Burgers, meatballs, sausages… With BBQ season fast approaching, we all do our best to ferret out some of the tastiest ground meat recipes to wow our guests and treat our taste buds, all in one go. However, nothing says “delicious” quite like a freshly ground batch of meat because -let’s be honest- great cooking starts long before your food hits the grill. So, if you want to make your signature burgers stand out, even more, this year, these best manual meat grinders will help you up your BBQ game in the easiest way possible. Trust us, the final taste is leagues apart from anything a store-bought cut has to offer.
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Best Manual Meat Grinder Reviews for 2021
From vintage-looking to stainless steel to simple AF, there’s a massive variety of manual meat grinders out there, making the entire picking process all the more daunting. To help you out in this quest, we rounded up the top 5 manual meat grinders on the market today, counting in everything from their versatility and compact design to their stability and final price.
1. Bellemain Manual Meat Grinder
If you are looking for a solid meat grinder that delivers every time, this model should be your go-to choice. Equipped with stainless steel blades and a heavy-duty plastic housing, it is bound to revolutionize your meat-eating habits not just in terms of flavor but also convenience. Also, note that it can efficiently grind anything from meat to vegetables. So, if you are thinking of adding this tool to your kitchen appliance collection, here’s what you need to know (both good and bad).
This model features a heavy-duty housing which provides the unit with a solid base. It also comes with stainless steel blades which are resistant to rust and can last for many years without spoiling your food. That also means that you don't need to replace them all too often, sparing your budget any hidden costs. Unlike many meat grinders out there, this one comes at a very reasonable price, making it attainable for most households – even those on a shoestring budget. The blades of this grinder sport 1/8-inch holes which provide the meat with the ideal size and texture for cooking. That said, you can practically prep everything, from meatballs and sausages to meatloaf and burgers. The grinding discs can also process cooked food, adding more options to the mix. Despite its intricate design, this model is super easy to clean. All you have to do is de-assemble the grinder and load the parts into the dishwasher. Then, wipe them dry with a cloth and assemble the unit once again. Your meat grinder is as good as new. One of the perks of using a manual meat grinder is that you get to control just how your cuts are being minced. The good news is that this model simplifies the process even more by featuring an easy-to-handle crack which grants you full access to the tool's grinding speed. On top of that, the tool's body is transparent, allowing you to actually check what's going on with your meat as it's being pushed through the tube. That's perfect for newbies who are still not familiar with the ins and outs of a manual grinder. The model also comes with a specially designed plunger (also known as meat pusher) which allows you to shove the cuts deeper inside the feeder until they reach the blade. To put it simply, this accessory prevents meat from getting stuck inside the tool's body and jamming the tube. It also features a large suction cup at the bottom which prevents the tool from sliding and messing with your grinding momentum. As a result, you can work more efficiently and get the job done in half the time. According to many previous owners, meat chunks tend to get stuck in the blades during the grinding process. However, this issue has nothing to do with the company's original design. The problem lies in the meat's fat which gets tangled in the holes and, then, puts the blades out of use. That said, make sure you never grind meat that's rich in fat or tendons or else your grinder will break down. If efficiency is what you’re looking for in a manual meat grinder, this model is a no-brainer. Featuring an easy-to-turn handle and two high-quality blades, this tool can help you turn your favorite cuts of meat (or veggies) into a finely ground paste which you can later season to your liking. Intrigued much? Then, here’s everything that this best-selling meat grinder has to offer. Like most top-notch meat grinders, this one comes with a strong suction base which keeps the tool firmly attached to any surface you place it on. The best part? You don't have to adjust and re-attach it on occasion. Just turn the handle, and the anti-skid base will attach itself to the surface until you are done grinding. Thanks to its compact design and lightweight, the model can be stored easily. You can even remove some of the parts and reduce its size even more. From the handle to the feeder to the body, the tool is made with heavy-duty plastic, a material that can stand up to the abuse of multiple uses, especially during those spin-to-grind moments. The unit is also equipped with high-quality stainless steel blades which -thanks to the material used- are bound to last a lifetime. You see, this metal is resistant to corrosion, minimizing the chances of the blades wearing down. Another great thing about this grinder is that it is super easy to clean. In fact, most of the pieces are dishwasher-safe, so all you have to do is detach and load them into the dishwasher. As for those that can't take the heat, just wipe them clean with a damp cloth, and you are ready to use the grinder once again. Known for being safe AF, the model's original design keeps the blades entirely isolated from the other parts, protecting your fingers from cuts and any kind of accidents. What's more, the unit comes with a meat pusher which allows you to force the food inside the feeder without placing your fingers into the tube. Compared to other models, this one