If you currently buy your hamburger, sausage, or other processed meats from the grocery store delis or your local butcher, you’re missing out. Sure, this might be convenient – but if you had one of the best manual meat grinders, you could do it all yourself.
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Why would you want to grind your own meat? It’s simple.
Meat ground at the grocery store isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. It often contains mislabeled ingredients and sometimes doesn’t stack up when it comes to freshness, texture, and overall quality.
You’ll enjoy more flavorful meat – as well as meat that’s safer for you to consume – when you invest in one of the best manual meat grinders.
Best Manual Meat Grinders – Comparison
| Image | Name | Weight | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | LEM Products Clamp | 7.95 pounds | Stainless Steel | Check Latest Price |
 | Victoria GRN-113 | 9.75 pounds | Cast Iron | Check Latest Price |
 | Useful Manual Meat Grinde | 1.46 pounds | Stainless Steel | Check Latest Price |
 | Gideon Hand Crank Manual | 2.5 pounds | Stainless Steel | Check Latest Price |
 | Kitchen Basics 3-in-1 Meat | 1.9 pounds | Stainless Steel | Check Latest Price |
 | Cucina Pro Manual Meat | 1 pounds | Cast Iron | Check Latest Price |
 | CHARD HG-32 No32 | 9.8 pounds | Cast Iron | Check Latest Price |
 | Huanyu Meat Grinder | 8.01 pounds | Stainless Steel | Check Latest Price |
 | Simple Being Manual | 2.03 pounds | Stainless Steel | Check Latest Price |
 | Weston #10 Manual Tinned | 7.9 pounds | Cast Iron | Check Latest Price |
What to Look for in the Best Manual Meat Grinder
Performance
First and foremost, you need to look at the output of the manual meat grinder you intend to buy. After all, how else are you going to get the most value for your money?
Consider the flexibility of a manual grinder, which will be determined by its grinding discs and blade. A sharp blade will make it easier for you to process tough cuts of red meat – but often, you need an even sharper blade in order to cut through bones, too.
You should also think about how versatile the grinder is. Can the blades be adjusted to change the grind’s thickness? Does the meat come out in strings or in chunks? How much meat can be loaded at a time, and most importantly, how quickly will it work?
Anchoring
When you start researching manual meat grinders, make sure you pick one that has a reliable method of anchoring to your countertop. Not only is an unstable meat grinder inefficient, but it’s also dangerous.
Cheap manual meat grinders usually include suction cups. These are more affordable and easy to set up because you won’t need to change your countertops, but they can easily come loose or wobble while you are trying to lose them.
A better anchoring system is a clamp. Clamps offer additional stability but take some time, thought, and adjusting to attach. You might even need to make structural changes to your counters. There are other more permanent solutions to your anchoring ends, too, such as bolted grinders.
Maintenance
You are going to need to clean your manual meat grinder between every use for optimal food safety. E.coli and other foodborne illnesses are easily transmitted through ground meat, so it’s important that you only purchase a meat grinder that is easy to clean.
Look at how easy the machine can be taken apart for cleaning. Manual meat grinders that are hand wash only are fine, but you need to make sure you are willing to handle those demands on your time. The best manual meat grinders have dishwasher safe parts.
Material
Manual meat grinders are generally made out of one of two materials – plastic or metal. Unfortunately, many modern meat grinder manufacturers have made the switch to plastic construction. These grinders are generally less expensive – and the plastic is BPA-free and food-safe – but are not quite as durable. They can, however, be taken apart easily for cleaning and are also more lightweight.
Older grinders tend to be made out of metal – usually stainless steel or cast iron. These don’t clog or jam nearly as often as plastic meat grinders, and although they are more prone to rust, they are more durable and efficient.
No matter which material you choose, plastic or metal, just ensure you select a grinder that has stainless steel blades for improved food safety.
Features
Some of the best manual meat grinders come with bonus attachments. For example, there are some manual meat grinders that have various sized grinder plates to help you get different grades, textures, and thicknesses. These blades are helpful because various sausage recipes might require thinner grinds, while burgers will need thicker grinds.
There are more grinders still that come with pasta plates, noodle plates, or sausage-making funnels. Some also come with vegetable choppers. Though of course not necessary, these features can add some value to your meat grinder.
Size
Select a manual meat grinder that can easily fit in your kitchen. While a large meat grinder might be great for processing large quantities of meat, it’s probably not going to be ideal if you have a small kitchen. A more compact unit might be ideal.
No matter what size meat grinder you choose, make sure the blades are fully covered. There are quite a few modern meat grinders that have blades enclosed in chambers that cannot be operated until they are fully locked. Some manual meat grinders also come with meat pushers so you don’t have to get your fingers close to the blades.
You Should Consider These 10 Best Manual Meat Grinders of 2020
1. LEM Products Clamp-On Hand Grinder
From the sturdy clamp system that makes this meat grinder safe for children to its simple, efficient design, the manual meat grinder by LEM Products leaves little to be desired.
This grinder has a durable rubber base and a heavy-duty, stainless-steel construction that makes the unit rugged and efficient. It is compact enough to be used as a portable unit and can be disassembled quickly for easy cleanup.
