Grinder comparison help
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I have used a #12 for years and love it but wanted one with a bigger throat and just got a great deal on a #32 Weston Butcher series and was ecstatic About its performance. I think it cut my grinding time in 1/2 and the performance with an 1/8 plate was exceptional. I really wanted a 2hp #32. but the price was nearly double the one I got.
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LONG POST ALERT
Hey guys I’ve come to the conclusion that my sausage making hobby has out grown my grinder. I’ve been looking into a new one but could use some direction.
I’ve been using a Gourmia kitchen grinder that says it is 800 watts. It honestly has been pretty good for single grinds but recently doing a double grind for a 5 pound batch of snack sticks it seemed like forever
I’ve been looking in the $300-$450 range.
Currently I make a batch of sausage/snack sticks about once a month sometimes twice and usually do batches between 5 pounds and 10 pounds. Although I’ve been finding that it is probably better to go with the bigger batches and vac and freeze them. Would have less cleanup time overall, especially now that I have the mixer.
I do see myself getting into making summer sausage and all but I usually do all the processing alone so I honestly don’t think I will go much larger than 25 pound batches.
I have an 11lb stuffer, 22lb meat mixer, and a food saver vac sealer.
I’ve been looking at everything from the Weston butcher 8, 12, or 22, the Weston Pro 8 or 12, the Walton 8 or 12.
Wondering what features are more beneficial as a home processor making stuff for friend and family. Should I sacrifice HP for plate size? Does the Waltons one have features over the Weston because it seems like for a similar price the Weston pro has .25 more HP. I would think it’s better to ere on the larger size than get something too small, but if the larger ones would be way overkill I can definitely think of some other places to spend that extra money.
Initially I was thinking the Weston pro 8, but then thought maybe a larger plate size even if the motor is smaller would be better. I.e. the Weston butcher series in 22.
I think for the frequency and quantity I do, the difference in grind time will not matter all that much other than concerns with the meat getting warm and food safety.
Also sorry if this is a dumb question but does the throat size increase as the grinder number goes up.
Sorry if this has been addressed before, other than the post above, but I am severely suffering from paralysis by over analysis.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks. -
LONG POST ALERT
Hey guys I’ve come to the conclusion that my sausage making hobby has out grown my grinder. I’ve been looking into a new one but could use some direction.
I’ve been using a Gourmia kitchen grinder that says it is 800 watts. It honestly has been pretty good for single grinds but recently doing a double grind for a 5 pound batch of snack sticks it seemed like forever
I’ve been looking in the $300-$450 range.
Currently I make a batch of sausage/snack sticks about once a month sometimes twice and usually do batches between 5 pounds and 10 pounds. Although I’ve been finding that it is probably better to go with the bigger batches and vac and freeze them. Would have less cleanup time overall, especially now that I have the mixer.
I do see myself getting into making summer sausage and all but I usually do all the processing alone so I honestly don’t think I will go much larger than 25 pound batches.
I have an 11lb stuffer, 22lb meat mixer, and a food saver vac sealer.
I’ve been looking at everything from the Weston butcher 8, 12, or 22, the Weston Pro 8 or 12, the Walton 8 or 12.
Wondering what features are more beneficial as a home processor making stuff for friend and family. Should I sacrifice HP for plate size? Does the Waltons one have features over the Weston because it seems like for a similar price the Weston pro has .25 more HP. I would think it’s better to ere on the larger size than get something too small, but if the larger ones would be way overkill I can definitely think of some other places to spend that extra money.
Initially I was thinking the Weston pro 8, but then thought maybe a larger plate size even if the motor is smaller would be better. I.e. the Weston butcher series in 22.
I think for the frequency and quantity I do, the difference in grind time will not matter all that much other than concerns with the meat getting warm and food safety.
Also sorry if this is a dumb question but does the throat size increase as the grinder number goes up.
