Are you looking for a quick way to turn any bland meal into a flavor-packed experience? Just add sausage. Packed with lots of protein and yummy fats, this meaty nosh is the single most noteworthy ingredient in many classic recipes, from Thanksgiving stuffing to wintery soups. But, before you make a beeline for the frozen food aisle, let us remind you that most store-bought sausages contain all the wrong ingredients including sodium, preservatives, and nitrates.
So, to spare your body the nutrient shock, you can always make your own sausages at home. Your secret weapon in this quest? A reliable sausage stuffer. This innovative kitchen gizmo can help you prep a variety of healthy wurst combos and, thus, improve your eating habits one bite at a time. So, if you are ready to add tons of flavor to your meals without so much as a single preservative, these are the 5 best sausage stuffers to get started.
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Best Sausage Stuffer Reviews for 2021
It’s easy to take a sausage stuffer for granted. This unique kitchen tool is super versatile, can upgrade your meals in a jiffy, and just sits there, waiting for you to turn a mushy pile of ground meat into comfort food perfection. But, here’s the truth: Not all sausage stuffers are created equal. So, no matter which type of meat you are grinding, seasoning and shoving down your gizmo, we’ve got you covered with these top 5 sausage stuffers which guarantee the best results every time. Worth. Every. Penny.
1. Vivo Vertical Stainless Steel Sausage Stuffer
If you are looking for a durable manual sausage stuffer that is also very easy to use, then you found your match. Featuring a stainless steel cylinder and well-built metal gears, this model is specially designed to withstand prolonged usage despite the handle’s non-stop pressure. But, this is just the beginning. So, if you are in for a treat, here’s what this best-selling sausage stuffer has to offer.
- Sturdy Design
The model comes with a steady all-metal frame and a secure base which provide the cylinder with a solid foundation. As a result, the sturdy design makes the whole process much more comfortable despite the pressure that's being exerted through the handle and gears.
- Long-Lasting Materials
According to the manufacturer, the stuffer's cylinder is made of stainless steel which means it's is resistant to rust and may last for many years to come. The unit also features metal gears instead of plastic ones (which is commonplace among such tools), reducing the chances of the appliance being broken.
- Preventive Airflow System
The tool features an innovative airflow system which consists of an air release valve. This part allows the trapped air to “escape” from the cylinder, a technique which decompresses the cabin and prevents the handle and gears from breaking under pressure. The outside of the piston also consists of a rubber gasket which keeps the meat from leaking outside the cylinder.
- Versatility
Unlike many models, this one comes with 4 plastic nozzles which allow you to adjust the sausages' width based on your liking. The four options include a 10mm nozzle, one with a 20mm diameter, one that's 30mm thick and one with a diameter of 40mm.
- Hassle-Free Clean-Up
Another great thing about this model is that it is straightforward to disassemble, allowing you to clean all the individual parts thoroughly. Keep in mind, though, that the unit not dishwasher-safe, so you have to wash all pieces by hand. PS: A bowl of warm soapy water is enough to do the trick.
- Easy to Use
Many users (newbies and pros alike) often have a hard time filling the stuffer's cylinders. However, this model eliminates this issue by featuring an easy-to-use cylinder which tilts back on demand. This way you can fill it up without disassembling several parts and wasting your time.
- Ergonomic Handle
The appliance features a solid handle with a plastic coating which increases friction and makes the whole process much more accessible. That means that you don't need to exert much pressure on the handle and possibly break it down the line.
- Large Capacity
With a 7-pound cylinder, this model can produce large batches of food in one go, so it's the perfect choice for anyone with a large family.
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- Limited Spare Part Availability
The only issue with this model is that some of the parts don't have any replacements available in case they break. The piston seal, in particular, needs to be custom-made to fit the top of the cylinder if it ever wears out.
2. Hakka Brothers Vertical Stainless Steel Sausage Stuffer
If you are on the market for a reliable sausage stuffer that will deliver chef-worthy results every time, this model should be your top choice. Mostly made of stainless steel and equipped with 4 different stuffing tubes, the tool is guaranteed to last for many years (if appropriately maintained) while providing you with a wide array of sausage-making options. In our book, these traits scream “must-have.” So, if you are ready to broaden your cooking skills, here are the eight things you need to know about this top-rated stuffer.
- High-Quality Materials
From the cylinder to the frame to the side plates, this appliance is made of stainless steel. For those of you who don't know, this non-porous material is resistant to corrosion and lingering germs. As a result, it's bound to last a lifetime while making cleaning a breeze.
- Efficient Design
The stuffer comes with hardened resin gears which are mounted on a double-threaded steel rod which provide the unit with extra stability and make the whole turning-the-handle process much smoother. On top of that, the tool is equipped with a plastic handle which reduces friction and grants better control over the output of the meat into the casings.
- Dual Speed System
Unlike many models out there, this one features a double speed system. That said, you can adjust the speed at which the gears are moving up and down which is slow and steady for when you're stuffing the casings and fast and efficient for when you're lowering the piston.
