LEM vs MEAT! Your Maker. Food Grinders: Which Brand Fits You?
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When comparing a LEM vs meat your maker food grinder, you look at two stainless steel options for home butchery. Both brands offer electric meat grinders capable of handling bulk prep and sausage making. The main difference lies in their motor power and head size. The LEM BigBite #8 uses a 0.5 HP motor, while the MEAT! Your Maker model features a stronger 0.75 HP motor with a larger #12 head. You choose based on your volume needs and desired grinding speed.
Key differences
| Aspect | LEM BigBite #8 Electric Meat Grinder | MEAT! #12 0.75 HP Stainless Steel Meat Grinder |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 0.5 HP | 0.75 HP |
| Grinder Head Size | #8 | #12 |
| Grinding Speed | About 7 lbs/min | 7 to 10 lbs/min |
| Weight | 32.6 pounds | 49.7 pounds |
| Foot Switch Compatibility | Not listed | Compatible with foot pedal switch |
Which one should you choose?
Choose LEM BigBite #8 Electric Meat Grinder if
- You prefer a lighter machine that is easier to move and store.
- You grind small to medium batches of meat regularly.
- You want a quieter operation with noise-dampening design.
Choose MEAT! #12 0.75 HP Stainless Steel Meat Grinder if
- You need higher throughput for larger volumes of meat.
- You want the flexibility of hands-free operation via a foot switch.
- You prefer a heavier, more robust build for heavy-duty tasks.
Verdict: The LEM BigBite #8 suits those who prioritize portability and quiet performance for smaller batches. The MEAT! Your Maker #12 is better for users needing higher speed and optional hands-free control for larger volumes.
LEM vs MEAT! Your Maker Specs
Motor power
The MEAT! grinder features a 0.75 HP motor, while the LEM BigBite uses a 0.5 HP unit. Higher horsepower generally indicates greater torque and sustained performance under heavy loads. You can expect the MEAT! model to handle tougher cuts or larger volumes with less strain on the mechanism. The LEM grinder is sufficient for standard home batches, but the MEAT! specification suggests it is built for more intensive, pro-grade usage. This difference in raw power is a key factor when choosing between the two for frequent, bulk preparation tasks.
Grinding speed
Performance output differs between the two machines. The MEAT! grinder processes between 7 and 10 pounds of meat per minute. The LEM grinder processes about 7 pounds per minute. The MEAT! unit offers a higher maximum throughput, allowing you to finish larger batches of sausage or burger meat more quickly. The LEM grinder meets the lower end of that range, providing consistent but slower processing. If speed is critical for your workflow, the MEAT! specification provides a clear advantage in volume handling over the fixed rate of the LEM model.
Grinder head size
Head size determines the diameter of the grinding plate and affects throughput capacity. The MEAT! grinder is a #12 model, whereas the LEM BigBite is a #8 model. A #12 head is significantly larger, allowing for wider meat chunks and faster feeding rates. This makes the MEAT! grinder more suitable for large-scale processing or very thick cuts of meat. The #8 LEM grinder is compact and ideal for smaller home kitchens or occasional use. The larger head size of the MEAT! unit provides greater versatility for heavy-duty butchery tasks.
Build material
Both manufacturers prioritize durability through their choice of materials. The LEM grinder features a stainless steel housing and permanently lubricated motor components. The MEAT! grinder is described as having all stainless-steel construction, extending down to the last bolt. While both offer corrosion-resistant exteriors, the MEAT! specification emphasizes comprehensive metal construction throughout the unit. This suggests a potentially more robust internal structure. You get stainless steel protection in both cases, but the MEAT! brand highlights a more extensive use of metal for long-term structural integrity.
Dimensions and weight
Physical footprint and mass vary significantly between the two brands. The LEM grinder measures 20.2 inches in length, 9.13 inches in width, and 16 inches in height, weighing 32.6 pounds. The MEAT! grinder is shorter at 18.8 inches long, wider at 18.3 inches, and taller at 15 inches, with a substantial weight of 49.7 pounds. The LEM model is lighter and longer, potentially fitting differently on your counter. The MEAT! unit is much heavier and wider, suggesting a more stable, industrial-grade presence that requires more space but offers greater mass for vibration dampening.
