Commercial Meat Grinder Buying Guide

Manual meat grinders mount to your table or countertop and are designed for low-volume use. Because of their relatively small capacity and the need to turn the crank by hand, this type of grinder isn't used often in a commercial setting.

Purchasing Considerations:

• Use a table clamp to stay in place, as some models won't attach to a thick table.
• Not intended for frequent commercial-level use.

Electric meat grinders come in a variety of sizes, from small countertop units all the way up to large, high-output floor mounted models that are best suited for meat processing facilities or busy butcher shops.

It's important to pay attention to the number of pounds of meat a particular meat grinder can process per minute (or per hour) when comparing models. If you purchase a unit that can't keep up with your output requirements, you'll shorten its life and negatively impact your own productivity.

Purchasing Considerations:

• Match the output of the machine to your business needs
• Pay attention to the materials and construction of the grinder; stainless steel is dishwasher safe and resists corrosion

Horizontal food cutters, more commonly known as buffalo choppers, are a specialized type of electric grinder that shred chicken, pork, and other meats that you don't want finely ground. They also work great for making menu items like coleslaw, potato salad, and chicken salad because you can add seasonings and sauces as you're cutting the meat or vegetables. Some models even boast a powered take-off hub (PTO) where you hook up a meat grinder or vegetable slicer attachment to have the best of both worlds!

Purchasing Considerations:

• Pay attention to safety features; the blade is more exposed on this type of unit
• Evaluate space; these models can take up a bit more countertop space than a traditional countertop meat grinder

Light-duty meat grinders are designed for low-volume applications such as small delis, restaurants, or catering businesses. These units are ideal for occasional use and are capable of grinding small quantities of meat at a time.

• Compact in size
• Affordable
• Ideal for small volumes of meat

These meat grinders are suitable for establishments with moderate meat grinding needs, such as butcher shops, restaurants, or grocery stores. Medium-duty units are more powerful than light-duty grinders and can handle larger quantities of meat at a faster rate.

• Built to withstand frequent use
• Equipped with robust motors and compontents

Heavy-duty meat grinders are designed for high-volume commercial settings such as large butcher shops, meat processing facilities, or industrial kitchens. These units are built to handle continuous and heavy-duty grinding tasks, making them ideal for processing large quantities of meat quickly and efficiently.

• Constructed with durable materials and powerful motors
• Effectively processes large quantities of meat without overheating or slowing down