Grinding your own deer meat can seriously refine your grill game. When it comes to texture and flavor, there’s no question that freshly ground venison puts the premade stuff to shame.
If you’re coming off a successful hunt and want to enjoy your bounty, you need a quality meat grinder. From delicious venison burger patties and sausage links to tacos and meatballs, a meat grinder can reward you with all kinds of quality meals.
The beauty of using your own meat grinder for deer is that you control the final product, resulting in a better field-to-plate experience. And let’s be honest, nothing feels better than eating what you’ve worked so hard to snag!
Deer meat is relatively tough, so hunters need something that can grind that meat faithfully. I’ve taken the time to provide you with the best meat grinders to choose from.
7 Best Meat Grinders for Deer Hunters At A Glance
- Best Overall Meat Grinder: LEM Stainless Steel #8 Big Bite Meat Grinder
- Best Budget Meat Grinder for Hunters: Cabela’s Deluxe Meat Grinder
- Best Meat Grinder & Sausage Stuffer: STX Turboforce 3000 Electric Meat Grinder
- Best High-End Meat Grinder for Deer Meat: Weston Pro Series Electric Meat Grinder
- Best Manual Meat Grinder: LEM Products #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-on Hand Grinder
- Best Meat Grinder Attachment: KitchenAid Mixer Attachment
- Best Meat Grinder for Everyday Use: Cuisinart Electric Meat Grinder
What Type of Meat Grinder Do You Need?
There are three types of meat grinders to choose from.
Manual Grinders
A manual grinder is designed for low-volume use and mounts to your table or countertop. It’s cheaper than an electric grinder, can be used anywhere, and is easy to maintain.
Due to the relatively small capacity and the need to turn by hand, this type of grinder is perfect for people who only grind meat occasionally and don’t mind putting in a bit of elbow grease during grinding.
Some drawbacks of this type of grinder are that it’s less efficient than electric and grinds less meat.
Electric Grinders
Hunters looking to grind meat regularly and efficiently should go with an electric deer meat grinder. These come in various sizes, from small countertop models to large, heavy-duty units.
Given the added power and versatility of electric deer meat grinders, you can expect the cost to be higher than a manual grinder or stand attachment. Speed, convenience, and ease of use render the electric type of grinder worth the price.
You’ll be able to grind a good few pounds of meat at one time and produce different consistencies. All you do is feed the chunks down the chute and let the grinder do the work for you.
Stand Attachments
Anyone who owns a stand mixer or food processor can retrofit their existing appliance with a meat grinder attachment. They don’t require any extra outlet and can seamlessly attach to a mixer from the same manufacturer.
This isn’t an ideal meat grinder if you want to grind large amounts. But its reasonable price tag makes it great for hunters who want an inexpensive and straightforward solution.
Best Meat Grinder for Deer Hunters: LEM #8 Big Bite Meat Grinder
What I love about it:
The LEM #8 Big Bite Meat Grinder is incredibly well-rounded with excellent speed and solid grind strength, earning the top spot on the list. It’s packed with everything you need in a high-quality grinder – from its power and size to its accessories and construction.
Specs:
- Power: 0.5 horsepower
- Wattage: 370W
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Grind Capacity: 7 pounds of meat per minute
- Grinding Plates: 2x (Coarse 10mm & Fine 4.5mm)
- Dimensions: 18.5″ x 9.1″ x 15.6″
Pros:
- Quality stainless steel construction
- Up to 420 lbs of meat per hour
- Storage drawer
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Expensive
Full Review:
LEM Products is a big name in the meat processing market, offering quality and professional equipment easily accessible to hunters. Their Big Bite #8 reflects precisely that.
With 0.5 horsepower and 370 watts of power consumption, the Big Bite Grinder does exactly what its name suggests. LEM designed the auger to handle large “bites” of game meat.
This LEM meat grinder strikes the sweet spot between value, cost, and size for most people. It allows you to grind an impressive 7 lbs. of deer meat per minute – that’s 420 lbs. per hour!
This model comes with three stainless steel plates, a steel knife, three stuffing tubes, a meat stomper and pan, and a stuffing plate for everything from snack sticks to breakfast links. You also get a handy storage drawer for your accessories.
Hunters looking for a quality and enjoyable meat grinder for deer can trust Big Bite #8 for a fast and easy field-to-table experience!
The only downside is that I found it pretty large, so you’ll need that extra room for setup. The Big Bite offers quality craftsmanship, a five-year warranty, and lifetime customer support.
