Best commercial meat grinder 2023: Buyer’s guide

What our commercial meat grinder guide covers

 

1. Introduction
2. Types of commercial meat grinders
3. Styles of commercial meat grinders
4. Main things to consider when choosing a commercial meat grinder
5. Best commercial meat grinder brands in Canada
6. Used commercial meat grinders — worth considering?
7. Warranty and insurance
8. Commercial meat grinders frequently asked questions
9. Commercial meat grinder terminology
10. How to maintain your commercial meat grinder
11. How often should your commercial meat grinder be serviced?
12. Keep your cash, use ours! 

 

Commercial meat grinders or meat mincers are essential equipment for butcher shops, meat processing units and food services that use minced meat.

These machines can grind meat to various textures and sizes and are perfect for making tasty treats like sausages and hamburgers.

Plus, by mincing your meat in-house, you can save a pretty penny compared to buying pre-minced meat.

Some models even let you add seasonings to the mince for an extra burst of flavour!

But before you order a commercial mincer, there are more than just a few key things to consider. That's where this buyer's guide comes handy.

It’ll walk you through all the important factors to keep in mind so that you can pick the best commercial grinder for your needs without worry.

 

 

Types of commercial meat grinders

Manual meat grinders

These compact models are perfect for processing small amounts of meat.

They typically come with a clamp that you can attach to the edge of the table and crank by hand.

They are not very powerful and have limited per minute mincing capacity.

The simple mechanism involves multiple cutting plates that rotate against a cutting knife to produce minced meat ranging from 3/16th of an inch to half an inch in size.

Manual meat mincers are typically used for making artisanal, specialty or customized minced food items in smaller quantities. 

 

Electric meat grinders

In commercial settings where the demand is high for minced meat, electric meat grinders are more common.

These are more sophisticated than their manual counterparts and come with cutting plates of different sizes, as well as accessories like extrusion tubes and pushing tools for ease of use.

 

 

Styles of commercial meat grinders

From compact, countertop models to high-output, floor-standing industrial ones, commercial meat grinders are available in different styles.

Tabletop commercial meat mincers are common in most restaurants and cafes, whereas the larger, floor-standing industrial models are typically used in delis and food processing units where large volumes of minced meat are required quickly. 

 

 

 

Parts of a commercial meat grinder

Motor

The efficiency of meat mincing is directly proportional to the horsepower of the motor in the grinder.

For mincing tougher meat like deer meat you will need a mincer with more motor power.

 

Meat tray

Meat strips or cubes are placed on this tray before they are fed into the grinder's feeding tube for mincing.

 

Feeding tube

This is the part of the meat grinder through which the meat travels before it is minced.

The diameter of the feeding tube is proportional to the grinder's capacity.

 

Cutting blade

It is the star-shaped metal blade that spins rapidly to chop the meat.

 

Grinding plate

This is a flat circular plate with holes, which determines the consistency of the minced meat.

Multiple grinding plates with different hole diameters may be used in a grinder depending on the make and model.

 

Auger

It is the horizontal screw conveyor that moves the meat towards the cutting blade and grinding plates.

Also known as the worm or screw.

 

Plunger or meat pusher

This is used to push the meat through the feeding tube and towards the auger.

It can be helpful to prevent meat from getting stuck in the tube.

 

 

Main things to consider when ordering a commercial meat grinder

What type of food will you be mincing?

In addition to meat, commercial meat mincers can finely grind a variety of other food items, including vegetables like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and more.

Heavy-duty electric mincers are particularly useful for grinding heavier meats, including soft bones, like chicken and turkey. So chose a mixer that fits your needs.

 

How much do you need to mince? 

The amount of minced meat needed can vary widely depending on the size and type of the business.

For example, a deli is likely to require more mince than a pizzeria.

Therefore, it's essential to choose a mincer with an output that matches your business's requirements.

Grinding plates

The type of mince required depends on the food being prepared.

Meat grinders usually come with grinding plates that have holes of different sizes through which the meat is pushed out.

The size of the holes determines the size or consistency of the mince.

By understanding the type of mince needed, you can select a mincer with the appropriate-sized grinding plates.

For fine mincing of meat, start with the largest hole size and then re-grind through the smaller plates for the best outcome.

Here are some guidelines:

19mm: Very coarse

Good for the first grind, and dishes like casserole, chilli or stew.

13mm: Very coarse

Good for the first grind, and dishes like casserole, chilli or stew.

