Delicious homemade sausages, homemade cutlets or fruit purees. This is just a small list of what can be prepared using a meat grinder. It is in the kitchen arsenal of any housewife. They love it for its simplicity and ease of operation and quality of work. It turns pieces of meat into beautiful, tender minced meat, which in the hands of skilled cooks turns into works of art.
All sorts of models of blenders and food processors have still not been able to supplant the good old meat grinder. She is simply irreplaceable in the lives of thousands of housewives. It's so functional and comfortable. It is simply impossible to imagine a kitchen without this device. However, sometimes, having bought an incredible model of the device, we come home, install it and are disappointed: it chews food and does not make minced meat the way we wanted it to be. This can be very frustrating. But don't despair. You just need to learn how to assemble a meat grinder correctly so that it does exactly what you want to get from it.
We will also introduce you to different types of these devices. We'll tell you what the advantages and disadvantages of electrical and mechanical devices are, and how to assemble each of them correctly. In addition, we will share with you the nuances of caring for them and even debunk some myths.
Design Features
Before you begin assembling the device, you need to study the parts that make up it. This is necessary so that you understand how the meat grinder works and how it is assembled, and so that you do not lose unnecessary parts in the process. Devices are primarily divided into two large groups: electrical and mechanical. The first are more modern machines that have different functions and in addition have many different attachments for preparing anything. From sausages to juices. But the second ones are such “grandmother’s” devices. Housewives had them in every Soviet house. Today many consider them to be a relic of the past and outdated. However, you shouldn’t formulate your thoughts about them in exactly this way, since sometimes they show themselves better than electric ones. Now let's move on to getting to know these devices.
Manual meat grinder device:
- Housing and metal meat receiver.
- Screw shaft (spirals inside).
- Two knives chopping food.
- Lattice. It is needed to adjust the degree of grinding.
- Nut for clamping. It is needed to fasten the elements of the meat grinder.
- Handle and lock (or nut).
Soviet hand-held devices are attached to the edge of the table using a special claw. It is screwed to the surface. To prevent slipping, place a soft cloth between this foot and the tabletop.
The shaft looks like a spiral. It is needed to grind excess meat and move it to the attachments with knives.
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Cutting elements, of course, are needed for grinding, cutting or crushing the product. As a rule, they are made of stainless steel. In order for the device to work as efficiently as possible, they need to be sharpened from time to time. The mesh can be very different: very large, large, medium and small. The first is used for preparing minced meat and sausages. The second one is simply ideal for sausages. The third one is best used for cooking cutlets. Well, the latter is intended for pate and puree. The clamp holds all these elements. If you find it difficult to remove it after washing, use a cloth. Throw it on the latch and it will turn easier.
The electric one is almost identical in design to the manual one. The only difference is that there is a plastic body and handle. Some models have an additional pusher. They also do not have a clamp on the body. There are differences on the knife as well. It is equipped with bulges so that the products are crushed more efficiently. Polaris meat grinders, for example, have exactly this type of device, and therefore you need to know how to assemble it. In addition, some of them add a special pusher. It will help push products through the process.
Next, we will describe in detail how an electric meat grinder and a manual device are assembled, and how to use the meat grinder correctly so that it serves you for a long time and does the job efficiently.
How to properly insert a knife into a meat grinder
Have you washed your meat grinder and can’t put it back together?
Bought a new one and it doesn't work? Or has the old one stopped making you happy with its work? Imagine: minced meat is prepared quickly, almost without your participation, and assembling the device does not upset you, you cook easily and without unpleasant feelings...
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So, the meat grinder doesn't cut? Possible reasons:
- the knife is inserted the wrong way;
- the knife has become dull;
- the grille is worn out.
Each of these questions has a working solution. Want to know how to position a knife?
Remember the rule for installing the knife: flat side out towards the grate, convex side inwards. All!
But is everything so simple, you will find out only by reading the article. It is for those who love their family and want to regularly please them with delicious minced meat. In this article we will look at the types of knives for electric meat grinders and the rules for installing them. Read to the end and get a bonus.
