LEM Products Jerky Cannon Review

The LEM Products Jerky Cannon Made a Bold First Impression

Jerky. It’s the ultimate survival food, the perfect road trip snack, and a delicious treat enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. I’ve spent years crafting jerky the old-fashioned way – marinating, slicing, and carefully dehydrating. But the LEM Products Jerky Cannon promised a new era: jerky made faster, easier, and with more consistent results.

My quest for this product stemmed from a simple problem: I was spending too much time on jerky production. I needed a solution that would let me create larger batches without sacrificing quality or taste. I was intrigued by the promise of effortlessly extruding seasoned ground meat into perfect jerky strips.

The LEM Products Jerky Cannon arrived in a no-nonsense package, immediately signaling its purpose-driven design. The aluminum barrel felt solid, and the included nozzles looked like they could handle the job. It was surprisingly lightweight, a pleasant surprise considering its 1 1/2 pound capacity. Compared to using jerky guns of the past that were flimsy and prone to breakage, this appeared significantly more robust. Other options I considered were smaller, less durable plastic models.

Initially, I felt cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed promising, and the included seasonings were a nice touch. I hoped it would live up to the hype and revolutionize my jerky-making process.

Real-World Testing: Putting LEM Products Jerky Cannon to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place in my kitchen, the staging ground for all my culinary experiments. I prepared a batch of ground venison, mixed it with the LEM Backwoods Original Jerky seasoning, and loaded the LEM Products Jerky Cannon. I opted for the flat jerky nozzle. The process of loading was surprisingly easy, thanks to the flared barrel. The trigger felt smooth, and the meat extruded evenly onto the dehydrator trays.

Working at a steady pace to extrude even strips, I filled the dehydrator in about 15 minutes. After dehydrating, the result was a batch of consistent, flavorful jerky. The taste was on par with my usual methods, but the time savings were significant. No issues presented themselves during this first run, and the simplicity of use was a pleasant surprise.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the LEM Products Jerky Cannon has become a staple in my jerky-making arsenal. The anodized aluminum barrel has held up well, showing no signs of corrosion or wear. Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to the included nylon brush. Some meat residue still clings to the inside, but it’s easily removed with a little elbow grease.

While it outperformed my expectations in terms of speed and consistency, I did find that the plastic piston requires careful handling to avoid cracking. I now apply a light coat of food-grade silicone grease to ensure smooth operation and prolong its lifespan. With past methods, the uneven thickness of jerky was always a problem. This eliminated that inconsistency.

Breaking Down the Features of LEM Products Jerky Cannon

Specifications

• The LEM Products Jerky Cannon has a 1-1/2 pound meat capacity, which is sufficient for producing a decent-sized batch of jerky. It’s enough to fill most standard dehydrator trays.
• The anodized aluminum barrel provides durability and corrosion resistance, essential for long-term use. It’s a step up from cheaper plastic alternatives.
• Two stainless steel nozzles are included: a 1-11/32″ x 3/16″ flat jerky nozzle and a 1/2″ ID round snack stick nozzle. The stainless steel ensures hygiene and longevity.
• Two bags of Backwoods Seasonings (Original Jerky & Snack Stick) provide enough seasoning for 5 pounds of each type of jerky. This is convenient for beginners or those looking to try new flavors.
• A nylon brush is included for easy cleaning of the barrel. This simplifies the maintenance process.

These specifications translate to a durable, easy-to-use tool that simplifies the jerky-making process. The capacity is adequate, the materials are robust, and the included accessories add value.

Performance & Functionality

The LEM Products Jerky Cannon excels at its primary function: extruding ground meat into consistent jerky strips or snack sticks. The trigger mechanism is smooth and responsive, allowing for precise control over the extrusion process. It consistently delivers uniform jerky, which is crucial for even dehydration and optimal flavor.

One slight weakness is the plastic piston. While durable, it can feel a bit flimsy under heavy use and requires careful handling to avoid damage. Overall, it meets expectations for ease of use and performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The LEM Products Jerky Cannon’s design is simple and functional. The anodized aluminum barrel feels solid and comfortable in hand. The flared ends of the barrel make loading the meat mixture easy, while the trigger mechanism provides a smooth and consistent extrusion.

There is a slight learning curve associated with finding the right consistency for the meat mixture. Too dry, and it’s difficult to extrude; too wet, and the jerky will be mushy.

Durability & Maintenance

The LEM Products Jerky Cannon is built to last, with a durable anodized aluminum barrel and stainless steel nozzles. The plastic piston, however, is a potential weak point. Regular cleaning with the included nylon brush is essential to prevent meat residue from building up and affecting performance.

With proper care and maintenance, this tool should provide years of reliable service. Avoiding excessive force on the piston is key to prolonging its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The LEM Products Jerky Cannon comes with two stainless steel nozzles and two bags of Backwoods Seasonings. These accessories provide everything needed to get started making jerky and snack sticks. While there aren’t many customization options for the cannon itself, the wide variety of jerky seasonings available on the market allows for endless flavor combinations.

While LEM offers other nozzles for different shapes and sizes, compatibility with third-party accessories is limited. It’s primarily designed to work with LEM’s own accessories and seasonings.

Pros and Cons of LEM Products Jerky Cannon

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Who Should Buy LEM Products Jerky Cannon?

The LEM Products Jerky Cannon is perfect for: Home cooks, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy making their own jerky. Anyone looking for a faster, easier, and more consistent way to produce high-quality jerky will benefit from this tool. It’s particularly well-suited for those who process their own game meat or prefer to control the ingredients in their snacks.

Who should skip this product? Individuals who only occasionally make jerky or prefer the traditional slicing method might not find the LEM Products Jerky Cannon necessary. Also, those seeking a completely hands-off approach to jerky making will still need to handle the mixing, dehydrating, and packaging processes.

A must-have modification would be purchasing an extra plastic piston as a backup. This will ensure that you can continue making jerky even if the original piston breaks.

Conclusion on LEM Products Jerky Cannon

The LEM Products Jerky Cannon is a valuable tool for anyone serious about making jerky at home. It streamlines the process, delivers consistent results, and is built to last. While the plastic piston requires some care, the overall durability and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment.

At $48.49, the price is justified by the time savings, improved consistency, and included accessories. It’s a mid-range option that offers excellent value for the money.

I would definitely recommend the LEM Products Jerky Cannon to anyone looking to upgrade their jerky-making game. It’s a reliable, efficient, and enjoyable tool that will help you create delicious homemade jerky with ease. Say goodbye to uneven slices and tedious preparation – the LEM Products Jerky Cannon is here to revolutionize your jerky-making experience!

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