Store-bought chorizo is fine, but grinding your own pork shoulder lets you set the fat, the chile and the texture. Chorizo, longaniza, picadillo and burgers all start with ground meat, and a grinder is how you control what goes in it. A good electric grinder makes that a ten-minute job instead of an afternoon with a hand crank.
This guide compares eight electric meat grinders for home kitchens, from compact 300-watt machines to #12 grinders with a full set of plates and stuffing tubes. We used each maker’s specifications and the Amazon listings, and we explain which figures to trust, starting with wattage.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which electric meat grinder to buy
The best electric meat grinder for most home kitchens is the STX Turboforce 3000: a #12 head, a hopper STX says holds about 3 pounds, five plates, three stuffing tubes and a three-year warranty. If you grind often and want the longest warranty, choose the LEM BigBite #8. If you want to stuff links, the Weston #12 has a slow speed for stuffing and a fast one for grinding.
Already own a stand mixer? A grinder attachment may be enough for occasional batches; see our guide to the best stand mixer for the mixers that take one.
Five electric meat grinders at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of cook, with the power, head size and plates each maker states. All eight grinders are reviewed in full below.
| Meat grinder | Best for | Power (as stated) | Head and plates | Reverse | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STX Turboforce 3000 #12 Electric Meat GrinderBest overall
|
Most kitchens, bigger batches | 3,000 W locked; 800–1,200 W running | #12; 5 plates | Not stated | View on Amazon |
LEM BigBite #8 Electric Meat GrinderBuilt to last
|
Frequent grinding | 0.5 HP | #8; 3 plates | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Weston #12 Electric Meat Grinder and Sausage StufferBest for sausage
|
Grinding and stuffing links | 750 W, 1 HP; 2 speeds | #12; stainless plates | Yes | View on Amazon |
Sunmile SM-G50 #12 Electric Meat GrinderBudget pick
|
A first grinder | 350 W rated; 1,000 W max | #12; 3 plates | Yes | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart Electric Meat GrinderBest compact
|
Small batches, small kitchens | 300 W | 2 plates | Yes | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best electric meat grinder
These eight grinders cover the range a home cook is likely to need: #12 machines for big batches, #8 grinders with strong warranties, and compact units for a pound or two at a time. Each entry lists the power the maker states, the plates and sausage parts in the box, whether it has reverse, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. STX Turboforce 3000 #12 Electric Meat Grinder – Big Hopper, Five Plates
The STX Turboforce 3000 is the grinder to buy if you want one machine that handles a family pack of pork shoulder for chorizo without a fuss and still has the extras for burgers and stuffed sausage. It has a #12 grinding head, larger than the #8 and #5 heads on most kitchen grinders, and STX says the hopper holds about 3 pounds of prepped meat.
The power figure needs reading carefully. STX lists 3,000 watts as the locked-motor wattage and says the grinder normally draws 800 to 1,200 watts under load, which is the more useful number. STX rates it at 180 to 240 pounds of meat an hour when the meat is cut into strips or cubes. The kit is generous: five plates 2-5/8 inches across (one of them a sausage stuffing plate), three stainless steel blades, three stuffing tubes from 1/2 to 3/4 inch, a kubbe attachment, two meat claws and a burger and slider press.
For chorizo, a coarse plate gives the loose, crumbly texture that fries well in a skillet; a finer plate suits a smoother sausage you plan to stuff. STX is clear about limits: no bones, tendons, vegetables, nuts or fruit, and it is not meant for commercial use. The listing does not say whether the parts are dishwasher-safe, so plan to hand wash the aluminum head.
Why we like it
- #12 head and a hopper STX says holds about 3 pounds of meat
- Five plates, three blades and three stuffing tubes in the box
- STX states 180 to 240 pounds an hour with prepped meat
- Three-year warranty, per STX
Key specifications
| Grinder | STX-3000-TF |
|---|---|
| Power (as stated) | 3,000 W locked; 800–1,200 W under load |
| Head size | #12 |
| Plate sizes | 5 plates incl. 1 stuffing plate, 2-5/8 in |
| Sausage kit | 3 tubes (1/2, 5/8, 3/4 in), kubbe attachment |
| Reverse function | Not stated in listing |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Why we recommend it
Home cooks who grind several pounds at a time for chorizo, burgers or picadillo and want the plates and tubes to make sausage without buying extras.
