Processing your own deer is a rewarding way to ensure quality and maximize your harvest. The right meat grinder is the cornerstone of this process, turning tough cuts and trim into perfect ground meat for burgers, sausages, and jerky. With options ranging from manual grinders to powerful electric models, selecting the best tool for your needs can streamline your workflow and improve your results.
This roundup features ten highly-rated meat grinders suited for different levels of hunting and processing volume. Whether you handle a single deer each season or process meat frequently, a reliable grinder makes the task faster and more efficient. Consider your typical batch size, desired features, and power requirements to find your ideal match from the following selections.
Our Top Picks for Deer Processing Grinders
- Sunmile SM-G31 Electric Meat Grinder
- LEM Products #10 Clamp-On Hand Grinder
- Weston Pro Series Electric Meat Grinder
- OSTBA Electric Meat Grinder, 5 in 1 Heavy Duty Meat Mincer
- Altra Life Meat Grinder Electric with Concealed Storage Box
- LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder
- STX Turboforce 3000 Series 6-in-1 Electric Meat Grinder
- LEM Products BigBite #12 Meat Grinder
- STX Turboforce II “Platinum” Heavy Duty Electric Meat Grinder
- Weston Butcher Series #12 Electric Meat Grinder
Sunmile SM-G31 Electric Meat Grinder
This model is an excellent starting point for hunters new to processing their own meat. Its straightforward design with a simple on/off switch and screw-type locking knob makes assembly and operation easy. The 800W max power motor is capable of grinding up to 150 pounds per hour, which is sufficient for processing a few deer per season.
It comes fully equipped for basic grinding and sausage stuffing tasks. You receive three stainless steel grinding plates for coarse, medium, and fine textures, a stainless steel cutting blade, a food pusher, and a sausage stuffer. The cutting plates and blade are dishwasher safe for easier cleanup, adding to the convenience for home use.
LEM Products #10 Clamp-On Hand Grinder
For those who prefer a manual, non-electric option or need a reliable backup, this clamp-on hand grinder is a robust choice. Its heavy-duty stainless steel construction ensures longevity and makes cleaning simple. The clamp design securely attaches to tables or countertops up to 1.25 inches thick, providing stability during use.
This grinder offers surprising flexibility for a manual model. It includes two stainless steel grinding plates (coarse and fine), a stainless steel knife, and three plastic stuffing tubes. It is ideal for small batches, teaching the basics of grinding, or for situations where electricity is not available.
Weston Pro Series Electric Meat Grinder
Built for serious volume, the Weston Pro Series is a commercial-grade machine suited for hunters who process multiple animals. Its powerful 2 HP, 1500-watt motor is permanently lubricated and air-cooled for smooth, long-lasting performance. The offset head design contributes to its high-speed operation, grinding 12-18 pounds per minute.
Precision-engineered steel gears provide quiet and durable operation under heavy loads. This grinder is made to handle the demands of frequent, large-batch processing without strain, making it a worthwhile investment for dedicated hunters and families who process meat regularly.
OSTBA Electric Meat Grinder, 5 in 1 Heavy Duty Meat Mincer
This versatile grinder stands out with its multifunctional design, acting as a meat mincer, sausage stuffer, kubbe maker, vegetable slicer, and tomato juicer. With a max power of 2000W, it can produce about 3.3 pounds of minced meat per minute, offering solid performance for home processing.
Safety and food-grade materials are key features. It uses a thermostat system and an automatic circuit breaker to prevent motor overheating. The variety of included attachments, from vegetable slicer kits to a tomato juicer, makes it a useful kitchen tool beyond just deer processing.
Altra Life Meat Grinder Electric with Concealed Storage Box
This grinder emphasizes convenience with a built-in storage box that keeps all accessories organized. Its 2600W max power engine can produce about two pounds of minced meat per minute. The manufacturer notes it should not run continuously for more than 10 minutes, making it best for paced, batch processing.
A unique feature is its spiral rod attachment, designed to extrude meat through three spiral circles. This method aims to preserve meat fiber for a chewier texture, imitating the result of hand-chopped meat. It includes three grinding plates, multiple sausage tubes, and a kibbeh attachment for varied food preparation.
LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder
LEM’s BigBite #8 is engineered as the ideal grinder for hunters processing three to five deer annually. It balances efficient size with capable power, featuring a high-torque 0.5 HP permanently lubricated motor with a built-in circuit breaker. It processes approximately seven pounds of meat per minute.
The “BigBite” feed tube is designed to draw meat in efficiently with less pushing required. It comes ready with three stainless steel plates, a stainless steel knife, a meat stomper, stuffing tubes, and a removal tool. This package offers reliable performance for the regular hunter.
STX Turboforce 3000 Series 6-in-1 Electric Meat Grinder
This high-capacity grinder is built for volume, capable of grinding between 180 and 240 pounds of meat per hour. It features a powerful motor with a 3000W max rating and includes a convenient optional foot pedal for hands-free operation. The large meat hopper holds about three pounds of meat at a time.
It is a comprehensive kit with a #12 size grinding head. You receive three stainless steel blades, five grinding plates, sausage stuffing tubes, a kubbe attachment, and bonus items like meat claws and a burger press. The Advanced Variable Intake (AVI) technology on the auger helps feed meat smoothly.