Best Meat Grinder On a Budget: Cabela’s Deluxe Meat Grinder
What I love about it:
Despite being a budget-friendly option, the Cabela’s Deluxe Meat Grinder still looks like a premium product on your counter. With a powerful motor and compact size, this is a no-brainer on a budget for the humble price point of $149.98.
Specs:
- Power: 0.8 horsepower
- Wattage: 600W
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Grind Capacity: 4 pounds of meat per minute
- Grinding Plates: 2x (Medium 4.5mm & Coarse 7mm)
- Dimensions: 11″L x 8.5″W x 14″H
Pros:
- Compact and has a cool vintage charm
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons:
- 1-year limited warranty
- Not ideal for more than two deer a year
Full Review:
One way to sum up Cabela’s Deluxe Meat Grinder is: good things come in small packages. Compared with most meat grinders on this list, which are large and robust, Cabela’s Deluxe Meat Grinder is relatively small yet surprisingly powerful for its size.
Enclosed in a solid die-cast metal housing, this meat grinder packs a 600W motor that can grind up to four pounds of deer meat in as little as one minute. Pretty solid for such a small and inexpensive grinder.
This model comes with a sausage ring, three sausage stuffer tubes, two stainless steel cutting plates, a meat stomper, a large meat tray, and a storage pocket for accessories. So, you’re still getting a lot out of this product for the price point!
This convenient meat grinder measures just 11″L x 8.5 “W x 14″H and weighs 11 lbs. If you have limited space or plan to carry your meat grinder around, you’ll appreciate the Deluxe Meat Grinder.
Operating this meat grinder is incredibly easy. This machine has a toggle switch control that allows for forward and reverse functions to prevent clogging.
Overall, this tiny machine looks great, is easy to store, and is reliable for grinding meat at a reasonable price.
Best Meat Grinder for Sausage Stuffing: STX Turboforce 3000 Series Electric Meat Grinder
What I love about it:
The STX Turboforce 3000 Electric Meat Grinder is one of the most versatile and powerful home electric grinders on the market. With a patty press, two meat claws, and a kibbeh-making attachment, this grinder has it all!
Specs:
- Peak Power (Locked): Up to 3,000W
- Running Power (Load): 800-1,200W
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Grind Capacity: 3 pounds of meat per minute
- Grinding Plates: 3x (Fine 4 mm, Medium 7mm, and Coarse Wagon Wheel Plate)
- Dimensions: 19″L x 8″W x 14″H
Pros:
- Perfect for heavy-duty home use
- Versatile grinder for the price
- Comes with multiple accessories
- 3-year warranty and 30 days money-back guarantee
Cons:
- All parts and pieces must be hand-washed and dried
- Cannot grind bones, vegetables, fruits, or nuts
Full Review:
This heavy-duty grinder has been one of the best commercial meat grinders since its introduction in 2008. It’s easy to see why!
It has a locked motor wattage of 3,000W, but you’ll find that most uses only require 800-1,200W. It has advanced variable intake technology (AVI) and an extra-large meat hopper to safely and quickly feed the grinder large quantities of meat in a short time.
It comes with everything you need for all your home grinding and sausage stuffing needs: three different grinding plates, three stainless steel cutting blades, a modified sausage-stuffing plate, three different-sized sausage stuffer tubes, and a kibbeh attachment.
Adding to the versatility of this package, you also get two meat-shredder claws and a 3-in-1 burger-slider press. The shredder claws give you the solid grip you need when cutting your favorite meats. And when you want to shred pork or other meats, no problem!
The machine’s 3,000W peak power and three speeds mean it can handle even the toughest of grinding jobs. You can grind up to 240 pounds of well-trimmed deer meat per hour.
This product hits the perfect sweet spot between performance, affordability, and included attachments. You’re getting a fully-loaded meat grinder at a modest price of $159.99.
Best High-End Meat Grinder for Deer & Elk Meat: Weston Pro Series #32 Meat Grinder
What I love about it:
With a luxurious design and a powerful 1500-watt air-cooled motor, the Weston Pro Series #32 Meat Grinder is an undeniable premium choice for the hunter. It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a high-end meat grinder. With all the features and accessories that come with it, this machine is well worth the big price tag!