- Multiple Stuffing Tubes
You can also adjust the thickness of your future sausages by attaching the respective stuffing tube to the cylinder. With that in mind, you can choose between the 16mm, 22mm, 32mm and 38mm nozzles.
- Safe to Use
Keeping your food from touching all sorts of toxin-filled surfaces is an ongoing struggle. But, with this tool, you have nothing to worry about. According to the manufacturer, all parts that get in touch with your food (cylinder, tubes, etc.) comply with the SGS food safety standards, making sure your soon-to-be sausages are safe to consume.
- Anti-Pressure Valve
It also features a pressure release valve which forces the cylinder's excess air to seep through the top of the unit. By doing so, the cylinder basically decompresses itself, minimizing the chances of the gears and the handles breaking under pressure. Plus, none of that excess air makes its way into your sausages which prevents the meat from oxidizing and going stale in a matter of hours.
- Large Capacity
Capable of holding up to 7 pounds of ground meat at once, this stuffer can produce large batches of food. That's perfect for large families or party prepping.
- Tilted Cylinder
The model comes with a tilted body which allows you to add the meat to the cylinder quite easily.
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- No Reverse Lock
Unlike some of its peers, this stuffer doesn't feature a reverse lock handle which means that the crank may spin back violently if there's pressure in the cylinder and you let go by accident.
3. Fante’s Sausage Maker with Suction Base
If you don’t have enough kitchen/cabinet space and are interested in a sausage stuffer that’ll address this issue, this model is a dream come true. Thanks to its small footprint and space-efficient size, this tool can help you produce enough food without taking up much of your already limited counter space. But, that’s just one of the perks of using this model. Read on and find out what else it has in store for you.
- Stable Design
Being the horizontal sausage stuffer that it is, the tool features a strong suction base to support the parallel cylinder. As a result, the apparatus is securely held in place during operation.
- Versatility
Whether you prefer your sausages thin, regular or plump, this model has you covered. Equipped with 3 different nozzles (15mm, 19mm, and 22mm), the stuffer allows you to customize your links based on your or your family's preference. Talk about convenience, amirite?
- Budget Friendly
Costing way less than most sausage stuffers today, this model is the perfect choice for those who don't want to break the bank.
- Easy to Clean
Contrary to popular belief, this tool is easy to clean. All you have to do is disassemble the unit and wash the individual parts with warm soapy water. Whatever you do, though, don't load them into the dishwasher as some of them are made of plastic.
- Portability
Given its compact size and light weight, this model can be moved around easily, making it a perfect choice for camping trips and outdoor excursions.
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- Not Suitable For Large Families
Holding just 2.2 pounds of meat, this model is capable of producing food for up to 2-3 people. For some, this may be a deal-breaker, especially if they need to feed a crowd. But, if that's not the case, we don't see a reason why you shouldn't invest in it.
4. LEM Products Sausage Stuffing Kit
If you know zilch about making your own sausages at home, this stuffing kit is all you need. Featuring everything from various types of casings to special seasonings to a step-by-step instruction book, this newbie-friendly kit has it all. Plus, the stuffer comes with an ergonomic design, guaranteeing a top-notch result every time. So, if this kit sounds like the perfect match, here’s what you should expect.
- Long-Lasting Materials
Most of the unit's parts, including the cylinder and the base, are made of stainless steel. This durable material is resistant to a variety of corrosion factors, from the meat's moisture to oxidation. That said, the tool is bound to last a lifetime (and then some), especially if you take good care of it (meaning: you don't use any hard detergents to wash it).
- Large Capacity
Designed to hold up to 5 pounds of meat, this appliance can make large batches of sausages in one go. So, whether you have a large family or are about to host a backyard party, this model will do just the trick.
- Easy Clean-Up
Even though it consists of various parts, the tool can be easily assembled and disassembled. That means that you can clean it up within minutes by merely washing the parts in warm soapy water.
- Newbie-Friendly Design
One of the most noteworthy traits of this stuffer is the straightforward design. So, besides the durable materials, it's also equipped with a variety of accessories which make the process much more manageable. These extras include three different seasonings packs for flavoring your ground meat, 5 clear fibrous casings, one package of fresh collagen casings and a detailed instruction book which shows you exactly how to man the unit. For a rookie who's not familiar with the ins and outs of sausage making, these accessories can sure make a huge difference.
- Easy-to-Use Handle
As part of the easily operated design, the stuffer comes with an ergonomic handle that allows you to man the unit quite easily, even if this is your first time making sausages.
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- Pricey
For someone who's not that into sausage making (a.k.a. first-timers), this kit may seem a bit overpriced. However, if you are thinking of getting serious about this type of cooking, this unit is a worthwhile investment.
5. New Age Living Vertical Sausage Casing Stuffer
If you want to equip your kitchen with an efficient sausage stuffer that is very easy to use and also looks chic AF, this model is an absolute must-have. Between the sturdy handle, the stable clamp and the large cylinder, it provides you with a solid grip and can help produce large batches of your favorite sausage combos in a few simple moves. So, if you want in on the action, here are the five reasons why this model is one of the best choices on the market today.
