Head to head
LEM Big Bite 8 vs Weston Pro 12 (2026)
LEM Big Bite No. 8 vs Weston Pro Series No. 12 compared on 0.5 versus 1 horsepower, head size, pounds per minute, auger feeding, and 29 versus 48 pounds.
LEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 8 vs Weston Pro Series No. 12 Grinder: the specs, side by side
| Spec | LEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 8 | Weston Pro Series No. 12 Grinder |
|---|---|---|
| Grinder Size | No. 8 stainless head | No. 12 stainless head |
| Power | 0.5 HP | 1 HP, 750 watts |
| Capacity | Rated about 7 lbs per minute | Rated about 9 to 12 lbs per minute |
| Weight | 29 lbs | 48 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 year limited | 5 year limited |
LEM ProductsLEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 8
A 0.5 HP stainless grinder with Big Bite auger for faster feeding.
- Grinder Size: No. 8 stainless head
- Power: 0.5 HP
Sources: LEM Products official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
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WestonWeston Pro Series No. 12 Grinder
A 1 HP No. 12 grinder built for high-volume home and light commercial work.
- Grinder Size: No. 12 stainless head
- Power: 1 HP, 750 watts
Sources: Weston official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
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Choose the LEM Big Bite No. 8 for serious regular home grinding in a manageable size. Choose the Weston Pro Series No. 12 when session volume, especially game, makes throughput the deciding factor.
Horsepower and head size
LEM lists 0.5 HP with a No. 8 head rated about 7 lbs per minute. Weston lists 1 HP with a No. 12 head rated about 9 to 12 lbs per minute.
The Weston margin grows with batch size. On a five-pound batch, setup and cleaning dominate and the LEM feels just as fast in total time.
Auger design and feeding
The LEM Big Bite auger is its signature: it pulls strips in aggressively, reducing stomper work. The Weston relies on its larger throat and motor strength to keep pace.
Both need strips cut to throat size and well-trimmed meat. Neither rewards forcing large chunks.
Weight, warranty, and ownership
The LEM weighs 29 lbs, the Weston 48 lbs. Both list five-year limited warranties and stainless heads with strong parts ecosystems.
Storage and moving are real ownership costs at this level. The LEM fits more kitchens, the Weston fits more processing days.
Noise and cleanup in practice
Neither grinder is quiet, but the records point in opposite directions. Quieter motor design is listed among the LEM strengths, while Weston owners report that noise is substantial under load during long sessions. In a small home where others are nearby, that difference is worth weighing alongside throughput.
Cleanup scales with head size. Weston owners note that cleaning all the large No. 12 parts after a small job feels excessive, while the smaller LEM head is the quicker wash after standard batches. Buy the Weston for the days when its size pays, not for two-burger jobs.
Choose LEM Products Big Bite Grinder No. 8 if…
- You grind weekly and process one animal at a time
- You want Big Bite feeding in a 29 lb unit
- Your storage suits a No. 8 footprint
Choose Weston Pro Series No. 12 Grinder if…
- You process game or bulk meat in long sessions
- You want 1 HP and a No. 12 throat for throughput
- You have bench space for a 48 lb unit
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
Is No. 8 or No. 12 better for home use?
No. 8 is better for most homes on size and total job time. No. 12 is better when a single session exceeds about 20 lbs regularly.
Which grinds faster per minute?
The Weston Pro No. 12, with higher HP and a larger head. The LEM Big Bite feeding narrows the felt gap on medium batches.
Do both handle a second fine grind well?
Yes, with cold meat. The Weston sustains the second pass over a large batch with less total time, the LEM handles standard batches comfortably.