First Thoughts on the LEM Products Jerky Cannon
The LEM Products Jerky Cannon promises to be a game-changer for jerky enthusiasts. LEM Products, known for their meat processing equipment, has designed this tool to simplify and streamline the jerky-making process. Is it a gimmick, or a genuine time-saver for the home jerky maker?
As someone with over a decade of experience in outdoor cooking and tactical provisioning, I’ve experimented with countless jerky recipes and methods. The promise of a consistent, easy-to-use jerky dispensing system immediately piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, the LEM Products Jerky Cannon feels robust. The anodized aluminum barrel inspires confidence, and the included nozzles look well-made. Compared to messy, hand-formed jerky strips, this could be a significant upgrade in terms of consistency and speed. I initially considered a manual jerky gun with plastic components, but the sturdier build of the LEM Products Jerky Cannon swayed me. The inclusion of seasoning packets is a thoughtful touch, suggesting LEM Products understands the entire jerky-making process.
My first impression is cautiously optimistic. The build quality looks promising. I am eager to see how it performs in a real-world jerky-making scenario.
Real-World Testing: Putting LEM Products Jerky Cannon to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the LEM Products Jerky Cannon during a weekend camping trip. The goal was to create enough jerky to sustain a group of four hikers for two days. I pre-mixed my ground venison with the included Backwoods Original Jerky seasoning, following the instructions provided.
The cannon was surprisingly easy to load, thanks to the flared barrel design. Squeezing the trigger dispensed uniform jerky strips onto my dehydrator trays. I was impressed by how quickly I could fill the trays, a task that usually takes considerably longer with hand-forming methods. The conditions were dry and sunny, ideal for dehydrating, and the jerky turned out perfectly.
The only minor issue was the initial “burp” of air that sometimes occurred when starting a new batch. It took a few practice squeezes to get a consistent flow of meat.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the LEM Products Jerky Cannon bi-weekly, it’s proven to be a reliable tool. The anodized aluminum barrel shows no signs of corrosion or wear. The plastic piston remains in good condition despite repeated use.
Cleaning is relatively straightforward with the included nylon brush. I find it best to clean the cannon immediately after each use to prevent meat from drying and sticking. Compared to spreading jerky by hand, the cannon reduces cleanup time significantly. It has definitely outperformed my previous jerky-making methods, providing consistent results with minimal effort.
Breaking Down the Features of LEM Products Jerky Cannon
Specifications
- The LEM Products Jerky Cannon holds 1-1/2 pounds of meat, offering a generous capacity for batch processing. This is crucial for efficient jerky production.
- The barrel is constructed from anodized aluminum. This material provides durability and corrosion resistance.
- It includes two stainless steel nozzles: a 1-11/32 x 3/16″ flat jerky nozzle and a 1/2″ round snack stick nozzle. These allow for versatile jerky shapes.
- Two bags of Backwoods Seasonings are included. These are specifically for Original Jerky & Snack Stick, enough for making 5 pounds of each.
- A nylon brush is provided. This simplifies the cleaning process.
The specifications of the LEM Products Jerky Cannon highlight its user-friendly design and durable construction. The meat capacity allows for reasonable batch sizes. The choice of anodized aluminum ensures longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The LEM Products Jerky Cannon excels at dispensing consistent and uniform jerky strips and snack sticks. The trigger mechanism is smooth and easy to operate. The two included nozzles provide versatility in jerky shapes.
The primary strength is its ability to speed up the jerky-making process. A potential weakness is the initial air pocket that can cause inconsistent dispensing at the beginning of each batch. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a home jerky-making tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The LEM Products Jerky Cannon is designed for ease of use. The flared barrel makes loading meat simple. The handle is comfortable to grip.
The build quality is excellent, with durable materials that inspire confidence. The cannon is relatively lightweight. However, some may find the handle slightly small for larger hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The LEM Products Jerky Cannon is built to last. The anodized aluminum barrel and stainless steel nozzles are resistant to corrosion and wear. With proper care and cleaning, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. The included nylon brush is effective for cleaning the barrel and nozzles. Disassembling the cannon for thorough cleaning is straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LEM Products Jerky Cannon comes with the two mentioned nozzles and seasoning packs. There are no readily apparent customization options. Users can experiment with different jerky seasonings from other brands.
The cannon itself is not directly compatible with accessories from other brands. However, the nozzles are standard sizes and may be interchangeable with similar products.
Pros and Cons of LEM Products Jerky Cannon
Pros
- Simplifies and speeds up the jerky-making process.
- Produces uniform and consistent jerky strips/snack sticks.
- Durable anodized aluminum barrel.
- Includes two versatile stainless steel nozzles.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Initial air pocket can cause inconsistent dispensing.
- Handle might be small for some users.
Who Should Buy LEM Products Jerky Cannon?
The LEM Products Jerky Cannon is perfect for home jerky enthusiasts who want to streamline the jerky-making process. It’s also great for hunters who process their own game meat. Those looking for a more consistent and less messy jerky-making method will appreciate this product.
This product may not be necessary for individuals who only make jerky occasionally or in small batches. Someone on a very tight budget might also opt for a more basic jerky-making method.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality dehydrator. Alternatively, an oven with a low-temperature setting will work.
Conclusion on LEM Products Jerky Cannon
The LEM Products Jerky Cannon is a well-designed and durable tool. It significantly simplifies the jerky-making process. The price of $48.49 is justified considering its build quality, performance, and time-saving benefits.
I would personally recommend the LEM Products Jerky Cannon to anyone serious about making jerky at home. If you’re tired of messy, inconsistent jerky, give the LEM Products Jerky Cannon a try. It could be the jerky-making upgrade you’ve been waiting for.