Skip it if you only grind a pound or two now and then; a #12 grinder is more machine than that job needs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large head and hopper for bigger batches
- Most complete accessory kit here
- Long three-year warranty
Cons
- 3,000 W is a locked-motor figure, not running power
- Not for bones or vegetables, per STX
- Dishwasher use not stated
2. LEM BigBite #8 Electric Meat Grinder – Five-Year Warranty, Quiet Motor
LEM makes equipment for hunters and home butchers, and the BigBite #8 is its home-sized grinder with the same stainless steel build as its larger models. LEM rates the 0.5 HP motor at about 7 pounds of meat a minute, which is quicker than the #12 machines on this list claim, and it describes a noise-dampening design for quieter running.
The box holds three plates, a knife, a stomper and stuffing tubes for sausage. LEM does not list the plate sizes or the number of tubes in the listing text, so check the product page before you buy if you have a particular casing in mind. The motor is permanently lubricated, the parts are stainless steel, and the grinder comes apart for cleaning.
What sets it apart is support. LEM gives a five-year factory warranty, the longest here, and says it stocks replacement parts for past and present models. If you grind a few times a month, for chorizo, longaniza or venison in season, that matters more than an extra accessory.
Why we like it
- 0.5 HP motor rated at about 7 pounds a minute, per LEM
- Stainless steel construction
- Five-year factory warranty and replacement parts from LEM
- Noise-dampening design
Key specifications
| Grinder | LEM BigBite #8 (17791) |
|---|---|
| Power (as stated) | 0.5 HP |
| Head size | #8 |
| Plate sizes | 3 plates (sizes not stated) |
| Sausage kit | Stuffing tubes and stomper |
| Reverse function | Not stated in listing |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Why we recommend it
Cooks who grind regularly and would rather pay once for a stainless machine with a long warranty and a maker that sells spare parts.
Skip it if you want the biggest accessory kit for the money; the STX and Weston include more pieces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fastest stated grind rate on this list
- Five-year warranty
- Replacement parts available from LEM
Cons
- Plate sizes not listed
- Not for bones, per LEM
- Reverse not mentioned in the listing
3. Weston #12 Electric Meat Grinder and Sausage Stuffer – Two Speeds and Reverse
Weston’s #12 grinder has the feature sausage makers ask for most: two speeds. Weston says the slow first speed is for stuffing sausage and the fast speed is for grinding, which means the meat goes into casings at a pace one person can manage. There is also a reverse function to clear jams, useful when a strand of sinew wraps the auger.
The motor is 750 watts, which Weston also states as 1 HP, and the maker rates it at 4 to 5 pounds a minute. The body is die-cast aluminum with metal gears, and a cam-action headlock secures the grinding head, so it is quicker to attach and remove than a screw collar.
Weston includes stainless steel grinding plates and a sausage stuffing funnel and spacer. The listing does not give the number of plates or their sizes, so confirm that if you need a particular grind. For a Saturday batch of chorizo that you grind and then stuff, the two-speed motor is the reason to choose it over the others.
Why we like it
- Two speeds: slow for stuffing, fast for grinding, per Weston
- Reverse function to clear jams
- 750 W (1 HP) motor with metal gears
- Cam-action headlock
Key specifications
| Grinder | Weston 33-1301-W |
|---|---|
| Power (as stated) | 750 W, 1 HP |
| Head size | #12 |
| Plate sizes | Stainless plates (count and sizes not stated) |
| Sausage kit | Stuffing funnel and spacer |
| Reverse function | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Anyone who plans to stuff links as well as grind, and wants a slow speed for the stuffing.
Skip it if you only make loose chorizo; you will not use the second speed.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two speeds plus reverse
- Metal gears and die-cast body
- Quick-release headlock
Cons
- Plate count and sizes not listed
- One-year warranty
- Dishwasher use not stated
4. Sunmile SM-G50 #12 Electric Meat Grinder – Big Head, Small Budget
The Sunmile SM-G50 gets you a #12 head and a reverse switch without the cost of the bigger-name machines. Sunmile lists 350 watts of rated power and 1,000 watts of maximum locked power, and rates it at up to 200 pounds an hour. Inside is a metal gear box, and a circuit breaker is there to stop the motor burning out if it stalls.