9.5mm: Coarse

Good for the first grind, and dishes like meatloaf, meatballs, hamburgers or Italian sausages.

6.4mm to 8mm: Coarse

Good for dishes like tacos, spaghetti Bolognese or kebabs.

4mm to 4.8mm: Medium

Good for dishes like hamburger patties, meatballs, Bolognese sauce or Empanadas.

2.3mm to 3mm: Fine

Good for dishes like sausages, hot dogs, Italian meatballs or dumplings.

 

Size/ capacity & output of the meat mincer

The quantity of meat that a commercial meat grinder can produce per hour, is primarily determined by the grinder’s size.

The size of the grinder is typically denoted by the diameter of its grinder plate, which follows a fairly standardized numbering system.

As the size of the grinder increases, so does the motor power and loading tray capacity, resulting in faster grinding that produces a higher quantity of minced meat per hour.

Here’re some of the most common commercial meat mincer sizes and their corresponding numbers:

 

 

Mincer size	Mincing plate diameter (mm)	Cutting blade diameter (mm)	Cutting blade hole size (mm)
#5	54	48	6.4
#8	64	54	9.5
#12	70	60	11
#22	83	73	12.7
#32	98	54	16
#42	129	117	22

 

 

Motor power

The amount of moisture and level of firmness varies in different types of meat, which is why it's important to choose a commercial meat mincer with an adequate grinding capacity based on the type of meat you plan to grind.

This will prevent the grinder from jamming, plus improve its meat-processing efficiency.

The power of the grinder's motor is determined by its wattage, with higher wattage indicating more power and better meat processing efficiency.

When dealing with tough meats such as deer meat, a motor with a power rating of 1600 watts or more is recommended.

On the other hand, for softer meats like chicken or turkey, a motor with less than 1600 watts should suffice. For particularly moist meats, an 800W motor would be adequate, while dry meats will require more power.

If you plan on using the grinder frequently for processing large quantities of meat, invest in a powerful grinder.

A motor with a higher grinding capacity can efficiently handle bones and produce larger batches more quickly.

 

Construction material

When it comes to meat grinders, select a model made from durable, corrosion resistant materials.

Stainless steel and anodized aluminum are a good option.

Stainless steel is not only strong but also dishwasher-safe and effortless to clean.

 

Hopper/ loading tray volume

The size of the hopper or loading tray determines the amount of meat that can be loaded into the grinder at one time.

The larger the hopper, the more meat it can accommodate in a batch.

Choose a model that fits your needs. 

 

Safety features

Grinder overheating or jamming during mincing can hinder the process and efficiency.

Commercial meat mincers from reputed manufacturers usually include the following features to protect the machine as well as the user: 

 

Auto shut-off

This feature automatically turns off the mincer when it jams or is overloaded.

Non-slip feet/ base  

Helps to absorb vibrations during operation and prevents the mincer from moving or sliding.

Overheat protection

This feature automatically shuts off the machine if the mincer gets too hot during operation.

Emergency stop

This switch shuts off the mincer instantly.

It is provided in an easily accessible position so that the machine can be turned off immediately in case of any emergency.

 

Ease of use

Commercial meat mincers come with different features for ease of use.

Some of them are:

Feeding tube

A feeding tube with a substantial diameter is preferred as it allows for larger quantities of meat to be fed into the mincer easily.

A wider tube also makes it easier to use the plunger to clear any meat stuck in the tube.

Variable speed settings

Grinders with variable speed settings give more control, enabling the user to choose the most appropriate speed according to the meat or vegetables being minced.

Plunger or meat pusher

A model-specific plunger or meat pusher aids in dislodging and pushing more meat into the feeding tube.

Reversible function

If there’s too much meat in the auger, the mincer may jam.

The reverse function moves the auger in the opposite direction, which helps to clear any blockages and unclog the mechanism.

Accessories

Different accessories, like a sausage extension tube can make the machine more versatile.

 

Ease of cleaning

Look for an industrial meat grinder with the following features for ease of cleaning:

Dishwasher-safe parts

If the parts such as the cutting blade, auger, and tee joint can be placed directly in a dishwasher, it will minimize the cleaning hassle considerably.

Detachable components

Commercial meat grinders designed to be easily dismantled and reassembled can make cleaning easy.

It also ensures that each part of the grinder is thoroughly cleaned.

Robust construction

Mincing meat can be messy.

A stainless-steel housing provides a durable and non-corrosive surface that is easy to clean.

