How to use an electric meat grinder correctly

Principle of operation

The meat grinder consists of:

• housings (material – stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, plastic);
• receiver (tray for directly storing products);
• auger (element that supplies products to the knife);
• four-blade knife;
• gratings (mesh/disc).

The product, pre-cut into small pieces/slices, is placed on top of the meat grinder. Getting between the turns of the screw conveyor (auger), it is transported to the knife.

On the front of the auger there is a “finger” on which the knife is mounted. At the end there is a shank, which is operated by a handle or an electric mechanism.

The knife, which fits tightly to the stationary grid, rotates along with the auger. Due to this, the product is crushed. Passage and ejection through the holes is ensured by the supply of a new portion of the product.

Types of meat grinders

Household appliances are divided into two types:

A mechanical meat grinder is operated by a handle. The device is fixed on the edge of the table. For this purpose, the bottom of the case is equipped with feet with rubber pads and a screw clamp.

The latter, when twisted, tightly presses the legs to the tabletop, which prevents the device from moving during operation.

The handle turns the spiral shaft through which the products flow and rotates the knife. Adjacent to the grate, the knife blades crush the product, and it protrudes out through the holes.

In an electric meat grinder, the motor is located inside the body, it is activated by a button, and there is no need for a handle. At the bottom of the case, rubberized legs are necessarily placed, which perform several functions:

• prevent the device from slipping or moving during operation;
• antistatic;
• suppresses vibration when the engine is running.

Classes:

• «A»

High-end meat grinders are distinguished by their productivity. Their main function is to grind meat, poultry and fish for minced meat.

• «IN»

The category includes multifunctional kitchen electrical appliances with an additional arsenal of grates and attachments, graters, slicers and knives.

• «WITH»

Household meat grinders with minimal power, without additional modes and functions.

Power:

• High: from 1500 to 3000 W, average output 2 kg/1 min.
• Medium: from 800 to 1500 W, average output 1.5 kg/1 min.
• Small: from 400 to 800 W, productivity on average 0.8–1.5 kg/1 min.

Should I choose a food processor with a meat grinder?

Many people doubt why choose an electric meat grinder if you can immediately take a whole food processor, which, in particular, will have a meat processing function. In fact, both options have their pros and cons.

Pros of food processors

• Multifunctionality: the presence of a variety of attachments, graters, blender, mixer, bowl for making smoothies and other convenient options.
• Easy to maintain, in particular, washing after processing products.

Cons of food processors

• Depending on the power of the model, not all combines can handle meat processing.
• Even models equipped with a meat grinder function do this noticeably worse than specialized devices.
• Food processors with specialized attachments for high-quality meat processing are many times more expensive than a good meat grinder.

Advantages of electric meat grinders

• A variety of possibilities for processing meat: the device is designed for this function, which means it copes with it perfectly.
• Laconism: if you choose a device for processing meat, additional blenders-mixers-graters will only get in your way.
• The ability to choose a model with additional functions for processing vegetables and fruits, but still focused on grinding meat.

Cons of electric meat grinders

• Difficulty in washing after use.
• Dimensions: the meat grinder itself takes up a lot of space, and if you need to place a free-standing blender, mixer and other household appliances, the use of space is not rational.

Thus, if you are not a fan of meat and do not use a meat grinder very often, but constantly prepare juices, whip cream, grate cheese and chop vegetables, a food processor is suitable for you.

If you are a specialist in preparing meat and you need a powerful device for processing it, with attachments for sausages, cutlets and other accessories, and there is no need for other pieces of equipment, such as a blender and mixer, choose an electric meat grinder.

If you want meat, vegetables and dessert, all with the help of good quality equipment, it makes sense to shell out for a multifunctional food processor with a “professional” meat processing attachment.

So, the main tips on how to choose a meat grinder are as follows.

