Sausagemaking Equipment: Essential Tools for 2023
Discover > Texas Home Cooking > Sausagemaking Equipment: Essential Tools for 2023
Making homemade sausages has never been easier and more satisfying, especially with all the right equipment at your disposal. To begin with, you must select the right meat mixers for preparing the base of your sausage. A Kitchenaid stand mixer is an excellent choice due to its durability and versatility. It's equipped with a stainless steel frame, making it reliable for heavy-duty use.
Next, choosing the right sausage casing is crucial for the final product. The casing not only holds the meat but also impacts the taste and texture of the sausage.
No sausage is complete without sausage seasonings. The blend of spices and herbs can transform the flavor profile of your sausage, making it a truly personal and unique dish.
For those in search of new ideas, look to sausage-making inspiration resources available online or in cookbooks. They can provide you with the guidance and creativity you need to create delicious sausages at home.
When you have all the equipment and knowledge at your disposal, making sausages at home becomes a rewarding culinary adventure.
Sausage-making equipment comes in many forms, from manual tools like sausage stuffers and meat grinders to electric appliances that automate portions of the process.
These tools help you achieve the desired texture and filling for your sausages, while also ensuring that the casings are filled evenly and consistently. Choosing the right equipment involves several considerations, such as ease of use, size, quality of materials, and cleanup.
Choosing the right sausage-making equipment involves considering your usage frequency, production quantity, and tool versatility. It's important to invest in durable, easy-to-maintain tools to save time and effort. We've tested various options to help you find the best fit for your culinary needs.
Best Sausage Making Equipment
We have gathered a list of the top sausage-making equipment for both beginners and experts alike. Explore our selection and find the perfect tools to create delicious homemade sausages.
MASTER FENG Sausage Stuffer
This stainless steel sausage stuffer is perfect for home cooks seeking to make various sizes of sausages with ease.
Pros
Durable stainless steel construction
Includes 8 filling nozzles for various sausage sizes
2.5 lbs capacity allows for plenty of sausages in one go
Cons
Requires manual labor, unlike electric options
Some parts can be difficult to clean
Potential for air to get trapped in sausages
We recently tried out the MASTER FENG Sausage Stuffer and found it to be a great addition to our kitchen. The stainless steel body is not only durable but also easy to clean, allowing the machine to be used repeatedly without losing its efficiency. Using this stuffer, we were able to make several batches of sausages within a short period, thanks to its 2.5 lbs capacity.
The inclusion of 8 filling nozzles, comprising 4 stainless steel and 4 plastic tubes, is a definite plus as it allowed us to create different sizes of sausages at home, including hot dogs and bratwurst. We noticed that the ergonomic design, featuring an air-release silicone piston in the cylinder, made our sausage stuffing job smoother and ensured minimal air content in our meat.
However, it's worth noting that this stuffer requires manual labor, unlike electric alternatives that may save time for some users. Additionally, some parts can be challenging to clean, especially after multiple uses. We also found that care needs to be taken when using the air-release silicone piston to avoid the air from getting trapped in the sausages and affecting their quality.
We'd recommend the MASTER FENG Sausage Stuffer for home cooks who seek a reliable and efficient tool for making sausages in various sizes and aren't afraid to put in a bit of elbow grease for optimum results.
STX Turboforce II Platinum Electric Meat Grinder & Sausage Stuffer
The STX Turboforce II Platinum is an efficient, sturdy choice for home chefs looking to make sausages and grind their meats with ease.
Pros
Powerful 2000W motor ideal for various types of meats
High-capacity meat tray holds up to 3 lbs
Includes numerous accessories for various grinding and sausage-making needs
Cons
Grinding soft bones may be a challenge
May produce some black residue during the operation
Not suitable for heavy-duty, professional needs
As passionate home cooks, we found the STX Turboforce II Platinum to be an incredibly handy kitchen tool. The powerful 2000W motor not only grinds different types of meat with efficiency but also allows us to make a variety of sausages, thanks to the included accessories. The high-capacity meat tray, which holds up to 3 lbs of meat, is another feature that contributes to a smoother cooking session.
However, we did notice that grinding soft bones could be a bit challenging, and sometimes the grinder produced a black residue during operation. We feel it's essential to highlight this concern for consumers who may want to use the grinder for processing bones and making pet foods.
The STX Turboforce II Platinum is an excellent choice for home cooks with moderate grinding and sausage-making needs. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty, professional use, it's a reliable and efficient grinder that will surely make your kitchen endeavors easier and more enjoyable.
LEM Product 654 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Mixer Silver
The LEM Product 654 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Mixer is a reliable choice for home sausage makers thanks to its convenience and quality.
Pros
Easy to clean with its stainless steel parts
20-pound capacity ideal for home use
Simple, manual operation with a comfortable handle
Cons
Not compatible with LEM grinders
Some paddles may need adjustments before use
Hand-cranking can be tiresome for large quantities
We used the LEM 654 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Mixer for making our sausage casings and were impressed by its sturdy construction and usability. Mixing our meat, water, and seasonings in the hopper was straightforward, resulting in well-blended sausages.