Smooth design

A commercial meat grinder with a smooth surface will have fewer crevices and corners for dirt and debris to accumulate, making it easier to clean and maintain.

 

Budget

In Canada, you’ll get a light-duty commercial meat grinder from a renowned brand like Pro-Cut for less than $1000 CAD.

As expected, the price varies depending on the make and model.

A medium-duty commercial meat grinder from Eurodib is around $2200 CAD, but a heavy-duty model from Hobart will set you back $10,000 or more.

The cost of the grinder is not the only expense you have to account for. Consider the installation and transportation charges if you are ordering a large model.

Maintenance expenses – like the cost of regularly sharpening the blades and getting new ones when they wear out – should also be factored in.

 

 

Best commercial meat grinder brands in Canada

Commercial meat mincers from several brands are available in Canada.

We have compiled a list of the top few:

 

Hobart

Established in 1897 in the USA, Hobart is a respected global brand in the hospitality industry.

They have a huge product range that covers almost every type of equipment you may use in a commercial food service.

Hobart’s products are top performers, plus they are covered by a wide and skilled service network.  

Hobart 4812

This 4812-36 meat chopper is a powerful and efficient model designed to meet heavy-duty needs.

The machine produces uniform and consistent mince so that your dishes are perfect.

It is easy to clean because it can be easily dismantled without using any tool.   

The design ensures only a minimum amount of meat remains in the cylinder, reducing wastage.  

Key features:

• Construction: Stainless steel housing and trim
• Horsepower: ½ HP
• Throughput: 3.6kg to 4.5kg per minute
• RPM: 174
• Reversing switch: Yes
• Phase: 1
• Plate size: #12
• Weight: 39kg (shipping weight)
• Size (WxDxH mm): 325 x 610 x 591
• Legs: 4-inch standard size with stainless-steel casing

 

Hobart 4822-34 #22 Meat Grinder / Chopper 120V 1 1/2hp

The Hobart 4822-34 #22 commercial meat grinder has a more powerful motor that ensures quick and consistent mincing every time.

Features precision made gears and shafts with Hobart protective type chopping end, complete with stay-sharp knife and plates. 

Key features:

• Construction: Stainless-steel housing and trim
• Horsepower: 1½ HP
• Throughput: 5.5kg to 9kg per minute
• RPM: 212
• Reversing switch: Yes
• Phase: 1
• Plate size: #22
• Weight: 48kg (shipping weight)
• Size (WxDxH mm): 325 x 759 x 591
• Legs: 4in standard size with stainless steel casing.

 

Pro-Cut

Pro-Cut is a well-known manufacturer of food processing equipment with over 30 years in business.

They manufacture durable products that are widely used in restaurants, supermarkets, delis, and butcher shops.

Highest-quality material and commitment to customer service help them stand out.

 

Pro-Cut KG-32-XP

Claimed to be the highest-quality electric meat grinder in the market at the price point, Pro Cut KG-32-XP meat grinder is a powerful and reliable solution for high volume commercial applications.

It features precision engineered steel gear transmission, motor protector, permanent safe guard and safety deflector, complete with a stainless steel stand.    

Key features:

• Horsepower: 5 HP
• Throughput: 1^st grinding - 3,800lb/hr, 2^nd grinding – 1,800lb/hr.
• Size (WxDxH): 48 1/8” x 25”x 50 3/8”
• Plate size: #32
• Phase: 3 phase
• Wattage: 3,750W
• Voltage: 220V

 

Pro-Cut KG-12-FS

This compact, electricity-powered commercial meat chopper is perfect for smaller commercial settings like cafes and small butcher shops.

With a stainless steel construction and gear driven transmission, the model is known for dependability and ease of use.

It is simple to disassemble, easy to clean and transport.

Also, works efficiently in versatile setups.  

Key features:

• Horsepower: 3/4 HP
• Throughput: 1^st grinding – 400+lb/hr, 2^nd grinding – 200+lb/hr.
• Size (WxDxH): 23 1/2” x 13”x 17”
• Plate size: #12
• Phase: 1 phase
• Wattage: 550W
• Voltage: 115V

 

Rok

Rok is well known for its precision-crafted commercial grade tools and accessories.

The brand is serving the market for nearly 50 years now and its products are designed for durability, function and performance.

Rok’s meat grinder range is limited to only one model, which is popular for its great longevity and efficiency.

 

1 HP meat grinder

A compact and portable model ideal for mincing meat in establishments with medium demand.

