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Manual vs Electric Meat Grinder

Effort, speed, price and noise.

By Home Butcher Report Editors · Updated November 12, 2026 · 4 min read

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LEM #10 Stainless Steel Clamp-On Hand Grinder (821)LEM Mighty Bite #8 Meat Grinder (1158)

A hand grinder costs about the same as a small electric and never needs power. An electric does the work for you. The deciding question is how many pounds you grind at a time.

Side by side

As of November 12, 2026. Prices are list or typical retail prices; output is the maker's rating.
LEM #10 Hand GrinderLEM Mighty Bite
Price$189.99 listAbout $240
PowerYour arm500 W
OutputDepends on you4–5 lb/min (maker)
NoiseQuietMotor noise
MountingClamp, tables up to 1½ inSits on the counter

How much effort

A few pounds by hand is easy. Twenty pounds is a workout, and a deer is a weekend. If you grind in bulk, buy an electric.

Which should you buy?

Choose the LEM #10 Hand Grinder if

You grind small batches, want quiet, or need a grinder without power.

Choose the LEM Mighty Bite if

You grind more than about 5 pounds at a time.

Questions

Are hand grinders better quality?

A good stainless hand grinder cuts as cleanly as an electric. Texture depends on sharp knives and cold meat.

Cast iron or stainless?

Stainless doesn't rust; cast iron must be dried and oiled every time.

Sources

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