The kit is plain: one stainless steel cutting blade, three stainless steel plates for coarse, medium and fine grinding, a plastic food pusher and a sausage stuffing tube. Sunmile says the blade and plates can go in the dishwasher, and the grinding head is polished cast aluminum.
The switch has on, off and reverse positions, and the cord stores inside the body. For a cook who wants to try grinding pork shoulder for chorizo before committing to a bigger machine, it covers the basics.
Why we like it
- #12 head with coarse, medium and fine plates
- On/off/reverse switch and a circuit breaker
- Metal gear box, per Sunmile
- Blade and plates dishwasher-safe, per Sunmile
Key specifications
| Grinder | Sunmile SM-G50 |
|---|---|
| Power (as stated) | 350 W rated; 1,000 W max locked |
| Head size | #12 |
| Plate sizes | 3 plates: coarse, medium, fine |
| Sausage kit | 1 stuffing tube |
| Reverse function | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Blade and plates, per Sunmile |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
First-time grinders who want a full-size head and reverse at a lower cost.
Skip it if you want several stuffing tubes or a kubbe attachment in the box.
Pros and cons
Pros
- #12 capacity at a budget level
- Reverse and circuit breaker
- Dishwasher-safe blade and plates, per maker
Cons
- Rated power is only 350 W
- Single stuffing tube
- One-year warranty
5. Cuisinart Electric Meat Grinder – Small Batches, Small Counter
Cuisinart’s MG-100 is the grinder for a small kitchen and small batches. Its 300-watt motor is the least powerful here, and Cuisinart rates it at up to 3 pounds of meat a minute, which is plenty for a pound or two of pork for a weeknight chorizo con papas.
It comes with two metal cutting plates, medium and coarse, and two sausage attachments, one for breakfast links and one for regular sausage. There is a reverse function to release clogged food. The housing is stainless steel and the cord is 34 inches long.
There is no fine plate, so it is less suited to smooth emulsified sausage. For coarse ground chorizo, picadillo or burger meat, the medium and coarse plates cover what a Mexican home kitchen grinds most.
Why we like it
- Compact stainless steel housing
- Reverse function
- Two sausage attachments
- Three-year limited warranty, per Cuisinart
Key specifications
| Grinder | Cuisinart MG-100 |
|---|---|
| Power (as stated) | 300 W |
| Head size | Not stated |
| Plate sizes | 2 plates: medium, coarse |
| Sausage kit | 2 sausage attachments |
| Reverse function | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Not stated |
| Warranty | 3 years limited |
Why we recommend it
Cooks grinding a pound or two at a time who want a machine that stores easily and comes from a familiar brand.
Skip it if you grind in bulk; 300 watts and two plates will slow you down.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Small footprint
- Reverse function
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Least powerful motor here
- No fine plate
- Short 34-inch cord
6. LEM MightyBite #8 Electric Meat Grinder – LEM Support in a Smaller Body
The MightyBite is LEM’s lighter, aluminum #8 grinder. LEM rates the 500-watt motor at 4 to 5 pounds a minute, slower than the BigBite but still quick for home batches, and it adds a circuit breaker and a permanently lubricated motor.
It comes with stainless steel plates, a knife, a stomper and three stuffing tubes. LEM says the parts clean with warm soapy water. The warranty is two years, shorter than the BigBite’s five, but you still get LEM’s customer support and spare parts.
Choose it if you like LEM’s backing but grind a few pounds at a time rather than a whole shoulder every weekend.
Why we like it
- 500 W motor rated at 4–5 pounds a minute
- Three stuffing tubes and a stomper
- Circuit breaker
- LEM replacement parts and support
Key specifications
| Grinder | LEM MightyBite #8 (1158) |
|---|---|
| Power (as stated) | 500 W |
| Head size | #8 |
| Plate sizes | Stainless plates (count and sizes not stated) |
| Sausage kit | 3 stuffing tubes, stomper |
| Reverse function | Not stated in listing |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | No; hand wash, per LEM |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
Cooks who want a maker that sells parts and answers questions, in a smaller grinder than the BigBite.