LEM Products BigBite #12 Meat Grinder
For frequent processors needing more power and speed, the BigBite #12 is a significant step up. Its 0.75 HP motor processes approximately 11 pounds of meat per minute, tackling large jobs effectively. Like its #8 sibling, it features a permanently lubricated induction motor with a circuit breaker.
This model maintains a balance of size and high performance, remaining relatively easy to transport and store despite its power. It includes the same comprehensive accessory set as the #8 model, with three grinding plates, a stuffer plate, a knife, stuffing tubes, and tools.
STX Turboforce II “Platinum” Heavy Duty Electric Meat Grinder
The Turboforce II Platinum model features a patented air-cooled system with a 2000W max motor and a circuit breaker for safety. It is a full-sized #12 grinder with a high-capacity tray, designed to grind between 220 and 260 pounds of meat per hour depending on the plate used.
Notably, it can handle soft bones from game like rabbit or squirrel, and poultry. The package is extensive, including six grinding plates, three blades, sausage tubes, a kubbe maker, meat claws, and a patty maker. The AVI technology auger and large feed tube facilitate efficient grinding.
Weston Butcher Series #12 Electric Meat Grinder
Weston’s Butcher Series is engineered for heavy-duty, frequent use by serious hunters and homesteaders. These grinders are known for their industrial-grade motors and durable metal gearboxes, built to withstand years of demanding processing tasks. They are designed for high-volume output and continuous run times.
Typically featuring powerful motors and all-metal construction, they offer exceptional durability. While specific features vary by model, they often include large grinding heads, multiple plate options, and commercial-style components. This series represents a top-tier choice for those who prioritize professional-level performance and longevity.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Meat Grinder for Deer Processing
Choosing the right tool for the job makes all the difference when you’re turning a deer into ground meat for burgers, sausages, and chili. I’ve processed my share of deer, and I can tell you that not all grinders are created equal for this specific task. The main goal is to find a machine that’s powerful enough to handle sinew and connective tissue without bogging down, and durable enough to last for many seasons. Let’s break down the key features you should consider when picking one of the 10 best meat grinders for deer processing.
First and foremost, think about power and motor type. For a whole deer, I strongly recommend stepping up to an electric grinder. Manual grinders are fine for small batches, but you’ll be exhausted after a few pounds. Look for a motor rated in watts or horsepower. A good starting point for occasional use is around 500-800 watts. If you process multiple animals a year or want to grind frozen meat partially, aim for 1000 watts or more. Gear-driven motors are typically more robust and can handle tougher jobs than direct-drive models.
Next, consider the construction and grinding plates. The grinder head, auger, and cutting blades should be made of durable, food-grade metal. Stainless steel is the gold standard because it resists corrosion and is easier to clean. The size of the grinder is indicated by a number, like #8, #12, or #22. This refers to the size of the plate hole. For home deer processing, a #8 or #12 size is usually perfect. Ensure it comes with at least two grinding plates (a coarse 7mm or 10mm and a fine 4.5mm) for versatility. A sturdy suction base or clamp is also a huge plus to keep the unit stable during long grinding sessions.
Finally, don’t overlook convenience features. A large feeding tube can save you tons of time by allowing you to put in bigger chunks of meat. A forward/reverse switch is a lifesaver if a piece of sinew gets tangled. Some models offer attachments for making sausages, which is a fantastic bonus if you want to get into that. Remember, your grinder is an investment. Spending a bit more on a quality, powerful machine from the start will save you frustration and give you perfect ground venison every time.
FAQ
Can I use a regular kitchen meat grinder for a whole deer?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it for the entire animal. Most standard kitchen grinders are lower wattage (200-300 watts) and designed for smaller batches of softer meat. They will struggle with the volume, sinew, and connective tissue found in venison, leading to motor strain, overheating, and a very slow process. For a whole deer, it’s worth using a grinder built for heavier duty.
What’s the benefit of a higher-wattage motor?
Power is your best friend here. A higher-wattage motor (800 watts and up) provides more torque. This means it can grind tougher cuts, handle colder or partially frozen meat to keep the fat from smearing, and power through sinew without jamming. It also grinds faster, which is important when you have 50+ pounds of meat to process. It reduces strain on the motor, which translates to a longer lifespan for the machine.
How important is it to have a reverse function?
In my experience, a reverse function is extremely useful. When you’re grinding venison, long strands of sinew or silver skin can wrap around the auger and cause a jam. Instead of having to disassemble the whole grinder head to clear it—a messy and time-consuming job—you can simply hit reverse to back the clog out. It’s a feature you might not use often, but you’ll be very grateful for it when you need it.
Should I get a grinder with a metal or plastic gear housing?
Always opt for metal gear housing, typically aluminum or steel. The grinding process generates significant force and heat. Metal housings dissipate heat better and are far more durable under stress. Plastic housings can crack over time, especially if the motor jams or is put under heavy load. For the 10 best meat grinders for deer processing, durability is key, and metal construction is a sign of a machine built to last.
How fine should I grind my venison for burgers or sausage?
This comes down to personal texture preference, but I usually recommend a double grind. First, use a coarse plate (like 7mm or 10mm) to break down the chunks. Then, mix in your binding agents or pork fat if you’re using any. Run it through the fine plate (4.5mm or 3mm) for a second grind. This gives you a consistent, fine texture perfect for burgers that hold together well and emulsified sausages like bratwurst.