Think about what you primarily want to use the device for, where to place it and how to store it. Based on your budget, decide on the required power and materials of manufacture. Think about what additional features you might need: devices with cutting vegetables, attachments for preparing sausages or dough are especially convenient. When choosing, pay special attention to the quality of internal parts. Read reviews on the choice of meat grinders: this way you will find out how this or that model performed in everyday life. Don’t grab all the possible attachments at once: it’s better to limit yourself to the basic set and buy more as needed. Don’t skimp on useful features like reverse—you’ll overpay a little now, but you won’t have to run out for a new device six months later.

Peculiarities

• The majority of models of electric meat grinders have an automatic reverse function. It is necessary if a wire or other product is wound onto the auger, which the meat grinder is not able to process.
• In mechanical meat grinders, reverse is also provided. To do this, just make a few turns with the handle in the opposite direction.
• Some models of electric meat grinders have the ability to load parts into the dishwasher. The main thing is to let them dry after washing to avoid rust.

Advantages

• The main advantage of an electric meat grinder is the fact that it grinds food continuously, unlike a blender.
• The first batch of product is ready for use within 5-10 seconds, and not after the entire procedure is completed, as happens with food processors.
• When comparing a meat grinder and a food processor with the same functionality, the first one wins in terms of power.
• To install the meat grinder, you do not need to first prepare the place and securely fasten the device. It is enough to free up space on the table near the outlet.
• Another advantage is the long, narrow neck of the receiver. If you remember the safety rules and use a special pusher to push products, you won’t have to worry about your nails and fingers.

Flaws

A number of common inconveniences that may occur when using electric meat grinders:

• Difficulties arise when cleaning the narrow feed hole of the auger shaft.
• Metal parts are difficult to maintain. If they are not properly dried in time, rust and traces of corrosion often appear.
• The electrical cord is not long enough.
• High noise level during engine operation.
• The meat grinder performs the functions of a grater/shredder poorly. The cylinders are made of thin material, which leads to deformation of the nozzle.

• Reverse starts only after the meat grinder has stopped completely.
• Large dimensions.
• The auger cannot cope with the cores, they wind up, and you have to use auto-reverse.
• The products must be cut into small cubes, otherwise they will not fit into the lower part of the neck.
• The metal parts of the meat grinder cannot be washed in the dishwasher, otherwise they will change color, rust or become coated.
• Weak sharpening of knives. The meat grinder can only handle meat without lard or veins.
• The screw shaft does not rotate well, as a result of which meat accumulates and gets stuck in this area.
• Plastic gears are fragile and break easily.
• Loading tray is not securely fastened.
• The plastic body and screw are fragile, cracks and chips quickly appear.

How to assemble all the parts correctly

At the beginning of the assembly, housewives collect all the parts from the meat grinder and arrange them on the table near them. First, they pick up the all-metal housing and insert the screw shaft into it so that its thick edge comes out from the back into a narrow hole. A handle will be attached to it. If there is a nut for securing the handle, it must be installed immediately, tightened firmly with a screw. If there is no fastening, the handle is attached last.

The thin side of the auger fits into a wide round hole. It is long enough, and two parts are held on it. First, put on a knife. Installing this part of the meat grinder is the most important point in this entire process. The knife must be installed correctly, otherwise it will not work.

How to choose a meat grinder

The equipment is directly related to the price of the electric meat grinder. The greater the number of attachments attached to it, the higher the cost. This rule will help when choosing the meat grinder that will become an indispensable assistant in the kitchen.

Six parameters that distinguish the best electric meat grinders

Performance and Power

• The optimal solution for occasional use is to choose an electric meat grinder with a power from 800 W to 1500 W and a productivity of 1.5-2.5 kg/min.
• If you have to use the meat grinder frequently, you should pay attention to models with a power of 1500 W and a productivity of 2 kg/min and higher.
• For large volumes and frequent use, it is preferable to choose equipment that consumes up to 2000 W with a productivity of up to 3 kg.
• Electric meat grinders larger than this power are not suitable for home cooking; they are designed for use in public catering establishments.

Reliability

The material from which the body, auger and knives, gratings, nozzles are made must be of high quality. It is important that it does not contain harmful substances. It is advisable to choose parts made of metal rather than plastic.