Types of meat grinders
Since meat grinders have been around for a very long time, there are many types of them. In addition, they tried to replace them with combines and blenders. And the manufacturers of meat grinders had to come up with as many interesting functions and “tricks” for them so that they would not lose their necessity. They are equipped with a huge number of knives and attachments, which give the devices incredible functionality and ease of use. With them you can turn meat into minced meat, make sausages and pasta. In addition, they can be used to prepare homemade sausage and even juices and purees. But in order not to get confused in the many types of these devices, we will consider two global and main types of these devices.
These are manual and electrical appliances. It is the latter that are now super popular among most people. In order to twist the meat with them, you do not need to exert much physical effort to stuff the sausage and twist it. Just press the “Start” button and watch the process of preparing minced meat. True, they also have a number of disadvantages. For example, if you missed a bone, the device will definitely be damaged because it will not be able to cope with it. Besides, if the lights in the house suddenly turn off, you won’t be able to make minced meat. And sometimes the motor in the devices burns out, and then you just need to buy a new one.
For many, mechanical Soviet models (knowing how to assemble them correctly is very important) are antiquities that it’s time to forget. However, they are incredibly reliable and durable. This has been proven in practice. And it is almost impossible to break them. The only thing that can become faulty is the knives. But you can sharpen them yourself at home. And they will last for a very long time.
As a rule, their body material is cast iron, stainless steel or durable plastic. However, some can be made from aluminum. Cast iron devices are almost impossible to break. They are practically eternal. And many people love them and consider them much better than their electric counterparts. But they are very heavy. And they can be a little tricky to install. You may even have to ask a man for help every time you install and remove it. Although maybe this is better. But modern aluminum devices are much lighter. Here you no longer have to put in additional physical effort. At the same time, they can serve you just as long as steel or cast iron and do their job with the highest quality.
As for plastic models, they are lightweight and functional. But at the same time, they are very fragile, they must be handled with extreme care, and they must be avoided from falling or sharp blows.
Devices also differ in power. It is important to know how much meat you plan to process. For example, if the power of the device is 1000 W, then you can grind up to 1.3 kg of meat without fear that something will break. Each device has a power reserve, which will be needed if veins or cartilage get into pieces of meat. In this case, the device goes to maximum operation. This is very harmful for him. So try to avoid this.
Devices are also divided into household and professional. The latter have much greater power. They are needed so that the kitchens of restaurants and cafes can quickly process orders and prepare dishes. But the first ones are not so powerful, they are much smaller in size, but are ideal for use in the home. Moreover, you don’t need any huge power in everyday life; you won’t be doing too much work.
Also, some models are equipped with a reverse system. It allows the screw in the meat grinder to rotate in the opposite direction. This helps a lot if veins accidentally get into pieces of meat. The device slows down, and you can get them out.
But in practice this function is not always needed. Stuck wires can also be removed on conventional devices. Of course it takes a little longer. But it saves money.
Electric meat grinder design
The body of electric meat grinders is most often made of plastic, in contrast to manual devices, which consist entirely of metal parts. In electrical appliances, only those parts that directly grind products (knives, grates) are made of metal, as well as other loaded elements that work to transmit force (auger, fixing and connecting elements).
The main working part of the meat grinder is the engine built into the main body. When turned on, it rotates the auger, pushes the food towards the knives, and rotates the knife.
In general, it does all the work.
The electric meat grinder does not have a handle through which the user drives the auger; it is not necessary. But the devices often have a removable tray for serving food, which can be removed when not in use to save space.
The electric meat grinder always comes with a food pusher. You should definitely use it to move the meat towards the auger, this will avoid injury.
The auger itself ends in a plastic fastening element, thanks to which the rotating element is fixed inside the housing. In new models of electric meat grinders, the knife has a complex relief, thanks to which the minced meat is of higher quality.
Read more about the design of a meat grinder in this article.
Operating principle of a manual meat grinder
The operating principle of a manual meat grinder is incredibly simple. It is based on the fact that you need to turn the handle, the product is pressed through, falls on the knives and turns into minced meat. The operating algorithm of a mechanical meat grinder is as follows:
- Place food in the top hole.
- They fall onto the auger.
- Then they are pressed against the grate and cut off with special knives.