Specs:
- Power: 2 horsepower
- Wattage: 1500W
- Weight: 72 lbs
- Grind Capacity: 21 pounds of meat per minute
- Grinding Plates: 2x (Coarse 7mm & Fine 4.5mm)
- Dimensions: 20.6″ H x 22″ W x 10.9″ D
Pros:
- High-power motor with auto-cooling system
- Grinds large quantities quickly
- Quiet
- Durable construction and attractive design
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Heavy at 72 lbs
Full Review:
If you want to grind in bulk, this is the grinder for you! Its powerful 1500W motor is air-cooled and permanently lubricated, so you can continuously grind large volumes of meat without stopping.
With a rifled-head design and tapered throat that eliminates the need for a tray guard, this electric grinder is designed for speed. It grinds meat as fast as you can feed it – up to a hefty 21 pounds per minute!
This model comes with an auger-grabbing stomper, two stainless steel plats, a grinder knife, a sausage stuffer kit, and a storage tray. An excellent feature is the built-in knife sharpener which keeps your knives sharp for prepping meats before grinding.
You’d think such a powerful electric grinder would be a noise hazard. Surprisingly, this is not a problem with this grinder.
Hunters who harvest deer meat a couple of times a year will have no problems with this unit. Whatever game meat you decide to pack in here, you can expect a smooth and efficient job.
If the $799.99 price tag is out of your price range, you can opt for the Weston Pro Series #8 Meat Grinder at $499.99 – an equally excellent choice!
Best Manual Meat Grinder: LEM #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-On Hand Grinder
What I love about it:
Boasting a heavy-duty stainless steel construction and a smooth hand crank mechanism, the LEM #10 Hand Grinder is one of the best manual meat grinders. While not as convenient as other grinders on this list, you can still churn out some quality ground meat.
Specs:
- Power: Manual
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Grind Capacity: 2-4 pounds of meat per minute
- Grinding Plates: 2x (Coarse 9.5mm and Fine 4.5mm)
- Dimensions: 11.5″L x 8.3″W x 5.3″H
- Handle Length: 10″
Pros:
- All stainless steel construction that’s easy to clean and rust resistant
- Large handle for leverage
- Portable
- Comes with 1 coarse and 1 fine grinding plate, 3 stuffing tubes, and a stuffing star
Cons:
- No feed tray
- Requires a good deal of elbow grease to work
Full Review:
Those that insist on going old school and putting a little elbow grease into their grinding will enjoy the LEM #10 Hand Grinder. This meet grinder makes grinding meat by hand effortless.
The hand crank turns smoothly and stands up to consistent use, so you won’t experience too much muscle fatigue. The clamp can be attached to a table or counter with a width of 1 ¼” thick and sticks like a vice.
This manual deer meat grinder comes with a stainless steel knife, coarse and medium grinding plate, three stuffing tubes, and 1 stuffing star. This helps you speed up the grinding process.
While an electric meat grinder for deer meat is always going to save you time and arm pain, the LEM #10 Hand Grinder is the best choice for good ol’ fashion meat grinding.
Best Meat Grinder Attachment: KitchenAid Mixer Meat Grinder Attachment
What I love about it:
The KitchenAid Mixer Meat Grinder Attachment is a simple, convenient solution that you can just attach to your KitchenAid mixer. With three different levels of grinding plates, you can easily grind anything from meat to hard vegetables and cheeses. A great versatile choice at a reasonable price.
Specs:
- Power: N/A
- Wattage: N/A
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Grind Capacity: 2 pounds of meat per minute
- Grinding Plates: x3 (Fine 3mm, Medium 4.5mm, and Coarse 8mm)
- Dimensions: 8.8″L x 5.5″W x 8.5″H
Pros:
- Compatible with all KitchenAid stand mixers
- Detaches effortlessly to clean
- Inexpensive
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not as efficient as other grinders on this list
- Tends to clog easily
Full Review:
If you already own a KitchenAid mixer, then it might make sense to get the grinder attachment rather than buy a standalone grinder.
This grinder attachment connects to the power hub of your KitchenAid mixer and uses its power to grind the deer meat. This means the grinding power is considerably less efficient than getting a complete dear meat grinder unit.
However, it’s still an efficient grinder. It comes with a coarse, medium, and fine grinding plate, so it can be used to grind game meat, firm fruits, vegetables, and even cheeses.
In addition to this, you receive a meat pusher, a stainless steel meat tray, two sausage tubes, a sausage stuffing plate, and a cleaning brush. It comes with all the equipment you need for your meat grinding needs.
