Finding the best manual meat grinders is not an easy task. Each meat grinder construction varies depending on its manufacturer.
If you love burgers and sausages, it is best to prepare them yourselves instead of buying ready-made ones.
This way, you can avoid consuming processed food too much and be mindful of what you put into your body.
You can choose a manual meat grinder from the five options we have selected and start experimenting with different healthy recipes for your family.
Best Manual Meat Grinders: A Review
Comparison Chart
Manual Meat Grinder with Stainless Steel Blades Heavy Duty Powerful Suction Base for Home Use Fast and Effortless for All Meats-Gray
Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Blades with Powerful Suction Base Effortlessly Grind Meat, Vegetables, Garlic, Fruits, etc.
Metal Homemade Sausage Maker- Vertical Meat Grinder Sausage Stuffer Kit With Filling Nozzles in 4 Sizes Grilling Party Molds Commercial & Home Kitchen Machine for BBQ Making Salami Cevapcici Hot Dogs
1. LHS Manual Meat Grinder
The LHS Manual Meat Grinder is a decent kitchen appliance that does its job well, even if it has an affordable price.
Product Highlights
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly grinder for your basic meat processing needs, this LHS kitchen tool is right for you.
The heavy-duty ABS plastic body made from good quality material measures 9.8 x 6 x 4.5 inches, promising long-lasting durability.
It’s a compact manual meat grinder that offers many functions straight out of the box, making it your perfect kitchen companion.
You have two cutting plate variations to use: medium or coarse and small or finer grinds of meat, depending on your recipe.
It features sharp stainless steel blades safely placed inside an enclosure, making it safe even for kids.
Additionally, the LHS Manual Meat Grinder comes with a sausage stuffer tube accessory.
The meat pusher ensures that all the food goes through the grinder.
The grinder’s non-slip rubber bottom can also suck the surface if you turn down the knob found on the lower part of the base.
It’s easier to keep an eye on how much food you still have to grind through the transparent hopper.
The manufacturer also improved the food container, making it larger to carry more food for grinding.
The Good
We love that replacement parts are readily available if you lose or break any of the pieces, so you can go on using the LHS Manual Meat Grinder.
This lightweight, non-electric meat grinder also has an ergonomic handle that allows you to grind food with ease without causing hand fatigue.
It does not just allow you to grind food, but you can also use the other accessories for shaping cookies and shaping pasta.
The Bad
All the parts of the LHS Manual Meat Grinder are not dishwasher-safe. You have to disassemble the entire appliance and handwash each piece with warm soapy water.
PROS
- Easy to use and clean
- Stable
- Safe
- Affordable
CONS
- Not dishwasher safe
- Only stick on a smooth surface
2. LEM 1384 Number 10 Aluminum Grinder
The LEM 1384 is an aluminum grinder with an old-fashion style that promises a long-lasting service in your kitchen.
Product Highlights
This clamp-on manual meat grinder made of sturdy cast aluminum can withstand many grinding tasks for the do-it-yourself individuals.
It comes with five and ten millimeters of carbon steel grinding plates, producing coarse and fine grinds, respectively.
The LEM 1384 Number 10 Aluminum Grinder also comes with a grinding knife made of the same carbon steel material.
This number 10 aluminum hand grinder features a big hopper measuring three and three-eighth by four inches to hold a sufficient amount of food.
With its 1.5-inch clamp opening, it allows you to fasten this meat grinding equipment on a table for excellent support and stability.
The LEM 1384 model is a manual meat processing equipment measuring 7.6 x 4.33 x 10.75 inches and weighs 2.93 pounds.
The Good
The LEM 1384 Number 10 Aluminum Grinder has a straightforward design, so it’s easy to use, even for first-timers.
It’s compact and lightweight, allowing you to use it even outside of your kitchen by simply fastening it on a flat surface.
The cast aluminum material used in the grinder’s construction is durable.
The Bad
For best results, you have to order the specific model part for this hand grinder and not just the available replacement as it will not fit perfectly.