Still not convinced? This meat grinder comes with two separate stainless steel plates – one is a coarse ⅜” setting and the other is a finer 3/16”. Both plates provide for smooth, even chopping. The meat grinder has stuffing tubes and push blades to help simplify your work, too.
If you want to simplify your work even more, consider some of LEM Products’ added vacuum sealers and dehydrators to make your job even easier. You’ll be able to get all of your meat processing done in a flash.
Don’t let the fact that this manual meat grinder looks like something out of the 1920s fool you – it’s one of the most effective manual meat grinders and it will last for years without corroding away. The wide opening of the clamp means you can attach it just about anywhere, and since it only weighs about eight pounds, it’s highly portable.
What We Like:
- Comes with two stainless steel plates and three sausage stuffing tubes
- Company offers some of the best customer service and support
- Designed for heavy-duty use with quiet operation
What We Didn’t Like:
- Needs a shallow bowl for outflow to prevent messes
2. Victoria GRN-113
Considered one of the best in class when it comes to the best manual meat grinders, the Victoria GRN-113 is one of the safest products you will find. It complies with all international regulations and has high-grade cutting plates that resist rust.
Perfect for making sausages, meatballs, meatloaf, ground beef, hamburgers, and more, this meat grinder is built with casted sand and sanitary tin. It is both stain- and corrosion-resistant and also does not scratch easily. It comes with two grinding plates, three sausage stuffer tubes, and a cutting knife. With a sturdy design and a lifetime warranty, it’s also incredibly easy to take apart and clean.
What We Like:
- Easy to adjust for different settings of grinding
- Comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty
- Easy to take apart and clean, as well as to put back together
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not a lightweight or portable option
3. Useful Manual Meat Grinder, Mincer, and Pasta Maker
The name of this manual meat grinder truly says it all – this product is, without a doubt, incredibly useful! There is very little you won’t be able to handle with this economical pick.
It packs a 3-in-1 punch, allowing you to grind and mince meat as well as to make your own fresh pasta at home. It has a sturdy, balanced design and comes with two screens, a mincing blade, a coursing blade, a pasta attachment, and a linguine attachment. You can even use it for vegetables!
It’s best for those chefs who like to specialize with tougher cuts of meat like roasts, flanks, and more. It has unique safety mechanisms to prevent injury to your hands. It can also make sausage, as it comes with those unique features as well.
What We Like:
- Can also be used to grind nuts and vegetables
- Comes with several different blades and attachments
- Portable and compact for easy storage and movement
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not come with a user manual
4. Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder
This meat grinder is compact and extremely easy to use. Although it’s designed for meats like pork and red meat, it can also be used for vegetables and pasta. It produces fine strings that are perfect for grilling.
Featuring a unique ergonomic design,t his hand-crank meat grinder is easy to take apart for quick storage. It’s lightweight but has a suction base so that it won’t move around while you are trying to use it. It’s also kid-friendly, featuring lockable blades that work only when everything is enclosed. It also comes with a meat pusher so you don’t have to get your hands near the blades.
Comprised of heavy-duty plastic casing and stainless steel blades, the Gideon Hand Crank Manual Meat Grinder also has a stainless steel frame and stainless steel scenes. It even comes with separate blades for mincing and coursing. These blades can be used for both fine and coarse mincing. It comes with a compact, sturdy base and can even be popped into the dishwasher for quick and easy cleaning.
An efficient grinder to use if you are pressed for time, the grinder even comes with a meat pusher to help meat move more quickly through the grinder.
What We Like:
- Comes with a powerful suction base
- Designed for heavy-duty use
- Portable and reliable option for all home chefs
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cannot be used to grind bones
5. Kitchen Basics 3-in-1 Meat Grinder and Vegetable Grinder
Get back to the basics with this 3-in-1- Meat Grinder and Vegetable Grindr by Kitchen Basics. You’re probably already familiar with this well-known brand, so it makes sense that they would also produce a dynamic meat grinder for you to use.
Ideal for hamburgers, this grinder produces spaghetti-like strands that are thin and easy to press into patties. It prevents the drying out of your meat because it produces such fine strands, too.
The grinder has suction cup base pads that prevent the grinder from moving when you are trying to crank out products. It has sharp stainless-steel blades that are enclosed to protect your fingers, along with a meat pusher to eliminate jamming.
It’s one of the best manual meat grinders to consider if you are looking for a product that offers quick cleanup. All you have to do is disassemble it, wipe it down, soak it in the sink, and then pack it away.
What We Like:
- Grinds meat quickly and easily with two stainless steel screens
- Allows you to make homemade pasta
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not ideal for heavy-duty sausage making
6. Cucina Pro Manual Meat Grinder with Table Top Clamp
This excellent meat grinder by Cucina Pro offers users one of the best overall values when it comes to shopping for the best manual meat grinder. It features three cutting disks of assorted sizes so you never have to worry about not having the right gear for the job. It can be used on all types of meat but is especially loved for its ability to work wonders with sausages.
