What are meat mincers used for?
Meat mincers are essential tools for processing meat both at home and in professional settings. Their main function is to chop meat into smaller, more uniform pieces, making it suitable for a variety of culinary preparations. Commonly used in the kitchen to prepare hamburgers, sausages, meatballs and fillings, meat mincers simplify and speed up the mincing process, ensuring a consistent result.
- Preparation of minced meat: Electric meat mincers allow you to obtain minced meat of different consistencies, perfect for burgers, ragù and other preparations that require finely minced meat.
- Sausage production: With the addition of specific accessories, meat mincers can be used to prepare sausages and other homemade sausages, allowing complete control over the ingredients used.
- Chopping other foods: Some multifunctional models also allow you to chop cheese, vegetables and dried fruit, expanding the possibilities for using the appliance.
How are meat mincers made?
Meat mincers are made up of several main components that determine their efficiency and functionality. Each part plays a crucial role in the mincing process, ensuring that the meat is processed evenly and safely.
- Machine body: The main body of an electric or manual meat mincer can be made of different materials such as plastic, cast iron or stainless steel. Domestic meat mincers often use lighter materials, while professional ones use more resistant materials to ensure durability.
- Motor (in electric models): The motor is the heart of the electric meat mincer. It can be a brush motor, which is economical but requires more maintenance, or an induction motor, which is quieter and more durable.
- Crank handle (in manual models): In manual meat mincers, the crank handle allows you to mince the meat manually. This component is connected to a gear system that drives the mincing process.
- Grinding plate: The grinding plate is a perforated disc through which the meat passes. There are different sizes of plates (N5, N8, N12, N22, N32) that determine the fineness of the mince.
- Knives: Located behind the grinding plate, the knives cut the meat before it is pushed through the holes in the plate. Their sharpening and quality affect the precision of the grinding.
- Reverser: Professional meat mincers often include a reverser that allows you to reverse the direction of the machine to clear any blockages.
How do professional and domestic meat mincers work?
Meat mincers are devices designed to transform meat into small, uniform pieces through a grinding process. This is achieved through a series of components that work together to ensure a consistent and satisfactory result.
- Manual operation: In manual meat mincers, the user turns a crank that activates a gear system. The meat is pushed through the grinding plate by an internal screw.
- Electric operation: In electric meat mincers, a motor powers the internal propeller, pushing the meat through the grinding plate. The motor can be brush-type, which requires more maintenance, or induction motor, which is quieter and more durable.
- Meat insertion: The meat is inserted into the feed tube where a feed screw pushes it towards the rotating blades.
- Cutting: The rotating blades cut the meat into small pieces. The precision of this cut depends on the sharpening and quality of the blades.
- Pressure on the plate: The cut meat is pressed against a perforated plate. The size of the holes in the plate determines the final size of the pieces of meat.
- Minced meat output: The minced meat comes out through the holes in the plate and is collected in a container.
- Multifunctional: Some multifunctional models allow you to install various accessories such as graters or tomato presses, expanding the possibilities for use.
Advantages of meat mincers over other tools
Meat mincers, especially professional ones, offer a number of significant advantages over other meat mincing tools and methods. Their efficiency, versatility and precision make them a favourite choice for both cooking enthusiasts and food industry professionals.
- Grinding precision: Unlike manual methods such as knives, meat mincers ensure uniform grinding, which is essential for preparations such as hamburgers and sausages.
- Safety and hygiene: Manual grinding can be less hygienic and carry a higher risk of contamination. Meat mincers, especially those with CE certification, guarantee high standards of safety and hygiene.
- Versatility: Meat mincers can be used for a wide range of culinary preparations, from minced meat to stuffing, sausages and cured meats. Some multifunctional models also allow you to grate and juice food.
- Efficiency: Electric meat mincers significantly reduce the time and effort required to mince large quantities of meat. Models with induction motors offer high performance with less maintenance.
- Quality of the final product: The possibility of using plates of different sizes allows for precise mincing that can be adapted to various recipes. Sharp, well-designed blades ensure a clean, even cut.
- Ease of use: Manual mincers are simple to use, while electric mincers only require you to insert the meat and start the machine. Models with a reverse switch offer an additional advantage, allowing you to quickly resolve any blockages.
- Durability and robustness: Professional meat mincers are made from durable materials such as stainless steel, ensuring long life and the ability to withstand intensive use.
Types of meat mincers
The meat mincers available on the market are divided into different types, each with specific characteristics that make them suitable for different contexts and needs. Below is an overview of the main types of meat mincers and their characteristics.