Hunters who aren’t grinding deer meat regularly and want to save money should go with this stand mixer attachment.
Best Meat Grinder for Everyday Use:
What I love about it:
For everyday use, the Cuisinart Electric Meat Grinder comes out on top. Compact in size, lightweight, and a decent 300-watt powered motor make it a solid choice for hunters regularly grinding meat on the go.
Specs:
- Power/Wattage: 300W
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
- Grind Capacity: 3 pounds of meat per minute
- Grinding Plates: 2x (Medium 7mm and Coarse 9.5mm)
- Dimensions: 9.3″L x 16.4″W x 8.5″H
Pros:
- Can keep up with regular everyday use
- Comes with a pusher, two sausage attachments, and a compartment for accessory storage
- Affordable
- Limited 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Noisy operation
- Not as efficient as other grinders on this list
Full Review:
A solid product by a trusted name in home appliances, this electric deer meat grinder effortlessly grinds 3 pounds of meat per minute. This grinder includes two cutting plates and two sausage attachments to make favorites like burgers, sausages, and meatballs.
Operation is simple and smooth thanks to the reverse function, which releases any clogging that may occur. The machine features a durable brushed stainless steel housing that looks great in pretty much any kitchen.
A major drawback is that this deer meat grinder is rather loud – comparable to the noise that some juicers or blenders make.
While not nearly as good as the other grinders on this list, you still get a solid deer meat grinder that can withstand everyday use and is great for traveling.
Overall, it’s a great beginner grinder for hunters who are unsure if they’re ready to invest in something more advanced.
Considerations When Buying Meat Grinders
You should have a high-quality grinder to get the best taste and texture from your game. That’s why every hunter should own one!
When it comes to choosing the right one, there are a few things you need to consider…
Grinding Capacity
Before you get stuck on a grinder, you need to consider how much meat you want to grind a season. The amount of meat ground per minute will depend mainly on the power of the machine and the pan’s capacity.
Hunters who bag several deer a year will benefit from a grinder with a bigger capacity that can churn out at least 7 lbs of meat a minute. A great choice for this is the LEM Meat Grinder #8 on this list.
For those that don’t require a large amount of ground meat, go with a smaller-size deer meat grinder like Cabela’s Deluxe Meat Grinder.
If you want to feed hefty amounts of meat with optimal speed and efficiency, you should invest in a heavy-duty commercial meat grinder such as a model from the Western Pro Series.
Quality of Power
Power is one of the most important characteristics of meat grinders. Meat grinders do a demanding job, especially if you grind several pounds of deer meat at a time. So you need to make sure you’re choosing a grinder that can handle the amount of meat you throw at it.
Grinders can either be low-, medium-, or high-powered.
- Low-powered grinders: 300-800W
- Medium-powered grinders: 800-1200W
- High-powered grinders: 1200-3000W
Hunters looking to grind large batches of meat per season should opt for a high-powered, commercial-style electric meat grinder. These do come with a heftier price tag, but the cost is a testament to their quality.
For grinding small batches of deer meat every once in a while, a 350W motor will get the job done perfectly.
Quality of Construction
The type of material the meat grinder is made from will determine its durability and longevity.
The best (and most expensive) construction is stainless steel. This is because it’s rust- and corrosion-resistant and less prone to damage.
You can also find grinders made out of plastic or a combination of steel and plastic. Full stainless steel grinders are more reliable and durable, although there are good quality plastic grinders nowadays.
If you trust the manufacturer and prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can confidently buy a meat grinder made of plastic.
Price
Quality deer meat grinders do not come cheap. But when you consider the price of taking meat to a butcher to trim, grind and package, a meat grinder is easily the sparing choice.
A high-grade electric deer meat grinder will cost you more than a manual or attachment. Even so, you’ll reap the benefits of a convenient, quick, and smooth grinding experience.
Size & Weight
The dimensions of your chosen meat grinder are an excellent way to judge reliability and long-term use.
You shouldn’t be looking at meat grinders that are lightweight or portable. Heavy grinders indicate powerful motors and robust metal parts. The best meat grinders will be hefty.
But if you’re not grinding regularly and want a grinder you can take anywhere, a lightweight model such as the LEM #10 Hand Grinder is a great option.
Additionally, consider the amount of space you have in your kitchen. It’s unnecessary to buy a meat grinder that crowds your countertop.