Noisiness

The lower this indicator, the more pleasant and easier it is to work with a meat grinder. The highest threshold is 82 dB. The human body normally perceives noise in the range from 70 to 75 dB. Acceptable vibration levels range from 60-70 dB.

Dimensions

Dimensions, weight, tray for storing attachments and compartment for cord are taken into account. It is worth paying attention to the height of the outlet.

Functionality

It is necessary to think in advance what functions the electrical appliance should have, which attachments you will have to use constantly, and which you can completely discard.

Guarantee

On average it is 1–2 years. But, if you follow the rules of use and safety, the meat grinder will last longer.

Material from which the loading tray is made

It is better if it is made of stainless steel, which does not contain impurities harmful to the body, rather than a metal alloy or plastic.

In this case he:

• lasts longer;
• easier to clean/wash, including in the dishwasher;
• does not react with products;
• does not absorb odors;
• does not change color (does not fade);
• does not deform due to temperature.

Auto reverse

Not a primary, but necessary function in a meat grinder.

Without it, you will have to stop work every time and disassemble the device in order to remove a vein or piece of bone or unwind the fibers.

Material

The use of metal in the manufacture of meat grinders is no longer new. But there are also often models of electric meat grinders with a plastic body and screw shaft.

On the one hand, this is a minus. Plastic parts are fragile and do not inspire consumer confidence in terms of reliability and durability.

On the other hand, this is a plus. If it encounters bone, cartilage or stringy meat, the plastic screw will break faster than the motor will overheat.

In this case, you can get by by replacing the broken part yourself and avoid costly repairs or purchasing a new kitchen unit.

Guarantee

The terms and conditions differ for each manufacturer.

In some cases, the period for returning low-quality goods is limited to 15 days from the date of purchase. But in most cases, the warranty lasts from 6 months to 2 years.

Required documents:

• purchase receipt;
• passport;
• completed warranty card.

Return or exchange for another device is possible in the following cases:

• Not satisfied with the color, size, characteristics.
• Minor/significant deficiencies identified.
• If the warranty has expired or has not been installed, but less than 2 years have passed. In this case, you will have to prove that the breakdown occurred before the purchase.
• In addition to the warranty period, do not forget about the service life, during which the meat grinder can also be returned, but only if the defect is significant and irreparable.

In this case, claims are made to the manufacturer or official representative.

If the defect is eliminated, it must be corrected within 20 days.

In this situation, the buyer also needs to prove that the malfunction appeared before the device was handed over to him.

• If the meat grinder has never been used, the receipt, presentation, seals, and labels are still intact.

You can return a product of proper quality if there is a valid warranty and with the consent of the store employee.

If an inspection or examination is carried out, the buyer has the right to be present.

When the meat grinder is not subject to exchange/return:

• If the device is listed in the catalog of non-food products of appropriate quality, which are not subject to return/replacement.
• If the defect occurred due to the fault of the consumer due to non-compliance with operating and safety rules.
• Serial number removed/changed/missing.
• When replacing parts with non-original ones or if the repair was not carried out at a service center.
• Lost warranty card/sales receipt.

Complete information on the return or exchange of an electrical device is provided by the manufacturer or sales representative of the company.

Rules for caring for manual and electric meat grinders

Even if you disassembled your device with great care, remembering what goes with what, the first few times you assemble it, it may be difficult for you. Although there are not many details, it is quite easy to get confused. And sometimes, when unpacking the device, you just see a bunch of parts that need to be somehow turned into a meat grinder

If you do everything according to our step-by-step instructions, then you will definitely succeed. If not, then the video will help you. Just be extremely careful.

