BookmarkAll about Meat Grinders
DIY meats
There was a time when a meat grinder was a necessity in every home. Nowadays, only people who raise their own meat or hunt for food get much use out of meat grinders. A meat grinder is basically exactly what it sounds like: a device used to grind up various meats such as hamburger, venison, turkey, etc.
Meat grinder prices
Meat grinders tend to vary greatly in price; however, don't expect to spend much less than $50. Meat grinders are expensive regardless of whether it's manually operated or electric. Most experts say that a quality meat grinder will cost you between $100 and $150. Some home kitchens come equipped with meat grinder attachments, although stand alone grinders are available in many stores.
Manual vs. electric
Meat grinders come in all different sizes, shapes, and models, but the major decision you will have to make is whether you want a hand-operated or electric one. The amount of meat you are going to grind is typically the determining factor in this decision, but cost is a serious consideration as well.
Electric and manual meat grinders both basically operate on the same principle. Meat is ground through a rotating wheel. The meat is inserted through a hopper, which leads to the sharpened blades inside the device. The blades then force the meat out through a screen.
Hunters and homesteaders
Many hunters typically prefer the small electric meat grinders for harvesting the animals they kill during hunting season. Many homesteaders choose the larger hand-operated meat grinders because they do not use any power. Hamburger and sausage making are the most popular uses for meat grinders among both hunters and homesteaders.
What to grind
The great thing about meat grinders is that many different types of meat can be ground up and used for burgers and sausages. Some of the most popular meats used are pork, beef, and venison. However, rabbit, chicken, turkey, elk, and buffalo can all be ground up into hamburgers and sausages.
With the incorporation of a meat grinder in the kitchen, the average homemaker can become an expert sausage maker. The craft is truly addictive. Many people, once they have experimented with grinding their own meat, never go back to purchasing store bought meats.
More information on meat grinders