable for preparing dog foods in a limited way.
Advantages: First of all, it is a #10 meat grinder. Therefore, you do not need to cut the meats into small pieces to put them into the funnel. Other than this, the value for money is also great.
Disadvantages: Although made by metal alloy, it is not rust proof. The finishing of this unit is not great. Other than these, I think this meat grinder is great for everyday light use.
Suitable for: If you are living in a small family, looking for a hand crank meat grinder for your kitchen then Weston #10 manual meat grinder is a great option for you. You can also prepare pet food in a limited way with this little grinder.
Bellemain Hank Crank Meat Grinder
Specification
- Dimension: 9.9 x 6.3 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 2.29 lbs
- Size: Not found
- Material: Plastic and S/S
Size, dimension, and weight: The weight of this unit is 2.29 lbs. Overall, dimension and weight are good for mobility. It is one of the lightest and most compact hand crank meat grinders.
Built-quality: The body of this machine is made of plastic and the grinding plates and blade are made of stainless steel. The finishing is smooth enough to give it an elegant look.
Utility: You can use Bellemain hand crank meat grinder as a companion in your kitchen. It will help you prepare juicy sausage, tacos, and other meat-related recipes.
Accessories: You will get a meat pusher, stainless steel blade, and plates with this meat grinder. Overall, the number of accessories is sufficient.
Advantages: Price is one of the greatest advantages of the Bellemain Manual Meat Grinder. The suction cup will stabilize the grinder in a stronger way than the traditional clamp-on system. You will have better control over it than that of an electric one. All metal parts are dishwasher safe. Therefore, it is durable and easy to clean.
Disadvantages: A common problem with the plastic made meat grinder is the sturdiness. It is
Suitable for: Bellemain hand crank meat grinder will be suitable for daily residential use. If you are looking for a machine that can be your companion for making delicious foods such as sausage, meat burger, and so on, then this one will be a great choice.
Methodology – How did I choose my top pick?
To choose the best manual meat grinder, first I made a draft list of all possible best options. After making the draft, I assigned points to each of these based on the users’ review and rating. After that, I manually checked the features of each of the models and assigned my rating. Finally, I picked the top 5 manual meat grinders from my list. I tried to keep different types of hand crank meat grinders in my list so that everybody having varying needs can get a product for her. For example, I kept a manual meat grinder made of metal and made of plastic as well to make my list more exhaustive.
FAQ
Can I grind bones with a hand crank meat grinder?
You can grind the bones with a hand crank meat grinder if it is made of metal alloy. Usually, meat grinders that are made of plastic are not strong enough to grind the bones. As you will have to hand crank, do not try hard bones with it. The blades may get distorted.
Is a manual meat grinder suitable for commercial use?
A hand-crank meat grinder is not a good option for commercial use. However, if it has a larger feed tube, typically #22 or more, then you can use it for limited commercial purposes. But for full-time support, you need to get an electric meat grinder.
How to stabilize and set the hand crank meat grinder for operation?
There are two ways to set the manual meat grinders for operation. Firstly, if it has a clamp on the system, then you need to set it on the side of the table or the countertop. This may seem a little troublesome for many of you to set it in this way. Another option is available for the meat grinders with the suction cup system. You only need to set the grinder on a flat surface with the cup that sucks the air to stabilize it. This is a comparatively easier system.
How to store the meat grinder?
Manual meat grinders are comparatively cheaper. Therefore, if it is made of metal, then it may get corroded if you do not clean and store it properly. Usually, these metal alloys are not dishwasher safe. After you clean and wash the meat grinder with mild liquid and lukewarm water, you should store it with some moisture absorbent to protect the grinder from corrosion.
What can I grind with a hand crank meat grinder?
A hand crank meat grinder is best for everyday light residential use. It can handle all sorts of meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, venison, and so on. The size of many of these meat grinders is #5 or #8. Therefore, you need to cut the meats into small pieces before feeding on the tube.
What are the accessories that I should expect from a hand crank meat grinder?
Usually, you will get a stainless-steel grinding blade and one or two stainless steel grinding plates from a hand crank meat grinder. However, you may also get a meat pusher and sausage stuffer with it. But not all the manufacturers will give these for free.
What is the major drawback of a manual meat grinder?
Hand cranking is not for all. You need to be strong enough to manually crank it. For this reason, a hand crank meat grinder is not suitable for grinding a large volume of meat. I think this is the major problem with a manual meat grinder. Other than that, there is not stainless steel-made manual meat grinder in the market. Therefore, these are not long-lasting. Read our article to know more about the features of a manual meat grinder.
Bottom line
A hand crank meat grinder may not be suitable for all. Therefore, before deciding on a hand crank meat grinder, you need to be sure whether it will be sufficient for your needs. I have seen users who are giving negative comments on their manual meat grinders. The majority of the users do not know what to expect from it. Just because of the attractive price compared to an electric meat grinder, they grab a manual meat grinder not understanding the capacity of it. Therefore, I would say that you should curb your expectation first when deciding on a manual meat grinder.
A manual meat grinder is the best option for casual and light use. Therefore, if you are expecting it for a solution for heavy use or commercial use then you are probably not doing the right thing. As I always say, know what you want first and find the available options afterward. I hope this article about the best hand crank meat grinder was helpful to you. You can share it with others so that everyone gets benefited from it. You can also share your cooking experience so that we can learn something from you as well. Happy cooking!