Meat Grinders-For Snack Sticks, Sausage, Kielbasy, etc...

[luv2hunt]

So, I'm in the market for a meat grinder for making snack sticks, sausage, kielbasy, etc...I'm guessing no more than 15 to 20 lbs. of meat at a time and maybe a half dozen times a year.

I'm certainly not looking to break the bank, but I am willing to spend a few more $$ for a quality grinder that I don't have to worry about breaking down or having issues with after a few uses.  That said, what is everyone using and what are your experiences good and bad, what to look for and what to avoid.  Thanks!

[Silver Belly62]

I have one from LEM that has worked fine for me.

[Bucksnbows]

Topic moved to Kitchen

[BIG PAT]

Lem is a good choice

[hammer4reel]

Your better off using a stuffer to make sausage and sticks .

using a grinder to fill casings is a PIA and adds too much air to the product , and air is  your enemy .

‘cabelas 3/4 hp grinder is a decent machine for the money . The one HP a little better 

lem stuffer to go along with it .
 

.

 

[KBfishing]

I have a cabelas grinder and bought a 5lb stuffer on ebay. My feeling is the bigger the stuffer the better. Easier to put the meat in the stuffer once then to do it every minute and have to stop to reload. 

[Beenthere]

Westons brands from Waltons are solid units. I have a 1 hp and have had zero issues. I do a few hundred lbs a year. Best advice is freeze your grinder head before using and keep the meat cold as possible. Below is my stuffer set up. Works well but will break the bank IMO.

[DJ0808]

On 3/21/2023 at 5:02 PM, hammer4reel said:

Your better off using a stuffer to make sausage and sticks .

using a grinder to fill casings is a PIA and adds too much air to the product , and air is  your enemy .

‘cabelas 3/4 hp grinder is a decent machine for the money . The one HP a little better 

lem stuffer to go along with it .
 

.

 

Totally agree that a dedicated stuffer is the way to go.

I started off using grinder to stuff then went to a 5lb LEM stuffer and it's just a way better process. Don't get the big air pockets and with the 5lb capacity you're not reloading the hopper with meat as often compared to using a grinder. 

[Cousin Brown]

Just started myself,    I'll be getting a separate stuffer.  I just bought the Cabelas Pro series grinder which is nice for grinding.  For stuffing was ok...   Hammer4reel is spot on .

[Beenthere]

Just finished two batches one smoked garlic sausage and the other is habanero lime sticks. 
 

Other thing helpful tips include adding the correct amount of water to meat mixes. I add 12 cups to 25lbs of meat.  This is not the only way just what is a good number for me. 
Last when making sticks in any stuffer besides a Hydraulic only fill the stuffer half way. 

[hunterbob1]

1 hour ago, Cousin Brown said:

Just started myself,    I'll be getting a separate stuffer.  I just bought the Cabelas Pro series grinder which is nice for grinding.  For stuffing was ok...   Hammer4reel is spot on .

I ask you has Hammer ever been spot off ever