Which LEM or MEAT! Grinder Fits You
You need high throughput for large batches
The MEAT! Your Maker grinder features a 0.75 HP motor and processes 7 to 10 pounds of meat per minute. This higher horsepower and faster grinding speed handle bulk prep efficiently. You benefit from the robust #12 head size, which accommodates larger cuts and reduces clogging during heavy use.
You want a quieter, compact unit
The LEM BigBite #8 grinder uses a 0.5 HP motor with a noise-dampening design for quieter operation. It weighs 32.6 pounds and measures 20.2 inches long, making it lighter and more manageable than the heavier alternative. You get reliable performance for small to medium batches without excessive weight.
You prefer a complete accessory kit
LEM includes three plates, a knife, a stomper, and stuffing tubes in the box. This full setup allows you to start grinding and stuffing immediately. You do not need to buy extra parts separately. The permanently lubricated motor ensures smooth operation, and the stainless steel parts disassemble easily for cleaning.
You want hands-free operation capability
The MEAT! Your Maker grinder is compatible with a foot pedal switch for hands-free grinding. This feature lets you control the machine without using your hands, improving safety and convenience. You can focus on feeding meat into the #12 head while the motor handles the work at a steady pace.
The products compared
LEM BigBite #8 Electric Meat Grinder
Best for: small to medium batch home grinding
- Power Source
- Electric
- Grinder Head Size
- #8
- Horsepower
- 0.5 HP
- Grinding Speed
- About 7 lbs/min
- Housing Material
- Stainless steel
- Sausage Stuffer Kit
- Stuffing tubes
View on Amazon: LEM BigBite #8 Electric Meat Grinder Affiliate link
The LEM BigBite #8 is a 0.5 HP electric meat grinder with a stainless steel housing. It processes about 7 lbs of meat per minute. The unit includes three grinding plates and stuffing tubes for sausage making. Its noise-dampening design helps keep operation quiet. This grinder suits small to medium batch cooking. It handles burgers, pet food, and game meat. It is not designed for grinding bones.
Pros
- Stainless steel housing for durability
- Processes about 7 lbs of meat per minute
- Includes three grinding plates and stuffing tubes
- Noise-dampening design for quieter performance
- Five-year factory warranty on the grinder
Cons
- 0.5 HP motor is less powerful than the #12 Pro-Grade model
- Not suitable for grinding bones
- Heavier build at 32.6 pounds
Good fit if
- You need a reliable grinder for small to medium batches
- You want a stainless steel unit that is easy to clean
- You plan to make sausages and need included stuffing tubes
Skip if
- You require high-volume commercial grinding
- You need to grind bones or hard materials
- You prefer a lighter or more compact appliance
Verdict: LEM BigBite #8 Meat Grinder offers a durable stainless steel build and quiet operation for home use. It fits hunters and home cooks who process small to medium batches of meat regularly.
MEAT! #12 0.75 HP Stainless Steel Meat Grinder
Best for: Heavy-duty home meat processing and sausage making
- Grinder Head Size
- #12
- Grinding Speed
- 7 to 10 pounds per minute
- Housing Material
- Stainless steel
- Grinding Plates
- Coarse and fine
- Sausage Stuffer Kit
- Stuffing plates and tubes
- Function
- Grind
View on Amazon: MEAT! #12 0.75 HP Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Affiliate link
The MEAT! Your Maker 0.75 HP #12 Meat Grinder features an all-stainless steel construction and a motor rated for 7 to 10 pounds of meat per minute. It includes coarse and fine grinding plates plus sausage stuffing accessories. This unit weighs 49.7 pounds and measures 18.8 inches long. It suits users who need durable, hands-free operation for heavy meat processing tasks.
