There are plenty of mincers on the market, but the key to finding the best one for you is choosing the mincer that meets all of your requirements. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best mincer to add to your kitchen:
Power Source
The first stop on your journey to finding a reliable mincer is choosing the power supply, as this will determine the type and functionality of your mincer and a lot of the other factors. Settling on the power supply you need will also help you strike out some potential candidates from your list.
Home mincers are either manual (i.e., you have to use your hands to turn a crank to mince food) or electric (where all you have to do is flip a switch to get them going), with each having its distinct pl and minuses.
We won’t go too deep into it and just cover the essentials. The two types of mincers are manual and electric mincers, and all you have to do is choose between them. But here is the hard part; your choice will be influenced by funds, space, and how much time and effort you need to save.
Manual mincers are a more frugal spend, and come in a compact size but are pretty labor-intensive; they force you into a good arm workout every time you use them. Similarly, electric mincers are more extensive and expensive but make grinding meat effortless and straightforward. After choosing between an electric or manual mincer, you can begin considering each mincer’s specific details and features.
Durability
As with any other kitchen appliance, you always want to make sure that you choose a mincer to last you as long as possible and be able to withstand the amount of usage you plan to put it through.
In terms of manual mincers, you will usually see molded plastic bodies, as they are less expensive to produce but still durable and able to keep the body together. Electric mincers may also include plastic bodies, though there will be some with metal frames that are typically stronger.
Look for a mincer with a cast aluminum body for the ultimate level of strength, as this is a commercial-grade metal designed to withstand heavy usage.
Cutting Blade
The next most important aspect of any mincer is its cutting blade. This is the component responsible for cutting up the proteins and making ground meats and vegetables.
You should always look for a mincer with stainless steel cutting blades, and these are very reliable and robust and capable of maintaining a solid level of sharpness over time. Stainless steel is also rust-resistant, which is very important for cleanliness and sanitation since rust can be hard to clean or possibly contaminate your food.
Ease of Use
No matter how excellent the performance of a mincer is, your comfort level should always take priority. Most people tend to go for power and design but overlook something as basic as ease of use. You must choose a mincer that is easy for you to use and operate, especially if you plan on using it with any kind of noticeable frequency.
Ease of use becomes even more critical when you start looking at manual mincers since they require exponentially more effort to operate compared to electric mincers. The position of the output relative to the equipment’s handle (or the power button if it is an electric mincer) and the dimensions and location of the feed tube all affect how much ease or difficulty the user will have when operating the mincer.
If it’s challenging to use or position in your kitchen, you’re less likely to use it and will end up wasting your time and money.
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes to clean up after a few hours in the kitchen. Still, proper sanitation and cleanliness are critical when you’re working with food, and mincers are one of the appliances that require the most care and attention during clean-up.
Since you will be working with raw meat, leaving any behind on the mincer can lead to a buildup of mold or bacteria that could be transferred to your food during the subsequent use, making you very sick. Stainless steel is an excellent choice because it’s easy to clean, especially if the blades and plates are removable. Dishwasher-safe units are easier to clean and maintain, making cleaning up more straightforward.
Other Accessories
Who doesn’t love a few extra accessories with a purchase? Kitchen appliances often have some of the most fascinating and valuable accessories around. You have searched through the internet and visited some brick-and-mortar shops. When you are finally ready to make a purchase, one of the essential accessories to look for is additional grinding plates, as these will allow you to adjust the coarseness of the meat you grind.
Some mincers will only feature two dishes (coarse or fine grains), so anything more than that goes the extra mile. Nowadays, mincers are commonly manufactured or sold with sausage-making accessories, which will allow you to grind the meat and feed it into a casing of your choice. Some accessories that may come with your mincer may include pasta makers attachment, augers, food pushers, and an additional cutting blade.
Size and Portability
It’s always important to think about the amount of free space you have in your kitchen to make sure that you can comfortably fit a new mincer in there. It’s a matter of assessing your available counter space; that is where you will most likely be using the mincer.
If you want the unit out of sight when it is not used, you should consider making room for it in your kitchen cabinets or pantry before purchasing. Manual mincers will be significantly smaller than electric mincers, so they make a great choice if space is at a premium in your kitchen.
