Best commercial meat grinder 2023: Buyer's guide
Best commercial meat grinder 2023: Buyer's guide
What our commercial meat grinder guide covers
- Introduction
- Types of commercial meat grinders
- Styles of commercial meat grinders
- Main things to consider when choosing a commercial meat grinder
- Best commercial meat grinder brands in Canada
- Used commercial meat grinders — worth considering?
- Warranty and insurance
- Commercial meat grinders frequently asked questions
- Commercial meat grinder terminology
- How to maintain your commercial meat grinder
- How often should your commercial meat grinder be serviced?
- Keep your cash, use ours!
Commercial meat grinders or meat mincers are essential equipment for butcher shops, meat processing units and food services that use minced meat.
These machines can grind meat to various textures and sizes and are perfect for making tasty treats like sausages and hamburgers.
Plus, by mincing your meat in-house, you can save a pretty penny compared to buying pre-minced meat.
Some models even let you add seasonings to the mince for an extra burst of flavour.
But before you order a commercial mincer, there are more than just a few key things to consider. That’s where this buyer's guide comes handy.
It’ll walk you through all the important factors to keep in mind so that you can pick the best commercial grinder for your needs without worry.
Types of commercial meat grinders
Manual meat grinders
These compact models are perfect for processing small amounts of meat.
They typically come with a clamp that you can attach to the edge of the table and crank by hand.
They are not very powerful and have limited per minute mincing capacity.
The simple mechanism involves multiple cutting plates that rotate against a cutting knife to produce minced meat ranging from 3/16th of an inch to half an inch in size.
Manual meat mincers are typically used for making artisanal, specialty or customized minced food items in smaller quantities.
Electric meat grinders
In commercial settings where the demand is high for minced meat, electric meat grinders are more common.
These are more sophisticated than their manual counterparts and come with cutting plates of different sizes, as well as accessories like extrusion tubes and pushing tools for ease of use.
Styles of commercial meat grinders
From compact, countertop models to high-output, floor-standing industrial ones, commercial meat grinders come in different styles.
Tabletop commercial meat mincers are common in most restaurants and cafes, whereas the larger, floor-standing industrial models are typically used in delis and food processing units where large volumes of minced meat are required quickly.
Parts of a commercial meat grinder
Motor
The efficiency of meat mincing is directly proportional to the horsepower of the motor in the grinder.
For mincing tougher meat like deer meat, you will need a mincer with more motor power.
Meat tray
Meat strips or cubes are placed on this tray before they are fed into the grinder's feeding tube for mincing.
Feeding tube
This is the part of the meat grinder through which the meat travels before it is minced.
The diameter of the feeding tube is proportional to the grinder's capacity.
Cutting blade
This star-shaped metal blade spins rapidly to chop the meat.
Grinding plate
This flat circular plate with holes determines the consistency of the minced meat.
Multiple grinding plates with different hole diameters may be used in a grinder depending on the make and model.
Auger
It is the horizontal screw conveyor that moves the meat towards the cutting blade and grinding plates, also known as the worm or screw.
Plunger or meat pusher
This is used to push the meat through the feeding tube and towards the auger. It can prevent meat from getting stuck in the tube.
Main things to consider when ordering a commercial meat grinder
What type of food will you be mincing?
Besides meat, commercial meat mincers can finely grind a variety of other food items, including vegetables like onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
Heavy-duty electric mincers are particularly useful for grinding heavier meats, including soft bones like chicken and turkey. So choose a mixer that fits your needs.
How much do you need to mince?
The amount of minced meat needed can vary widely depending on the size and type of the business.
For example, a deli is likely to require more mince than a pizzeria.
Therefore, it's essential to choose a mincer with an output that matches your business's requirements.
Grinding plates
The type of mince required depends on the food being prepared.
Meat grinders usually come with grinding plates that have holes of different sizes through which the meat is pushed out.
The size of the holes determines the size or consistency of the mince.
By understanding the type of mince needed, you can select a mincer with the appropriate-sized grinding plates.
Here are some guidelines:
19mm: Very coarse
Good for the first grind and dishes like casserole, chili, or stew.