They are very convenient to use for creating sausages and sausages, as well as fruit purees. A little further on you will find some valuable tips on assembling meat grinders of these models. Read carefully to connect everything correctly, and then your device will serve you very well, work great and fulfill all your desires.
Installation of additional components
Most modern meat grinders come with additional knives, grates with various holes and attachments for preparing sausages or kebbe. If it is necessary to use them, the order of assembling the meat grinder may vary, which is also usually specified in detail in the instructions for the device from the manufacturer.
In this case, you should adhere to the following algorithm for assembling an electric meat grinder:
- installation in the middle of the auger body;
- attaching a ring with the largest holes to the auger (their number may vary depending on the meat grinder model and manufacturer);
- installation of a double-sided knife;
- installation of a grille with medium-sized holes;
- fastening the remaining knife;
- installation of the last grate;
- securing the clamp nut.
In the case of preparing sausages, instead of knives and grates, you will need to attach a special attachment to the auger, which is secured with a clamping nut. And for the purpose of making cookies or pasta, you can use metal or plastic shaped rings.
Often, such household appliances include a nozzle for juice and pasta. Usually they are already assembled and you just need to attach them to the main body of the meat grinder.
When assembling an electric meat grinder, it is better to follow the factory instructions from the manufacturer. If a household appliance malfunctions, it is recommended to contact a service center for diagnostics and repair if necessary.
Operating principle of an electric meat grinder
According to the principle of operation, an electric meat grinder is not much different from a mechanical one. The only and main difference is that for the meat grinder to work, you just need to load everything into the receiver and press the button. And nothing else needs to be done. Using a device from Mulinex as an example, we will tell you what happens next and how to insert the knife correctly. After the meat is loaded into the meat receiver, it is also pressed against the mesh with a screw and cut off by cutting elements. After work, you need to disassemble all the elements, wash them, and leave the meat grinder in the disassembled state until it is completely dry. Only after this can you put the device in a box and place it on a shelf for storage.
How to disassemble and clean a meat grinder?
After each use, it is important to completely disassemble and clean the household appliance to avoid food drying out and the proliferation of bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms. This can lead not only to a number of diseases, but also to the unsuitability of equipment. Washing the assembled device is not permitted!
It is simply impossible to completely clean a mechanical meat grinder when assembled, and in the case of an electric one, a short circuit and fire may occur.
Algorithm for disassembling an electric meat grinder:
- In the case of a removable meat receiver, the first step is to get rid of this particular part by pulling it out of the neck.
- Next, you need to turn the clamping nut, carefully holding all the contents.
- Take out the grate and knife blade.
- Remove the auger from the body of the electric meat grinder.
After disassembling the device, you must thoroughly rinse all parts with detergent and running water, and the grille can be cleaned with a match or toothpick. After washing the parts, it is recommended to place them on a napkin or spreader, leaving them to dry completely.
The electric meat grinder and all its parts must be stored in a dry place. Otherwise, fungus and rust may form, which will render the device unusable.
It is not recommended to wash knives with hot water, as this reduces their sharpness, rendering the device inoperable. And the body of the meat grinder, into which the motor is built, can be simply wiped with a damp cloth or cloth. It is forbidden to lower the housing under running water, as this will render the meat grinder unusable and may subsequently cause a fire, electric shock or short circuit.
How to properly assemble a manual meat grinder step by step
You already know what a manual meat grinder consists of. Now it’s time to find out how a manual meat grinder is assembled. Because this is the key to good and correct work. If you make even the slightest mistake, then everything will not work as it should. And you will be disappointed with the quality of processed products.
The surest way to properly assemble a meat grinder is to find the instructions, open the required page and follow what is written step by step. This is how you can best assemble the device. As a rule, manufacturers even indicate assembly tips and tricks there. But if there are no instructions, or something is unclear, then follow our recommendations. First, lay out all the elements on the table. The screw shaft is installed first, then you need to know how to insert the knife into the meat grinder and do it correctly, and the last thing is to put on the grate and screw on the handle.