comes with a relatively small tube which limits the number of meat cubes you can add per time. That said, grinding large batches of food with this tool can be time-consuming. If your love for sausages and freshly ground meat runs as deep as your love for pasta, then you can’t go wrong with this model. Designed to grind meat, stuff sausages and make pasta at the same time, this 3-in-1 kitchen tool is perfect for anyone who wants to save precious time and money without compromising any of the flavors. So, if you are ready to get a taste of this powerful grinder, these are the top qualities (and one drawback) that this tool has to offer. We gotta admit; there's not much that this unit can't do. First of all, it can serve as an efficient meat grinder, mincing your favorite cuts of meat to perfection. But, the options don't end there. You can also finely chop a variety of other foods such as veggies, beans, garlic, nuts, herbs, etc. The tool can also work as a high-quality sausage stuffer. You just need to attach the sausage-stuffing funnel at the front, and your freshly ground meat will turn into delicious Franks in no time. Also, note that the tubes come in 3 different sizes, allowing you to change the shape of the sausages on occasion. Lastly, this unit can serve as an easy-to-use pasta maker just by attaching the respective blades. That said, you can make two types of pasta; spaghetti with the small-hole grinding disc and rigatoni with the one that features bigger holes. So, all you need to do is place the respective blade, add the dough to the feeder and turn the crank. Making pasta at home was never easier! Weighing just 2 pounds, the grinder is easy to carry around. That means that you can take it pretty much anywhere you go, posing as an excellent option for campers and week-long hikers. The model is made with heavy-duty ABS plastic. That means that it is super sturdy and durable and can take anything, from high temps (hello, dishwasher!) to the handle's constant pressure – even on an everyday basis. This material is also known for its stable nature which provides the unit with an excellent base for grinding. Aside from the durable plastic body, the grinder comes with two top-quality Japanese stainless steel blades which are as competent as they sound. Thanks to their sustainable and sharp design, these blades can grind anything you throw their way as efficiently as an electric grinder, even if that's tough cuts of meat or stale pasta dough. According to the manufacturer, the grinder's parts are dishwasher-safe. So, all you have to do is de-assemble the unit after every use and load the individual components into the dishwasher. That's super easy, don't you think? However, you can always wash the parts by hand if you think some spots are hard to reach and need some extra TLC. Another great thing about this grinder is that it features an ergonomic handle which is easy to crank, making the whole process much more comfortable. Besides that, the handle is specially designed to unclog the feeder when it gets jammed. You just need to turn it, and the meat/pasta dough/veggies will move out of the way. Whatever you do, though, don't put too much pressure on the handle or it will break. So, make sure you always turn the crack gently and steadily. Even though the tool is equipped with a suction base to prevent it from sliding, many owners claim that it's not as powerful as they hoped it would be, often sabotaging their grinding progress. However, this is not a deal-breaker as you place an anti-skid mat just below the grinder to keep it from moving around. Even though it’s primarily used to grind all sorts of grains, this top-drawer mill can readily be used to mince your cuts of meat as well. Sporting a cast iron body, a super sharp blade, and a solid clamp, this model is perfect for anyone who’s on the market for a sturdy grinder which can deliver every time. Plus, the all-silver design looks so elegant that it’ll instantly upgrade your kitchen, be it classic or modern. So, without further ado, here are all the reasons why this manual grinder is worthy of your kitchen tool collection. Truth be told, the coarseness of the meat you use can play a huge role in a meal's final taste. So, by allowing you to mince your cuts based on your liking (whether that's super fine or slightly coarse), the grinder helps you get the most out of your meals, at least flavor-wise. It also comes with a sturdy clamp which can help you attach the grinder to any surface you deem worthy. This versatile grinder is entirely made of cast iron, a metal that is known for lasting a lifetime (and then some) without wearing down. That is, of course, if you take good care of it and maintain it properly, meaning you don't leave it exposed to a moist environment. Unlike most models out there, this one comes with a unique feature that adds up to the grinder's durability, and it revolves around the blade's staying power. That said, the grinder features self-sharpening blades which sharpen themselves every time you use the tool. That's convenient, to say the least. Despite its fancy looks, this model is straightforward to use. You just attach the camp to any table, place all the parts in the correct order and add the meat to the hopper. Then, turn the handle using your brute force and a batch of freshly ground meat will come straight out of the grinder. Owning its durability to cast iron, this model can do a lot more than just mince meat. So, you can also use it to grind anything from spices, coffee, and grains to vegetables, nuts, and cheese. The only issue with this manual grinder is that it features a small hopper. As a result, you can only add few chunks of meat at a time. Of course, doing so will take you longer to mince meat, especially if you are cooking for a crowd. If you are on the market for an easy-to-use countertop grinder that is bound to mince your cuts as a professional would, this model is a must-have. Sporting