- High-Quality Materials
The tool is mostly made of stainless steel. This type of material plays a huge role in the unit's durability while making it super easy to clean.
- Efficient Design
Besides the stainless steel construction, the stuffer also features a bunch of other elements which only increase its durability. It's equipped with high-quality metal gears which enable the handle to move more efficiently as well as an over-molded plunger which increases the cylinder's potential by allowing it to stuff the casings more neatly. That means the tool is also suitable for commercial use.
- Multiple Sausage Tubes
It also comes with 4 different sausage tubes which allow you to shape the links depending on the thickness you want to achieve. So, your options include a 15mm nozzle, one that's 19mm thick, one with a 22mm diameter and a 25mm tube. Talk about versatility!
- Efficient Clamp
Unlike most models on the market, this one features an anti-scratch clamp which not only saves you lots of counter space but is also super durable and keeps the unit firm during operation. Just make sure you attach it correctly to the edge of your table to avoid any accidents as you turn the handle.
- Large Capacity
Fitting up to 8 pounds of ground meat, this stuffer is perfect for anyone who wants to whip up large batches of sausages in the least amount of time possible.
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- No Air Release Valve
Unlike many of its peers, this model doesn't feature an air release valve to decompress the cylinder during operation. That can only mean two things. First, your sausages may be filled with air which boosts their oxidation rate and causes them to go rancid rather quickly. The second potential outcome is that the gears may break down under the plunger's pressure which is as troublesome as it sounds.
What Is A Sausage Stuffer?
As the name suggests, a sausage stuffer is a tube-like kitchen tool that allows you to make your own sausage by stuffing hog casings with ground and seasoned meat. This ingenious appliance is either powered by electricity or your brute force, a.k.a. a crank handle. In both cases, though, you can adjust the speed at which the meat is being pushed into the casings and formed into your favorite lunch fixin.
What to Look For When Shopping For A Sausage Stuffer
From large to electric to vertical, sausage stuffers come in various sizes, shapes and forms which can only mean one thing: Finding the right one can be beyond frustrating. However, it only takes a couple of things (OK, four) to figure out just what your ideal wurst-making gadget should be like. If you are ready to rock your next made-from-scratch dinner, here’s everything you should keep in mind.
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Manual VS Electric
This is one of the first things that need to cross your mind when you are shopping for a sausage stuffer. You see, both types come with certain benefits as well as drawbacks, so you need to figure out what it is you’re after. If turning the crank handle back and forth sounds a bit too much for you, then you’d better opt for an electric model. On the flip side, if you are a fan of the traditional, man-powered method, a manual stuffer should be your go-to option.
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Type
There are three types of sausage stuffers out there. The first one is known as the horn sausage stuffer. Usually made of stainless steel, this type is pretty durable and can take lots of heat. It also features a smallish capacity (about 3-5 lbs), so it’s perfect for newbies who want to make limited batches at a time. The only potential issue with this type is that it only comes with a manual crank handle and not an electricity-powered system. So, get ready for some intense arm workout!
The second type is referred to as the horizontal sausage stuffer. Available both in manual and electric models, this type is super versatile and can be used by pretty much anyone, rookies and pros alike. Such models come with a piston-like, horizontal cylinder with an attached tube at the end which extrudes the meat as you turn on the switch or man the handle. The best thing about these stuffers is that they can produce large quantities of wursts in one go, sometimes up to 20 lbs.
Lastly, we have the vertical sausage stuffers which are by far the most popular choice. Similar to the horizontal models, these stuffers feature a piston-like cylinder which this time is positioned vertically, and not horizontally. These stuffers are both manual and electric-powered, so no matter your preference, you’re bound to find a model that clicks. Also, note that they produce anywhere from 5 to 15 lbs of food, matching the needs of a large family.
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Materials
From the squishy texture to the oxidation risk, handling meat can be a tricky business. So, if there’s a way to reduce the chances of spoiling and wasting some of it, you should definitely consider it. That said, make sure you opt for a model that’s made of durable and meat-friendly materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and the occasional BPA-free plastic.
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Capacity
Another thing you need to consider before buying a sausage maker is the capacity, a.k.a. just how much food the unit can produce in one go. Sausage stuffers come in various shapes and are, thus, capable of accommodating varied needs, whether you are living solo or have a large family that can’t get enough of your homemade links. That said, the average stuffer can produce anywhere from 3 to 8 lbs of food, so pick the model accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest: Sausage is a mighty weapon in the hands of an aspiring chef. But, when all the dubious, hard-to-pronounce preservatives step out of the way, this popular meaty protein becomes a mighty weapon in everyone’s hands (including those of a healthy eater). So, if you want to take a break from the toxin-laden links that are practically everywhere, these top 5 sausage stuffers are the way to go. Let the wurst making begin!