3. Gideon Hand Crank Meat Grinder
The Gideon Hand Crank Meat Grinder offers decent features with versatility and ergonomic efficiency suited for home use.
Product Highlights
This white manual meat grinder is compact, measuring 10.9 x 6.7 x 6.1 inches, and lightweight at 2.55 pounds.
It comes with a suction base to keep the grinder steady and stable as you manually grind meat and vegetables.
The Gideon Hand Crank Meat Grinder comes with two stainless steel mincing plates.
The coarse variety is perfect for chopping vegetables and getting larger chunks of meat.
On the other hand, the fine grinding plate is suitable for mincing meat used for burgers, meatballs, and sausages.
The Gideon Hand Crank Meat Grinder’s removable parts are all dishwasher-safe, making it easier to clean.
You can simply wipe clean the base and other non-dishwasher safe parts of the Gideon hand crank meat grinder.
The manufacturer used a combination of durable plastic and stainless steel materials in making this manual meat-grinding appliance.
You don’t have to worry about getting cut or injured since this manual meat grinder’s sharp stainless steel blades are cased inside the equipment.
The machine will only work once the blade is locked inside the closed chamber.
Also included in the package is a meat pusher that will help you thrust the food further into the grinder.
The Good
Since most of the materials used in the Gideon Hand Crank Meat Grinder are heavy-duty and non-corrosive plastic, it tends to last longer than other models.
The suction base allows you to use the grinder on any flat surface, unlike the clamp models where you need to find a spot with space underneath.
Grinding meat, mincing garlic, or making a puree is not a problem with the Gideon grinder’s easy-to-turn hand crank.
The Bad
Most of the materials used in the Gideon Hand Crank Meat Grinder are plastic, making it fragile because of its lightness.
PROS
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Safe
- Affordable
CONS
- Plastic handle
- Not for bone grinding
4. AlphaTool Vertical Meat Grinder
The AlphaTool manual sausage maker and vertical meat grinder is a practical kitchen appliance for every homemaker.
Product Highlights
When you buy the AlphaTool Vertical Meat Grinder, the package also includes four different horn-filling nozzles.
Each nozzle comes in a different diameter giving you four size variations when making your homemade sausages.
The AlphaTool Vertical Meat Grinder uses a combination of different materials in constructing this equipment.
Most of the meat grinder’s material comes from premium-quality aluminum alloy. The sharp blade is stainless steel, while the funnel features thick and durable plastic.
The AlphaTool Vertical Meat Grinder has a tabletop clamp design, allowing you to set up the equipment to keep it stable as you grind food.
It’s a sturdy meat-grinding appliance measuring 10.79 x 7.6 x 4.37 inches and lightweight at 2.74 pounds.
The Good
The vertical meat grinder from AlphaTool has simple and straightforward assembly instructions.
It’s also easy to use without any complicated operations or functionalities.
You just need to clamp it securely on a sturdy spot, and you can start grinding.
The size of the meat grinder makes it easy to bring with you. You can use it anywhere since it does not need any electricity to function.
The Bad
The meat fat gets clogged on the grinding plate of the AlphaTool Vertical Meat Grinder.
You have to remove the cover, clean the plate’s holes before reattaching so you can continue.
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Stable
CONS
- Metal shavings
- Small funnel
5. Kitchen Basics 3-N-1 Manual Grinder
There are endless possibilities with what you can do with the manual meat and vegetable grinder from Kitchen Basics.
Product Highlights
This 3-in-1 small appliance from Kitchen Basics is a multi-purpose tool that can function as a meat grinder, a pasta maker, a sausage stuffer, and a vegetable mincer.
It’s a lightweight tool that only weighs 1.87 pounds, constructed from heavy-duty ABS plastic material.
The forged stainless steel Japanese blades used in this manual grinder make it one of the most effective equipment to have in your kitchen.
It’s an ultra-sharp blade that can cut meat with smooth accuracy.
The Kitchen Basics 3-N-1 Manual Grinder’s white-colored design gives it a clean and sleek look that will complement your kitchen design.