A large number of devices come in sets with a variety of nozzles and grilles. They help make sausages, sausages, juices and other goodies. However, inserting the nozzle, blade, or grid into the device correctly can be challenging. And all because their presence leads to a change in the order of assembly of the device. First, the screw shaft is inserted, then the gratings, then the nozzles, and finally the entire structure is fixed with a nut. The device should be assembled only if all its parts are clean and dry. Do everything very carefully and carefully so as not to get hurt and assemble everything correctly.
Installation of auger shaft
Whichever model you choose from the many hand-held appliances, first in any case we install the meat feeding cylinder. Then proceed to inserting the auger shaft, with its wide part towards the handle, that is, the narrowest hole of the device. The thin side must be installed so that it is in a wide and round hole. Then you will need to attach the cutting edges of the meat grinder to the same place.
Thus, the first stage of assembling a conventional mechanical meat grinder occurs.
Make sure you do everything correctly because this is one of the main parts of the device. And if you do it incorrectly, then the mechanism may not work.
Therefore, we repeat: the narrow part of the auger should be in the widest part of the device, and the widest part should be in the narrowest part. Check that this is exactly the case.
How to properly insert a knife into a meat grinder
Once you are sure that the auger is inserted correctly, begin inserting the knife into the electric meat grinder. This is an element that many people have problems with, and it is the one that is most often installed incorrectly. And its incorrect installation leads to poor operation of the device, “chewing” of food and disappointment of housewives. So before you despair, take a look at how to properly insert the knife into the device.
It must be installed with the back side facing the auger. That is, so that its flat part is adjacent to the mesh, and the convex part is near the auger. When you process food, it will slide along the grate. Again, we emphasize that you need to install it correctly, otherwise the product will simply choke. This may even cause the device to jam. But cutters that have a double-sided cutting part can be placed on either side. There is no difference at all. He will cut anyway. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that your device won’t work if you install the cutters incorrectly.
If you have a disk cutting element, then install it with the corrugated surface outward. If you are in doubt about the correct installation of this element, look for relevant videos on the Internet. There are quite a lot of them, and you will definitely be able to install all the necessary elements correctly. Another option is to find installation instructions on the website of the manufacturer of your particular device.
Installing the grille and screwing the handle
After you have installed the knife in the meat grinder according to the step-by-step instructions, proceed to the stage of installing the grate and screwing the handle. Insert the grid first. This is the easiest thing to do. In order for it to fit correctly, the notch and protrusion on the device body must coincide. This entire structure is then fixed using a clamp on the body of the device. You just need to screw it on top. Then proceed to installing the meat receiver. And screw the handle onto the back with a screw.
That's all. The device is fully assembled. In order to start working, all that remains is to install the meat grinder on the table. This is not difficult to do. Next we will tell you the details of installation. But be sure to make sure that all elements are installed correctly. If something is wrong, fix it.
If during operation you see that the minced meat is not scrolling well, do not try to press it further. Disassemble, clean and dry the device, and then reassemble.
Most likely, you simply put the knives on the wrong side, and they cannot cut the pieces. All you have to do is flip them over. You need to be very careful with this, because due to the accumulation of product near the knife, the device may jam and it will be impossible to continue working.
Installing the meat grinder on a work surface
This is the last and easiest stage of assembling the meat grinder, the sequence of which is very important. There are special “paws” for this purpose. To ensure a strong fixation of the kitchen unit, you need to arm yourself with newspaper or soft cloth. You place it on the tabletop and secure the device on top. It’s even better if you take thick rubber instead of a rag. This is the assembly order that must be followed so that the device can work correctly and you will get a beautiful minced meat. We hope that our recommendations on how to assemble a meat grinder correctly will help you do everything perfectly and install your mechanical device.
Then you can start working with it. It will do a great job with sausages, sausages, minced meat, and even juices. But sometimes special attachments may be needed for this. They need to be installed after the grille, and then put on the retainer. Just be sure to check that there are no chips or roughness on it. If this happens, then, for example, the intestine may rupture while cooking sausages. And your dish will be spoiled, and your efforts will go down the drain.
Electric meat grinder assembly procedure
An electric meat grinder is distinguished by its assembly. It includes: a body, an electric mechanism, a meat receiver, a snack, a knife, a grid, and a clamping nut. According to the principle of grinding the product, there are auger grinders (the screw in a meat grinder pushes the meat to the knives) and cutter grinders (works on the principle of a blender).
