One of the best ways to fully enjoy the fruits of your labor when it comes to hunting is to process the deer yourself. That way, you know exactly what has gone into your meat so that you can make sure that it is as healthy and tasty as possible. Of course, you are going to want to get the best meat grinder for deer meat that you can so that the job will be that much easier.
During our research for this article, we found what we believe are the nine best meat grinders for deer processing on the market today. While all of these models are great products, the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Series is by far the best. This marvelous machine comes with everything you need to get the job done right, which is a big help for anyone just getting started with home processing. This model is also one of the most powerful on the market, can grind up to 240 lbs of meat in one hour, and is very easy to clean.
During our research process, we looked for models that didn’t use too much energy and had a high capacity. That way, you know you will get a model that can handle a lot of work, without having to worry about your electric bill. From there, we also looked at the overall dimensions of each device so that you can make sure you have the right amount of space for your new grinder. This research allowed us to put together a comprehensive list of the best grinders for deer, as well as detailed reviews for each model. Of course, you should also check out our in-depth buying guide if you are just getting started in your search.
More features: 3 speeds; comes with multiple accessories including meat claws
Of all the different grinders that we looked at and that are available on the market today, this model really stands out. First off, it is by far the most powerful grinder we found. It has a loaded power rating of 800W and a locked rated of 1,200W. This powerful motor allows this grinder to slice and dice even the toughest cuts of meat, making it ideal for deer as well.
Another bonus that you will get to enjoy if you choose this model is that it comes with everything, and we mean everything, that you would ever need to grind up and prepare all sorts of meat. Each of these accessories is extremely well-designed and made out of high-quality materials. The various blades are easy to install, though they can be a bit difficult to clean. The various plates make finding the right coarseness of meat quickly. The meat claws are a big help as well, especially if you want to further dice up cooked or uncooked meats.
As you are well aware, deer is a tougher meat than beef or pork. This makes it a bit harder to grind, which is why it is nice that this model comes with different speed settings. If you intend to grind up larger chunks of meat, then it is better to shoot for a lower speed. That way, you will be able to use all of the power that this model provides to grind up your meat exactly how you want it.
More features: built-in circuit breaker; brushed steel finish
If you are a true expert hunter that always bags a deer, or you just like to be the neighborhood butcher, then this model is an awesome option. Even though it doesn’t utilize a whole lot of power, it has one of the largest capacities available. This amazing machine is able to power through an astounding 420 pounds of meat in one hour. Not only is this the best capacity on the market, but it is almost 100 pounds more than the next closest competitor. Plain and simple, if you have a lot of meat to process all at once, this is an essential tool.
Something else that helps to set this model apart from the others on our list is that it has a built-in circuit breaker. This is a great safety feature. If there is ever a power surge or the machine is overloaded, you don’t need to worry about throwing your home’s electric breaker out of sync. Instead, the machine will simply power off, which will allow you to clear the jam safely and get back to grinding.
Since this model is made for heavier use, it should come as no surprise that it is very easy to clean. The entire machine, including the blades, tubes, and plates are made out of stainless steel, which is extremely easy to get clean and maintain.
The only real issue with this machine is the pusher. The pusher for this model is a bit on the small side when it comes to diameter. This makes it difficult to keep the sides of the tope spout completely clean. Of course, if you make sure to use colder cuts of meat, this shouldn’t be an issue.
More features: comes with 3 stainless steel blades; a food pusher, kibbeh attachment, and sausage horn
One of the biggest concerns that a lot of first time grinder buyers have is that they won’t have a place to keep it. While lots of grinders are much too large to keep in a kitchen cabinet, that is not always the case. Take this model, for instance. Even though it is fully electric, it is also nice and compact. This compact design allows it to be fully stored either in your kitchen cabinet or on the counter. Its smaller profile and appealing design make it a good device to keep on your counter at all times and not look out of place. It is also designed to be very easy to clean, which is always a big positive.
