I need a slicer and a grinder

[boatnut]

I agree that you get what you pay for. That being said though, if you are only planning on grinding 5 or 6 lbs of chuck etc at a time then the "cheapy" grinders will probably do the job. Just don't count on running several deer thru it at a time.

[jaymo]

I've been looking at getting a grinder & slicer as well. Are those of you with the Kitchenaid grinder attachment happy with it for small purposes? I don't hunt or anything, so I wouldn't be grinding huge amounts at a time. I'd mainly use it for sausage making and grinding my own burgers.

[Saiko]

Originally Posted by JMSetzler

The cast iron grates are very nice.
What these grates are NOT good for:
I don't think these grates will lend themselves exceptionally well to indirect cooking unless its gonna be a cook that doesn't require additional charcoal.

I could be wrong here, but I'm guessing that the advantage of the additional mass of the cast iron grates acting as a heat sink will outweigh the disadvantage of easy charcoal access (using offset). Landarc, who is our kettle offset master, uses a cast iron skillet in his kettle offset arrangement to increase the thermal mass. I bet that the cast iron grates will accomplish the same thing, although he does add water to the pan also to increase humidity.

I just use a pair of tongs to lift a quarter of my cast iron grates off at a time to gain access to the charcoal.

[wildflower]

I got a low cost slicer at SAM'S, took it back the next day. U get what you pay for

[Cast Iron Chef]

I also have that slicer. As jimmyinsd said know what you have. I picked mine up on CL for $35.00. It works great and easy to clean. It cut through frozen beef for jerky. Your not going to win any speed matches but for the occasional use it's well worth it. For $100.00 new vs $500.00 for a used hobart it's affordable. Also looking to add the grinder as well.

[platriver]

I can't speak about the grinder but I have that model of slicer. I slice on a weekly baisis........bacon, roast beef, vegetables, etc. and I love it. I especially like the fact that you can completely break it down for cleaning. I have never had a problem with overheating, etc. when I give mine a workout.

[got14u]

Not sure on slicers, I have a cabelas one and it works ok, definitely not a hobart. As for a grinder I have a cabelas 3/4 hp grinder that will do what I need and a lot more. I have a family of 7 and hunt also so it get's used a lot.

[Rock48nj]

I am looking to get a grinder as well.. those northern tools ones look promissing. Anyone have experience with equipment from STX International? Was looking at this one:

http://www.stxinternational.com/Grin...e%201800W.html

[Cast Iron Chef]

Originally Posted by Rock48nj

I am looking to get a grinder as well.. those northern tools ones look promissing. Anyone have experience with equipment from STX International? Was looking at this one:

http://www.stxinternational.com/Grin...e%201800W.html

Looks like a pretty powerful one. Not a bad price either. Wonder if it works?

[JMSetzler]

Originally Posted by platriver

I can't speak about the grinder but I have that model of slicer. I slice on a weekly baisis........bacon, roast beef, vegetables, etc. and I love it. I especially like the fact that you can completely break it down for cleaning. I have never had a problem with overheating, etc. when I give mine a workout.

Thanks for that feedback. The #1 complaint on the amazon reviews of this product is that its a PITA to clean.

[Cast Iron Chef]

Originally Posted by JMSetzler

Thanks for that feedback. The #1 complaint on the amazon reviews of this product is that its a PITA to clean.

I actually find it very easy to break down and clean.

[Smoothsmoke]

Here is a great one. You can workout the guns at the same time.

[aquablue22]

We used to have Deli's and had expensive Hobart Slicers and I'll tell you EVERY slicer is a PITA to clean.......The food inspector visited them FIRST on his inspections.

Originally Posted by JMSetzler

Thanks for that feedback. The #1 complaint on the amazon reviews of this product is that its a PITA to clean.

[JMSetzler]

Originally Posted by Smoothsmoke

I've got this one.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_36989_36989

I can tell you it kicks ass. No complaints and I've used it close to 30 times.

What's weird that it appears to be the same as this one, but the one on the link below is 30 bucks less.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...1267_200451267

This one wins. I'm gonna go pick one up tomorrow... I'm still up in the air about the slicer. I might have to look into that one a little deeper...

[JMSetzler]

I finally got around to giving the Kitchener meat grinder a whirl yesterday... I used it to grind up some dark meat chicken for some chicken salad.... worked like a champ!