Featuring a stainless steel body, a powerful motor, 3 sizes of tubes for sausages, plus two different discharge plate sizes, this meat mincer ensures you can grind meat with ease.

Quick and easy disassembly for easy cleaning and maintenance.   

Key features:

• Horsepower: 1 HP
• Throughput: 260lb/hr.
• Plate size: 6mm and 8mm
• Construction: Stainless steel
• Food pusher: Yes

 

Eurodib

Founded in 1996, Eurodib is a trusted manufacturer and distributor of the finest commercial-grade kitchen equipment.

The company offers a wide range of products targeted to meet the everyday needs of hotels, restaurants, catering services, and other food-related businesses.

The brand has a wide network of authorized dealers and distributors across Canada.  

 

TC8 VEGAS

A compact, robust and reliable meat grinder to serve food businesses with low to medium-volume, on-demand meat mincing needs.

This ‘made in Italy’ model features stainless steel knife, grinding plate and hopper with an anodized extruded aluminum body and side ABS covers.  

Key features:

• Horsepower: 0.3 HP
• Throughput: 154lb/hr.
• Size (WxDxH): 11.8" x 16"x 8"
• Plate size: #6
• Wattage: 250W
• Voltage: 120V

 

HM12N

Designed for light to medium-duty meat mincing needs, this gear driven Eurodib commercial meat chopper is a robust and durable companion. 

Acid, salt and rust resistant body, waterproof motor with conveniently located emergency stop switch ensure reliable service for years.     

Key features:

• Horsepower: 1.1 HP
• Throughput: 264lb/hr.
• Size (WxDxH): 24" x 10"x 18"
• Plate size: 4.5 and 8mm
• Voltage: 110V

 

Globe

With a history of over 100 years, Globe Food Equipment Company is a global leader in the commercial kitchen equipment market.

Their range covers best-in-class products designed to deliver excellence consistently.  

The Chefmate range from Globe has two commercial meat mincer models, perfect for heavy-duty commercial food preparation needs.

 

CM12

Globe CM12 is designed for in-house meat mincing needs of commercial food services.

Beef, pork or venison – the mincer chops everything quickly and efficiently without tampering with the natural colour or flavour of the meat.

It comes with a high-torque motor and a permanent grease-lubricated gear box. Easy to use and easy to clean, plus offers great longevity. 

Key features:

• Horsepower: 1 HP
• Throughput: 250lb/hr.
• Size (WxDxH): 8.6" x 16.25” x 19"
• Plate size: 6mm and 8mm
• Worm speed – RPMs: 170
• Forward/Reverse switch: Yes
• Voltage: 115V

 

CM22

A more robust model for commercial establishments with high-volume needs.

It has a powerful motor with manual reset overload protection, ball bearing mounted direct gear driven transmission along with a simple design that’s easy to use and clean, complete with a 6ft cord, plug and non-slip rubber feet.   

Key features:

• Horsepower: 1.5 HP
• Throughput: 450lb/hr.
• Size (WxDxH): 9.25" x 18.6” x 21"
• Plate size: 6mm and 8mm
• Worm speed – RPMs: 170
• Forward/Reverse switch: Yes
• Voltage: 115V

 

 

Used commercial meat grinders - worth considering?

Spending thousands of dollars on a new commercial meat mincer can put strain on your budget and cash flow.

If you’d prefer not to invest a lot of money in a commercial grinder, a cheaper, pre-owned appliance might be the solution you’re looking for.

SilverChef’s range of ‘Certified Used’ commercial equipment is mostly ex-rental equipment sourced from businesses we know and trust.

The equipment is typically less than two-and-a-half years old, has been fully refurbished by us, and is backed by a three-month parts-and-labour warranty.

You can either buy or finance the ‘Certified Used’ equipment (or clearance equipment) on our website. We’re one of the few financiers, if not the only one, in Canada that funds second-hand commercial kitchen equipment.

Read more about ‘Certified Used’ equipment.

 

 

Warranty & insurance 

Most equipment manufacturers provide warranties ranging from one to five years, depending on the type of equipment.

If the equipment develops a covered fault within that time, the manufacturer is obliged to repair or replace the equipment or give you a full refund.

Carefully study the warranty to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

SilverChef offers a three-month parts-and-labour warranty on all our ‘Certified Used’ and clearance equipment.

Business insurance covers loss or damage to your commercial kitchen equipment and other property.

This cover typically includes fire, accident, and theft. Some insurers also offer equipment-breakdown cover.

