Best of
Best Meat Grinders (2026): No. 8 to No. 22
Best meat grinders ranked by head size, horsepower, and throughput, from the STX Turboforce 3000 and LEM Big Bite to the KitchenAid mixer attachment.
Our top picks at a glance
STX International Turboforce 3000
Home burger and sausage grinding in regular batches
LEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 8
Regular large batches and seasonal game processing at home
Weston Pro Series No. 12 Grinder
Game processing and bulk grinding in long sessions
The short answer
The best overall meat grinder is the STX Turboforce 3000 for home throughput and plate variety. The best budget pick is the Sunmile SM-G50, and the best premium pick is the LEM Big Bite No. 8 for stainless, serious home use, with larger No. 12 and No. 22 models for game volume.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Grinder Size | Power | Capacity | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1STX International Turboforce 3000Best Overall | Size No. 12 neck | 3000 watts peak, 800 to 1200 watts working | Large aluminum meat tray | 3 year limited | Check price |
| 2LEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 8Best for Serious Home Use | No. 8 stainless head | 0.5 HP | Rated about 7 lbs per minute | 5 year limited | Check price |
| 3Weston Pro Series No. 12 GrinderBest for Game Processing | No. 12 stainless head | 1 HP, 750 watts | Rated about 9 to 12 lbs per minute | 5 year limited | Check price |
| 4Sunmile Electric Meat Grinder SM-G50Best Budget | Compact home grinder head | 1000 watts max, 350 watts rated | Rated about 2.2 lbs per minute | 1 year limited | Check price |
| 5KitchenAid Metal Food Grinder Attachment KSMMGABest Mixer Attachment | Mixer attachment, power hub drive | Driven by KitchenAid stand mixer | Removable food tray, batch feed | 1 year limited | Check price |
| 6LEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 22Best Maximum Throughput | No. 22 stainless head | 1 HP | Rated about 13 lbs per minute | 5 year limited | Check price |
| 7Cuisinart Electric Meat Grinder MG-100Best Countertop Design | Home grinder head, die-cast | 300 watts | Rated about 3 lbs per minute | 3 year limited | Check price |
| 8Weston Electric Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer No. 8Best No. 8 for Sausage | No. 8 head | 575 watts, 0.75 HP class | Rated about 4 to 6 lbs per minute | 1 year limited | Check price |
| 9LEM Products Mighty Bite No. 8 GrinderBest Metal-Gear Value | No. 8 aluminum head | 575 watts | Rated about 4 lbs per minute | 2 year limited | Check price |
| 10Weston Pro Series No. 22 GrinderBest Hunter Retail Pick | No. 22 stainless head | 1.5 HP, 1120 watts | Rated about 14 lbs per minute | 5 year limited | Check price |
Best Overall
STX International Turboforce 3000
A high-output home grinder with multiple plates and sausage tubes.
The Turboforce 3000 gives home burger and sausage makers the most throughput and plate variety for a mid-tier price. Its No. 12 class neck and reverse function handle regular batches without stepping into heavy stainless pricing.
Respect its home duty limits: chill meat well, cut strips to size, and do not grind bones. Used that way, it covers most households completely.
Strengths
- Listed peak output up to 3000 watts with a strong working grinding rate for home use
- Includes multiple grinding plates, cutting blades, and sausage stuffing tubes
- Large meat tray and sturdy housing for batch work
- Reverse function helps clear minor jams
Limitations
- Peak watt listing is not continuous horsepower like commercial grinders
- Not rated for bones or heavy commercial duty cycles
- Aluminum parts are hand-wash only to protect finish
| Grinder Size | Size No. 12 neck |
|---|---|
| Power | 3000 watts peak, 800 to 1200 watts working |
| Capacity | Large aluminum meat tray |
| Weight | 12 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Grinds beef and pork quickly for burger nights
- Plate selection covers coarse to fine well
- Sausage tubes make a first sausage batch approachable
- Good value compared with stainless commercial units
Common complaints
- Plastic pusher and some fittings feel light next to metal rivals
- Grinding very warm meat smears fat, technique matters
- Hand washing the parts takes time after fatty batches
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: STX International official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Home burger and sausage grinding in regular batches
Skip if: You process large game animals in a single session
Best for Serious Home Use
LEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 8
A 0.5 HP stainless grinder with Big Bite auger for faster feeding.
The Big Bite No. 8 is the durability upgrade: 0.5 HP, stainless head, and an auger that feeds with less pushing. For weekly grinding and a deer or two per season, it is the balanced serious choice.