Warranty
Just like with any appliance, you want to ensure that your meat grinder’s warranty is suitable for your usage. A meat grinder is a pricey investment, so you’ll want a warranty that covers a replacement if it breaks before the expiration date.
Some grinders have lifetime or extended warranties, while others only have a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
Hunters looking to process multiple deer a year should choose a longer warranty that covers any manufacturing issues or breakdowns from regular use. Those who rarely grind deer can get by with a shorter, less inclusive warranty.
Ease of Cleaning
Don’t underestimate the ease of cleaning – you’ve likely got a couple of tools you don’t use because it takes ages to clean them.
Taking into consideration that you’re working with raw meat, you’ll want to clean your grinder after every use.
Without regular cleaning, fats and fluids can build up and impact the efficiency of your grinder. What’s more, dirty meat grinders smell like something the cat dragged in, and nobody wants to deal with that kind of stench.
Again, stainless steel is king. But there are dishwasher-safe models you can choose from.
Accessories
Although the main purpose of meat grinders is grinding meat, there are several versatile options that come with attachments to help you explore other delicacies.
One of the best additional accessories to look for is grinders that come with extra grinding plates. Interchangeable plates let you adjust the texture and thickness of the meat. For example, if you want to make a good venison burger that molds easily, you’ll need a more delicate grinding plate.
Another accessory to look out for is sausage stuffing tubes. You can make the perfect size of sausage for a delicious breakfast link or barbecue.
If you want to get more out of your meat grinder, consider one that comes with additional accessories and attachment kits, such as the STX Turboforce 3000 Electric Meat Grinder.
How I Chose The Best Meat Grinders for Deer Hunters
To determine these top picks, I chose products that have a high rating, are reputable, and offer excellent quality.
I looked at each deer meat grinder for brand quality, durability, functionality, and ease of use.
When it comes to meet grinders, each product must be tough enough to withstand the rigorous process of grinding and processing meat. This also includes being smooth and consistent when using stuffing attachments.
I also considered the design characteristics of each, such as how large the meat hopper is, the variety of tools that come with it, and the size of the grinding plates.
All of these factors are essential when looking for a grinder that can perform a demanding job with speed and ease.
Who Are Meat Grinders For?
If you’re a meat lover that wants to enhance the flavor and texture of your favorite food, then a meat grinder is for you!
Meat grinders are the perfect staple appliance for deer hunters who regularly bag multiple deer a season. You can easily and efficiently grind all the meat down from the comfort of your own kitchen to be used for the tastiest meals or put it into the freezer for later.
Anyone can benefit from a meat grinder. Whether you’re grinding regularly or occasionally. Plus, they’re versatile – so people wanting to save up time cutting and grinding other food can use a meat grinder too.
Don’t forget to also check out the best deer decoys to further increase your chances of making a good shot in the first place!
FAQs
Is a meat grinder worth it?
Absolutely! Certain grinders are incredibly versatile, so you can do more than just grinding venison. They also give you peace of mind about what you’re serving yourself and others. An excellent meat grinder for deer will yield delicious burgers, sausages, meatballs, and more! Plus, they’re great for making pet food too.
Can you grind vegetables in a meat grinder?
Certain meat grinders can be used to grind vegetables. Be sure to review the instruction manual before attempting to put vegetables in your grinder. If you can, cut the vegetables into small pieces, so they easily pass through the grinder.
Can you grind bones in a meat grinder?
Yes. However, this will depend on your chosen meat grinder. A high-quality electric grinder can handle soft bones and small animal bones. Deer bones are not considered soft, so they should not be put through a grinder.
Last Tip on Meat Grinders
A quality meat grinder is the only thing standing between you and the perfect flame-kissed meal. Your options for deer meat grinders are unlimited!
But there’s one on this list I can’t recommend enough: the LEM Stainless Steel #8 Big Bite Meat Grinder. Its combination of top-notch grinding capacity, quality materials, and easy use make it the best deer meat grinder!
If the price tag of this grinder is out of your budget range, go with Cabela’s Deluxe Meat Grinder. At a modest price point of $149.98, you’re still getting a premium-looking product with a powerful motor and an impressive 4 lbs/minute grinding capacity.
Whichever grinder on this list you end up choosing, ensure you’re getting a machine that meets your grinding needs. The right choice will help you grind deer meat quickly and efficiently, giving you the best-tasting meat.
If you’re as passionate about deer hunting as I am, be sure to check out my other posts about the best hunting gear, weapons, and tactics for a successful season.