the fool-proof design of the original Colombian grinders, this tool has proven its worth over the decades and is bound to deliver every time. But, efficiency aside, this model has a lot to add to the mix. So, here’s how this time-tested grinder will revolutionize the way you cook meat. Made of heavy-duty cast iron, the model's hopper, body, and clamp are bound to last for many years, especially if they are properly maintained. You see, cast iron is one of the most durable metals to date, providing a solid base for this stark grinder. The tool also comes with a sturdy clamp which can easily be adjusted to most tables and surfaces. As mentioned above, the clamp is made of cast iron which means it's resistant to dents as well as excessive pressure. That's promising, considering you may intend to keep this puppy around for a long time. Even though we highly recommend you use this model for meat grinding, you can always take advantage of its solid construction and mince a variety of other foods such as grains, coffee beans, spices, vegetables, nuts, and cheese. This grinder also features a double layer of electro-plated tin which makes it easier to clean. To be exact, this material doesn't allow food to get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the mill, making their removal much more accessible. So, all you have to do is de-assemble the unit and wipe the individual parts clean with a damp cloth. Your grinder is ready to use once again. Many previous owners have reported that the tin tends to peel off after some uses. That means that the remnants may become one with your food which is as worrisome as it sounds. However, there is a way to prevent that, and that's keeping the tool as far away from water as possible. You see, water causes the coating to peel off which then exposes the cast iron to rust. As a result, multiple black bits may find their way to your food. So, avoid exposing the grinder to lots of water. Instead, opt for damp cloths for cleaning. This is perhaps the #1 quality of an excellent manual meat grinder. With that in mind, you’d better choose a model that can grind various types of meat, from beef and turkey to lamb and venison. Besides that, your grinder should feature multiple plates which can help you mince the meat at different thickness levels. Another thing you need to keep in mind is that tool’s size. If you have lots of free counter space and happen to have a big family, then opting for a large model seems like the obvious choice. However, if you live solo and don’t have much available space in your kitchen, then it’d be best to invest in a small-sized model. A grinder’s production rate depends upon the tool’s size. So, if you invest in a large model, chances are you’ll able to produce more ground meat in less time. However, if you opt for a smaller model, you sign up for longer grinding sessions, especially if you want to produce large batches of ground meat. You also need to keep an eye out for a grinder with a durable design. After all, you’ll be pushing against it all too often, and having it slide sideways more times than you can count is no way to get the job done. So, make sure you invest in a model with a clamp or guaranteed anti-skid properties. If you want to take your grinding skills to the next level, you should also consider investing in a model with various accessories. That said, some grinders come with different mincing plates which allow you to adjust the coarseness of the meat, sausage funnels, and trays. Some models even feature specially designed pasta attachments which make the grinder more versatile. Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a high-quality manual meat grinder is the tool’s durability. So, opt for a model that’s made of sturdy materials (see: stainless steel) and features a solid cranking handle. After all, you don’t want it to break into a million pieces as you DIY your way to a juicy batch of ground turkey. Final Thoughts These easy-to-use tools grant you full control over your food and finally give you the chance to healthify your meals. So, if you are ready to make this better-for-you step, these best manual meat grinders will help you ditch all the preservatives and add lots of flavors to the mix. So, let the grinding begin!
2. Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder
3. F&W Kitchen Basics 3-in-1 Meat Grinder
4. Victoria Manual Grain Grinder with High Hopper
5. Victoria Professional Manual Grain Grinder
What Is A Manual or Hand Crank Meat Grinder?
Also known as a meat mincer, a manual meat grinder is a kitchen accessory used for fine chopping (mincing) raw cuts of meat using nothing but your mean muscle power. The tool consists of a funnel which is located at the top of the grinder and a horizontal screw conveyor which is powered by a crank handle. Some models also feature an attached knife which is directly placed in front of the hole plate and allows the user to part the meat from the grinder. The fineness of the meat depends on the size of the holes on the plates, so many models come with various shapes to accommodate multiple needs.What to Look For When Shopping For A Hand Meat Grinder
No one can deny that choosing the perfect meat grinder is a matter of personal preference, and the final choice varies depending on the needs and skills of that individual. However, there are a few things that distinguish a kick-ass meat grinder from the rest of the bunch, and eye-catching design is not one of them. So, if you are ready to invest in the best manual meat grinder on the market, these five must-have qualities will definitely help you get a bang for your buck.
With food-borne illnesses on the rise, the art of home meat grinding is becoming more popular than ever. However, picking the right type of meat is not your only concern. You also need to invest in a reliable meat grinder that will help you get the most out of your cuts, no matter what. That’s where manual grinders step in.