Another nice feature for this model is all of the different accessories that come along with it. While many grinders simply come with the bare necessities, this model comes with three different blades, a food pusher, and various other attachments to make different types of sausage. These attachments and accessories help to make this an extremely versatile machine.
Even though this machine is so compact, it is quite powerful. It has a maximum rating of 500W, which should be more than enough to grind up plenty of meat for your dinner table. Of course, the downside of all of that power in such a compact device is that it does tend to get a bit noisy. While this noise isn’t going to be so loud that you can’t stand it, it is definitely louder than other grinders on the market.
More features: large-capacity meat pan; enlarged throat
Something else that a lot of first-time buyers have a problem with when it comes to meat grinders is making sure that they don’t spend too much money. Let’s face it, some meat grinders can get pretty pricey. Thankfully, you don’t need to shell out lots of money in order to get a high-quality model. If you are looking to save a bit of money but still get a great grinder, then this model from Kitchener is the right option for you. While it might not break the bank, it still works very well.
This grinder features a large-capacity pan and throat. What this means is that you can fit more meat in at a time than on other grinders, which will only serve to expedite the process. In fact, thanks to these two design features, this model is able to grind up to 330 pounds of meat per hour, which is the second-best on our list.
This model also has plenty of power, which is a bit surprising at this price point. It has the capability to put out about 500W. This makes it one of the more powerful motors on the market, which, again, is a great value, especially when you consider the price and overall compact design of this machine.
The only real issue with this grinder is that all of the parts need to be hand-washed. Since they are not quite as durable or well-made as some other grinders, you need to make sure you take the time to clean them as carefully as possible.
More features: comes with 1 stainless steel cutting blade, 3 various stainless-steel cutting plates; 1 plastic food pusher; 1 sausage attachment
If you are new to the world of deer processing, then you are going to want to make sure that you have a grinder that is very easy to use. That way, you can limit the amount of time you have to spend learning how to use it properly and, instead, simply let the machine do the work for you. If that is what you are looking for, then this is going to be a great option to check out. This grinder is very easy to use thanks to its simple controls and easy to assemble design. While it might not be quite as powerful as some other grinders, it is still a great option for anyone that is just getting started.
Something else that makes this a great option for a beginner is that it comes with everything you need to start grinding up or preparing lots of different kinds of food right off the bat. You just need to watch out for the food pusher, however. This pusher is a bit longer than it should be, so you need to make sure that you don’t put it down into the machine too far, or it will actually get caught up in the cutting blades.
As you would expect from such a simple design, this model is quite easy to clean. Taking this grinder apart shouldn’t take very long at all, simply because it is so streamlined and easy to understand. It is also quite easy to clean, as most of it is made out of stainless steel.
More features: comes with coarse and fine plates, 3 stuffing tubes
While electric grinders are wonderful machines, they can be a bit more money than some folks would like to spend on a food preparation device. If that is the case for you, then you might want to check out this hand grinder. While this will definitely make the task a bit more difficult, it will still make great burgers and can even be used to make sausage. You just need to be willing to put in the time and effort to make it work correctly, which might not be a good fit for some people.
This machine is also a good option for anyone that is only going to be grinding up a limited amount of meat and wants to do so with the most compact grinder possible. This machine doesn’t have any motor attached to it, and it is extremely compact. This compact design makes it a great choice for anyone with limited storage space or a smaller kitchen.
As you would expect with a model with a lot less moving parts, this machine is very durable. Since you aren’t going to be using this model to grind up hundreds and hundreds of pounds of meat per hour, it should stay in good condition for a good long time.
This machine is also very easy to maintain. Since it designed with simplicity in mind, this hand grinder is easy to take apart, clean, and reassemble.
More features: tapered throat; patented auger-grabbing stomper; built-in knife sharpener; non-slip rubber feet
The Weston Pro Series grinder is the next on our list, and while it is compatible with deer and other meats, it is built mostly for professional use and in large quantities. The machine is directed towards farmers, hunters, butchers, and anyone else who wants to process hundreds of pounds of meat.
