It’s possible to buy ground meat from your wholesaler, but using a commercial meat grinder makes much more sense. Ready-ground meat is often expensive, so you can save money and take better control of the type of meat, fats, and salts you use in your commercial kitchen.

Grinding meat relies on the tool you’re using. A commercial meat grinder is an important investment, so you want to purchase the best one possible. 

There are a wealth of commercial meat grinders to choose from, which can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. 

This article will help answer any questions and find the best commercial meat grinders for your kitchen.  

What are the Most Common Sizes and Types of Commercial Meat Grinders?

Various kinds of meat grinders are available, but generally, they are either manual or electric grinders. 

Manual Meat Grinder

These tend to be compact and small. The claws of the best manual meat grinder will be run by a central motor system. This is powered by a lever that sticks out from the machine's body. You turn this level to grind the meat.

Manual meat grinders are standing machines. You must place them on a solid, flat surface. 

Other parts of a manual machine include the meat dispenser and a stuffer that you use to push the meat through the chute. 

When the meat reaches the sharp claws of a manual meat grinder, it is shredded. Once this happens, it comes out of metal grinding plates looking like string. 

A manual commercial meat grinder suits smaller restaurants, small butcher shops, or a home kitchen. It is more appropriate where smaller quantities of meat are being processed.  

Electric Meat Grinder

Electric commercial meat grinders can vary in voltage, motor type, and power output. Each of these plays a key role in the product's total efficiency. One of the more convenient features of an electric meat grinder is that you can use both hands to prep the meat. Typically, a meat stuffer is not required either. 

Primary mechanisms are the same for manual and electric meat grinder machines, but rather than a lever, an electric meat grinder uses power generated by the motor for shredding the meat. 

Electric grinders usually have a wide variety of options when it comes to useful attachments. In addition, there is often a variable speed mode. Some electric meat grinder models allow you to increase output by way of a foot pedal. 

Electric commercial meat grinders are great for pattie and sausage making. They are also well-suited for food preparation areas that process large quantities of meat. An electric meat  grinder allows you to process larger quantities in a shorter space of time. 

Commercial meat grinders are also available in several different sizes, each of which has a different width and size of grinding plates. Here are the most common:

• #8 Meat Grinder: This is one of the more compact commercial meat grinder models that are best used in home kitchens or for small-scale meat grinding tasks. If you want to shred meat quickly, this size meat grinder is ideal for pet food and patties.  

• #12 Meat Grinder: This size is still on the small side but is heavier duty than a #5 or #8 model. The grind tends to be coarser, but it’s very reliable thanks to its powerful motor and stainless steel construction.  

• #22 Meat Grinder: This commercial meat grinder model is suitable for a home and commercial kitchen. The holes in the plate range from 3mm to 12mm. You can use this meat grinder machine for grinding meat for sausage making, chorizo, and similar meat products. This size is suitable for small butcher shops or delis.  

• #32 Meat Grinder: This is the place to start if you’re looking for a heavy-duty meat grinder. You’ll power through vast amounts of meat in an hour and find it’s more powerful than a smaller meat grinder, manual meat grinder, or food processor.  

• Over #32 Meat Grinders: This is an industry-sized meat grinder machine that will process immense quantities of ground meat. The meat pan is generally larger, and additional features such as a food pusher, built-in knife sharpener, stainless steel knife set, or sausage stuffing plate may be added. Add-ons, such as sausage stuffing kits or meat slicers, may also be available.  

Which Are the Best Commercial Meat Grinders?

Whether you want to produce sausages, ground beef, or process a wide range of meats, including chicken, pork, or venison, the following list of commercial-grade meat grinders may be the perfect fit. 

Prepline MC12 #12 Hub 250lb Meat Grinder

This heavy-duty meat grinding machine can process as much as 250 pounds of meat in an hour. Use it to prepare your own wild game sausages, ground beef, and similar high-demand foods. It’s also possible to use it to grind fruits and vegetables. 

Dimensions: 8.6"L x 16 1/4"D x 19"H

Unit weight: 62lbs 

Main features:

• Production of 250 lbs/hour

• #12 HUB head size attachment

• Top-mounted handle and tray support

• Heavy-duty high torque motor

• Manual reset motor overload protection

• Transmission that’s gear driven

• Grease-lubricated gearbox

• Non-slip rubber feet

• Forward and reverse switch

• Extruder plate 1/4” and 5/15”

Technical specifications:

• Volts: 115

• Hertz: 60

• Phase: 1

• Amps: 11

• Watts: 735

• Horsepower: 1HP

• Nema Plug: 5-15P

• RPM: 170

Warranty: 1-year manufacturers warranty

Price: $449.00 

Prepline MC22 #22 HUB 1.5 HP Meat Grinder 

This versatile grinding machine can process 450 pounds in 60 minutes. It has a sturdy construction that can stand up to everyday use. Manufactured using stainless steel, this grinder is resistant to corrosion and rust. Surfaces are also easy to clean and wipe down. 