Manual hand-crank meat mincers
Manual hand-crank meat mincers are simple and sturdy tools, ideal for small domestic use. The absence of an electric motor makes these devices easy to use and maintain. They are perfect for those who want total control over the mincing process.
- Hand crank operation: A hand crank is used to mince the meat, offering a manual and traditional experience.
- Easy to clean: The simple design makes cleaning and maintenance easy.
- Low cost: Usually cheaper than electric models, they are a good choice for those on a limited budget.
Hobby electric meat mincers
Electric meat mincers for domestic use are designed for home use and offer an excellent compromise between performance and price. Equipped with brush motors powered by 230V single-phase current, they are ideal for those who love to cook at home.
- Brush motor: Economical and suitable for mincing moderate quantities of meat.
- Versatility: Some models offer additional accessories for different tasks.
- Compact size: Easy to store and use in small kitchens.
Semi-professional electric meat mincers
These semi-professionalmeat mincers are an excellent choice for those who need to mince meat more frequently and in larger quantities. Equipped with induction motors, they offer greater power and durability than hobbyist models.
- Induction motor: Quiet and requires less maintenance, suitable for more intensive use.
- Professional CE certifications: Guarantee high safety and quality standards.
- Multiple accessories: Option to use different plates and blades to achieve various grinding consistencies.
Professional electric meat mincers
Professional electric meat mincers are designed for intensive and continuous use, typical of butchers and restaurants. Equipped with powerful engines and advanced transmission systems, they guarantee high performance and reliability over time.
- Powerful motor: Often with belt drive or gear multiplier to optimise performance.
- Robustness: Constructed from durable materials such as stainless steel, suitable for intensive use.
- Advanced features: Includes reverse gear and multifunctional accessories to increase the versatility of the device.
Professional electric meat mincers with integrated grater
These models combine the meat mincer function with that of a grater, offering a multifunctional solution ideal for activities that require different food processing. They are particularly useful in restaurants and food processing laboratories.
- Multifunctional: They allow you to mince meat and grate cheese or vegetables with a single device.
- Space optimisation: By combining two functions in a single machine, they reduce clutter in the kitchen.
- High efficiency: Designed to withstand intensive use with powerful engines and high-quality materials.
Technical characteristics of meat mincers
Meat mincers are complex devices with a number of specific technical features. These features determine the efficiency, versatility and suitability of meat mincers for different contexts of use. The main technical features of meat mincers are listed and described below.
Type of drive
Meat mincers can be manually or electrically operated, which directly influences how the device is used and its performance.
- Hand-crank meat mincer: The absence of an electric motor means that a hand crank is used to mince the meat manually. Ideal for small domestic use and for those who prefer a traditional approach.
- Electric meat mincer: Electric motors can be powered by single-phase 230V or three-phase current. Models with brush motors are cheaper but require more maintenance, while induction motors are quieter and more durable.
With or without inverter
The reverser is a function that allows you to reverse the direction of rotation of the machine, which is useful for unblocking any clogging.
- With reverser: Allows you to reverse the direction of travel of the machine, useful for unblocking any clogging without having to dismantle the appliance.
- Without reverser: Basic models that do not include this feature, suitable for less intensive use.
Certifications
Certifications guarantee that meat mincers comply with European safety and quality standards, offering guarantees in terms of reliability and safety.
- Domestic CE: Certification for domestic use, guarantees that the meat mincer complies with European safety and quality standards for domestic use.
- Professional CE: Certification for professional use, ensuring that the device complies with the more stringent standards required for commercial use.
Size of the meat mincer accessory
The size of the meat mincer accessory varies depending on the model and determines the amount of meat that can be minced in a single cycle.
- MINI accessory: Small accessory, suitable for small quantities of meat.
- N5 accessory: Standard size for domestic use.
- N8/N10 accessory: Larger size, suitable for larger quantities of meat and semi-professional use.
- N12 accessory: Medium-sized accessory, suitable for both intensive domestic and semi-professional use.
- Accessory N22: Suitable size for professional use, allows large quantities of meat to be minced quickly.
- Accessory N32: The largest, ideal for intensive professional use and for mincing large volumes of meat.
Meat mincer accessory material
The material of the meat mincer accessory affects the durability, ease of cleaning, and corrosion resistance of the device.
- Cast iron: A strong and durable material used in manual meat mincers and some professional models.