But assembling the device is not the end. Any appliance, especially a kitchen appliance, needs proper care. Fortunately, you don’t need to do anything supernatural for a meat grinder. You just need to wash it constantly. After grinding food, you should be sure to wash the device immediately. There is an opinion that if, after finishing the cooking process, you pass a cracker through the device, it will clean out all the remaining food, and then washing is not required. But that's not true. Everything will remain where it was, and then it will deteriorate and an unpleasant odor will form in the device. And then it will be transferred to other products that you will process with this device. Of course, it will be easy to remove it, but you are unlikely to want to do it. To avoid this unpleasant situation, simply wash the unit on time.

In order to do this, you must first disassemble the device, following certain rules for disassembling a meat grinder. We will now tell you how to disassemble a mechanical meat grinder:

1. Remove the handle.
2. Unscrew the lock. If you can't do this, use a cloth or rag. Throw it onto the latch and scroll again. If you still can’t do it, then you can’t do without a man.
3. Take out the mesh and knives.
4. Take out the shaft.

When you have done all this, take out the pieces of remaining food and rinse each part as you would a regular dish. You can resort to using regular detergent. The meat grinder is not afraid of this. After thorough washing, place all parts on a dry and clean towel or any other rag.

Wipe everything well and let it dry completely for several hours. You can then assemble the device into the box in which it is stored. Please note that it is best to store the parts separately. This will protect the device from rust and water getting inside. The same thing happens with an electric meat grinder.

Remove the clamp, the grill, the meat receiver and disconnect the auger.

If you have problems getting the minced meat out of the grill, use a toothpick or a match. Make sure that water does not get on the electrical installation in the meat grinder, and also do not forget how to place the knife correctly. This may cause damage or malfunction of the device. If you are unable to disassemble the device, then watch various videos. They tell everything very clearly. And by following the basic tips, you can do everything as correctly as possible without damaging the device.

We hope that in our article you were able to find the information you need and understand the structure of your device. Of course, at first it will be a little difficult for you to assemble and disassemble the meat grinder if you have never done this before. But we assure you, a few trainings and you will do everything automatically, without even thinking.

Malfunctions

The parts that are made of plastic break first. If the electric meat grinder is of a well-known brand, finding spare parts is not difficult.

The screw shaft or safety gear is easy to replace yourself. But if a breakdown occurs in the motor or housing, you should not rely on your own strength and knowledge; it is better to entrust the repair of the device to people who are professionally versed in this.

Secondly, the attachments break because they are made of fragile materials. In these cases, there are spare sets; less often, it is possible to purchase a separate unit.

Spare parts that you can change yourself:

• knives;
• mesh/lattice;
• loading tray;
• screw shaft;
• nozzles;
• molds;
• graters;
• tomatopress;
• vegetable cutter.

Replacement of parts, in which it is better to repair electric meat grinders at a service center:

• buttons;
• housings;
• motors;
• electrical cords;
• gears;
• circuit breakers;
• gearboxes;
• oil seals;
• rubber seals;
• pulleys;
• brushes;
• electronic modules.

Rules for caring for a manual meat grinder

After grinding the meat, it is very important to wash the grinder immediately. Some housewives advise passing a piece of cracker through a meat grinder, they say, it cleans out all the remaining meat, and you don’t have to wash it anymore

But no, pieces of meat may remain, and then a very unpleasant rotten smell will appear in the kitchen. It will not be difficult to get rid of it, but it will be very unpleasant. Therefore, after work you need to immediately rinse the unit. First you need to disassemble it:

• unscrew the handle;
• then unscrew the fixing nut. If your hand slips and you can’t unscrew it, use a cloth. Just throw it on the nut, and then everything will work out;
• remove the grill and knife;
• remove the screw shaft.

After this, clean the parts from pieces of meat and wash them under running water with any dishwashing detergent. Then place the parts on a dry and clean towel and dry well. It is best to store the meat grinder directly disassembled.

So, definitely nothing will rust from water accidentally getting inside. Collect only before work. So, as you can see, the process of assembling the kitchen helper is very simple. The main thing is to pay attention to how you install the main elements. Good luck to you!

There are three holes in the body, by looking at which you can answer the question of how to assemble a manual meat grinder.