Sorry if this has been addressed before other than the post above and for the lengthy post, but I am severely suffering from paralysis by over analysis.
Any input is greatly appreciated.“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
-
LONG POST ALERT
Hey guys I’ve come to the conclusion that my sausage making hobby has out grown my grinder. I’ve been looking into a new one but could use some direction.
I’ve been using a Gourmia kitchen grinder that says it is 800 watts. It honestly has been pretty good for single grinds but recently doing a double grind for a 5 pound batch of snack sticks it seemed like forever
I’ve been looking in the $300-$450 range.
Currently I make a batch of sausage/snack sticks about once a month sometimes twice and usually do batches between 5 pounds and 10 pounds. Although I’ve been finding that it is probably better to go with the bigger batches and vac and freeze them. Would have less cleanup time overall, especially now that I have the mixer.
I do see myself getting into making summer sausage and all but I usually do all the processing alone so I honestly don’t think I will go much larger than 25 pound batches.
I have an 11lb stuffer, 22lb meat mixer, and a food saver vac sealer.
I’ve been looking at everything from the Weston butcher 8, 12, or 22, the Weston Pro 8 or 12, the Walton 8 or 12.
Wondering what features are more beneficial as a home processor making stuff for friend and family. Should I sacrifice HP for plate size? Does the Waltons one have features over the Weston because it seems like for a similar price the Weston pro has .25 more HP. I would think it’s better to ere on the larger size than get something too small, but if the larger ones would be way overkill I can definitely think of some other places to spend that extra money.
Initially I was thinking the Weston pro 8, but then thought maybe a larger plate size even if the motor is smaller would be better. I.e. the Weston butcher series in 22.
I think for the frequency and quantity I do, the difference in grind time will not matter all that much other than concerns with the meat getting warm and food safety.
Also sorry if this is a dumb question but does the throat size increase as the grinder number goes up.
Sorry if this has been addressed before other than the post above and for the lengthy post, but I am severely suffering from paralysis by over analysis.
Any input is greatly appreciated.Surg I believe that most of us on this forum would tell you get the biggest you can reasonably afford.
I would say for your present volume, that a 22 would work with room to spare.
As far as brands, Walton or Weston should preform well for you. HP is not the end all. Depending on the gearing, it is the final output that is to be considered.
You could drive yourself crazy trying to get the best bang for the buck, and 10 people on this forum would result in 10 opinions.
I think that the bottom line is you wouldn’t be wrong with either. You probably would be great with a #12, but as almost most people will tell you, your hobby is likely to expand, so the #22 may be your best long term bet.
Pick one, and sit back and enjoy the journey.
-
LONG POST ALERT
Hey guys I’ve come to the conclusion that my sausage making hobby has out grown my grinder. I’ve been looking into a new one but could use some direction.
I’ve been using a Gourmia kitchen grinder that says it is 800 watts. It honestly has been pretty good for single grinds but recently doing a double grind for a 5 pound batch of snack sticks it seemed like forever
I’ve been looking in the $300-$450 range.
Currently I make a batch of sausage/snack sticks about once a month sometimes twice and usually do batches between 5 pounds and 10 pounds. Although I’ve been finding that it is probably better to go with the bigger batches and vac and freeze them. Would have less cleanup time overall, especially now that I have the mixer.
I do see myself getting into making summer sausage and all but I usually do all the processing alone so I honestly don’t think I will go much larger than 25 pound batches.
I have an 11lb stuffer, 22lb meat mixer, and a food saver vac sealer.
I’ve been looking at everything from the Weston butcher 8, 12, or 22, the Weston Pro 8 or 12, the Walton 8 or 12.
Wondering what features are more beneficial as a home processor making stuff for friend and family. Should I sacrifice HP for plate size? Does the Waltons one have features over the Weston because it seems like for a similar price the Weston pro has .25 more HP. I would think it’s better to ere on the larger size than get something too small, but if the larger ones would be way overkill I can definitely think of some other places to spend that extra money.
