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Meat grinder: LEM #8 dual grind vs. Meat .5 dual grinder vs. Cabelas .5 Carnivore

Newhunter1

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've had a table top grinder 800 watt grinder for 17 years. It has been perfect except for this weekend when it stopped working...started back up but i'm concerned that this is just the beginning of the end for that grinder. I have ground close to 50 animals in the last 17 years. Now I was considering the Cabelas Carnivore .5 meat grinder but then I read the reviews. To many negatives to buy. I read the LEM dual grind as well as the MEAT dual grinder. I am leaning towards the LEM but I want to make sure I make the right purchase. I would like to hear your thoughts on the dual grinder if you have it.
 
I bought my #8 LEM in 2020 and it’s seen 4 deer so far. It works great for me but it’s also my first and hopefully last one! It appears well made and the accessories seem durable. I grind right into those LEM 1 lb bags, which speeds up the process. Then use that quick bag tape. Try to buy on sale as it’s pricey. I’m sure the Meat one works great too.
Edit- just realized I have the #12 .75!
 
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I was in your shoes a few years ago and was comparing the same two grinders. I ended up going with the Cabelas 1/2 HP despite a few negative reviews and it has processed five deer flawlessly so far. I just had so many Cabela’s points, so it made more sense in my case. As with any grinding, it helps to have your meat stiff cold and trim up much of the sinew prior to grinding. I’m sure either one will serve you well unless you do a high-volume every year. In either case, it will step up your processing time compared to the old kitchen model! I do recommend the LEM bags with the quick tape dispenser for the bags, meat tubs with liners are nice, and a foot pedal is worth every penny IMO
 
I have used a 750watt, #8 Cabela’s grinder for 8ish years and the last time of spending 4hrs grinding I said enough and the wife unit said go buy what you want. I ended up with a .75hp, #12 grinder from MEAT. It was damn expensive, it’s damn heavy and damn near gave the UPS guy a hernia but I just did a coarse grind and fine grind on a deer in under 30-minutes. I usually grind everything minus a roast or two and the back straps. The course grind took under 10-minutes and I literally could not keep up with it and was throwing meat at it. They’re having a 25% sale right now and I’m pretty sure it’s with free shipping as well. I highly recommend their grinder and the vacuum sealer that I also bought. Both have my processing time down by hours…now if I could just my teenage boys to stuff bags quicker!
 
Just looked at my box for my ginder. it's a 1000w grinder or 1.3 hp...I'm thinking I might go with the .75 hp LEM. What's the difference between a 1000 watt grinder and a .5 or .75 grinder.
 
Well after much thought...I decided to go the LEM #12 or the .75 hp. I didn't go with the Dual Grind though. Got 25% off. Looking forward to using it.
 
Well after much thought...I decided to go the LEM #12 or the .75 hp. I didn't go with the Dual Grind though. Got 25% off. Looking forward to using it.
My thought on the dual grind is it’s nice in theory, but in one cycle it’s not going to mix enough compared to two separate grinds.
 
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