Let’s Talk About LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is a seemingly simple, yet critical component for any serious home sausage maker or game processor using a LEM #20 or #22 grinder. It promises to transform your grinder into a sausage-stuffing powerhouse, eliminating the need for multiple machines. Let’s delve into whether this relatively inexpensive accessory lives up to its potential and whether it’s a worthy addition to your meat processing arsenal.
My journey to finding the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate began with a familiar frustration: the slow, messy process of stuffing sausage using a standard grinder setup. Grinding and stuffing with the same plate resulted in a smeared, less-than-ideal sausage texture. I needed a solution that would streamline the process and improve the final product.
Upon unboxing, the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate impressed me with its heft and clean finish. The stainless steel construction felt robust and durable, promising resistance to rust and ease of cleaning. Its hubless design added a touch of versatility, allowing it to be used on either side.
While I haven’t used similar specific stuffing plates extensively, I have experimented with different grinder plates when stuffing sausage. This includes the standard grinding plates provided with my LEM grinder. The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate, with its large kidney-shaped holes, immediately appeared to offer a significant advantage in efficiently moving the meat towards the stuffing tube.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed excellent, and the design appeared promising. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could truly simplify my sausage-making process, but also realistic about potential clogging or other unforeseen issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate was during a batch of venison summer sausage. I used my LEM #22 grinder. I ran about 25 pounds of seasoned venison and pork mixture through the grinder with the stuffing plate attached.
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate significantly improved the stuffing process. The meat flowed through the grinder smoothly and consistently, with minimal smearing or backflow. The stuffing horn filled evenly, resulting in tightly packed sausage casings.
The plate performed well despite the slightly chilled meat mixture. The kidney-shaped holes efficiently moved the meat without clogging. The ease of use was immediately apparent, eliminating the need for constant adjustments or struggling with the stuffer.
There were no immediate issues or surprises during my first use. The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate functioned exactly as intended. The sausage casing filled quickly and evenly, vastly improving speed and final product.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and multiple batches of sausage and snack sticks, the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate has proven to be a reliable and essential piece of my meat processing equipment. It still performs just as well as the first day I used it. My sausage stuffing process is much smoother now.
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate shows no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use. The stainless steel construction has held up remarkably well. There is no rust or corrosion, even after multiple washes.
Cleaning the plate is a breeze. A quick scrub with hot, soapy water followed by thorough drying is all it takes to keep it in top condition. The simple design eliminates hard-to-reach areas where meat particles could get trapped.
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate has far exceeded my expectations. Compared to my previous attempts at stuffing sausage using standard grinding plates, this plate has significantly improved both the efficiency and the quality of my finished product. The texture is noticeably better, and the overall process is much less frustrating.
Breaking Down the Features of LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate
Specifications
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is designed specifically for LEM #20 and #22 meat grinders. The plate diameter is 3-1/4 inches, ensuring a proper fit within the grinder head. It features three large kidney-shaped holes designed to facilitate smooth and efficient meat flow during stuffing.
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is constructed from stainless steel. This offers exceptional durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. Its hubless design allows it to be used on either side, adding a degree of flexibility. It is crucial to note that this stuffing plate is designed to be used without a grinder knife.
These specifications are critical for ensuring optimal performance during sausage making. The precise diameter guarantees a secure fit within the grinder. The stainless-steel construction ensures long-lasting durability and hygiene. The kidney-shaped holes are essential for moving the meat effectively.
Performance & Functionality
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate excels at its primary function: efficiently stuffing sausage and filling meat bags. It eliminates the grinding action, allowing the grinder to focus solely on pushing the meat towards the stuffing tube. The results are a smoother, more consistent stuffing process and a superior final product.
The strengths of this stuffing plate lie in its simple yet effective design. The large kidney-shaped holes move the meat quickly and smoothly. The stainless-steel construction ensures easy cleaning and prevents contamination. A minor improvement could be adding some sort of etching on one side to signify which side has been used.
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate has undoubtedly exceeded my expectations. The performance and quality is excellent. I have no need for a separate sausage stuffer.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is exceptional. The stainless steel is thick and durable, and the edges are smoothly finished. The weight of the plate inspires confidence in its longevity.
The design is user-friendly. No learning curve is involved. Simply replace the standard grinding plate with the stuffing plate and begin stuffing.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless-steel construction and simple design, the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. The stainless-steel has held up remarkably well.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wash with soap and water after each use is sufficient to keep it clean and sanitary. Thorough drying is essential to prevent any potential corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate does not come with any additional accessories. Its functionality is self-contained. It is compatible with standard LEM #20 and #22 grinders.
It is designed to be used with various stuffing tubes or horns that fit your grinder. It also works well with meat bags. No significant modifications or customizations are necessary, as the plate is designed to function optimally in its stock configuration.
Pros and Cons of LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate
Pros
- Significantly improves the sausage-stuffing process.
- Eliminates meat smearing, resulting in a superior sausage texture.
- Durable stainless-steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Simple, user-friendly design requires no special skills or knowledge.
Cons
- Only compatible with LEM #20 and #22 grinders.
- Requires users to remember to remove the grinder knife.
Who Should Buy LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate?
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is perfect for home sausage makers, hunters who process their own game, and anyone who frequently grinds meat and wants to streamline the sausage-stuffing process. It’s also great for folks who are filling meat bags for freezing ground meat for later use in recipes. It’s an essential tool for those seeking to improve the quality and efficiency of their meat processing operations.
Individuals who rarely make sausage or only grind small amounts of meat may not find this product necessary. Those who do not own a LEM #20 or #22 grinder should obviously skip this product, as it’s not universally compatible.
A must-have accessory to pair with this plate is a good set of stuffing tubes. Also, be sure to have quality sausage casings on hand for optimal results.
Conclusion on LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate
The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is an exceptional addition to any home meat processor’s toolkit. It simplifies and significantly improves the sausage-stuffing process. The result is superior quality sausage and ground meat.
At a price of $41.99, the value proposition is undeniable. The durability, ease of use, and noticeable improvement in sausage quality make it a worthwhile investment. You’ll immediately recognize a superior product.
I wholeheartedly recommend the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate to anyone who enjoys making sausage at home or needs an efficient method for filling meat bags. Don’t hesitate – add this essential tool to your arsenal and elevate your meat processing game today. You won’t regret it.