Skip it if you want the fastest grind or the longest warranty; the BigBite has both.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three stuffing tubes included
- Circuit breaker
- LEM parts and support
Cons
- Aluminum rather than stainless body
- Plate count not listed
- Hand wash only
7. Gourmia 500W Electric Meat Grinder – Fine to Coarse in One Box
Gourmia’s GMG525 is a straightforward 500-watt grinder with three stainless steel plates, fine, medium and coarse, so you can go from loose chorizo to a finer filling without buying extras. A three-way on, off and reverse switch keeps meat moving and clears minor jams.
It includes sausage and kebbe attachments and a food pusher. Gourmia says the parts lock in place and come off easily for hand washing; it does not say they are dishwasher-safe.
The listing gives no grind rate or head size, and the warranty is one year. It is a reasonable middle choice if you want all three plates and reverse without the bulk of a #12 machine.
Why we like it
- Fine, medium and coarse stainless plates
- On/off/reverse switch
- Sausage and kebbe attachments
Key specifications
| Grinder | Gourmia GMG525 |
|---|---|
| Power (as stated) | 500 W |
| Head size | Not stated |
| Plate sizes | 3 plates: fine, medium, coarse |
| Sausage kit | Sausage and kebbe attachments |
| Reverse function | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | No; hand wash, per Gourmia |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Cooks who want three grind sizes and reverse in a mid-size machine.
Skip it if you want a stated grind rate or a long warranty.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three grind sizes
- Reverse switch
- Kebbe attachment included
Cons
- No grind rate or head size stated
- Hand wash only
- One-year warranty
8. Aobosi Touch-Screen Electric Meat Grinder – Auto-Reverse and Built-In Storage
Aobosi’s MG102A swaps the usual rocker switch for a color touch screen with three modes: meat, sausage and reverse. Its auto-reverse function is meant to stop clogging, and the accessories, two blades, three plates and a sausage and kibbe attachment, store inside the body.
Aobosi lists 350 watts rated and 3,000 watts maximum, and rates it at up to 4 pounds a minute. It also tells owners not to run it continuously for more than 10 minutes to avoid overheating, which is worth knowing before a big batch: grind in rounds.
The blades and plates are dishwasher-safe per Aobosi, although the maker also recommends hand washing all attachments for best results. The listing does not give a head size or warranty.
Why we like it
- Touch-screen modes for meat, sausage and reverse
- Auto-reverse to reduce clogging
- Built-in accessory storage
- Two blades and three plates
Key specifications
| Grinder | Aobosi MG102A |
|---|---|
| Power (as stated) | 350 W rated; 3,000 W max |
| Head size | Not stated |
| Plate sizes | 3 plates (sizes not stated) |
| Sausage kit | Sausage and kibbe attachment |
| Reverse function | Yes, auto-reverse |
| Dishwasher-safe parts | Blades and plates, per Aobosi (hand wash recommended) |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Cooks who want simple controls and a tidy place to keep the plates and tubes.
Skip it if you grind large batches in one go; Aobosi limits continuous running to 10 minutes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy touch controls
- Auto-reverse
- Accessories store on board
Cons
- 10-minute continuous-use limit
- Warranty not stated
- Head size not stated
What about a KitchenAid grinder attachment?
If you already own a KitchenAid or a Cuisinart stand mixer, both makers sell meat grinder attachments that run off the mixer’s power hub, as our stand mixer guide explains. For a pound or two of pork now and then, that saves buying and storing another appliance. A dedicated electric grinder makes more sense when you grind several pounds at a time, want a #12 head, or want reverse to clear sinew without stopping to take the head apart.
How to choose an electric meat grinder
1. Read the wattage carefully
Grinder listings often lead with a maximum or locked-motor figure, the power the motor draws when stalled. STX, for example, lists 3,000 watts locked but 800 to 1,200 watts under load, and Sunmile and Aobosi list 350 watts rated against 1,000 and 3,000 watts maximum. Compare rated or running power, or a stated pounds-per-minute figure, rather than the biggest number on the box.
