An electric meat grinder can be found in almost every kitchen. We will figure out how this equipment works, how to operate it correctly, and what manufacturers usually keep silent about. Those who are just looking at the unit will learn how to choose an electric meat grinder, what functions are needed, and which ones should not be overcharged.
How is the meat grinder arranged?
The meat grinder consists of the following parts:
- Body.
- Engine.
- The meat receiver.
- Pusher.
- Screw.
- Knife.
- Lattice.
- The fixing disk.
For different models of meat grinders can be included:
- gratings with different hole sizes;
- additional knives;
- nozzles and graters;
- nozzles for the test;
- nozzles for sausages and kebbe.
The main parameters on which the energy consumption of the meat grinder depends. Choosing a meat grinder by energy class
When calculating costs, you need to consider which parameters, in addition, affect energy consumption:
- Engine power of the device.
- Performance.
- The quality and condition of the consumables of the unit.
- Product quality.
The following factors affect the device’s power consumption:
- First of all, this is the power of an electrical appliance. Power is the most important factor affecting device performance. As a rule, the manufacturer indicates in the data sheet two values of the power of the meat grinder: nominal and maximum.
Power up 800 watts helps to grind small pieces of meat in which there are almost no veins. Do not demand much from such a meat grinder. It is necessary to monitor the temperature of its motor.
Power from 900 to 1400 watts - The most optimal for an electric meat grinder for home use. This technique will quickly and confidently cope with meat of any consistency.
Power from 1500 watts more suitable for a professional electrical appliance. It consumes more energy and is therefore noisier.
With a meat grinder, the power of which varies between 1000-1500 watts, it will not be possible to save on electricity. This is natural: the more powerful the device, the more energy it consumes. If an electric meat grinder turns meat once a month, the cost of electricity is almost invisible. If you use it every other day, the costs will be tangible.
- Productivity is the amount of meat that the device grinds for a minute. Typically, this figure ranges from 600 grams to 4.7 kilograms. The standard is two kilograms of meat products per minute. The higher the performance, the more energy the device consumes.
- The knife is the most wearing part of the machine. Strict requirements are imposed on the material and quality of knives: a dull and poor-quality knife can provoke overheating and breakdown of equipment. The best knives are made of durable alloy steel. They should not have defects or burrs. If the knife becomes dull over time, it cannot be sharpened at home, it is better to contact the service center or the master. Some branded meat grinders have self-sharpening knives, their service life is unlimited. A device with a blunt knife consumes more electricity.
- When the device grinds meat without tendons and admixture of fat, it consumes less energy. The more veins and fat in meat, the greater the energy consumption.
What is the power rating of an electric meat grinder
Far from every customer knows the term "rated power", and this is the most important criterion when choosing household appliances. To understand what kind of power a meat grinder should have, one should know that the concept of “power” includes three categories:
- nominal;
- peak;
- minimal.
Peak or maximum is the engine power at which it gives out its maximum potential (a bone has got into the screw, films or tendons are wound). The device uses maximum power, but no more than two seconds. It is this power that is most often declared on the packaging of the device.
Rated power - the same power with which the device will work by grinding homogeneous meat. Meanwhile, it is possible to find such information only by fairly studying the technical data sheet of the model.
Comparative data of meat grinders of different brands:
Zelmer mm1200 / 88: rated power - 650 W, peak - 1900 W, performance - 2.3;
Philips HR2711 / 20: nominal - 450, peak - 1600, performance - 2.7;
Moulinex ME 4061: nominal - 600, peak - 1200, performance - 1.5.
Key points in choosing an electric meat grinder
Before you look at the electric meat grinders, you should consider the following nuances:
- Material of manufacture: ideal if the meat grinder is entirely made of metal. But such a thing decently hits the pocket, it will be heavy and more noisy. As an option - a device with a plastic case. Damage to the case is quite rare. The interiors of a quality meat grinder should be made only of steel, this guarantees the reliability of the device. Saving on their quality is not recommended. A cheap thing with a plastic screw after six months of work will become unusable.
- The noise level of the meat grinder during operation is from 70 to 90 dB. If this parameter is fundamental when choosing, you can ask the sales assistant to demonstrate the noise level of the model you like.
- Complete grills - each grinder comes with a set of grills for minced meat with small (3–3.5 mm), medium (4.5–6 mm) and large (8–9 mm) openings.
- Engine protection - when hard objects get into the auger of the meat grinder, the device will automatically turn off. Electric meat grinders are equipped with an automatic shutdown function during overload. This function ensures that the unit does not burn out.
- Tray or loading platform. It is attached to the neck of the device and is designed to load pieces of meat or other products. The tray can be made of plastic or metal. The larger the tray area, the more convenient the device is in operation.
- The height of the socket must exceed the length of the fingers. In most models, this value varies from 11 to 15 cm. This eliminates the risk of fingers getting into the mechanism.
- The reverse function can be useful when meat tendons are wound around the auger axis. This function does not have all devices. If there is an opportunity, it is better to choose a model with this opportunity.
- Additional nozzles: nozzles for vegetables quickly chop fruits and vegetables; grater will cope with vegetables and cheese; nozzles for sausage and kebbe will help in the preparation of various sausages. Forming devices will cut the dough into cookies; the coffee grinder will grind coffee grains, spices, nuts; a juicer will help squeeze the juice; Nozzle for tomatoes will not allow seeds and peel to get into home ketchup. Pasta discs and cutlet shapes can also be included. Of course, not all of these nozzles must be included. But you can buy them if you wish. Before buying, you should consider whether this or that nozzle is really needed and how often it is supposed to be used. Separate models of meat grinders have compartments in the case for storage of nozzles and a cord.
- The auger is the main part of an electric meat grinder; it is on it that attachments and knives are attached.The auger for meat must be metal. Sometimes a plastic auger designed for berries, vegetables and dough is also included.
It is necessary to approach the model of an electric meat grinder with all responsibility. It is necessary to be guided by the information received and common sense, paying attention to the smallest details.