The stainless steel hopper and four mixing paddles were not only easy to clean, but also rust-resistant, making maintenance a breeze. The inclusion of a plexiglass cover was a nice touch, as it allowed for clear visibility of the mixing process while preventing any messes.
However, we were slightly disappointed to discover that the mixer could not be attached to our LEM grinder. This meant that we had to rely on manual hand-cranking, which was not a major issue for small batches but could be tiresome for larger quantities. In addition, a few of the paddles required adjustments to ensure smooth mixing.
The LEM Product 654 Stainless Steel Manual Meat Mixer is a valuable investment for any home sausage maker looking for ease and efficiency in their meat processing, as long as they are aware of its limitations.
The Sausage Maker - North American Natural Hog Casings
We strongly recommend The Sausage Maker North American Natural Hog Casings for your sausage-making needs due to its quality and versatile application.
Pros
Works well for home usage and all levels of sausage makers
Makes between 20 to 30 lbs. of sausage
Comes packaged in purified salt for freshness and an indefinite shelf life
Cons
Length variations in the casings may be challenging for some users
No clear indication of how much product is required for a specific amount of sausage
Product packaging may differ from the main image displayed
We recently used The Sausage Maker's North American Natural Hog Casings and found them to be of excellent quality. The casings are perfect for home sausage making, fitting all levels of experience, and the purified salt packaging ensures that they remain fresh and last indefinitely when properly refrigerated.
The casings can handle between 20 to 30 lbs. of sausage, depending on the size of the links or rope. This provides a generous capacity for crafting delicious, homemade sausage from standard Italian to Polish and Bratwurst.
However, one thing to note is that these casings come in varying sizes and lengths, which may be tricky for some users. They range from 2' to 8', with the total length of one pack being 50'. Despite this issue, we experienced no problems when utilizing these casings for various sausage types.
Another point to consider is that there isn't a clear indication of how much product is needed to create a specific amount of sausage. It may take some trial and error to determine the right quantity for your needs. Lastly, while the packaging may not always match the image shown, the content and quality are consistent.
The Sausage Maker's North American Natural Hog Casings are an excellent investment for creative, homemade sausage recipes. Their quality and versatility make them a must-have for any aspiring or experienced sausage maker.
Yabano Electric Meat Grinder
We recommend the Yabano Electric Meat Grinder for its powerful performance, ease of use, and versatility in sausage-making.
Pros
Powerful 450W motor with up to 3000W max
Comes with 2 grinder plates for varied coarseness
Safety features such as locking knob and overload protection
Cons
Not all parts dishwasher safe
May experience overheating
Takes some practice to assemble it properly
The Yabano Electric Meat Grinder is a heavy-duty, reliable piece of equipment perfect for sausagemaking. Its powerful 450W motor has a maximum capacity of 3000W, which allows for quick and efficient grinding of bulk batches of meat. The grinder comes with two stainless steel plates, providing options for choosing the coarseness of your ground meat. In our experience, the freshly ground meat helped us achieve the perfect texture for our sausages.
Safety is an essential aspect of any kitchen appliance, especially with a meat grinder. The Yabano grinder's safety features include a locking knob and overload protection. These ensure that the appliance will turn off if overheating or overloading occurs. Additionally, there is a "Reverse" button feature that enables users to clear stuck tendons while grinding.
The Yabano grinder is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning, though some parts require manual cleaning. Removal of cutting attachments simplifies the process. Assembly may initially present a learning curve, but practice makes it easier over time.
The Yabano Electric Meat Grinder is a powerful and versatile addition to any kitchen, perfect for those looking for efficient sausagemaking equipment. With its safety features, easy cleaning, and the ability to control the texture of your ground meat, this grinder meets all of your sausagemaking needs. However, be prepared for some manual cleaning and assembly practice.
Buying Guide
When looking for sausage-making equipment, it's important to consider a few key factors that will help ensure you make the best choice for your needs. In this buying guide, we will discuss some crucial aspects to pay attention to when selecting the perfect equipment.
Quality of materials
The quality of the materials used in your sausage-making equipment is an important factor to consider. Look for machines made of stainless steel or other durable materials that can withstand the test of time and resist wear and tear. Additionally, ensure the components are easy to clean to maintain excellent hygiene standards.
Size and capacity
The size and capacity of your sausage-making equipment should align with your production needs. If you're a small-scale home chef, a compact and easy-to-store device is likely a great fit. On the other hand, if you're a professional butcher or have large-scale production needs, investing in equipment with higher capacity is essential.
Versatility
Versatility in sausage-making equipment can be a valuable feature. Look for devices that offer various attachments and settings, allowing you to create a wide range of sausages with different sizes, shapes, and textures. This will provide you with flexibility and encourage creativity in your sausage-making endeavors.
Ease of use
The equipment you choose should be user-friendly and straightforward to operate. This will help reduce the learning curve, allowing you to make sausages more efficiently. Additionally, consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements, as these can impact the overall ease of use.
Price
Consider your budget when purchasing sausage-making equipment. As with any investment, it's essential to balance quality and affordability. Compare various models and their features to ensure you're getting the most value for your money. Remember that an overly inexpensive device may lack the durability and performance necessary for long-term success.