To use the machine rationally, you need to know how to correctly place a knife in it and follow a certain algorithm step by step. Folding an electric meat grinder is more difficult than a manual version.
Work algorithm:
- We insert the auger into the niche on the engine housing. Fix it with a counterclockwise movement until you hear a characteristic click.
- We put the knife on the free part of the screw, then screw on the grille. Check that threads and holes are seated correctly.
- The components are pressed with a nut.
- Installation of the meat products supply tray.
It is important to insert the knife into the meat grinder correctly. Negligence at this stage leads to the fact that the minced meat will not turn out, and subsequently to the breakdown of the unit.
How to assemble an electric meat grinder
Now we’ll move on to how to assemble an electric meat grinder. This process is similar to how everything happens manually. Follow our instructions and you will succeed. Assembling the meat grinder must begin by connecting the gearbox housing and the metal housing of the auger. To do this, there is a groove into which the last part must be inserted and turned counterclockwise. A characteristic click will indicate that you did everything correctly. In some models of devices, the meat receiver must be mounted separately. It is inserted from above. A special pusher also comes with it.
In addition, some devices are equipped with special rubber feet. They help him stand more stable and not slip while working. It is very comfortable. If, when assembling an electric meat grinder, you do something incorrectly or loosely, then the motor will not have full control of the auger. It must fit clearly into the corresponding hole. Then the assembly of the electric assistant proceeds to the installation of the blades and grille. This happens in the same way as in mechanical. Look at what knives you have so you can place them correctly.
The convex side of the knives must be inserted into the auger, and the flat side into the grate. If you have a disk cutting element, then install it with the corrugated surface outward. But if the set contains double-sided cutting edges, it makes no difference how you install them. After this, the installation is completely finished and you can start cooking. Just as in the case of mechanical devices, the nozzles must be inserted after the grille and secured with a lock. As for attachments, they are specially designed for sausages, sausages, juices, pastes, purees, grating and cutting vegetables, making spaghetti, pasta and cookies.
Also be sure to ensure that all parts are dry and clean during assembly. Yes, this is very banal advice. But if you do not follow this rule, then your actions can lead to a decrease in the performance of the mechanism.
Sometimes, after using the device for some time, it may need repairs. If it requires removal of the reduction gears, which are located in the transmission unit, then remember that one of them is pressed on. In order to work with it, you need to arm yourself with a vice or heat up the parts. The second method is used much less frequently, because the engine rotor can be accidentally damaged.
Your device may be equipped with two, three or more gears. Each of them rests on its own shaft. You can clean the parts located in the gearbox from dirt and old grease with a rag. And lubricate the places where the gears are located with Litol or a special silicone compound. After this, everything needs to be installed in its place.
Please note that if you plan to do this, be sure to first disconnect the device from power.
If you have difficulty assembling, try following the tips from the video. As a rule, everything is clearly shown there, and even a child can do it. But if even after this nothing works for you, then perhaps the problem is in the device itself. Then we advise you to contact the service center or the store where you purchased the device.
Mounting the meat grinder on the table
A manual meat grinder requires some effort to grind meat, which means the assembled unit must be securely fastened to the table.
For fixation, a special threaded clamp is provided - a clamp , and in some models a vacuum suction cup is provided for fastening to a smooth work surface.
To secure with a clamp you need:
- place the unit on the edge of a flat table surface;
- Holding it with your hand, tighten the screw located at the bottom (similar to a bench vice).
Some models are equipped with rubber feet to protect the table surface from damage from metal utensils.
Advice. If rubber feet are not included in the kit, you should select softening pads yourself. Instead, you can use fabric or regular newspaper.
This will prevent the metal surface of the foot from “fidgeting” and make the process of grinding meat easier.
If you do not attach the meat grinder to the countertop, then during operation it will fidget and jump off , which means that grinding meat will require additional effort to hold the device.
Due to its significant weight, dropping the device on your foot or on the floor is undesirable.
Design of meat grinders: types and features
These devices are produced in a wide range, however, they come in only two types: manual and electric. The versatility of the devices is created using a large number of different attachments.
