I am wanting to buy a meat grinder but I want one that will do the bones too. Anyone have any suggestions? I am thinking a hand crank one might be better for me. (we may be moving over seas and want to be able to still use it). Thanks in advance!!

I don't think any grinders guarantee that they will grind bones. The bigger & stronger the machine, the more easily it will grind them however. I have a $99 model that will grind small chicken bones but I don't tempt fate too often. Depending on what you want to grind, check out the the width of the chute. Some are pretty narrow.

Hand cranking sounds like a great workout!

We have had no problem with the 1.5hp from Cabela's. The hole is large enough to take the chicken leg quarters with out cutting. Anything else we have ground we cut it into about 2.5" strips, and it blows it right through with no problems. My HOP, get the Commercial grade you can afford, and buy it once. Parts are replaceable. The kitchen aid attachment was ok for small amounts, not 200 lbs at a shot.


http://www.cabelas.com

Here is an article I just came across that has some info on grinders: grinders. Scroll down to the grinder part & also check out the links to manufacturers at the bottom.

I have a Maverick. It's almost 5 years old and I have had NO issues with it. (Although it might be time for a new blade...)

If you're moving to Europe, invest in a small transformer. It'll run your small appliances---hand mixer, crockpot, etc. I just got back from three years in Germany...so I'm a transformer pro!

Jan

Search eBay for "meat grinder bones." There are a few higher-powered models with decent blades that can be used to dispense with the bones.

I bought my grinder from Northern Tools and it does chicken thighs and legs, turkey necks, beef heart, liver. I've had it for about 5 years and it's been wonderful, no complaints. I've had to replace the blade a couple times but I ordered extra blades when I ordered the grinder. I belonged to a raw feeding group and everyone recommended it. If I remember right I paid about $80 for it...best investment I made when I started raw feeding.

thanks for all the advice! I am going to look into it.

You can sharpen the blades by taking them to a machine shop and having them run a few passes on a surface grinder but it might be cheaper to buy new blades if you don't have a shop nearby who will do it for a nominal fee.