It has a high-quality tabletop clamp so you don’t have to worry bout the unit shucking around while you are trying to use it. This makes it not only more safe to use, but also more convenient. It is constructed out of heavy-duty iron and is strong enough for you to grind all of your meats so that they last forever.
What We Like:
- Iron material prevents corrosion
- Has a tabletop clamp for easy attachment
- Comes with three different cutting disks
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be difficult to put together
7. CHARD HG-32 No32 Cast Iron Meat Grinder
The Chard HG-32 is another high-quality meat grinder you need to consider. This option is ideal for sausages, jerky, and hamburgers, uniquely made out of durable cast iron for lifelong use. It can be bolted down, too, to ensure that it doesn’t move while you are trying to grind meat.
This meat grinder is also exceptionally easy to clean. It has oversized screws that can be detached and attached easily to prevent splinters.
Available in several different sizes – with the sizes referring to the grinding head – this meat grinder offers users everything they could possibly want and then more.
It disassembles quickly and is made out of resilient materials for years of use. It comes with three sausage tubes of various diameters, too, making it more versatile for just about any setting.
What We Like:
- Easy to take apart and clean
- Comes with three differents ausage tubes
- Can be mounted with clamps or used with strong suction cups
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not rust-resistant
8. Huanyu Meat Grinder & Sausage Stuffer
The Huanyu Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer is one of the most versatile and best manual meat grinders on the market. Because the manufacturers recognize that everybody has different tastes and preferences when it comes to meat, the unit comes with both 4.5 mm and 8 mm meat plates. It can be used for just about any kind of meat as well as for vegetables and dumplings.
It comes with a steel clip and suction cup, making it one of the few manual meat grinders that provides double fixed methods of attaching it to your countertop. It’s stable and easy to operate, allowing you to use it on just about any kind of food and in any setting. This meat grinder operates noiselessly and quickly, made out of durable stainless steel and aluminum alloy parts.
A hygienic unit, ti can be taken apart easily. The stainless steel augurs prevent meat from slipping through before they can be ground, and the circular feed port makes it easy for you to process large amounts of meat more quickly.
What We Like:
- Two methods of attaching this meat grinder to your countertops
- Comes with two different sized meat plates
- Made out of durable stainless steel and aluminum alloy
What We Didn’t Like:
- Parts are prone to rusting
9. Simple Being Manual Meat Grinder
This Simple Being Manual Meat Grinder is not only easy to use, requiring zero special skills to operate, but it’s also an economical choice for home chefs seeking top-quality performance.
Requiring no electricity for operation, all you need to do to use this multipurpose meat grinder is to turn the hand crank. It can be used for meat, garlic, vegetables, fruits, or even nuts! It is made out of heavy-duty plastic and stainless steel, ensuring you long-lasting performance and durability. It is equipped with a strong suction base to eliminate any movement or shifting while you are trying to grind the meat – all you have to do is turn the knob and the grinder will automatically attach itself to any flat surface.
The blades of this meat grinder are completely enclosed to make it perfectly safe to use. It also comes with a meat pusher to prevent your fingers from becoming pinched or injured. Made out of lightweight materials, this manual meat grinder is not only dishwasher safe, but it’s also portable.
What We Like:
- Can be used to grind or mince meats
- Has a powerful suction base for added stability
- Comes with fully enclosed blades and a meat pusher for safety
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be tough to put the blades in correctly
10. Weston #10 Manual Tinned Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer
Weston is a well-known brand when it comes to producing high-quality meat grinders. This option features specialized blades just for cutting and has both a 4.5 mm and 10 mm stainless steel plate. It’s perfect for sausages but can be used for other types of meat, too.
The Weston #10 Manual Meat Grinder has a stainless steel exterior with a wooden crank knob. You get a ton of extras when you purchase this appliance, including adapters, three funnels, a sausage stuffing kit, and spacers. It has a 3-4” hopper that makes it quick and easy for you to crank and grind, plus it has a comfortable ergonomic grip to help make grinding at high capacity more enjoyable.
This meat grinder even has a unique clamp-on design to stop the grinder from moving while you are trying to use it. Unlike many meat grinders out there, it can be used on both raw and cooked meat. It has adjustable burrs that enable you to change the setting of the grinder to either fine or coarse, plus it comes with parts that disassemble easily for quick cleanup.
Finally, this manual meat grinder is one of the few with rubber pads to help protect the countertops you are working on. You don’t have to worry about the unit scraping or sliding while you are at work.
What We Like:
- Lifetime customer support when you purchase
- Available in four different sizes to accommodate every task
- Easy to disassemble and assemble for easy cleaning
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not grind bones easily
Why a Manual Meat Grinder is Best?
After reading this post, you might be wondering why you need to grind all of your meat manually. After all, there are plenty of electric meat grinders out there, too.
Here’s the deal – manual meat grinders tend to be much less expensive than their manual counterparts. They are also much smaller, making them more ideal for small kitchens. They’re easy to fix into position, and they come apart easily for quick cleaning and maintenance.
Although electric grinders can process meat more quickly, they simply aren’t as portable for the home chef. If you really want to be at the top of your game when it comes to processing your own food at home, you’ve got to consider one of these ten best manual meat grinders.