You can accomplish a lot of things using this handy 3-in-1 Kitchen Basics manual grinder with extreme efficiency.
It’s a portable kitchen gadget that you can bring along with you on camping and other outdoor activities that require cooking and food preps.
This manual grinder also comes with easy-to-follow and straightforward assembly instructions.
Its strong suction cup keeps this machine stable on any flat surface.
Plus, it has an ergonomically designed handle that is easy to use. You can reverse its movement in case the grinder gets clogged or stuck.
This multi-purpose tool also comes with sausage funnels in three different sizes as an accessory for its sausage stuffing function.
You will also receive a bowl and one each of coarse and fine stainless steel mincing plate options.
For best results, you have to make sure that you wash and dry the manual grinder after every use to make it last longer.
Also, never overload the grinder and give it a break after every 15 minutes of continuous use to prevent the grinding part from overheating.
Here are the different parts of the 3-in-1 grinder you will find in the package:
- Base
- Container
- Fine-Cut Disc
- Food Box
- Front Cover
- Handle
- Knob
- Lock
- Macaroni Knife Cover
- Rough-Cut Disc
- Sausage Knife Cover
- Shaft
- Shaft Sleeve
- Stainless Steel Blade
- Wrench
The Good
What’s impressive about the Kitchen Basics 3-N-1 Manual Grinder is its variety of functions, all packed in this small and lightweight tool.
The whole package includes all the accessories that you will need for the various functions it is offering.
Also, you get all these inclusions at a budget-friendly price.
The Bad
The kitchen appliance’s size is not suitable for heavy-duty or commercial work where you need to use the machine non-stop.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Portable
- Multi-functional
- Small footprint
CONS
- Suction does not work
- Not dishwasher-safe
How Do I Choose a Meat Grinder?
Having one of the best manual meat grinders in your kitchen is beneficial for all home cooks, whether you are a new homemaker or an experienced one.
These grinders are not exclusive to meats alone. They are kitchen appliances offering a variety of uses.
To ensure that you only buy the best grinder, you need to check on different factors crucial to the machine’s performance.
Below are some of the things that you need to take note of before buying this kitchen equipment.
Material
As with any item that we want to buy, we want to ensure that the materials used are of high quality to last a long time.
The material type is crucial to the grinder’s durability and longevity. Look for something that can withstand the amount of pressure it will go through.
Stainless steel is sturdy, making it perfect for heavy-duty grinding but more expensive than other materials.
They will also include stainless steel accessories, adding to their already significant weight. Hence, they should be placed in a fixed spot in your kitchen.
The commercial-grade cast aluminum material is more lightweight and budget-friendly.
Grinders made from this material offer the portability to use the tool anywhere.
The most affordable grinders are typically made from durable molded plastic material. They have modern designs and are handier to use.
Blade
The grinder’s blade is the next crucial part you need to focus on when buying this kitchen appliance.
Look for a stainless steel blade in a meat grinder since it is more likely to stay sharp longer and will not rust over time.
Your safety is crucial when using appliances for food preparation to prevent contamination. Rust may cause you to get sick when mixed with your food.
Ease of Use
Although this aspect does not directly relate to a meat grinder’s part, it is also vital to look for an easy-to-operate appliance.
Ease of use is crucial if you plan to buy a manual meat grinder since it requires your strength to perform efficiently.
Be mindful of the meat grinder’s overall design, as it will play a crucial role in your comfort while using the machine.
The handle’s position, together with the feeder tube’s size and location, impacts the way you use the equipment.
If you feel awkward or unnatural while operating the machine, you will just waste your money buying it.
Maintenance
Maintaining the cleanliness of your workplace and the things that you use during food preparation is crucial.
Meat grinders need optimum care during clean-up to ensure that no food, especially raw meat, is left in any part of your equipment.
Food residues left stuck in your grinder may build up mold and bacteria and may contaminate your food the next time you use it.
Look for a meat grinder that is easy to disassemble and has dishwasher-safe parts so you won’t have trouble washing it after every use.
Also, make sure that you dry all the parts thoroughly to prevent corrosion.