Contact your insurer to confirm whether the equipment you’re getting is automatically covered by your policy or will need to be added to it.

If your insurer doesn’t provide flood cover as standard, you may wish to consider requesting it. 

 

 

Commercial meat grinders - frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a commercial meat grinder and a commercial meat mincer?

Commercial meat mincers and commercial meat grinders both refer to the same kitchen equipment. "Mincer" is more commonly used in Australia and the UK, whereas "grinder" is more popular in Canada and USA.

 

What safety precautions need to be taken when operating a commercial meat grinder?

Follow the below tips to safely operate a meat mincer: 

• Keep your hair and sleeves away while feeding meat into the machine. 
• Do not use hands or fingers to push the meat through the feeding tube. Use the pusher supplied with the grinder.
• Use a spatula, turner or knife to scrape off the meat from the output plate, not your hands or fingers.
• Avoid forcing the meat through the feeding tube. It may jam.
• Always unplug the grinder before you store it.

 

How do you keep commercial meat grinders from clogging?

To prevent clogging, ensure that the meat chunks fed into the machine are of the right size.

Try to remove as much sinew as possible so that it doesn’t get stuck.

 

How to clean a commercial meat grinder?

Follow the next steps for cleaning:

• Turn off the grinder, let it cool down completely. Then dismantle.
• Soak all the removable components in warm water with manufacturer-approved detergent.
• Scrub and wash the parts thoroughly with fresh water.
• Place the parts in a sanitizing solution for at least two minutes or as suggested by the manufacturer.
• Remove the parts and allow them to air-dry completely.
• Wipe down with a soft cloth and check for any trace of grease, oil, or food debris still stuck on the parts.
• If any residue is left, spot clean with a de-greaser.
• Reassemble the machine in the correct order, and it will be ready to use again.

 

Where can I buy a used commercial meat grinder for sale?

There are several options for purchasing a used commercial meat grinder for sale in Canada.

You may check online marketplaces, auction houses or classified ads for something suitable.

However, checking the collection of renowned commercial kitchen equipment suppliers or dealers in your locality is the safest option.

You can also check our collection of certified used commercial meat grinders.   

 

 

Commercial meat grinder terminology

Reverse function

Meat grinders get clogged while operating.

The reverse function runs the motor in reverse, which helps to unclog the stuck meat.

 

Sausage attachment

Also known as the sausage stuffer or extrusion tube, this funnel-shaped accessory channels the minced meat into the sausage casings.

Torque

Torque refers to the motor's ability to turn the cutting blade when it meets resistance from the food being minced.

A motor with higher torque will make mincing meat easier than a motor with lower torque.

Torque is especially crucial when you need to mince tough food items like bones and deer meat.

 

Screw ring

It is the outer ring that is screwed onto the grinder after the grinding plate. It helps keep the plate and other mechanisms locked in.

Keep it clean at all times for optimum performance.

 

Throughput

The rate at which a mincer can produce minced meat.

Typically expressed as kilograms per hour.

 

Speed control

The feature of the meat grinder that controls the speed at which meat or other food like vegetables or bones are minced.

 

 

How to maintain your commercial meat grinder

To maintain your commercial meat mincer, follow these basic maintenance tips:

• Feed the right size, quantity, and temperature of meat into the mincer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to know the same.
• Remove as much sinew from the meat as possible. It will reduce the risk of clogging.
• For fine mincing, start with a large grinding plate and re-grind the meat through successively smaller ones.
• Keep your cutting blade sharp and clean at all times.
• Ensure that the parts are well-oiled. The gearbox should be lubricated every six months depending on the model and use frequency.
• Always switch off and unplug the machine before beginning the daily cleaning process.
• Wipe down the mincer after each use.
• Check for wear and tear on the auger, feed pan, and other key components regularly and replace any damaged parts as needed.

 

 

How often should a commercial meat grinder be serviced?

Depending on the usage, the recommended frequency for professional servicing will differ.

For safe and efficient operation, have the machine professionally serviced at least once a year.

However, if the grinder is utilized frequently and for extended periods, it may require more frequent servicing, such as once every six months.

 

 

Keep your cash, use ours!

Hospitality equipment can be expensive and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.

Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it generates for you.

Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow, it also gives you unrivalled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.

You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.

If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 60% of the net rent you paid in the first year and 20% of any rental payments thereafter — to put toward the purchase price.

Read more about Rent–Try–Buy