New Toy

[old sarge]

Over the holidays I decided that I needed (wanted?) a meat grinder. Ordered it today.

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/lem-8-big-bite-grinder-0-5-hp/0000000286358;jsessionid=-xLinVdAB8rQBSrD55ffAS25x_L_H7bHN1PpHz8tISkI-mqMrTCz!1780984844?bc=LEM&brandCrumb=4164077436&bn=lem

 

[TX Gent]

Looks like a very capable grinder of meats old sarge. Sausages soon?

 

[old sarge]

Not sure yet. We use a lot of ground beef, pork, chicken, lamb and with pre packaged one never knows if it came from the same critter or several. Been using the food processor for small batches as we cook but wanted to go larger and vac seal and freeze. I am sure sausage will be in there at some point.

 

[NDKoze]

Congrats Old Sarge!

You are going to love your new LEM grinder. I wish I had the Big Bite Auger on mine, but my 12-year-old LEM #12 grinder is still plugging along, so no need for a new one yet.

 

[old sarge]

I wanted a 12 Greg but could not resist the price of the 8.  Is there any chance that the BigBite auger would fit your older grinder?

 

[azbohunter]

They have a great reputation, I am sure you're set nicely for a while Sarge!

 

[NDKoze]

I wanted a 12 Greg but could not resist the price of the 8.  Is there any chance that the BigBite auger would fit your older grinder?

I as thinking the same thing Surge. Unfortunately, according to LEM they are not compatible.

 

[SconnieQ]

Thank you for buying from a Wisconsin company. One of my favorite stores!

 

[old sarge]

Kari - I could not believe the low price. I honestly believed it was an error or that it was an older model or a refurb. But the folks I talked with did some checking and called me back to let me know that it was new so I ordered.  Should prove to be a good investment.

 

[BedouinBob]

I have a LEM Big Bite 8 and I think it is really well made and works like a champ.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

I bought a new in box #5 for $150. Love it. It grinds as fast as I can feed 15-20 lbs of semi frozen pork in. Double grinding for bratwurst is easy too.

 

[old sarge]

I looked at a lot of different brands - Weston, Cabela's, Thunderbird, Kitchener, Guide Gear, and watched a load of videos. Decided the LEM was the machine for me.  Should be here in a few days.

 

[old sarge]

UPDATE:  The grinder arrived today.  I am impressed and pretty much glad that I did not get a #12.  The #8 is plenty large, more than enough for my needs. It will be a while before I put it to use but definitely looking forward to putting it through it's paces.

 

[BedouinBob]

You won’t be disappointed David.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

Here's my "processing center". I do lots of bacon, so I watched Craigslist for a couple of months until I found a decent commercial 10 in meat slicer for a reasonable $250 price.  You can see my grinder on the bottom shelf. I use the mixing bowls with ice between them when grinding meat. Keeps the meat and fat from getting to soft after grinding. Only thing I couldn't fit on the shelving is my 10#sausage stuffer.

 

[old sarge]

Nice set up.  I want to order a 1/4 inch plate for the grinder.  I have a small, ancient Rival slicer that is decades old and just will not die.  Not great but it suffices for what little I use it for.  Mostly slicing left over beef roasts and ham for sandwiches.  If I ever get into making bacon, I will definitely need an upgrade.

 

[Meatball]

Here's my "processing center". I do lots of bacon, so I watched Craigslist for a couple of months until I found a decent commercial 10 in meat slicer for a reasonable $250 price.  You can see my grinder on the bottom shelf. I use the mixing bowls with ice between them when grinding meat. Keeps the meat and fat from getting to soft after grinding. Only thing I couldn't fit on the shelving is my 10#sausage stuffer.

Very nice setup!

 

[NDKoze]

Here's my "processing center". I do lots of bacon, so I watched Craigslist for a couple of months until I found a decent commercial 10 in meat slicer for a reasonable $250 price.  You can see my grinder on the bottom shelf. I use the mixing bowls with ice between them when grinding meat. Keeps the meat and fat from getting to soft after grinding. Only thing I couldn't fit on the shelving is my 10#sausage stuffer.

Nice find on that slicer! I would love to upgrade my elcheapo 8" slicer.

 

[old sarge]

I visited Pleasant Hill Grains and ordered the 1/4 inch plate and 2 additional knives so that I can match knife to plate for even wear.  Also ordered the grinder cleaning kit.

 

[DivotMaker]

And that's how it starts, Dave!  Next thing you know, you'll have a stuffer, and having Gregg send you plans for the sausage rack!

Congrats on the purchase!