Dimensions: 8.6"L x 16 1/4"D x 19"H

Unit weight: 76lbs

Main features:

• 450 lbs/hour production

• Heavy-duty high torque motor

• #22 HUB head size attachment

• Fear-driven transmission

• Forward and reverse switch

• Long lasting grease-lubricated gear box

• Non-slip rubber feet

• Top-mounted handle with tray support

• 1/4” and 5/16” extruder plate

Technical specifications:

• Volts: 115

• Hertz: 60

• Phase: 1

• Amps: 16

• Watts: 1100

• Horsepower: 1 1/2HP

• Nema Plug: 5-15P

• RPM: 170

Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty

Price: $595.00 

Prepline FM32 HUB 32 Meat Grinder, 2 HP

This meat grinding machine can process up to 705 pounds of meat in 60 minutes. Its aluminum-magnesium alloy and stainless steel construction make it resistant to rust and corrosion. It is also very easy to clean. This commercial meat grinder is waterproof and features an emergency stop switch. In addition, there is a sausage-making/tube stuffer attachment and a selection of other handy accessories.  

Dimensions: 25.4"L x 12"D x 19.7"H

Unit weight: 56lbs

Main features:

• Gear driven body

• Stainless steel construction

• Powerful 2HP motor

• Includes tube/sausage stuffer

• Processes 705 lbs/hour

• Direct drive transmission mode delivers consistent grinding speeds

Technical specifications:

• Volts: 110

• Hertz: 60

• Phase: 1

• Amps: 11

• Watts: 1100

• Horsepower: 2HP

• RPM: 175

Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty

Price: $695.00

Prepline MC32 #32 HUB 2 HP Meat Grinder Heavy Duty

Constructed using stainless steel, this commercial meat grinder is rust and corrosion-resistant and waterproof. This electric grinder features an emergency-stop switch and delivers efficient processing thanks to the gear-driven body. Consistent grinding speeds are ensured by the direct drive transmission. 

Dimensions: 13.5"L x 19"D x 22.75"H

Unit weight: 93lbs

Main features:

• 2 x extruder grinding plates 1/4” and 5/16

• #32 head

• Micro safety switch

• Countertop model

• Fan cooled

• Processes 660 lbs/hour

• Includes extra knife and pan to catch the processed meat

Technical specifications:

• Volts: 110

• Hertz: 60

• Phase: 1

• Watts: 1800

• Horsepower: 2HP

• Nema Plug: 5-15P

• RPM: 230

Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty

Price: $695.00  

Atosa PrepPal PPG-22 Countertop Meat Grinder with #22 Head - 1.5 HP

The manufacturer of this electric meat grinder is well-known for its commercial kitchen equipment. This model has a powerful motor that includes manual reset overload protection. You can choose 250lbs/hour processing capacity or 450lbs/hour. 

Dimensions: 8.6"L x 16 1/4"D x 19"H

Main features:

• Powerful high torque motor

• Permanent grease-lubricated gearbox

• Forward and reverse switch

• Top-mounted handle and tray support

• Non-slip rubber feet

Warranty: 1-year parts and labor

Price: $1,124.00  

Globe CM22 Chefmate #22 450 lb. Meat Grinder

You’ll be able to process up to 450 lbs of meat every hour with this high-quality electric meat grinder from Globe. It comes with a range of accessories and optional attachments to cover a range of applications.  

Dimensions: 9.25"L x 11.5"D x 21"H

Main features:

• Direct gear-driven transmission that’s mounted on ball bearings

• Permanent grease-lubricated gearbox

• Forward/reverse switch

• Top-mounted handle and tray support

• Six-foot cord and plug

• Non-slip rubber feet

• Accessories include a knife, stainless steel product tray, 1/4” and 5/16” grinding plates, stuffing tube, plastic food pusher, meat tenderizer

Technical specifications:

• Volts: 115

• Hertz: 60

• Phase: 1

• Amps: 16

• Horsepower: 1 1/2HP

• Nema Plug: 5-15P

• RPM: 170

Warranty: 1-year parts and labor

Price: $1,355.00 

Eurodib HM-22A Meat Grinder, Countertop, #22 Head, 1100 Watt Electric

Manufactured by Eurodib, this electric meat grinder is well-constructed using anodized aluminum alloy and stainless steel. It’s robust, stable, and structured, and you can easily strip it for easy cleaning. 