- Aluminium: Lightweight and easy to handle, but less resistant than cast iron and stainless steel.
- Stainless steel: Offers the best resistance to corrosion and rust, ideal for professional and intensive use.
Carter and fairing
The casing and fairing protect the motor and reduce noise, affecting the safety and comfort of use of the meat mincer.
- Uncovered: No protective casing for the motor, more economical but less safe.
- Engine cover: With a protective cover for the engine, it reduces noise emission and facilitates cleaning.
- Fairing: Presence of a protective cover on the motor, offering greater safety and reducing noise.
- Stainless steel fairing: Stainless steel protective cover, offers maximum safety and facilitates cleaning, ideal for intensive use.
Multifunction
Some electric meat grinders offer the possibility of installing different accessories to perform various food processing tasks, increasing the versatility of the device.
- 2-in-1, 3-in-1, 4-in-1, 5-in-1: Models that allow you to install different accessories to perform various tasks such as grating, squeezing tomatoes, etc.
- Without multifunction: Basic models that only offer the meat mincer function.
Power rating
The power expressed in watts (W) represents the capacity of the meat mincer motor to mince meat, affecting the speed and quantity of meat that can be processed.
- Power: Represents the power in watts (W) that the machine expresses; meat mincers can have a power ranging from 225 to 2200 W, determining the ability to mince meat more or less quickly and in varying quantities.
Guide to buying the best meat mincer
Choosing the right meat mincer can make a big difference in your cooking, whether for home or professional use. It is important to consider some key technical features to find the model that best suits your needs. Here are some tips:
- Type of drive: Decide between a manual or electric model based on the frequency of use and the quantity of meat to be minced. Manual crank models are suitable for small domestic use, while electric models with 230V single-phase or three-phase motors are ideal for more intensive use.
- Motor power: For electric models, higher power (expressed in watts) allows you to mince meat faster and in larger quantities. Power ranges from 225 W for hobby models to 2200 W for professional models.
- Meat grinder accessory material: Choose between cast iron, aluminium and stainless steel based on durability and ease of cleaning. Cast iron is strong and durable, aluminium is lightweight and easy to handle, while stainless steel offers the best resistance to corrosion and rust.
- Meat mincer accessory size: The size of the accessory affects the amount of meat that can be minced at one time. Options range from MINI for small quantities of meat, to N5, N8/N10 for semi-professional use, to N12, N22 and N32 for intensive professional use.
- Multifunction: Consider whether you want a model that can perform other tasks in addition to mincing meat. 2-in-1, 3-in-1, 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 models offer the possibility of grating, squeezing tomatoes and more, increasing the versatility of the device.
- With or without reverser: The reverser is a function that allows you to reverse the direction of the machine, which is useful for unblocking any clogs. Models with a reverser are ideal for more intensive and continuous use.
- Certifications: Certifications guarantee that meat mincer comply with European safety and quality standards. The domestic CE certification is for home use, while the professional CE certification is for commercial use, offering guarantees in terms of reliability and safety.
Types of customers
Different types of customers can benefit from meat mincers depending on their specific needs. Here are some customer categories and recommendations for each:
- Home cooking enthusiasts: Prepare burgers, sausages, meatballs and mince at home. Hobbyist models with adequate power and multifunctional accessories for different tasks.
- Butchers and grocery stores: Process large volumes of meat for retail sale. Professional models with powerful engines, professional CE certifications and high robustness.
- Restaurants and catering: Prepare minced meat and fresh sausages for menu items. Semi-professional or professional electric meat mincers, preferably with multifunctional features to optimise kitchen space.
- Food processing laboratories: Production of sausages, minced meat and other preparations in large quantities. Professional models with induction motors, sturdy transmission systems and accessories for different processes.
- Small artisan businesses: Production of sausages, burgers and other local specialities. Semi-professional meat mincers with reliable motors and appropriate certifications for commercial use.
The best meat mincer brands available on AgriEuro
Buying a quality meat mincer guarantees efficiency and durability. Here is an overview of the best meat mincer brands available on AgriEuro, each known for the reliability and performance of its products.
- Tre Spade manual and electric meat mincers: Known for their technological innovation, Tre Spade meat mincers offer a wide range of models to meet different needs, from domestic to professional.
- Reber hand-crank and electric meat mincers: Reber offers high-quality meat mincers, known for their efficiency and durability. Ideal for those looking for a reliable and high-performance product.
- FIMAR professional meat mincers: FIMAR is a renowned brand for the production of sturdy and reliable professional meat mincers, ideal for intensive commercial use.