It costs and weighs more than home units. Buy it when volume is proven, not hoped for.
Strengths
- 0.5 HP motor with permanent lubrication for steady duty
- Big Bite auger pulls meat in with less pusher pressure
- Stainless steel head, auger, and plates resist corrosion
- Quieter motor design than many home grinders
Limitations
- Premium price for a No. 8 size
- Heavy unit needs a stable work surface
- Still a home unit, not a commercial continuous grinder
| Grinder Size | No. 8 stainless head |
|---|---|
| Power | 0.5 HP |
| Capacity | Rated about 7 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 29 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Feeds quickly without constant pushing
- Grind texture is consistent across a large batch
- Build quality inspires multi-season confidence
- Handles partially frozen strips well when cut to size
Common complaints
- Weight makes moving it to storage a task
- Accessory plates and stuffers add cost
- Throat still needs meat cut to strips, not chunks
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: LEM Products official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Regular large batches and seasonal game processing at home
Skip if: You grind a few burgers a month and need the lowest cost
Best for Game Processing
Weston Pro Series No. 12 Grinder
A 1 HP No. 12 grinder built for high-volume home and light commercial work.
With 1 HP and a No. 12 stainless head rated around 9 to 12 lbs per minute, the Weston Pro Series sustains the long sessions game processing demands. Air cooling and build quality support back-to-back batches.
For a few burgers, it is excessive to buy, move, and clean. For seasonal volume, it earns its bench space.
Strengths
- 1 HP motor sustains grinding through large batches
- No. 12 stainless head with a larger throat than No. 8 models
- Air-cooled motor design for longer runs
- Includes multiple plates and sausage stuffing funnels
Limitations
- Large and heavy, needs dedicated space
- Overkill and slower to clean for two burgers
- Price approaches entry commercial equipment
| Grinder Size | No. 12 stainless head |
|---|---|
| Power | 1 HP, 750 watts |
| Capacity | Rated about 9 to 12 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 48 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Processes a deer without long rest breaks
- Fast, even grind on first and second passes
- Sturdy switch and handle for moving the unit
- Plate and knife quality is a step above budget sets
Common complaints
- Cleaning all large parts after a small job feels excessive
- Noise is substantial under load
- Storage footprint surprises some buyers
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Weston official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Game processing and bulk grinding in long sessions
Skip if: You have limited storage and only grind small amounts
Best Budget
Sunmile Electric Meat Grinder SM-G50
A budget electric grinder with three plates and a sausage kit.
The SM-G50 is the low-cost way to start grinding your own burgers, with three plates and a sausage kit for small batches. Its rated power and throughput suit a few pounds at a time with rest breaks.
Treat it as a starter. If grinding becomes weekly and voluminous, a No. 8 metal-gear model is the natural upgrade.
Strengths
- 1000-watt max listed power covers basic beef and pork grinding
- Three stainless plates for coarse, medium, and fine textures
- Includes sausage attachment and kubbe maker in many kits
- Compact storage compared with No. 12 and No. 22 units
Limitations
- Duty cycle is short, batches need rest breaks
- Plastic gears and fittings limit heavy use
- Smaller throat requires thinner meat strips
| Grinder Size | Compact home grinder head |
|---|---|
| Power | 1000 watts max, 350 watts rated |
| Capacity | Rated about 2.2 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Low cost makes a first grinder an easy decision
- Fine for a few pounds of burgers at a time
- Easy assembly for beginners
- Plates cover the textures most home cooks use
Common complaints
- Motor needs cooling rests on larger batches
- Sinew wraps the knife and needs cleaning mid-batch
- Not suited to bones or very tough trim
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Sunmile official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: First-time grinding and small burger batches on a budget
Skip if: You process game or grind weekly in large volumes
Best Mixer Attachment
KitchenAid Metal Food Grinder Attachment KSMMGA
A metal mixer attachment for KitchenAid owners who grind occasionally.
For KitchenAid owners, the KSMMGA metal attachment avoids buying and storing a second motor. Chilled metal parts, three plates, and sausage tubes cover small batches elegantly.
Its ceiling is your mixer and batch size. Beyond about five pounds per session, a dedicated grinder is kinder to both you and the mixer.