Initially I was thinking the Weston pro 8, but then thought maybe a larger plate size even if the motor is smaller would be better. I.e. the Weston butcher series in 22.
I think for the frequency and quantity I do, the difference in grind time will not matter all that much other than concerns with the meat getting warm and food safety.
Also sorry if this is a dumb question but does the throat size increase as the grinder number goes up.
Sorry if this has been addressed before, other than the post above, but I am severely suffering from paralysis by over analysis.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.Surg Horsepower doesn’t matter, period. The only situation where horsepower matters is if you want to grind fully frozen stuff, which you don’t because it’s going to mess up any grinder that walton’s sells. Get the biggest plate size grinder you can afford, it will take less time to grind and less time to prep because larger plate grinders have larger throats.
For a 25 lbs batch get literally anything, your run time isn’t going to be long enough to overheat a 115v motor. If you get into larger batches I would recommend getting the PROCUT products over a walton’s branded product. Procut is a lower level commercial brand and not a home use brand and their stuff is designed to not overheat during longer run times.
Lastly sometimes its better buy more expensive things with resale value instead of new items. A used hobart or biro or procut or berkel grinder has resale value if you get bored of the hobby or move on to bigger equipment, you can always resell a used commercial grinder for what you bought it for.
-
LONG POST ALERT
Hey guys I’ve come to the conclusion that my sausage making hobby has out grown my grinder. I’ve been looking into a new one but could use some direction.
I’ve been using a Gourmia kitchen grinder that says it is 800 watts. It honestly has been pretty good for single grinds but recently doing a double grind for a 5 pound batch of snack sticks it seemed like forever
I’ve been looking in the $300-$450 range.
Currently I make a batch of sausage/snack sticks about once a month sometimes twice and usually do batches between 5 pounds and 10 pounds. Although I’ve been finding that it is probably better to go with the bigger batches and vac and freeze them. Would have less cleanup time overall, especially now that I have the mixer.
I do see myself getting into making summer sausage and all but I usually do all the processing alone so I honestly don’t think I will go much larger than 25 pound batches.
I have an 11lb stuffer, 22lb meat mixer, and a food saver vac sealer.
I’ve been looking at everything from the Weston butcher 8, 12, or 22, the Weston Pro 8 or 12, the Walton 8 or 12.
Wondering what features are more beneficial as a home processor making stuff for friend and family. Should I sacrifice HP for plate size? Does the Waltons one have features over the Weston because it seems like for a similar price the Weston pro has .25 more HP. I would think it’s better to ere on the larger size than get something too small, but if the larger ones would be way overkill I can definitely think of some other places to spend that extra money.
Initially I was thinking the Weston pro 8, but then thought maybe a larger plate size even if the motor is smaller would be better. I.e. the Weston butcher series in 22.
I think for the frequency and quantity I do, the difference in grind time will not matter all that much other than concerns with the meat getting warm and food safety.
Also sorry if this is a dumb question but does the throat size increase as the grinder number goes up.
Sorry if this has been addressed before other than the post above and for the lengthy post, but I am severely suffering from paralysis by over analysis.
Any input is greatly appreciated.Surg I have the weston #12 butcher series that I won on a live stream. I have a second #12 that I bought many years ago. I am very happy with the weston. I usually grind 50 pounds at a time and its never missed a beat. One thing to think about is where you keep the grinder when not in use. Mine is in the basement so when I grind I have to carry it up the stairs, so remember the bigger the grinder, the heavier its going to be. I agree everyone has an opinion, but take a little bit from everyone, then choose what is right for you.
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Surg I got a meatyourmaker 32 for under 600. The thing eats anything that walks by. I still use my kitchen aid for small grinds but 25 lbs of meat twice in 10 mins is pretty good.
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But once, cry once.
