Grinders 'n' Stuffers Resources

Stainless steel plates are much tougher and the blades will usually last up to three times longer than carbon steel.  Stainless parts are still made of steel, though, and can still get surface rust so they are not dishwasher safe.

Measure the diameter of your grinder plates and the center hole:

      #8 Grinder:  Plate measures 2-7/16” in diameter with a 3/8” center hole
     #10 Grinder:  Plate measures 2-3/4” in diameter with a 3/8” center hole
     #22 Grinder:  Plate measures 3-1/4” in diameter with a 7/16” center hole
     #32 Grinder:  Plate measures 3-15/16” in diameter with a 1/2” center hole

You can also print this handy graphic and lay your grinder plate on it to see which size you have.

Before each use, the grinder plates should be washed thoroughly with hot water and dish detergent.  With hand grinders, wash the entire grinder.  Afterwards, rinse with cold water to bring the temperature down before using.  Warm plates will cause the meat to tear instead of grind. 

Mushy meat can be caused by several problems:

1. The locking ring is not on tight.
2. The knife is on backwards.  Make sure the flat part of the knife is against the grinder plate.
3. The meat is too warm, so instead of cutting the meat the grinder is ripping the meat.  Before you start grinding, put the meat in the freezer to form ice crystals.  Do not take out more than you can grind at one time.

Soft, warm meat will rip instead of cut and will get caught in the grinder plate and cause a blockage.  Before you start grinding, put your meat in the freezer for awhile, just long enough to form some ice crystals. Do not take out more meat than you can grind before it gets warm.

Wash the grinder in hot water with dish detergent, making sure to get rid of all of the grease. Rinse thoroughly in hot water. Make sure the plates are completely dry, then coat with a food grade silicone lubricant such as our LEM Silicone Spray.