Strengths
- Metal housing, auger, and plates chill well for cleaner grinding
- Attaches to the KitchenAid power hub you already own
- Includes fine, medium, and coarse plates plus sausage stuffer tubes
- Includes a storage case and removable food tray system
Limitations
- Grinding speed depends on your mixer motor and duty guidance
- Throat size limits large or high-volume sessions
- Mixer must be rested per its manual during heavy grinding
| Grinder Size | Mixer attachment, power hub drive |
|---|---|
| Power | Driven by KitchenAid stand mixer |
| Capacity | Removable food tray, batch feed |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs attachment |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Metal parts go in the freezer and keep fat firm
- Perfect for a few pounds of burger meat at a time
- No extra motor to store in the kitchen
- Case keeps plates and tubes organized
Common complaints
- Slow for more than a few pounds in one session
- Mixer head can strain on sinew-heavy cuts
- All metal parts are hand-wash and dry carefully
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: KitchenAid official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: KitchenAid owners grinding small batches without a second motor
Skip if: You do not own a KitchenAid stand mixer
Best Maximum Throughput
LEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 22
A 1 HP No. 22 grinder for the largest home processing days.
The Big Bite No. 22 at 1 HP and about 13 lbs per minute is the home maximum in this list, built for multiple animals or bulk beef days. Stainless construction and LEM parts support years of seasons.
Plan a strong table, storage, and two hands to move its 57 lbs before you order it.
Strengths
- 1 HP motor paired with a No. 22 head for maximum home throughput
- Big Bite auger keeps large strips feeding steadily
- Stainless construction throughout the grinding head
- Handles coarse first grinds and fine second grinds in one session
Limitations
- Heaviest and most expensive class in this guide
- Requires a strong table and storage plan
- Cleaning time is the longest here after each use
| Grinder Size | No. 22 stainless head |
|---|---|
| Power | 1 HP |
| Capacity | Rated about 13 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 57 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Makes short work of elk and multiple deer
- Second grind stays fast without heating the meat noticeably
- Owners report years of seasonal use without issues
- LEM parts and plates are widely available
Common complaints
- Far more grinder than most kitchens need
- Two-person lift is sensible for moving it
- Small batches feel inefficient in such a large head
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: LEM Products official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Multiple game animals or bulk beef processing in a day
Skip if: You grind less than 20 lbs at a time
Best Countertop Design
Cuisinart Electric Meat Grinder MG-100
A brushed stainless home grinder with two plates and sausage attachments.
The MG-100 packages home grinding in a tidy brushed stainless unit with two plates and sausage attachments, plus a three-year warranty. It suits couples and small families grinding a few pounds at a time.
Throughput is modest. Its appeal is neatness and simplicity, not speed.
Strengths
- 300-watt motor sized for home burger and sausage batches
- Two cutting plates for medium and coarse grinds
- Two sausage attachments for different casing sizes
- Reverse function and brushed stainless housing wipe clean
Limitations
- Throughput is modest for bulk sessions
- Only two plates included limits fine grinding options
- Aluminum die-cast parts need hand washing
| Grinder Size | Home grinder head, die-cast |
|---|---|
| Power | 300 watts |
| Capacity | Rated about 3 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 9 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Looks tidy enough to leave on the counter
- Handles chuck and pork shoulder well in small batches
- Assembly and cleaning are straightforward
- Good first dedicated grinder for couples
Common complaints
- Slows on large, sinewy batches
- Some owners buy extra plates for fine grinds
- Tray size means frequent refilling on big jobs
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Cuisinart official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Neat countertop grinding for burgers and small sausage batches
Skip if: You need a No. 12 throat or continuous game duty
Best No. 8 for Sausage
Weston Electric Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer No. 8
A 575-watt No. 8 grinder and stuffer for home batches.
The Weston No. 8 pairs a 575-watt motor with stuffing funnels in a manageable size for 5 to 10 lb sausage batches. Forward and reverse help when feeding casings and clearing the head.
A dedicated stuffer still stuffs faster. As a grind-and-stuff combination at home scale, it is well judged.
Strengths
- 575-watt motor is a step above budget home grinders
- No. 8 head balances throughput and manageable size
- Includes plates and stuffing funnels for sausage work
- Forward and reverse controls help manage feeding
Limitations
- Still needs rests during very long sessions
- Plastic tray and pusher versus full stainless rivals
- No. 8 plates are smaller, second grinds take longer than No. 12
| Grinder Size | No. 8 head |
|---|---|
| Power | 575 watts, 0.75 HP class |
| Capacity | Rated about 4 to 6 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 13.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Ideal size for 5 to 10 lb sausage batches
- Stuffing funnels work well for a grinder-based stuffer
- Reliable Weston parts availability
- Good middle ground on price and power
Common complaints
- Stuffing with a grinder is slower than a dedicated stuffer
- Warm meat smears if you rush the chill step
- Tray could be larger for bulk work
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Weston official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Home sausage makers who want a dedicated No. 8 unit
Skip if: You need No. 12 throughput for game season
Best Metal-Gear Value
LEM Products Mighty Bite No. 8 Grinder
A lighter LEM No. 8 with metal gears for regular home grinding.