Dimensions: 18"L x 10.5"D x 23.75"H

Unit weight: 55 lbs 

Main features:

• Forward and reverse functions

• Waterproof

• Emergency stop switch

• #22 head

• Can also be used for chopping as well as grinding meat

Technical specifications:

• Volts: 110

• Phase: 1

• Watts: 1100

• Horsepower: 1 1/3HP

Warranty: 1-year parts and labor

Price: $830.00  

Ampto MCL8E Electric Meat Grinder - 220 lb/hr - 1/2 HP & #12 Hub

This electric meat grinder is manufactured in Italy. It can process 110 lbs of meat every hour. Its stainless and aluminum alloy construction is easy to clean. 

Dimensions: 10"L x 10"D x 14"H

Unit weight: 20lbs

Main features:

• Structure of polished pressure die-cast aluminum alloy

• Motor cover manufactured from stainless steel

• 110lb/hour production

• A sausage stuffing kit is also available

• Ventilated motor, including thermal protection

• Hardened steel oil-immersed gears

• 1/4 plate included

• Optional grinding plates include 3/16” and 5/16”

Technical specifications:

• Volts: 110

• Phase: 1

• Amps: 11

• Horsepower: 1/2HP

• RPM: 80

Warranty: 1-year parts and labor

Price: $630.00 

Axis AX-MG12 Meat Grinder, Countertop, #12 Head, Electric

Axis has produced a series of meat grinders that are intended for heavy-duty work in commercial food processing applications. This commercial meat grinder is compact, attractive, and easy to maintain and keep clean. 

Dimensions: 9.8"L x 16.1"D x 16.1"H

Unit weight: 54lbs

Main features:

• #12 hub

• 265lbs/hour productivity

• Side mounted controls

• Forward and reverse switch

• Geared drive

• Energy-efficient motor

Technical specifications:

• Volts: 115

• Hertz: 60

• Phase: 1

• Horsepower: 1HP

• RPM: 170

Price: $759.38  

What Are the Most Important Factors and Features to Consider When Choosing The Best Commercial Meat Grinder?

Basically, all commercial meat grinders perform the same task. However, that doesn’t mean they are equal in all ways. They differ in terms of size, speed, and functionality, as well as many other factors and features. Here are some of those you should consider when looking for the best commercial meat grinder.

Durability

Whatever meat grinder you purchase must be able to withstand the amount of usage you’re planning to put it through. It also has to be durable enough to provide ground meat of consistently high quality for a long period. 

You can determine the durability of a machine from the materials used in its construction. Stainless steel and aluminum are both long-lasting materials.

The best quality food-grade aluminum will be able to withstand prolonged use. It’s also an extremely safe and sturdy material. 

You’ll find stainless steel is generally used for the blades and plates. This is because it’s rust and corrosion-resistant and can stay sharp for longer.  

Available Space

The standard commercial kitchen tends to have limited space, so you need to take this into consideration when adding something extra to grind meat. 

If the available space is small, you should look at compact, small, manual, or electric meat grinders designed to be used on a countertop. However, don’t compromise on the output if you’re processing large quantities of meat.

For bigger kitchens that will be processing large amounts of meat, aim for a freestanding commercial meat grinder if space allows.   

Ease of Use

You have two options when it comes to choosing an industrial meat grinder: an electric meat grinder or a manual grinder. A manual commercial meat grinder is much smaller and cheaper, making it ideal for the home kitchen. 

Electric meat grinders are better suited for businesses as they allow you to keep up with customer demand.

There are meat grinders on the market that are very complicated and technical for no reason. All you want to do with the machine is load the meat and let the claws shred it. There are some electric machines that have a foot pedal, making them even easier to use.  

Features and attachments

The features and attachments can be a real deal breaker, and there are lots to choose from. Examples include:

• Trays that come in handy for collecting the ground meat

• Steel plates all the machine to chop meat into different shapes

• Metal claws help to break down ligaments in the meat, and you can use them to hold hot meat pieces

• Detachable washstand helps to make the machine compact and portable

• Burger patty makers

• Sausage rollers

What features and attachments to look for depends on your needs. 

Accessories

The number of accessories you get with a commercial meat grinder varies, depending on the manufacturer. Possible accessories include the following:

• Food pusher

• Extra cutting blades

• Pasta making attachments

• Additional cutting plates

• Sausage making attachments

Look for an industrial meat grinder that includes additional accessories you will use. If there are no additional accessories that come with the product, look for a grinder that is compatible with as many accessories as possible. Some are compatible with up to ten, but you have to purchase them separately.  