- Fama Industrie professional electric meat mincers: Specialising in catering equipment, Fama Industrie meat mincers combine power and precision, suitable for both domestic and professional use.
- Sirman professional electric meat mincers: Sirman is synonymous with excellence in the production of food processing equipment. Their meat mincers are designed to offer high performance and durability.
Why buy a meat mincer from AgriEuro?
Buying a meat mincer from AgriEuro offers numerous advantages thanks to the services and guarantees that accompany each product.
- Fast and free shipping: Orders are handled quickly by AgriEuro's logistics centres, ensuring efficient delivery at no additional cost.
- Spare parts always available: AgriEuro ensures the availability of spare parts, facilitating the maintenance and repair of purchased products.
- Attentive and personalised after-sales service: A dedicated customer service team is always available to resolve any issues and offer personalised support.
Buying from AgriEuro means relying on an industry leader with the certainty of receiving a quality product and comprehensive service that accompanies the customer through every stage of the purchase. Discover the range of meat mincers available on AgriEuro and find the perfect model for your needs!
FAQs about meat mincers
1. Which meat mincer should I choose? How do I choose an electric meat mincer?
To choose the right meat mincer, you need to consider several key factors:
- Motor power: Power is measured in watts and determines the meat mincer's ability to mince different types of meat. For domestic use, a 500 to 1000 watt motor is generally adequate. For professional or intensive use, a meat mincer with a power rating above 1000 watts is recommended to handle large quantities of meat and hardest cuts without excessive effort.
- Materials: The materials affect the durability and hygiene of the meat grinder. Stainless steel is highly recommended for its corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning. Plastic meat mincers may be cheaper but are less durable and more difficult to keep hygienic.
- Capacity and size: The capacity of a meat mincer is important for those who need to process large quantities of meat. A large-capacity funnel reduces the time needed for mincing. The size must be compatible with the space available in the kitchen.
- Accessories: Many meat mincers come with a range of accessories that increase their versatility. These may include discs for different grain sizes, sausage-making accessories and stuffing tubes. Check which accessories are included and whether they are compatible with your needs.
- Ease of cleaning: Cleaning is essential to keep your meat mincer hygienic. Models with removable, washable parts are preferable. Check that the meat mincer is easy to dismantle and that all parts are accessible for thorough cleaning.
2. How many watts should a meat mincer have?
The power of an electric meat mincer is a determining factor in its effectiveness. Here's how to choose based on power:
- 500-800 watts: Suitable for light domestic use, such as mincing soft meat and small quantities. Ideal for those who use the meat mincer occasionally.
- 800-1000 watts: Perfect for more intensive domestic use. Can handle moderate quantities of meat and slightly hardest cuts. Offers a good balance between power and cost.
- 1000-1500 watts: Suitable for those who use the meat mincer frequently and for mincing large quantities of meat. Great for large families or small restaurants.
- Over 1500 watts: Necessary for professional use. These meat mincers can handle large volumes of tough meat effortlessly. Ideal for butchers and restaurants.
3. How do you assemble a meat mincer?
Correct assembly of a meat mincer is essential to ensure its proper functioning and safety. Here are the steps:
- Preparation: Ensure that all parts are clean and dry before assembly.
- Inserting the feed pole: Place the feed pole into the body of the mincer, making sure it is properly aligned.
- Positioning the blade: Insert the cutting blade onto the end of the pole, with the sharp side facing outwards.
- Inserting the cutting disc: Choose the cutting disc with the desired grain size and place it in front of the blade.
- Tightening the clamping nut: Screw the clamping nut onto the front of the meat mincer to lock all components in place.
- Assembling the feed tray: Place the tray on top of the meat mincer where the meat will be inserted.
4. How do you clean a meat mincer? Why should a meat mincer be cleaned immediately after use?
Cleaning the meat mincer is essential to keep it hygienic and in good condition. Here's how to do it:
- Disassembly: Immediately after use, disassemble all removable parts, including the tray, cutting blade and cutting discs.
- Washing: Wash all components with hot water and soap. Use a brush to remove meat residue, especially from hard-to-reach parts.
- Drying: Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling them. This prevents rust from forming, especially if the parts are not made of stainless steel.
- Sanitising: In some cases, it may be useful to sanitise the parts with a solution of water and vinegar or a food-grade disinfectant.
