Mincing can be described as the process of cutting/slicing/grinding ingredients into tiny pieces. Mincing meat is the mechanical process of using a machine to cut meat into tiny pieces.
Meat mincers, also known as meat grinders, are kitchen appliances used for finely chopping/mincing or mixing raw vegetables, meat, fish or cooked cereals.
Types of meat mincers
Meat mincers exist in two major categories, i.e., manual and electric grinders.
Use
When using a mincer, the food is placed on top of a funnel, typically on top of the mincer. The meat is then guided by a system of shafts into the horizontal screw conveyer from where it’s ground.
The development of meat mincers
The first meat grinder/mincer was developed in the middle nineteenth century.
The functionality of meat mincers
Meat mincers fall into two categories based on functionality, i.e., commercial mincers and home-use mincers. Commercial meat mincers can process hundreds of kilograms of meat in a go. Some commercial meat mincers can even process hard frozen meat effectively.
Commercial meat processors are majorly electric, as manual ones would be significantly cumbersome or even impossible to operate. Home use mincers, however, as the name suggests, are used at home where one needs small portions of meat processed. Home use can either be electric or manual.
Uses of mincers
- Making burgers.
- Grinding chicken for meatballs.
- Making sausages.
- Grinding chickpeas for making falafel.
- Grinding beans and legumes.
Factors to consider when buying a meat mincer
There are several factors one has to think about before and when buying a meat mincer machine. The following are just a number of those factors.
1. Power consumption of the grinder
The power requirements of a grinder majorly depend on the mass of meat it can process at a time or even its size. Large grinders can even have a consumption 0f 3000 watts. Lower-power grinders of about 750 to around 1250 watts can process up to 1 kilogram of meat per minute.
2. Material
When buying a grinder, it is essential to consider material. Good quality material is essential as grinders come into contact with food. Stainless steel is the best material to consider when purchasing a meat grinder. Plastic ones are also recommendable, although less durable than stainless-steel ones.
3. Overload protection
When buying a meat mincer, primarily commercial, one should consider overload protection. This protects your grinder from power surges, and this could save you a lot of time and money that would’ve gone into service and repair.
4. Ease of cleaning
When buying a meat mincer, consider one that is easy to clean. This is because mincers, like all other food processors, must always be clean to avoid food poisoning or the risk of cross-contamination, resulting in spoiled food.
5. Use
Last but not least, when buying a food processor, consider the use, whether for home, industrial or commercial use.
Conclusion
This article highlights the basics of choosing, purchasing, and using a meat mincer that meets all their needs. If you want the best device in the market, it is advisable to conduct ample research.