Guide to Commercial Meat Grinders
Commercial meat grinders are essential tools for businesses that process meat in-house, such as butcher shops, delis, and scratch kitchens. These machines provide consistent grind textures and reduce food costs by minimizing waste. Operators can make their own sausage, grind burger patties, and mince their own meat, elevating customer appeal and enabling customizability in seasoning. This guide will help you choose a meat grinder that meets your operation's needs by considering details like plate size, grind size, and output.
How Does a Meat Grinder Work?
The grinding process begins when chunks of meat, such as beef, turkey, or chicken, are placed in the hopper. The operator then guides the meat down the throat and into an auger. As the auger rotates, it moves the meat toward a rotating knife that cuts the meat while pushing it through a grinder plate. The plate-and-blade combination determines the product's final texture and grind size.
There are two common methods of powering meat grinders:
- Manual grinders: Hand-crank grinders, operated by turning a handle, are common for sausage stuffing machines and suitable for small or occasional tasks
- Electric grinders: Motorized appliances offer faster, more consistent grinding for higher volume
Manual vs. Electric Meat Grinders
| Feature | Manual Grinder | Electric Grinder |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Hand-cranked | Motor-powered |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Effort Required | High | Minimal |
| Volume Capacity | Low | Medium to High |
| Portability | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Ideal For | Off-grid or light-duty prep | Commercial kitchens |
| Price Range | $50–$100 | $300+ |
| Noise Level | Silent | Moderate |
Types of Meat Grinders
Countertop Meat Grinders
- Pros: Compact, easy to move, ideal for small kitchens
- Cons: Limited capacity, less powerful than floor models
Floor Meat Grinders
- Pros: High capacity, durable, built for continuous use
- Cons: Expensive, requires dedicated floor space
Bench Meat Grinders
- Pros: Stable operation, mid-range capacity, durable, bolts securely to work surface
- Cons: Heavier than countertop models, may require reinforced bench, lower capacity compared to floor models
What Do the Numbers on Meat Grinders Mean?
Meat grinder numbers, such as No. 5, No. 8, No. 12, No. 22, and No. 32 correspond to meat grinder sizes and output, specifically the diameter of the plate—called the head size. Larger numbers indicate larger plates and higher throughput, while smaller numbers are better for fine, small grinds. the blade sizes are also determined by the grinder number.
How to Choose a Meat Grinder Number for Your Kitchen
- No. 5 or No. 8: Best for small restaurants, ghost kitchens, or test kitchens with occasional use
- No. 12: Ideal for mid-sized restaurants with daily meat grinding needs
- No. 22 or No. 32: Suited for butcher shops, delis, high-volume restaurants, or commissary kitchens
Meat Grinder Size Comparison
| Head Size | Plate Diameter | Throughput (Approx.) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 5 | 2 1/8" | 1–2 lbs./min | Light-duty/home use |
| No. 8 | 2 1/2" | 2–3 lbs./min | Small kitchens/ghost kitchens |
| No. 12 | 2 3/4" | 4–5 lbs./min | Mid-volume commercial use |
| No. 22 | 3 1/4" | 9–12 lbs./min | High-volume kitchens |
| No. 32 | 3 7/8" | 15+ lbs./min | Butcher shops/processing facilities |
Meat Grinder Plate Sizes: What They Mean & How to Choose
Grinder plate sizes determine the final grind texture, often referred to as the hole size. The right plate depends on your desired end product. Some operators start with a large number to break up the meat and then run the product through a smaller number for a finer grind.
Meat Grinder Plate Size Chart
| Hole Size | Grind Texture | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3/32" | Extra Fine | Hot dogs, bologna |
| 1/8" | Fine | Hamburger, sausage |
| 3/16" | Medium | Ground beef, chili |
| 1/4"+ | Coarse | Stews, first grind |
What to Look for in a Meat Grinder
When choosing a meat grinder, consider the following:
- Horsepower & Wattage: Higher power improves throughput
- Grinder Size: Choose a size based on final product and production volume
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for stainless steel parts and removable components
- Material: Stainless steel also provides higher durability than aluminum
- Accessories: Some models can accommodate sausage-stuffing tubes, and others may include replacement plates and blades
Top Rated Meat Grinders
KaTom offers commercial food processing brands known for performance and durability:
- Hobart: High-end industry leader in durability and high-volume processing
- Vollrath: Affordable and durable, ideal for mid-sized operations
- Globe: Reliable and suited for everyday commercial needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What size meat grinder do I need for a restaurant?
A No. 12 or No. 22 grinder is ideal for medium- to high-volume restaurants.
Can I grind bones in a commercial meat grinder?
Only heavy-duty models, usually floor or bench-style grinders with powerful motors, can handle soft bones.
What do the numbers (5, 8, 12, etc.) mean on a meat grinder?
They indicate the plate size and grinder body dimensions, which affect both throughput and grind texture.
What's the difference between fine and coarse grind plates?
Fine plates (3/32-inch and 1/8-inch) create smaller grinds with smooth blends for sausage and burgers, while coarse plates (1/4-inch and above) suit chili, stew meat, or initial grinds.
What size grinder plate should I use for burgers or sausage?
For burgers and sausages, use 1/8-inch to 3/16-inch plates to create a moldable blend.
Do meat grinders come with multiple sizes of grind plates?
Most commercial meat grinders sold at KaTom come with at least two plates with different hole sizes. It helps to pair one knife with each plate to maximize the lifespan of each.
How do I clean a meat grinder safely?
Turn off and unplug the device. Disassemble all parts, rinse off residue, soak in warm, soapy water, scrub small parts and the interior of the grinder head with a brush, and dry completely to avoid rust.
Do I need to replace my meat grinder knife and plates?
Over time, both your grinder plate and knife will wear out. Some will have to be replaced, while other models can be sharpened. Be sure to monitor your knife sharpness to avoid overworking your grinder.
Can I use a meat grinder to stuff sausage?
Some meat grinders can be equipped with sausage-stuffing tubes. These will require more pressure than regular grinding, so make sure your device can handle it, and be sure to use finely pre-ground meat.
Shop Commercial Meat Grinders at KaTom
KaTom carries a wide selection of commercial meat grinders from top brands in various sizes, styles, and power ranges. Whether you need a compact countertop model or a heavy-duty floor unit, you can find the right grinder to meet your kitchen’s demands at KaTom.