13mm: Very coarse
Good for the first grind and dishes like casserole, chili, or stew.
9.5mm: Coarse
Good for the first grind and dishes like meatloaf, meatballs, hamburgers, or Italian sausages.
6.4mm to 8mm: Coarse
Good for dishes like tacos, spaghetti Bolognese, or kebabs.
4mm to 4.8mm: Medium
Good for dishes like hamburger patties, meatballs, Bolognese sauce, or empanadas.
2.3mm to 3mm: Fine
Good for dishes like sausages, hot dogs, Italian meatballs, or dumplings.
Size/ capacity & output of the meat mincer
The quantity of meat that a commercial meat grinder can produce per hour is primarily determined by the grinder’s size.
The size of the grinder is typically denoted by the diameter of its grinder plate, which follows a fairly standardized numbering system.
As the size of the grinder increases, so does the motor power and loading tray capacity, resulting in faster grinding that produces a higher quantity of minced meat per hour. Here are some of the most common commercial meat mincer sizes and their corresponding numbers:
#5: 54mm mincing plate diameter, 48mm cutting blade diameter, 6.4mm hole size
#8: 64mm mincing plate diameter, 54mm cutting blade diameter, 9.5mm hole size
#12: 70mm mincing plate diameter, 60mm cutting blade diameter, 11mm hole size
#22: 83mm mincing plate diameter, 73mm cutting blade diameter, 12.7mm hole size
#32: 98mm mincing plate diameter, 54mm cutting blade diameter, 16mm hole size
#42: 129mm mincing plate diameter, 117mm cutting blade diameter, 22mm hole size
Motor power
The amount of moisture and level of firmness varies in different types of meat, which is why it's important to choose a commercial meat mincer with an adequate grinding capacity based on the type of meat you plan to grind. This will prevent the grinder from jamming and improve its meat processing efficiency. The power of the grinder's motor is determined by its wattage, with higher wattage indicating more power and better meat processing efficiency. When dealing with tough meats such as deer meat, a motor with a power rating of 1600 watts or more is recommended. For softer meats like chicken or turkey, a motor with less than 1600 watts should suffice. Particularly moist meats may only require an 800W motor, while dry meats will need more power. For frequent, large-scale meat processing, invest in a powerful grinder. A more powerful motor can handle bones more efficiently and produce larger batches more quickly.
Construction material
When it comes to meat grinders, select a model made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and anodized aluminum. Stainless steel is strong, dishwasher-safe, and easy to clean.
Hopper/ loading tray volume
The size of the hopper or loading tray determines how much meat can be loaded into the grinder at one time. A larger hopper can accommodate more meat in a batch, so choose a model that fits your needs.
Safety features
Grinder overheating or jamming during mincing can hinder the process and efficiency. Commercial meat mincers from reputed manufacturers usually include the following features to protect the machine as well as the user:
Auto shut-off
This feature automatically turns off the mincer when it jams or is overloaded.
Non-slip feet/ base
Helps to absorb vibrations during operation and prevents the mincer from moving or sliding.
Overheat protection
This feature automatically shuts off the machine if the mincer gets too hot during operation.
Emergency stop
This switch shuts off the mincer instantly and is positioned for easy access to turn off the machine in case of any emergency.
Ease of use
Commercial meat mincers come with different features for ease of use, including:
Feeding tube
A feeding tube with a substantial diameter allows for larger quantities of meat to be fed into the mincer easily and makes it easier to use the plunger to clear any meat stuck in the tube.
Variable speed settings
Grinders with variable speed settings give more control, enabling the user to choose the most appropriate speed according to the meat or vegetables being minced.
Plunger or meat pusher
A model-specific plunger or meat pusher aids in dislodging and pushing more meat into the feeding tube.
Reversible function
If there’s too much meat in the auger, the mincer may jam. The reverse function moves the auger in the opposite direction, which helps to clear any blockages and unclog the mechanism.
Accessories
Different accessories, like a sausage extension tube, can make the machine more versatile.
Ease of cleaning
Look for an industrial meat grinder with features that make it easy to clean, including:
Dishwasher-safe parts
If the parts such as the cutting blade, auger, and tee joint can be placed directly in a dishwasher, it will minimize the cleaning hassle considerably.
