Memorial Day: Grind Your Own Burgers

[Major Nikon]

I've been grinding my own meat for burgers for decades. Here's a pretty good article on the subject.

With sunny weather and the end of the school year upon us, Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the carefree days of summer. This is the perfect time to fire up the grill and make some rich, juicy burgers! One juicy burger tip is to grind your own meat, and we have the thermal tips you need every step of the way to get the most out of each beefy bite.

Keys to the Best Grilled Burgers

There are 4 major characteristics to a memorable burger:

Flavor: Full, rich, beefy flavor.
Brown Crust: Crisp, flavor-packed exterior (thanks to the Maillard Reaction).
Juicy: Meat so moist it’s practically dripping with every bite.
Tender: Texture that is never tough, and can be chewed easily.

Every aspect of the cook starting with the meat you choose, how it’s handled, and the high heat of the grill all play a role in the quality of the final product. And here’s how…

http://blog2.thermoworks.com/2016/05/memorial-day-grind-your-own-burgers/

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. k n r cause i just scored a vintage grinder!

All the parts and in the original wood box - $5!!!!

Already picked up pork to make fresh sausage this weekend

[Major Nikon]

2. The basic meat grinder hasn't changed in over 100 years

Some of them just have motors instead of being hand driven. For the home kitchen they are at least as good, if not superior to motor driven models.

Making sausage at home is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do. Stuffing casings is a bit more of a challenge, but not necessary.

[Galileo126]

3. Any recommendations for a good hand grinder?

I currently use my food processor and the S-blade, but with mixed results.

I've always wanted a hand grinder.

Thanks!

[Major Nikon]

4. A food processor is a pretty good way to grind meat

That's actually my preferred method for grinding meat for chili as it gives me more control over the size of the chunks. I remember the link in the OP talks about using a food processor, although you might have to click through a few things to find it.

I haven't used a manual meat grinder in a very long time. I have the meat grinder attachment for my kitchenaid mixer that I've had for many years.

When looking for a manual meat grinder, there's a few things to consider. First is how you intend to mount it. Some clamp on to the work surface. These type tend to be cheaper, but are less sturdy than ones that are bolted down. Another option is to buy rubber suction cup feet for the bolt down models and some are sold with them included. If I were in the market for one, I would probably look for a bolt down model with suction cups. I've used the clamp on grinders before and while they work, much depends on what you're clamping them on. I'm not sure I'd trust them with certain types of countertops as you stand a good chance of marring or splitting the material.

Another thing to consider is stainless vs plated or tinned metal. If you are doing a lot of grinding, stainless steel is a good option as the material isn't as prone to chipping and cleanup is easier, but these are going to be more expensive. Most of the older ones you're likely to find are either tinned or cast iron.

If I were in the market for a specific one, I'd probably look for a used Enterprise or Choprite bolt down, preferably a smaller one like the #12 as I don't have a need for doing big jobs. The nice thing about them is you can still get parts for them.

http://www.sausagesource.com/chop-rite-enterprise-meat-grinder-12

[Galileo126]

5. All good points to consider...

The clamp option is not one for me, as there is no place to clamp it to. My countertop is from the 70s, and it is all bathroom tile topped and edged (very annoying, but I'm a renter, so I'm stuck with it). I might have to go with the suction cup idea, I dunno. I'll have to do some testing first.

I'd certainly spend a couple more bucks to get the stainless steel, though.

Thanks for all the tips, Major!

[Major Nikon]

6. The suction cups work quite well

I haven't used them on a meat grinder, but I have a set for my potato french fry cutter that work like a charm.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Star-39665-Industrial-Commercial/dp/B00FE01JE2