Grinder advice

[bobrap]

Just bought the Cabelas Cabela's Pro-Series Grinder and now wonder if I made the right decision. I don't do a massive amount of grinding (mostly butts, some beef and a few deer hind quarters). My concern is should I have bought the commercial grade .5hp. Any advice would be appreciated as I'm wanting to do more sausage making. Thanks

 

[chef jimmyj]

You can't go wrong going bigger. But many have bought twice starting too small. My first batch of sausage was 5lb now 25 is the average. The longer you do this the more you find yourself making. The money's spent and you have a great grinder...JJ

 

[bobrap]

Thanks for the reply.  I kind of had the same mind set.  Don't know if the money is justified.  Get a bigger grinder, next I'll have to get a bigger stuffer.

  Just wondering also about the size.  #8 vs #12.  $60 difference between the .5 vs .75 hp models.  Do you think there is much difference in how well each grinder actually grinds the meat?  Thanks, again.

 

[gnappi]

I don't even have the smoker yet (It's in a truck and on the way) and I've downloaded the manual and I have to read about making sausage? I never even thought of it! Thanks!

 

[venture]

Depends on how you use it.

If used correctly, you will be surprised how well the smaller units work.  If you do very large batches, you might want to move up.

Good luck and good smoking.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Head size and HP really only makes a difference in large batches. Going ONE size bigger does not save a a lot. For 20Lb you are talking 10 minutes of time savings. You said you already bought it. If your going to suffer for spending $60 too much 

, take it back. If just feeling a little guilty...You'll get over it the first time you use it.

...JJ

 

[bluewhisper]

I have a nice 1950s Chop-Rite #10 grinder ... yes ... and the movers DID NOT PACK THE HANDLE IN THE SAME BOX so it's sitting on a shelf until I find the box with the handle and the plates.

 

[bobrap]

Thamnks for the replies.  The $60 difference was between the #8 & #12.  It's about $160 between the one I already bought and the commercial grade .5hp.  Decisions...decisions

 

[gary s]

Good advice, I knew I would be a light duty user, But I use mine more than i thought I would. My rule of thumb is go with the best you can afford.

Gary

 

[chef jimmyj]

 Is your Mortgage or Rent going to be $160 short this month?  Does $160 mean the Kids go to school without Coats in the cold weather or you can't Feed them this month? Will the Heat/Electricity be turned Off for lack of a $160 payment? Buy once...Cry once! You already SPENT the money and got a GREAT GRINDER, just enjoy it...So what kind of Sausage you planning to make with the inaugural run?...JJ

 

 

[bobrap]

 
 Is your Mortgage or Rent going to be $160 short this month?  Does $160 mean the Kids go to school without Coats in the cold weather or you can't Feed them this month? Will the Heat/Electricity be turned Off for lack of a $160 payment? Buy once...Cry once! You already SPENT the money and got a GREAT GRINDER, just enjoy it...So what kind of Sausage you planning to make with the inaugural run?...JJ

 

Well, I went for the larger .5hp.  They gave me a pretty good deal.  Not sure which I'm going to make first.  I think a hot italian.  Where you from in Jersey?  I'm originally from Elizabeth.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Born and raised in Piscataway. Been to and through Elizabeth quite a few times. I dated a nice girl originally from there. Enjoy your grinder. A good grinder makes the job easy. I have ground meat by hand and with a Kitchen Aid attachment and they are both a PITA. I need to get a new grinder myself but the Mrs. is withholding funds...

...JJ

 

[bobrap]

Shame on her!