Electric analogues are especially popular at the moment. In order to process the ingredients, it is enough to place them in the meat receiver compartment, press the start button, and the products will begin to be processed. However, in addition to the advantages, this design has disadvantages:
- there is no way to control the presence of bones, and if they are caught, the device may deteriorate;
- in the absence of electricity, it is impossible to cook minced meat on such a device;
- If the engine burns out, processing of the ingredients will not work.
The design of electrical devices consists of the following parts:
- Housing made of durable plastic material;
- A motor that performs manipulations when the start key is pressed;
- Lack of handle and clamp;
- Most models have a removable meat receiver, which is installed before food processing begins;
- The presence of convexities on the surface of the knife for gentle chopping;
- At the screw end there is a plastic corrugated rod to ensure high-quality fixation.
Expert opinion
Zakharov Igor Vyacheslavovich
Consultant at a furniture store. 5 years of experience.
Healthy! Plastic may pose some health hazards. To avoid this negative phenomenon, the composition of the plastic material should be clarified.
Many housewives claim that mechanical analogues are already outdated, but they continue to delight users with their reliability and durability. This type of device almost never fails; the only unfavorable factor is the dullness of the knives. These working elements can be easily sharpened with your own hands, with a minimum of effort.
The body of manual meat grinders is made of reliable stainless steel, cast iron, and, less commonly, aluminum.
The design of a mechanical product includes the following components:
- The case is made of reliable metal, has a clamp to install the unit on various surfaces;
- Screw element - screw rod;
- A knife for chopping components, can be disk or with wings;
- Tightening ring for fixation;
- Handle attached with a screw;
- Grids having holes of different diameters.
Healthy! Mechanical devices are not very functional, but will last a long time without breakdowns. Such devices can handle any type of meat and will not be damaged if a bone gets in.
Additional components of the meat grinder
Manufacturers equip the units with standard parts and elements, but depending on the model, they may differ in additional attachments.
Manual designs are equipped with grates with different hole diameters to obtain different grinding ingredients. Cutting parts may differ in shape - with wings, disk.
Electric meat grinders are equipped with a removable meat receiver and a pusher for moving ingredients to the grinding element.
How to properly place a knife in a meat grinder
The assembly process itself is very simple, but it is important to know how to install the knife correctly so that the device effectively processes food. The cutting part consists of the main elements:
- Convex smooth surface;
- The flat part having cutting edges;
- A hole in the center, which is made in the form of a screw tip.
When assembling a manual meat grinder, you should follow the main rule - the knife is installed with a flat surface outward. If you miss this criterion, the device will press on the meat without chopping it.
In a circular knife, the edges are clearly visible, so they should also be with the cutting surface on top. In cases where problems arise with the processing of ingredients, it is necessary to check the correct installation of the cutting part and other working parts.
In electric models, the assembly of the structure is more difficult, because two knives are used simultaneously. The double-sided element must be installed on the auger, after which the grid is fixed, a second knife and a grid with small holes are installed on top, and the structure is secured with a fixing ring.
Important! In order for the unit to grind food efficiently, all parts must be accurately installed. If processing fails, all working elements must be rechecked for correct assembly.
Types of manual mechanical meat grinders by material of manufacture
Most modern hand-held devices are made of high-quality and reliable material to last for centuries. There are also modern meat grinders made of durable plastic. Such a meat grinder, of course, is easier to break than a cast iron one. Therefore, you should handle it more carefully.
Manual cast iron meat grinder
A cast iron meat grinder is a faithful assistant in the kitchen. It will serve for a very long time. And to break it, you need to try very hard. This is her advantage. The disadvantage of a cast iron meat grinder is that it is very heavy compared to other devices.
The cast iron meat grinder is very heavy, but it works flawlessly
Meat grinders made of aluminum alloys and plastic models
A meat grinder made of aluminum alloys is much lighter than a cast iron one. And during operation it will serve faithfully for a very long time. There is only one drawback of such a device - sometimes your hands get very tired from grinding large amounts of meat or other products.