Accessories
We all want freebies when we buy something. Most kitchen appliances offer useful extra accessories.
Some meat grinders come with two grinding plates, each one with a different size depending on what your recipe requires.
You will also find different attachments for sausage-making in various sizes, pasta making, meat pusher, and extra cutting blades.
Crank Handle
This component is specific to manual meat grinders. Choose one with an ergonomic handle for comfort and convenience.
Most manual meat grinders come with soft-grip handles that are comfortable to hold.
Since this part is what you will use to grind your meat, you have to make sure that it is easy to operate to prevent hand fatigue.
Cost
For most homemakers, the item’s price usually affects their decision whether to buy it or not. Most manual grinders for home use are reasonably priced.
Remember that not because you found an expensive and popular meat grinder that it’s the best for your needs.
Set your specific price range before you proceed to buy your meat grinder. Look for the one that features your preferences, so you won’t have any complaints after.
Anchoring Mechanism
When buying a manual meat grinder, look for a model with a stable anchoring mechanism that will allow it to stay attached to the countertop or table.
Most budget-friendly models feature a rubber suction base allowing you to attach the grinder to any flat surface.
Another common anchoring system used in most manual meat grinders is the clamp mechanism.
It can provide more stability and reliability, ensuring that the meat grinder stays in place while you grind food.
Best Manual Grinder FAQs
1. Do Hand Meat Grinders Work Well?
These manual meat grinders can work well depending on different factors like the materials used for its construction and how it’s built.
Hand meat grinders are mostly the traditional type with a simple design and specific features. They are typically small and suitable for home use for small-scale grinding.
If you only need to use a grinder occasionally, then these manual types are perfect for you.
2. Are Manual Grinders Hard to Use?
The keyword here is manual, which means that it will only function depending on how much effort you are willing to put into it.
Grinding lots of meat means using human power to complete the task. You need to do a lot of cranking just to produce your desired outcome.
As such, manual grinders can be difficult to use in certain situations.
3. Will a Manual Meat Grinder Grind Bones?
There are specific manual grinders that can grind bones; thus, the simple answer to this question is yes.
You may be wondering: why would someone think of grinding bones? Some use bones when preparing food for their pets.
Therefore, if you need to grind bones manually, look for heavy-duty models that will accomplish the task without requiring too much pressure from you.
4. Is It Worth Buying a Meat Grinder?
If you’re one of those who are having second thoughts about buying a meat grinder, go and buy one now.
It may be more convenient just to settle for the store-bought ground meat, but nothing beats the superior taste and texture of freshly-ground beef.
It’s also safer if you home grind the meat because you know what you are putting into your recipes.
Some talk about store-bought ground meat as a mixture of different types and having extenders added into it.
So we say that having a meat grinder as part of your kitchen arsenal is definitely worth the investment.
5. How Does a Manual Meat Grinder Work?
The machine generates heat during the grinding process. That is why some users try to cool down some parts like the blade, grinding plate, and extruder.
For the meat, wash and clean it first, then remove excess fat and put it inside the refrigerator for a few minutes to cool.
You must cut the meat into small cubes using the best knife to cut raw meat before gradually adding the meat pieces into the hopper.
Manually push the meat into the feeding chute as you turn the handle clockwise. This process allows it to pass through the tube and into the extruder.
The blade on the outer part of the tube cuts it down, while the grinding plate determines the meat’s size.
Generally, meat grinders come with different grinding plate sizes. You choose which one you need for your recipe.
Some other attachments or accessories may be included in your package depending on the function you want to use.
What Meat Grinder Should You Choose?
When we plan to buy something, say a meat grinder, we tend to look for popular models which we thought are the best.
That is why it is critical to research and read product reviews before deciding which one to buy.
Decide on what features you want, where and how you intend to use the equipment, and how much you are willing to spend.
Looking back at the five models we have reviewed, we feel that the LHS Manual Meat Grinder has the most meat-grinding features.
It’s a small, affordable, durable piece of equipment that offers multiple cutting plates, so you can grind meat at any size.