Ease of cleaning

A high level of hygiene is vital in a commercial kitchen, especially when preparing food. The smallest trace of raw meat left on a meat grinder can lead to mold and bacteria buildup. This can then be transferred to the meat and put your customers at high risk of illness. 

The best commercial meat grinder is one that allows you to clean it thoroughly and replace vital accessories such as cutting blades and plates.   

Manual vs. Electric (Automatic)

Manual grinders are great if you want to process small volumes. However, you can expect to put in more effort because of the manual cranking. Also, the process takes much longer because you’re doing it by hand. You’ll also need to cut the meat into smaller pieces in order to feed it through a manual grinder. 

With an electrical industrial meat grinder you can process more fresh meat, using less effort, and less time. You don’t have to crank a handle and an electric grinder can grind thicker cuts of meat. 

Power and Motor

The motor plays a critical role in the functioning of an industrial meat grinder. How powerful the motor determines how well it works. A manual motor will be less powerful, but it is not complicated.

Electric meat grinders have a more complex motor, but they are way more powerful and stronger. A heavy-duty grinder will have a motor that’s between 1.3 and 1.5 HP. With this motor, you’ll be able to grind any cut of meat effortlessly. The power also determines whether you can grind bones in the grinder.   

How much and what kind of meat do you plan on grinding

Before you invest in a meat grinder, think ahead about the kind of meat you plan on grinding and how often you’ll use the grinder. 

If you’re only going to use it once in a while, investing in a meat grinder may be a waste of time, particularly one of the more expensive models. 

For small amounts of grinding you’ll likely be better off getting a manual or attachment type. 

Safety Features

A beneficial feature of most types of kitchen equipment is being waterproof. Some electric grinders have waterproof switches, but some do not. The grinder should also have a very efficient ventilation system, as the motor will get hot. 

Look for a grinder with a patented quad air cooling system that’s built into the motor. This will ensure your grinder stays operational for a longer period. It also increases the shelf life of your grinder. 

One final safety aspect to be aware of is that there should be no risk of injury when assembling and disassembling the machine. 

Required Time

With a manual meat grinder you can grind as much as you want, until your arm can’t take anymore. On average, you should be able to grind around 240 lbs of meat in sixty minutes. 

An electric grinder, on the otherhand, could produce as much as 1000 lbs of ground meat in the same time, should you need to. However, electric grinders are more expensive. Which one you choose depends on the workflow in your kitchen or food preparation area. 

Warranty

Look for a machine that’s got a long warranty period as this ensures you’re covered should something go wrong with your meat grinder. 

Versatility

Versatility is an important factor for most types of kitchen equipment. If you’ve got a piece of kitchen equipment that can perform more than one job at a time, it’s a great benefit. 

Generally, meat grinders are meant to grind meat, although there are some that can also crush bone, and mash vegetables and fruit as well. 

A heavy duty industrial meat grinder will be able to handle any cut of meat, from ribs to loin and everything in between. If your meat grinder can only handle one specific cut of meat, that makes it very inconvenient. 

If you want to make a wise investment, choose a grinder that’s versatile. 

Maintenance

The best commercial food grinder is one that you can take apart easily and put back together. This makes it easy to keep clean, and no professionals are needed. Machine parts that are dishwasher friendly will also make the machine easy to maintain. 

Construction and Materials

Industrial meat grinders can be constructed from a range of materials. However, for this type of kitchen equipment, stainless steel is considered the best. Not only does this material remove any contaminants in store-bought meat, it also helps the machine grind better and improve flavor. 

Stainless steel meat grinders limit oxygen-degradation of the flavor of the meat, which is one of the reasons this type of grinder is popular among professionals. 

One final benefit of a manual stainless steel meat grinder is that the finish adds texture and moisture to the food. 

Something else to consider is whether to purchase metal vs. plastic. A metal grinder will be more durable and there will be fewer breakage issues. On the flip side, metal can rust if you don’t take care of it. Most of the grinder parts must be hand-washed then dried immediately as they tend not to be dishwasher safe. It’s also advisable to chill metal parts of your grinder so that it helps to keep the meat cold during the grinding process. 

Plastic meat grinders tend to be dishwasher safe, but are susceptible to cracking and more wear and tear. It’s also difficult to chill or freeze plastic parts.  

Conclusion

Having an industrial meat grinder in your kitchen can be a big benefit, however, you have to be certain you’ll make the most of your investment. 

You can use both manual and electric meat grinders for different cuts of meat and control the amount of fat you use. The ingredients you cook with will be fresher and have better flavor because you can blend the meat and seasonings yourself. 

Meat grinders can also be used for grinding vegetables or legumes, which is ideal if you’re creating vegetarian dishes.