Plastic models of meat grinders are made from high-quality and very durable materials. But, nevertheless, this model is not as durable as a cast iron meat grinder, and its parts can quickly fail. Therefore, it is important to use the meat grinder carefully.
Existing types and design features of meat grinders
In modern stores you can find a huge number of models of meat grinders. All of them can be divided into two types: electric and manual. Along with the devices, the manufacturer also supplies additional parts (attachments and knives), which increases their functionality.
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Electric models have gained popularity among users. To obtain the final product, you do not need to expend physical effort; just press the start button and push the meat or vegetables into a special funnel.
Most modern housewives prefer to buy electric meat grinders for the kitchen, considering the manual version to be a relic of the past. In fact, these devices are reliable and easy to use, they actually do not break down.
One part that can fail is the knife, but it can be easily sharpened. The body of hand-held devices is made of stainless steel, aluminum or cast iron.
Manual meat grinders are easy to use. At the same time, electric models make it possible to select the required grinding speed or reverse motion. A variety of attachments allows you to create additional products.
A manual meat grinder consists of the following elements:
- steel case with special fasteners for installing the device on different types of surfaces;
- screw auger;
- cross-shaped or circular knife (used for chopping products);
- tightening metal ring;
- handle (fixed to the device using a special screw);
- round grilles with holes and a slot for fixing on the body.
Manual models are fixed to the surface using a special foot. For final fixation, a screw with an overlay is used. Devices with a plastic foot are securely attached to the surface. When installing metal products, place a piece of soft cloth under the foot so that the device does not slip on the surface.
The structure of the electric meat grinder is as follows:
- plastic case;
- electric motor;
- removable meat receiver;
- convenient plastic pusher;
- screw;
- corrugated plastic rod (this element is installed on the auger for reliable fixation);
- metal knife of a convex shape.
Unlike manual models, there are no paws. The stability of the device is ensured by a wide platform with several rubber pads.
What does a meat grinder consist of and what is the purpose of the parts?
What does a classic hand-held device consist of:
- Building: A. Meat receiving area; B. Fastening clamp;
- Lever;
- Auger with left-hand thread;
- Bearing bushing;
- Cutting knife with 4 blades;
- Lattice;
- Union nut;
- Eye bolt for attaching the handle
Meat grinder disassembled
The device can also be supplied with additional grates with different hole diameters, knives, attachments for making sausages, frankfurters and freshly squeezed juice.
The attachments must be sharpened regularly and should not be used for cutting too hard or stringy semi-finished meat products.
The screw shaft is an important and basic part. It has the appearance of a spiral, which during operation grinds excess meat, moving it towards the nozzles with knives. It is this mechanism that requires the use of durable metal.
Screw shaft - conductor of products inside the device
Knife and special cutting attachments. They do all the work of grinding, cutting and crushing meat or any other products. It is made mainly from stainless materials. It is necessary to sharpen knives for better and high-quality work, even though the steel is sharpened on the grate during rotation.
The knife must be installed correctly, otherwise the device may jam
The structure of the knife and its shape affect the grinding of the product. For example, if a knife has a curved blade, it means that it will easily chop the veins and fibers of meat, while preventing the auger shaft from clogging.
The grid has three types of hole diameters:
- Very large - 12 mm . Grille with three or four holes. Used for stuffing sausages. Not always included.
- Large holes - 8 mm . This rack is ideal for preparing sausage mince.
- Middle holes - 4-4.5 mm . Universal grid. Suitable for preparing minced meat for cutlets. Included.
- Small holes - 3 mm . Pate lattice. It is ideal for making pate or puree.
Using these grates you can get coarse or finely ground minced meat. It all depends on your preferences
The nut (fixing ring) clamps and secures the grid, knife and auger shaft. Sometimes it can be difficult to unscrew it after finishing work. But this problem can easily be solved with the help of ordinary cloth thrown over the nut. So, the hand does not slip, and the part can be easily unscrewed.
A manual cast iron or aluminum meat grinder, especially from Soviet times, is attached to the work surface using a threaded device (foot). And therefore, in order to prevent the device from moving on the table, you need to place something under the metal base. This can be a newspaper folded several times. In modern models, the mounting base is plastic or rubber, and therefore the device is attached to the table much more securely.