2. Head size sets the batch size
Grinder heads are numbered: #5, #8, #12 and up. A bigger number means a wider throat and larger plates, so more meat moves through at once. A #8 suits a few pounds; a #12 suits a whole pork shoulder for a big batch of chorizo.
3. Plates for the texture you want
A coarse plate gives loose, crumbly chorizo and good burger texture. A medium plate is the all-rounder. A fine plate is for smooth fillings or a second pass. If you only make loose chorizo and picadillo, two plates are enough; for stuffed sausage, look for a fine plate and several tube sizes.
4. Reverse and a slow speed
Reverse backs the auger up when sinew wraps the blade, so you can clear it without taking the head apart. A slow speed, like Weston’s, makes stuffing casings easier for one person.
5. Cleaning and warranty
LEM and Gourmia say to hand wash, and most of the others do not say either way; only Sunmile and Aobosi state that their blades and plates can go in the dishwasher. Warranties range from one year to LEM’s five.
Grinding pork for chorizo, step by step
Cut the pork into strips or cubes, as STX recommends for its stated grind rate, and trim off tough silver skin. Keep the meat and the grinder parts cold; chill the head and plates before grinding so the fat cuts cleanly instead of smearing. Grind through a coarse plate, then mix in the chile paste, vinegar and spices by hand. Our guide to Mexican chiles covers the dried chiles that give chorizo its color.
Cook it through. West Virginia University Extension, citing USDA guidance, says to cook pork and ground beef to 160°F and to check with a thermometer in the thickest part. Our guide to the best meat thermometer covers instant-read models. If you grind more than you will use this week, portion it flat and freeze it; a vacuum sealer keeps portions tidy.
How we chose these eight grinders
We did not test these grinders. We compared what each maker states on its Amazon listing: rated and maximum power, head size, plates, sausage parts, reverse, cleaning and warranty. We checked that every grinder was in stock on Amazon when we wrote this, and we searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for each brand and found no recall listed for these models. We left out unbranded grinders with near-identical listings and kept the brands that publish clear specifications and warranty terms.
Electric meat grinder questions, answered
What is the best electric meat grinder for home use?
For most home kitchens, the STX Turboforce 3000: a #12 head, five plates and stuffing tubes, and a three-year warranty. If you grind small amounts, the Cuisinart is easier to store.
How many watts does a home meat grinder need?
Compare running or rated power, not the maximum. The grinders here run from 300 watts (Cuisinart) to 750 watts (Weston), with LEM’s BigBite stated at 0.5 HP. For a few pounds of pork at a time, any of them will do; for whole shoulders, choose a #12 head.
Can an electric meat grinder grind bones?
Not these. STX and LEM say plainly that their grinders are not for bones, and none of the other makers here lists bone as a use. Grinding bone needs a machine made and rated for it.
Can I put meat grinder parts in the dishwasher?
Only if the maker says so. Sunmile and Aobosi say their blades and plates are dishwasher-safe; LEM and Gourmia say to hand wash. When in doubt, wash by hand and dry the parts straight away.
Is it worth grinding your own meat for chorizo?
If you make chorizo or picadillo often, yes: you choose the cut and the fat. If you make it once a year, a butcher can grind pork shoulder for you.
Our pick for homemade chorizo
Buy the STX Turboforce 3000 if you want one grinder that handles big batches and comes with everything for sausage. Choose the LEM BigBite #8 for the longest warranty, the Weston #12 if you stuff links, and the Sunmile SM-G50 if you want a #12 head on a budget. For a pound or two at a time, the Cuisinart is enough, and a stand mixer attachment may be too.
More small-appliance guides: food processors, personal blenders, hand mixers, vegetable choppers, spice grinders, food dehydrators, yogurt makers, pasta makers, bread machines.
Prefer to crank it by hand? See our guide to the best hand meat grinders.
Already own a stand mixer? See our guide to the best stand mixer meat grinder attachments.
Processing a deer or other game? See our guide to the best meat grinders for deer.
Related guide: Best sausage stuffer.
Related guide: Best meat slicer for home.
Related guide: Hand vs electric meat grinder.
Chorizo and eggs need a good pan and warm tortillas; our guide to the best cast iron skillet covers the pan. And if you would rather someone else made the chorizo tonight, see the menu or call to order.