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Surg I got a meatyourmaker 32 for under 600. The thing eats anything that walks by. I still use my kitchen aid for small grinds but 25 lbs of meat twice in 10 mins is pretty good.
samspade
Thanks Tried to upvote your post but for some reason it gives you a -1 even though I click the thumbs up. -
But once, cry once.
HerbcoFood
Very true. Wish I learned that earlier in life. -
Surg I have the weston #12 butcher series that I won on a live stream. I have a second #12 that I bought many years ago. I am very happy with the weston. I usually grind 50 pounds at a time and its never missed a beat. One thing to think about is where you keep the grinder when not in use. Mine is in the basement so when I grind I have to carry it up the stairs, so remember the bigger the grinder, the heavier its going to be. I agree everyone has an opinion, but take a little bit from everyone, then choose what is right for you.
kyle thanks I will be storing mine in the basement as well. Good to keep in mind.
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Surg I believe that most of us on this forum would tell you get the biggest you can reasonably afford.
I would say for your present volume, that a 22 would work with room to spare.
As far as brands, Walton or Weston should preform well for you. HP is not the end all. Depending on the gearing, it is the final output that is to be considered.
You could drive yourself crazy trying to get the best bang for the buck, and 10 people on this forum would result in 10 opinions.
I think that the bottom line is you wouldn’t be wrong with either. You probably would be great with a #12, but as almost most people will tell you, your hobby is likely to expand, so the #22 may be your best long term bet.
Pick one, and sit back and enjoy the journey.
Chef thanks Great advice as always.
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Surg Horsepower doesn’t matter, period. The only situation where horsepower matters is if you want to grind fully frozen stuff, which you don’t because it’s going to mess up any grinder that walton’s sells. Get the biggest plate size grinder you can afford, it will take less time to grind and less time to prep because larger plate grinders have larger throats.
For a 25 lbs batch get literally anything, your run time isn’t going to be long enough to overheat a 115v motor. If you get into larger batches I would recommend getting the PROCUT products over a walton’s branded product. Procut is a lower level commercial brand and not a home use brand and their stuff is designed to not overheat during longer run times.
Lastly sometimes its better buy more expensive things with resale value instead of new items. A used hobart or biro or procut or berkel grinder has resale value if you get bored of the hobby or move on to bigger equipment, you can always resell a used commercial grinder for what you bought it for.
sailfaster
Thanks. That’s kind of what I was thinking about the horsepower. -
So I took a look at the Facebook marketplace for my area. Did manage to find this listing. Less than an hour from my house. Seems almost too good to be true. Anything I should worry about or ask about when looking into a used grinder. Seller said it was only used five times and maintained according to instructions. This may be the perfect bridge to something larger in the future.
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
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So I took a look at the Facebook marketplace for my area. Did manage to find this listing. Less than an hour from my house. Seems almost too good to be true. Anything I should worry about or ask about when looking into a used grinder. Seller said it was only used five times and maintained according to instructions. This may be the perfect bridge to something larger in the future.
Surg looks like a great deal. It would be worth checking out
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Ended up getting that deal off of Facebook marketplace from above. $80 (extra 5 cuz she drove it to me. Looks pretty much brand new and turns on, always a good sign. Hopefully it works out. Thanks for all the great input will definitely keep this in mind when I’m ready to upgrade again.
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
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Looks like you got a great deal and $5 for delivery, even better with the price of gas.
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Ended up getting that deal off of Facebook marketplace from above. $80 (extra 5 cuz she drove it to me. Looks pretty much brand new and turns on, always a good sign. Hopefully it works out. Thanks for all the great input will definitely keep this in mind when I’m ready to upgrade again.
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great deal hope it works out for you
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Ended up getting that deal off of Facebook marketplace from above. $80 (extra 5 cuz she drove it to me. Looks pretty much brand new and turns on, always a good sign. Hopefully it works out. Thanks for all the great input will definitely keep this in mind when I’m ready to upgrade again.
Surg that looks like a great deal.
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