This model is an excellent option for those who want to grind large amounts of meat without stopping continuously: it gives you impressive power with the 2 hp, 1500-watt motor. The highlight of the Weston 10-3201-W Pro Series is the fast grinding feature, which allows it to conveniently grind 21 pounds of deer and other meats per minute.
On the upside, the deer meat grinder offers quiet operation, producing less noise than others while processing meat. It is also highly durable and includes a forward-reverse mode which comes in handy when grinding tough meats. Another helpful quirk is the built-in knife sharpener, which makes it convenient to prepare your knives.
What might discourage you while you use this grinder is the sharp edges, which can cause a nasty cut if you’re not careful. The machine is also tricky to assemble, especially if it’s your first time owning a meat grinder. But you can get the hang of it after a few tries.
More features: stainless steel grinder attachment; REV Function; multifunctional; thermostat system
The OSTBA Electric Meat Grinder is a five-in-one machine that would do way more than just grind deer, and become indispensable in your kitchen. The electric meat grinder offers impressive power between 500 watts and 2000 watts, with a fantastic speed of 3.3 pounds of meat per minute.
The convenient OSTBA Electric Meat Grinder is perfect for those who want to grind not only meat but other food: this model is multifunctional, so asides from grinding your deer and other meats, it can work as a sausage stuffer, vegetable slicer, kubbe maker, and tomato juicer. It also comes with multiple accessories that make it easy to carry out the different functions.
One significant benefit of this grinder is the three-stage spiral extrusion technology, which makes it grind your meat without losing the fiber, and keeps it fresh and healthy. It is also made with food-grade material to protect your ingredients from pollution. As for safety, it features an automatic built-in circuit breaker that prevents overheating and a simple on/slow/rev design for easy use.
The instructions manual isn’t very reliable because they are vague, so you would have to deal with this downside if you buy the OSTBA Electric Meat Grinder. It also has a problem with clogging, especially when you’re using it for tomato juice.
More features: on/off, reverse, and safety lock; low noise operation; stainless steel housing
The ALTRA Electric Meat Grinder has a great design, complete with a user-friendly handle, enclosed blade, and stable body in premium stainless steel. The grinder is also highly versatile, with different accessories for different functions. It is easy to assemble, so you can use it to do way more than just grind your deer meat. In addition, it is powered by advanced technology, which keeps your meat chewy without breaking the fiber texture.
The ALTRA Electric Meat Grinder might be a professional and powerful grinding unit, but it is designed to fit just right in your kitchen at home. The machine would give you an efficient output of healthy deer meat and other types. It can produce up to 3 pounds of minced meat per minute.
Although the ALTRA Electric Meat Grinder offers multiple benefits, easy cleaning, operation, and storage are a plus. It features three buttons, including a safety lock for machine safety. It can also be easily assembled and reassembled for cleaning and maintenance. The machine comes with a storage box where you can keep all the accessories and is made with food-grade material and premium three-layer stainless steel housing.
While the electric meat grinder is easy to clean, the parts are not dishwasher-friendly, so it’s up to you and your hands. The machine is also loud when operating, which can be a downside for those who want to cook quietly. You also have to be careful with jamming when using this meat grinder, especially for tough meat like deer.
In this section, we will go through everything you need to know to find the best grinder for deer processing. We have also taken the time to answer several frequently asked questions, so be sure to read through those as well if you need any further information.
Once you have harvested your deer and are beginning to process it at home, you need to keep a few things in mind so that the meat is properly prepared for grinding. These include the following:
Once you have the bones removed, take the time to cut away any fat from the meat. Deer fat can have an unpleasant flavor, so it is a good idea to cut as much of it away as possible. You will also want to remove as much silver skin as possible. This is a thin layer on top of the meat that, while it doesn’t have a taste, tends to prevent the meat from sticking together when you are making burgers.
As you can imagine, there are plenty of features that you need to consider when you are looking for a new meat grinder. In this section, we will go through all of these factors in detail, so that you can make an informed decision.
