Electric vs. Manual Meat Grinders

Answer 1

Over the past few years, it seems like food borne illnesses are more common than ever. Companies frequently recall bags of pre-washed salad greens over concerns with salmonella or e.coli. These dangerous bacteria aren’t limited to produce; they can also exist in meat as well. Ground meats like ground beef, pork, or turkey, are especially susceptible. Bacteria live on the surface of meats. When meats are ground, bacteria are incorporated throughout the meat, contaminating the whole lot. If not cooked to proper temperatures, this meat can cause illness or even death in those who consume it. In addition to food safety concerns, buying pre-ground meat can be a tricky proposition. Consumers can never be sure what cuts of meat are actually being packaged and if proper sanitary measures are being taken by the butchers. Often, ground meat is made from scraps left over from better cuts of meat, or from the cheapest, fattiest cuts. By purchasing a meat grinder and grinding their own meat at home, consumers can gain more control than ever over what foods go into their bodies.

When shopping for a meat grinder, a person is likely to find two types -- electric and manual. Manual meat grinders are usually made of heavy grade metal such as cast iron and can be bolted to a kitchen counter or table during operation. They have a feed tube in which the cook places the meat, and a hand crank. Inside, small blades and gears break down the meat, extruding it from the machine. Adjustments can be made to the grinder to change the texture of the meat from course to fine. The one drawback of manual meat grinders is that they can be hard to clean. Most meat grinders can be disassembled for easier cleaning. Another option is an electric meat grinder. These work in the same way as manual grinders, except instead of a hand crank, there is a motor. These are better suited for people who grind meat in large quantities frequently. Also, some of these grinders can be fitted with attachments that can be used for sausage making. Some high end stand mixers also include a meat grinder attachment that fits the machine and runs off its motor.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a manual versus electric grinder comes down to a person’s budget and how often they grind their own meat. For those who only grind meat occasionally, a manual grinder makes sense. For others, who grind large quantities of meat on a regular basis, a heavy duty, electric meat grinder may be more practical.