The Mighty Bite brings metal gears and LEM parts support to a mid-tier No. 8 that stores more easily than stainless Big Bite models. Regular home grinding is its sweet spot.
The aluminum head needs prompt washing and drying, and feeding is slower than Big Bite. The savings are real if you accept both.
Strengths
- Metal gears and a 575-watt class motor for home duty
- No. 8 aluminum head keeps weight manageable
- Three stainless plates cover coarse to fine home needs
- LEM ecosystem of plates, knives, and stuffers fits the unit
Limitations
- Aluminum head versus stainless on Big Bite models
- Feeding is slower than Big Bite auger models
- Hand-wash guidance for aluminum parts
| Grinder Size | No. 8 aluminum head |
|---|---|
| Power | 575 watts |
| Capacity | Rated about 4 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Noticeably sturdier than budget plastic-gear grinders
- Right size for weekly burger and sausage batches
- LEM support and parts are easy to source
- Stores more easily than No. 12 units
Common complaints
- Owners who upgrade later cite feeding speed
- Aluminum needs prompt drying to stay bright
- Sausage stuffing is workable but not fast
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: LEM Products official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Regular home grinding with metal-gear durability below Big Bite cost
Skip if: You want the fastest Big Bite auger feeding
Best Hunter Retail Pick
Weston Pro Series No. 22 Grinder
A No. 22, 1.5 HP grinder built for serious game processing.
The Weston Pro Series No. 22 is built for hunting season, with a 1.5 HP air-cooled motor and throughput near 14 lbs per minute that help fat stay firm through long grinds because the meat spends less time waiting.
It includes coarse and fine plates, a sausage stuffer kit, and a built-in knife sharpener. It is a direct rival to the LEM Big Bite No. 22 large unit.
Strengths
- 1.5 HP air-cooled motor with a No. 22 head for high throughput
- Offset, rifled head design feeds large strips fast
- Stainless grinding components for corrosion resistance
- Built-in knife sharpener, storage tray, and handle for seasonal moving
Limitations
- Large size and weight as with all No. 22 units
- Only coarse and fine plates included, specialty plates cost extra
- Premium pricing at the top of the home range
| Grinder Size | No. 22 stainless head |
|---|---|
| Power | 1.5 HP, 1120 watts |
| Capacity | Rated about 14 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 58 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Keeps pace through back-to-back game animals
- Sustains long sessions without mandatory cooling breaks
- Grind quality stays consistent on second passes
- Strong hunter community support and tips
Common complaints
- Too large for apartment kitchens
- Cleaning is a full sink job
- Some owners note sharp edges on parts that need careful handling
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Weston official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Hunters processing multiple animals per season
Skip if: You only grind store-bought beef for burgers
How we chose
01 · Grinder size and throughput
We compared head size from No. 8 to No. 22 and rated pounds per minute, because throat size decides strip size and session length more than any other spec.
02 · Motor honesty
We separated continuous horsepower from peak watt claims and weighted duty cycle and cooling for long game and bulk sessions.
03 · Plates, knives, and stuffing
We credited included plate range, spare knife availability, and sausage tube sizes, and noted where fine plates cost extra.
04 · Cleaning and materials
We compared stainless versus aluminum and plastic parts for corrosion, hand-wash needs, and how long cleanup takes after fatty batches.
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
What size meat grinder do I need?
No. 8 suits most home grinding. No. 12 suits bulk and game batches. No. 22 suits multiple animals or very large sessions in a day.
Can a meat grinder handle bones?
Home grinders in this guide are not rated for bones, except for specific soft-bone guidance some makers give for pet food models. Follow your manual strictly.
Do I need a separate sausage stuffer?
Grinder stuffing works for small batches. For more than about 10 lbs or frequent sausage making, a dedicated stuffer is faster and gives better casing control.
Why chill meat and parts before grinding?
Cold meat and chilled metal keep fat firm so it cuts cleanly instead of smearing. Smearing ruins burger texture and sausage bind.