Cleaning immediately after use is crucial because meat residue can dry out and become difficult to remove, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination. Prompt cleaning also prevents unpleasant odours and keeps the meat mincer in optimal condition for future use.
5. How do you sharpen meat mincer blades?
Sharpening the meat mincer blades is essential for maintaining optimal efficiency. Follow these steps to do it correctly:
- Removing the blades: Remove the blades from the meat mincer, making sure to note how they are mounted to facilitate reassembly.
- Cleaning: Wash the blades with hot water and soap to remove meat and grease residue. Dry them thoroughly to prevent rusting.
- Sharpening with a whetstone: Use a good quality whetstone. Lightly wet the stone and, holding the blade at an angle of about 20 degrees, move the blade back and forth along the stone. Repeat on both sides of the blade.
- Sharpening with a grinding wheel: If you have an electric grinding wheel, you can use it to sharpen the blades. Be sure to wear appropriate protective gear and keep the blade steady and aligned as you pass it over the grinding wheel.
- Checking the edge: After sharpening, check that the blade edge is even and free of imperfections. Repeat the sharpening process if necessary.
- Reassembly: Reassemble the blades in the electric mincer in the correct order. Ensure that all parts are securely fastened.
6. How does an electric meat mincer work?
An electric meat mincer is designed to facilitate the process of mincing meat using an electric motor. Here's how it works:
- Electric motor: The heart of the meat mincer is the electric motor, which provides the power needed to turn the feed pole. The motor power generally varies between 500 and 2000 watts.
- Feed pole: The feed pole is connected to the motor and transmits the rotary motion to the blades.
- Cutting blades: The cutting blades mounted on the tip of the pole rotate and mince the meat that is inserted into the meat mincer.
- Cutting discs: After passing through the cutting blade, the meat is pushed through the cutting discs. These discs have holes of different sizes to obtain different grain sizes.
- Feed tray: The meat is placed in the feed tray and pushed towards the feed pole, often with the help of a press.
- Expulsion of minced meat: The minced meat comes out of the holes in the cutting discs and is ready for use.
7. How does a manual meat mincer work?
A manual meat mincer is a mechanical device that requires human force to mince meat. Here's how it works:
- Assembly and securing: The manual meat mincer is usually secured to a work surface using an integrated clamp. This ensures stability during use.
- Inserting the meat: The meat is inserted into the feed tray. Push it towards the feed pole using a presser.
- Crank movement: Turning the crank activates the feed pole, which rotates the internal blades.
- Mincing the meat: The cutting blades cut the meat, which is then pushed through the cutting discs.
- Collecting the minced meat: The minced meat comes out of the holes in the cutting discs and is collected in a container placed under the meat mincer outlet.
8. What can you mince with a meat mincer?
A meat mincer is a versatile device that can be used to mince a variety of foods. Here's what you can mince:
- Meat: Beef, pork, chicken and turkey are the most common types of meat minced. It is ideal for making hamburgers, meatballs, sausages and stuffing.
- Poultry: Chicken parts such as breast, thighs and wings can be minced to make stuffing or sausages.
- Fish: Fish fillets can be minced to make fish balls or fish sausages.
- Vegetables: Some mincers can also mince vegetables such as onions, carrots and celery, which are useful for making sautés or stuffings.
- Stale bread: This can be minced to make fresh breadcrumbs.
- Dried fruit: Walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts can be minced to make fillings or ingredients for desserts.
9. What are the advantages of a stainless steel meat mincer?
A stainless steel meat mincer offers numerous advantages over those made from other materials. Here are the main ones:
- Durability and resistance: Stainless steel is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion. This means that an electric meat mincer made of stainless steel has a much longer life than those made of plastic or other less resistant metals.
- Hygiene: Stainless steel is easy to clean and does not absorb odours or stains, making it an ideal hygienic material for food processing. It is also resistant to bacteria, which helps to maintain a safer kitchen environment.
- Maintenance: A stainless steel meat mincer requires less maintenance due to its resistance to rust and corrosion. It does not require any special treatment to maintain its integrity.
- Professional Appearance: Stainless steel has a modern, professional look that fits well in any kitchen, whether domestic or commercial. The sleek, polished design adds a touch of class to kitchen utensils.
- Versatility: Thanks to its strength and durability, a stainless steel meat mincer can handle a wide range of foods without risk of damage. This makes it suitable not only for meat, but also for fish, vegetables and dried fruit.
- Sustainability: Stainless steel is a 100% recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Its long life helps to reduce waste and environmental impact.