Sausage Makers - How fine do you grind?

[bluetang]

Originally Posted by IamMadMan

For smoked Kielbasa I use an 8mm or a 10mm plate

for other fresh sausages or summer sausage I use a 6mm plate

For Mortadella, Bologna, and frankfurters I use a 3mm Plate grind twice then emulsify with crushed ice before stuffing.

Exactly the same here.

[cowgirl]

I use a coarse grind for most sausages.
Getting ready to grind some venison for brats if I can stay awake long enough tonight.

[Cabin Fever]

Since were on the topic of grinders, does anyone know where I can find a fine grinding plate for the Kitchen Aid? Both of the plates the attachment came with are pretty coarse and I'd like to try my hand at making hot dogs and bologna once I pick up a stuffer. Online searches really haven't come up with much.

[gtr]

Originally Posted by Cabin Fever

Since were on the topic of grinders, does anyone know where I can find a fine grinding plate for the Kitchen Aid? Both of the plates the attachment came with are pretty coarse and I'd like to try my hand at making hot dogs and bologna once I pick up a stuffer. Online searches really haven't come up with much.

I am not aware of where to find one, but you can emulsify the meat with a food processor.

[IamMadMan]

Originally Posted by Cabin Fever

Since were on the topic of grinders, does anyone know where I can find a fine grinding plate for the Kitchen Aid? Both of the plates the attachment came with are pretty coarse and I'd like to try my hand at making hot dogs and bologna once I pick up a stuffer. Online searches really haven't come up with much.

For the current Kitchenaid grinder attachment I see only 1/4" and 3/16" plates available.

If you have an older model there is a 1/8" plate

Here

Here

To get a finer grind you can partially refreeze the product after the first grind and then regrind when partially frozen.

An other alternative is to go to a machine shop and ask them to make a plate with smaller holes similar to the plate you have. Just make sure when you reduce the size of the holes in the plate that you will have many more smaller holes or the grinder can back-up and possibly damage the drive. Grind with a larger plate then use you smaller plate.

Also on a web search I see that the "Oster" plate look similar to "Kitchenaid" grinder plates, I am not sure what their product line contains.

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