Detachable components
Commercial meat grinders designed to be easily dismantled and reassembled can make cleaning easy. It also ensures that each part of the grinder is thoroughly cleaned.
Robust construction
Mincing meat can be messy. A stainless-steel housing provides a durable and non-corrosive surface that is easy to clean.
Smooth design
A commercial meat grinder with a smooth surface will have fewer crevices and corners for dirt and debris to accumulate, making it easier to clean and maintain.
Budget
In Canada, you’ll get a light-duty commercial meat grinder from a renowned brand like Pro-Cut for less than $1000 CAD. As expected, the price varies depending on the make and model. A medium-duty commercial meat grinder from Eurodib is around $2200 CAD, but a heavy-duty model from Hobart will set you back $10,000 or more. The cost of the grinder is not the only expense you have to account for. Consider the installation and transportation charges if you are ordering a large model. Maintenance expenses – like the cost of regularly sharpening the blades and getting new ones when they wear out – should also be factored in.
Best commercial meat grinder brands in Canada
Commercial meat mincers from several brands are available in Canada. We've compiled a list of the top ones:
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Hobart
Established in 1897 in the USA, Hobart is a respected global brand in the hospitality industry. They have a huge product range that covers almost every type of equipment you may use in a commercial food service. Hobart’s products are top performers, plus they are covered by a wide and skilled service network.
Hobart 4812
This 4812-36 meat chopper is a powerful and efficient model designed to meet heavy-duty needs. The machine produces uniform and consistent mince so that your dishes are perfect. It is easy to clean because it can be easily dismantled without using any tools. The design ensures only a minimum amount of meat remains in the cylinder, reducing wastage.
- Construction: Stainless steel housing and trim
- Horsepower: ½ HP
- Throughput: 3.6kg to 4.5kg per minute
- RPM: 174
- Reversing switch: Yes
- Phase: 1
- Plate size: #12
- Weight: 39kg (shipping weight)
- Size (WxDxH mm): 325 x 610 x 591
- Legs: 4-inch standard size with stainless-steel casing
Hobart 4822-34 #22 Meat Grinder / Chopper 120V 1 1/2hp
The Hobart 4822-34 #22 commercial meat grinder has a more powerful motor that ensures quick and consistent mincing every time. It features precision-made gears and shafts with Hobart protective type chopping end, complete with stay-sharp knife and plates.
- Construction: Stainless-steel housing and trim
- Horsepower: 1½ HP
- Throughput: 5.5kg to 9kg per minute
- RPM: 212
- Reversing switch: Yes
- Phase: 1
- Plate size: #22
- Weight: 48kg (shipping weight)
- Size (WxDxH mm): 325 x 759 x 591
- Legs: 4in standard size with stainless steel casing.
Pro-Cut
Pro-Cut is a well-known manufacturer of food processing equipment with over 30 years in business. They manufacture durable products that are widely used in restaurants, supermarkets, delis, and butcher shops. Highest-quality material and commitment to customer service help them stand out.
Pro-Cut KG-32-XP
Claimed to be the highest-quality electric meat grinder in the market at the price point, Pro Cut KG-32-XP meat grinder is a powerful and reliable solution for high-volume commercial applications. It features precision-engineered steel gear transmission, motor protector, permanent safety guard and safety deflector, complete with a stainless steel stand.
- Horsepower: 5 HP
- Throughput: 1st grinding - 3,800lb/hr, 2nd grinding – 1,800lb/hr.
- Size (WxDxH): 48 1/8” x 25”x 50 3/8”
- Plate size: #32
- Phase: 3 phase
- Wattage: 3,750W
- Voltage: 220V
Pro-Cut KG-12-FS
This compact, electricity-powered commercial meat chopper is perfect for smaller commercial settings like cafes and small butcher shops. With a stainless steel construction and gear-driven transmission, the model is known for dependability and ease of use. It is simple to disassemble, easy to clean, and transport. It also works efficiently in versatile setups.
- Horsepower: 3/4 HP
- Throughput: