Do you still remember the era of the People's Republic of Poland (PRL), when things were produced to last a lifetime? Modernity has its advantages, but we have always looked back with longing toward items bought once every few decades, and we wouldn't be ourselves if we didn't use that bit of nostalgia to make your life easier.
Patrico Hurtado, Pixabay.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Which is the best meat grinder?
- Advantages of a manual meat grinder
- Accessories and parts for a meat grinder
- Grinder knife - single-sided or double-sided
- Screen (Plate) - which size to choose?
- Funnel - what is it for?
- Construction of a manual meat grinder
- Assembling a meat grinder
WHICH IS THE BEST MEAT GRINDER?
Are you wondering where to find reliable meat grinding equipment? We offer the ALFA meat grinder, which is so resistant to the passage of time that the only thing that could break is the table it's bolted to!
What is a meat grinder made of? The traditional ALFA grinder is made of high-quality cast iron, designed in such a way that the grinding and crushing mechanism is impossible to damage. The only thing you need to care about is replacing the blades and choosing the right plates. Our range includes everything to ensure the machine works flawlessly even after years of intensive use. We guarantee that both the machine and the replacement parts will survive countless washes without a speck of rust.
ADVANTAGES OF A MANUAL MEAT GRINDER
For generations, reliable cast iron grinders have been used in Polish kitchens to process not only meat but also poppy seeds, nuts, seeds, or herbs. The wide range of knives and plates for the grinder means the variety of its applications is practically endless.
Although many people today consider manual grinding a relic of the past, this is simply not true. Most famous chefs emphasize the superiority of meat manually passed through a grinder over that created using electric tools.
Among the advantages of a manual meat grinder are:
- unique texture of the ground meat,
- low price and operating costs,
- ease of assembly and cleaning,
- independence from electricity and high bills,
- efficiency in working with various products.
Bruno/Germany, pixabay.com
ACCESSORIES AND PARTS FOR A MEAT GRINDER
The most frequently replaced accessories for ALFA grinders are knives, plates, and funnels. All these parts affect the quality and consistency of the products and the efficiency of the machine's operation.
If you don't know where you can buy a plate for a grinder or knives, you don't need to look any further. We are a trusted supplier of the ALFA manual meat grinder and its dedicated accessories.
We have ALFA grinders in sizes: 5, 8, 10, 22, 32 in our permanent offer. Wondering what the meat grinder number means? The numbering comes from the width of the opening for mounting the knife. However, you don't need to measure it. To determine the size of the meat grinder, just measure the diameter of the plate. Below we present a list of diameters with their corresponding grinder sizes.
No. 5 | 61 mm
No. 8 | 70 mm
No. 10 | 79 mm
No. 22 | 94 mm
No. 32 | 110 mm
GRINDER KNIFE - SINGLE-SIDED OR DOUBLE-SIDED
Grinders and plates come in various sizes. You know that already. However, for each of these sizes, there are two types of knives: single-sided and double-sided.
What is the difference between a single-sided and a double-sided grinder knife? Primarily the thickness. A single-sided knife with 4 blades is 9mm, while a double-sided one is only 5 mm. This is a fundamental difference, which means they cannot be used interchangeably; wanting to change the knife type also requires buying a different type of grinding worm. They differ in the length of the pin on which the knife is placed.
The double-sided knife is designed and thin enough that its installation allows for the use of two plates simultaneously. However, if we only use one, the part will last twice as long. Simply flip it over and continue using it when one side of the knife becomes blunt.
If you've been wondering why your meat grinder isn't grinding like it used to, it's worth checking the condition of the knives and considering replacing parts in the machine.
PLATE - HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE?
Selecting plates for a meat grinder is the domain of perfectionists in the area of homemade meat products. The choice is vast and depends on what product and how we want to grind it.
Grinder plates are divided by the size of the holes; depending on the diameter length, there are sizes 1.2 mm, 2.5 mm, 4 mm, 7 mm, and larger. In addition to classic plates, there are also so-called "shredders." They are distinguished from plates by three oblong openings, and the hole diameter is the largest of all.
But which meat grinding plate should you choose? Each plate size is dedicated to a different job. The smallest plate size is most often used for the production of pâté, sausages, and binding masses. They are also perfect for making white sausage.
PRO TIP
Fatty meat is better ground on a smaller diameter, while lean meat should be ground on larger holes. In this way, we maintain the optimal consistency of the products.
Large holes are best suited for making other sausages and for grinding thighs or bacon. We don't want to impose any rules, though. If you like experimenting in the kitchen, you will certainly see after some time which accessories will be appropriate for it to taste exactly the way you like.
FUNNEL - WHAT IS IT FOR?
Funnels are primarily needed for making sausages. You must choose the right chamber size and the outlet diameter of the funnel. Funnels are usually metal or made of plastic. You have to choose which one will better suit your work.
CONSTRUCTION OF A MEAT GRINDER
Before you buy any equipment, it's worth knowing its mechanism and structure. How does a meat grinder work? There is probably no less complicated device in the kitchen than a manual meat grinder. It is a tool that must be put into motion mechanically, using physical strength. Inside is a worm gear and knives that grind pieces of meat.
What can be ground in a meat grinder? In an ALFA meat grinder, besides meat for cutlets, we can grind poppy seeds, nuts, fillings of various kinds, or cut homemade pasta.
The basic parts of a manual meat grinder are:
- the body with the hopper - where we load the pieces of meat,
- the worm shaft - the mechanism that moves pieces of the product toward the plate,
- the knife - shaped like a propeller, it grinds the meat or other products,
- the plate (screen) - the consistency of the ground meat depends on it,
- the mount with a fixing screw,
- the grinding handle.
ASSEMBLING A MEAT GRINDER
Installing the knife can provide a bit of difficulty during the assembly of the ALFA meat grinder. If the blade is attached upside down, instead of cutting and grinding, the machine will crush. You are wondering, then, how to put a knife on a meat grinder? Before starting the first assembly of the meat grinder, it is enough to read the universal instruction manual, which corresponds to all models in our store.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE A MEAT GRINDER - STEP BY STEP
- The largest part of the machine is the housing, the so-called box - insert the spiral shaft into the large circular connector. Take the four-bladed knife and attach the concave side to the installed shaft.
- Then mount the plate on the knife in such a way that the notches on it coincide with the protrusions on the machine.
- Connect the elements using the large threaded ring. It should be tightened all the way to the end.
- Using the special screw, attach the handle on the other side.
- Place the assembled grinder on a flat surface, e.g., on a table or kitchen counter, and secure with the clamp.
If you are not sure which grinder model will meet your needs, or if you have no idea which size of knife and plate will be most appropriate for you, do not hesitate to call for help. ALFA is a professional meat grinder in your kitchen. Don't hesitate and order even before the Holidays. Our team is standing by!
