Let’s Talk About LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size
The LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size is a powerhouse of a meat grinder, built for serious home processing or even small commercial operations. Manufactured by LEM Products, it boasts a robust 1.5 HP motor, stainless steel construction, and the “Big Bite” auger design that promises to grind through tough cuts with ease. This grinder isn’t messing around; it’s designed for volume and durability.
I needed a grinder that could handle large batches of deer meat after hunting season. My old grinder struggled with tendon and silver skin, constantly clogging and overheating. I was looking for something that would save me time and frustration, and that could last for years.
Unboxing the LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size was an experience. The sheer size and weight were immediately impressive, conveying a sense of quality and durability. The stainless steel components gleamed, and the overall construction felt rock-solid.
I considered the Weston Pro Series #22 and the Cabela’s Carnivore Commercial-Grade Grinder, both reputable options. However, the LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size stood out for its larger #32 head, promising higher throughput, and its reputation for handling tough meats without bogging down. The extra horsepower sealed the deal.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a bit of intimidation. This was a serious piece of equipment, far beyond the small electric grinders I’d used before. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size after a successful deer hunt, with about 50 pounds of venison to process. I set it up in my garage, which gets cold in the winter. The initial setup was straightforward, and the included instructions were clear.
The grinder performed flawlessly, even with slightly frozen meat. The Big Bite technology lived up to its name, pulling the meat through with minimal effort. I barely had to use the included meat stomper.
The only minor issue was the noise level; this grinder is powerful, and it sounds like it. However, the speed and efficiency more than made up for the volume.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size continues to impress. I’ve used it for grinding venison, pork, and even chicken. I’ve also made sausage using the stuffing tubes.
The grinder shows no signs of wear and tear, despite the heavy use. The stainless steel components are easy to clean. I disassemble and wash them immediately after each use, and I apply food-grade mineral oil to the auger and plates before storage.
Compared to my previous grinder, the LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size is a game-changer. It’s faster, more powerful, and much more reliable. It has cut my processing time in half and eliminated the frustration of constant clogging.
Breaking Down the Features of LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size
Specifications
- The LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size features a powerful 1.5 HP motor, capable of grinding approximately 17 lbs per minute. This high output ensures efficient processing of large quantities of meat, saving valuable time.
- It boasts a #32 head, the largest in the Big Bite grinder series. This larger head allows for higher throughput and can handle larger pieces of meat.
- The unit operates on 120 Volt power and has a frequency of 60HZ. This is standard household voltage, making it convenient to use in most kitchens or garages.
- The dimensions of the assembled grinder are 12.09in W x 24.49in L x 18.9in H, and it weighs 57.3 lbs. This substantial size indicates a robust and durable construction, but also requires dedicated storage space.
- It includes stainless steel head, auger, and meat pan with safety guard. Stainless steel ensures hygiene, durability, and ease of cleaning.
- The grinder comes with 1 stainless steel knife, 1 stainless steel stuffing plate, 1 stainless steel fine plate (3/16in – 4.5mm), and 1 stainless steel coarse plate (3/8in – 10mm). These various plates offer flexibility for different grinding textures and sausage-making needs.
- 3 stuffing tubes with outer diameters of 5/8in, 1in, and 1-3/8in are included. These tubes allow for stuffing a variety of sausage sizes.
- The all-metal (steel) gears with roller bearings ensure smooth and reliable operation. This robust gear system is critical for long-term durability and performance under heavy loads.
Performance & Functionality
The LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size excels at quickly and efficiently grinding large quantities of meat. Its powerful motor and Big Bite auger design handle tough cuts with ease, reducing the need for pre-cutting and minimizing clogging.
The grinder’s stainless steel construction ensures hygiene and easy cleaning. The included grinding plates and stuffing tubes offer versatility for various meat processing tasks.
While the grinder is powerful and efficient, its large size and weight can make it cumbersome to move and store. The noise level during operation is also relatively high.
Overall, the LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size meets and exceeds expectations for a high-volume meat grinder. It’s a reliable and powerful tool that simplifies meat processing.
Design & Ergonomics
The LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size boasts a robust stainless steel construction, lending to its durability and professional appearance. Its weight of 57.3 lbs reflects the quality of materials used, although it makes moving the grinder a bit of a chore.
The grinder’s rounded meat pan with a hand guard offers ample space for loading meat. The storage drawer underneath the grinder head is a thoughtful design feature for keeping accessories organized.
There is a slight learning curve associated with disassembling and cleaning the grinder, but the included instructions are clear. Once familiar with the process, maintenance is relatively straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size is built to last, thanks to its stainless steel construction and all-metal gears with roller bearings. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Cleaning the grinder after each use is crucial to prevent the buildup of bacteria and maintain its performance. Disassembling the grinder, washing the components with hot soapy water, and drying them thoroughly is essential.
Applying food-grade mineral oil to the auger and plates before storage helps prevent rust and ensures smooth operation. The 5-year factory warranty provides additional peace of mind.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size includes a meat stomper, stainless steel knife, stuffing plate, fine and coarse grinding plates, three stuffing tubes, a large meat pan with safety guard, and a plate extractor. These accessories provide everything needed for basic meat grinding and sausage making.
While there are limited customization options specifically for this grinder, the standard #32 head size means it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket grinding plates and stuffing tubes from other brands. This allows users to fine-tune their grinding and sausage-making processes.
Users can also purchase additional accessories, such as jerky guns and sausage stuffers, to expand the grinder’s capabilities. The LEM Products website and other retailers offer a variety of compatible accessories.
Pros and Cons of LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size
Pros
- Powerful 1.5 HP motor easily grinds large quantities of meat.
- #32 head provides high throughput and handles large pieces of meat.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures hygiene and long-lasting performance.
- Big Bite technology effortlessly pulls meat through the grinder, minimizing clogging.
- Includes a variety of accessories, such as grinding plates and stuffing tubes, for versatile meat processing.
Cons
- Relatively high noise level during operation.
- Large size and weight can make it difficult to move and store.
Who Should Buy LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size?
The LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size is perfect for serious home processors, hunters who process their own game, and small commercial operations like butcher shops or restaurants. Anyone who regularly grinds large quantities of meat will appreciate its power, efficiency, and durability.
This grinder is not ideal for casual users who only occasionally grind small amounts of meat. Its size, weight, and price point make it overkill for infrequent use.
A must-have accessory would be a good set of meat lugs for easy feeding. A dedicated food-grade lubricant is also necessary to maintain the moving parts.
Conclusion on LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size
The LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size is a top-of-the-line meat grinder that delivers exceptional performance and durability. While it’s an investment, its power, efficiency, and robust construction make it well worth the price for those who regularly process large quantities of meat.
The price is justified by the quality of components, grinding speed, and longevity you’ll receive. Cheaper grinders are available, but they rarely stand up to the demands this beast can handle.
I would absolutely recommend the LEM Products Big Bite Grinder 32 Head Size to anyone serious about meat processing. If you’re tired of struggling with underpowered grinders and want a machine that will last for years, this is the one to buy. Invest in quality and make your meat processing tasks easier and more efficient – you won’t regret it!