How do you mix small (say, 3-4 lb.) batches to get proper extraction? The smallest hand crank mixers don’t seem to be recommended for batches less than 5 lbs. I’ve tried using a stand mixer with dough hook, but that does more kneading than mixing. And hand mixing for any length of time is a pretty cold proposition. Does anyone know of a hand crank mixer that will properly mix batches smaller than 5 lbs.?

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/topic/1026/small-batch-mixingRSS for NodeThu, 10 Sep 2026 22:38:05 GMTFri, 18 Jan 2019 21:56:38 GMT60Consensus…No pain, no gain! A few minutes of discomfort is worth the reward!

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3494https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3494Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:38:43 GMTJonathon I remember years ago I had a pair of elbow length rubber gloves that had a lining inside. You could even use a thin cotton glove inside that. Don’t know what happened to them or where I got them from. Might have to do some Googling to find out.

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3492https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3492Wed, 23 Jan 2019 01:27:20 GMTBeen making sausage for 30 +yrs, my opinion is hand mixing over machine anytime. U can’t make a machine grab squeeze and twist. It doesn’t take that long to get the protein extraction your looking for by hand, maybe 5 minutes. When u run the meat the second time through the grinder you will achieve more protein extraction then mix a little more by hand you will notice how sticky the meat is. As far as helping with cold hands, use a tight fitting non powder nitrile gloves, and put u a bowl,of warm,water near u to dip hands in as needed. It will help, and won’t hurt if a little xtra water is mixed,in.

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3491https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3491Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:30:24 GMTPapaSop I’ve tried our cotton gloves and that didn’t seem to help too much, maybe I will try some other gloves and see if that helps, thanks!

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3467https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3467Mon, 21 Jan 2019 22:44:08 GMTCold hands…For small batches I put on a pair of those brown (jersey)gloves, then the latex over those. Huge difference.

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3465https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3465Mon, 21 Jan 2019 22:12:09 GMTParksider I’ve never used a stand mixer, so when I am doing smaller batches it is hand mixing. For me, the biggest issue is how cold my hands get while doing this. I wonder what would happen if you used a hand powered mixer like people used to use before Kitchen Aids became so common? I am talking about the ones with the two rotating whisks that into your batter, anyone ever try using those ones a small batch?

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3455https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3455Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:03:08 GMTreprice when the ball forms, increase the speed. That’s what I do and it works fine.

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3437https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3437Sun, 20 Jan 2019 11:30:51 GMTreprice Hello. If using a stand mixer try it with the paddle not the dough hook. I have a commercial mixer and now mixing 15 to 30 pound batches with the paddle attachment. When I was making smaller batches as you are the stand mixer always did a great job with the paddle. Remember not to over mix.
Hope this helps.

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3424https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3424Sat, 19 Jan 2019 22:18:00 GMTreprice
Unfortunately hand mixing is the way to with small batches. We used to make 20# batches of sticks all mixed by hand. Seems like you spend a lot of time pulling it apart but when it gets tight and sticky you are there!

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3421https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3421Sat, 19 Jan 2019 17:22:03 GMTJoe Hell Yes, I’ve tried that too. But as soon as the meat ball gets a little adhesive, all the paddle does is spin it around, with no mixing at all.

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3417https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3417Sat, 19 Jan 2019 13:58:58 GMTreprice You might have better luck using the paddle attachment when using a stand mixer rather than the dough hook.

]]>https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3412https://waltonsdev.nodebb.com/post/3412Fri, 18 Jan 2019 23:36:01 GMT