The rated power of any meat grinder is going to be how much power your grinder will use to chop up your meat. This is important for two different reasons. The first, and perhaps most important, is so that you can make sure you have the correct power supply set up so that your new grinder will run correctly.
The second reason that the rated power level of your new grinder is something to keep in mind is that this number will tell you how powerful the motor is. If you are someone that is going to be grinding up tons of meat, then you should go for a more powerful motor. Of course, if you want to save a bit of money, you can always shoot for a less powerful model.
The locked motor power for a meat grinder is the maximum amount of power that the device can put out. This is important because, on occasion, your grinder is going to become clogged, or locked. In that instance, the machine should be able to put out enough power to clear the blockage. It will then allow it to continue to operate normally.
When looking for a meat grinder, you should always carefully examine the different materials used in its construction. That way, you can be sure that you are getting a product that is both durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel is the preferred metal, mostly because it is so strong and easy to clean.
Other materials might include food-safe plastics or silicone. This also goes for the attachments as well, as you can see in a model like the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Series. You need to make sure that any attachments or parts are not too thin, as they have a tendency to break down with heavy use.
Another big consideration when buying a meat grinder is the amount of meat it can handle in an hour. If you are an extremely successful hunter, then you are going to want to go with a higher capacity model, like the LEM Products Big Bite #8. Of course, this higher capacity is going to add a bit of cost, though it will definitely speed up the process a lot.
If, however, you are only going to be grinding up a smaller amount of meat, then you can definitely save some money and get a model with a smaller capacity, like the Sunmile SM-G31.
If you have a smaller space that you are going to be using your new grinder, then you are going to want to carefully examine the different dimensions available to you. That way, you will be sure to find a grinder that works for your workspace and storage area.
If size isn’t an issue for you, then you can easily go for something along the lines of the LEM Products Big Bite #8, which also has the highest capacity you can get. On the other hand, if you are worried about your new grinder taking up too much space and don’t mind a little hard work, then the LEM Products #10 Hand Grinder might be the right fit.
No matter what you are buying, whether it be a new washing machine, heater, or a meat grinder for deer processing, you should always check to see if it comes with a good warranty. That way, you can rest assured that your new purchase is covered if something breaks down through normal use.
Even though all of the companies on our list are reputable ones, it is still a good idea to carefully read through the fine print when it comes to warranties. That way, you will know exactly what is covered on your new machine, and what isn’t.
Something else that you should look for when shopping for a new meat grinder is the different types of accessories that come with it. While most accessories are not necessary for grinding and preparing meat, they can help to make the job a whole lot easier.
For instance, all of the things that come along with the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Series are high-quality tools that make the process go a lot faster. You should also always look for grinders that come with different blades so that you can make your meat exactly the size and consistency you desire.
While grinders are relatively straightforward devices, there are still several different features that you might want to keep an eye out for before you make your final purchase. For instance, you might want to look for one that comes with an integrated circuit breaker, especially if you have a larger model that takes up a lot of energy.
Depending on what you are making, you might also want to look for a grinder that has a larger throat, like The Kitchener MG-204182. That way, you won’t need to worry about your meat getting clogged up in your machine while you are grinding.
Meat grinders work with extremely sharp blades that pull meat down and then grind it up. They can be extremely dangerous if they are not used properly. As such, it is always a good idea to use them as safely as possible. You can do this by following these simple tips:
If you are in the market for the best overall meat grinder for deer, then the STX Turboforce Classic 3000 Series is going to be your best bet. This amazing machine comes with everything you need to grind up your deer meat. It is also quite powerful, has a large capacity, and is very easy to use. We highly recommend that you check this model out!
The LEM Products Big Bite #8 is a great grinder for anyone that is processing more than just their deer. Since this model can grind up to 420 pounds of meat in an hour, it is perfect for anyone that is the neighborhood butcher.
If you have a smaller house, then the best meat grinder for deer is going to be the Gourmia GMG525. This model is powerful enough to grind lots of meat in a short amount of time, even though it is relatively small in size. It also comes with plenty of attachments and accessories that help to make it an amazing value.