1. A meat receiver where products that require processing are loaded.
2. The rear large exit of the auger shaft is intended for a handle that will rotate it. To ensure that it sits firmly, manufacturers can equip the meat grinder with a special nut. Some housewives remove it because it interferes with their work. Therefore, it is sometimes missing on old meat grinders.
3. The front outlet is for the thin end of the shaft on which the knife and mesh are attached.

At the bottom of the housing is equipped with a special device, with the help of which the unit is tightly attached to the kitchen table for work.

What is included in the set of kitchen unit parts:

1. The screw shaft is a large spiral necessary for delivering processed products to the knife.
2. A knife in the form of a disk or a four-wing propeller, properly positioned, is capable of grinding many products.
3. The grate is a flat disc with a large number of holes, which determines how well the final product is crushed.
4. A clamping nut that is screwed on top and secures the grid and knife to the shaft.
5. Handle attached on the opposite side. It can be freely installed on the outgoing end of the screw shaft or attached to it with a special screw.

Having dealt with all the details, you can learn how to assemble a manual meat grinder.

Manufacturers

Bosch

The popular brand is part of a group of companies that belong to the German concern Robert Bosch GmbH. This brand produces a number of kitchen appliances that can satisfy even the most picky customers.

Sales offices and consumer service centers are located in more than 140 countries around the world. The list of products provided on the market is distinguished by quality, reasonable price and attractive design.

Kenwood

The brand is owned by a Japanese commercial company. Known for high quality, performance and durability of products.

The main factories are located in Japan, which does not prevent the company from exporting goods to 120 countries and serving customers at the proper level.

Among the pleasant features of the product, the following stand out:

• pricing policy;
• functionality;
• introduction of new technologies;
• attractive appearance.

Moulinex

This brand is the property of a French commercial organization, the world's leading market leader in household appliances. The brand has long become popular among people outside its homeland and has already captivated buyers in 135 countries.

The main direction of the Moulinex company is kitchen appliances. A distinctive feature of the product is its ease of use.

Meat grinders of this brand differ:

• convenience;
• compactness;
• grace;
• a variety of attractive colors.

Philips

A trademark of the Dutch public company Royal Philips, which offers a wide range of technological products to improve people's quality of life.

Philips meat grinders, with sufficient performance, stand out for their low power consumption and price.

Polaris

Trademark of an Israeli company - an international manufacturer of household appliances.

Polaris positions itself as a manufacturer of high-quality products for the home. But this indicator is not reflected in meat grinders. Compared to household appliances from other brands with the same power, the products from this manufacturer are inferior in performance.

Redmond

The trademark is Russian, although it is still stated that the Redmond trademark belongs to an American company.

Due to the unreasonable secrecy of the founders/producers, the reliability of the information on the official website is also in question.

The company has repeatedly been involved in scandals about unfair competition and was taken to court for copying products from other brands.

Claims to the company:

• intentional misleading of the buyer;
• violation of warranty terms;
• inability to quickly find and order spare parts or get help from a service center;
• overpriced products that are identical in appearance and characteristics to other brands.

Scarlett

English-Russian trademark created in Russia. Registered in the UK. Products are manufactured in China and Southeast Asia. The company's main office is in Hong Kong.

Production line: small-sized household appliances and electronics.

Despite such a complicated manufacturing and distribution scheme, products under the Scarlett brand:

• known;
• are popular;
• unpretentious in maintenance;
• wear-resistant;
• they are inexpensive.

Supra

In addition to household appliances for the kitchen and home, the company produces appliances for cars, dishes, lighting and climate control equipment.

The company's office is located in Japan, products are manufactured in China, and products are mostly distributed in the markets of Russia and the former CIS.

Electrical appliances from this company are easy to use and, despite their discreet design, are quite functional and durable.

Vitek

A Chinese manufacturer of household appliances and electronics with Russian roots, registered in Austria.

The brand is well known in the Russian Federation and neighboring countries, unlike Europe and the West.

The company produces products of average quality, completely satisfying the unpretentious consumer. The advantages are the price, design and color schemes of the goods.