Pros
- 0.75 HP motor processes 7 to 10 pounds of meat per minute
- All-stainless steel construction from housing to the last bolt
- Includes both coarse and fine grinding plates for versatile results
- Compatible with foot pedal switch for hands-free operation
- Comes with stainless steel stuffing plates and tubes for sausage making
Cons
- Heavy 49.7-pound build requires a sturdy, permanent workspace
- Large footprint at 18.8 inches long may not fit small counters
- Foot pedal is compatible but not included in the standard kit
Good fit if
- You need a high-capacity grinder for frequent, large batches
- You prefer durable stainless steel components over plastic parts
- You want to make sausages without buying separate equipment
Skip if
- You require a compact appliance for limited counter space
- You prefer a lightweight unit that is easy to move
- You do not need sausage stuffing capabilities
Verdict: MEAT! Your Maker 0.75 HP #12 Grinder is a robust choice for serious home butchers who prioritize durability and speed. It fits users who process large volumes of meat regularly and have the space for a heavy-duty machine.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | LEM BigBite #8 Electric Meat Grinder | MEAT! #12 0.75 HP Stainless Steel Meat Grinder |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Electric | not stated |
| Grinder Head Size | #8 | #12 |
| Horsepower | 0.5 HP | not stated |
| Grinding Speed | About 7 lbs/min | 7 to 10 pounds per minute |
| Housing Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Grinding Plates | not stated | Coarse and fine |
| Sausage Stuffer Kit | Stuffing tubes | Stuffing plates and tubes |
| Function | Grind | Grind |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Silver | White |
| Intended Use | Home Use, Sausage Stuffing | Sausage Stuffing |
| Use | Meat | Meat |
| Dimensions | 20.2 × 9.13 × 16 inches | 18.8 × 18.3 × 15 inches |
| Weight | 32.6 pounds | 49.7 pounds |
| Size | #8 | .75 #12 |
| Model | 17791 | 1159178 |
Frequently asked questions
Which meat grinder is smaller for kitchen counter storage?
The LEM BigBite #8 is the more compact option. It measures 9.13 inches wide, 16 inches high, and 20.2 inches long. The MEAT! Your Maker #12 is wider at 18.3 inches and slightly shorter in height. You should choose the LEM model if your workspace has limited width.
Is the LEM BigBite heavy enough to stay stable?
Yes, the LEM BigBite #8 weighs 32.6 pounds. This weight helps anchor the unit during operation. The MEAT! Your Maker #12 is heavier at 49.7 pounds. Both units rely on their mass for stability, but the LEM model offers a solid balance for smaller kitchens.
Can the MEAT! grinder handle sausage making tasks?
The MEAT! Your Maker #12 is explicitly intended for sausage stuffing. It features a stainless steel build and a 0.75 HP motor. This combination supports the torque needed for consistent stuffing. The LEM BigBite is designed primarily for general meat grinding without specific sausage stuffing claims in its listed attributes.
Which model is better for small batch home grinding?
The LEM BigBite #8 is best suited for small to medium batch home grinding. Its #8 head size and 0.5 HP motor provide sufficient power for typical household needs. The MEAT! #12 is rated for heavy-duty processing and large volumes. You should select the LEM model for occasional or smaller scale prep.
Does the MEAT! grinder have a stainless steel construction?
Yes, the MEAT! Your Maker #12 features a stainless steel build. The LEM BigBite #8 also offers a durable stainless steel construction. Both brands prioritize metal durability for hygiene and longevity. The MEAT! model includes a white finish, while the LEM model comes in silver.
How do the dimensions of the MEAT! grinder compare to LEM?
The MEAT! Your Maker #12 is wider but shorter than the LEM BigBite #8. The MEAT! model is 18.3 inches wide and 15 inches high. The LEM model is 9.13 inches wide and 16 inches high. The LEM unit is longer at 20.2 inches compared to the MEAT! unit at 18.8 inches.
Is the MEAT! grinder suitable for serious home butchers?
The MEAT! Your Maker #12 is described as a robust choice for serious home butchers. Its 0.75 HP motor and #12 head size support high throughput. It fits users who process large volumes of meat regularly. The LEM BigBite is better for hunters and home cooks processing smaller batches.