Best Commercial Meat Grinders (2026): 5 #12 and #22 Picks for Butchers and Restaurants
Five heavy-duty meat grinders compared on head size, build and features, plus a size chart and food-safe grinding tips.
Best overall: LEM Big Bite #12. Best for big batches: LEM Big Bite #22. Best for restaurants: KWS TC-12 Elite. Best budget: VEVOR #12.
A commercial meat grinder handles pounds of meat in minutes, so butchers, restaurants and hunters can make fresh ground beef, lamb or chicken, burgers and sausages on their own schedule.
For most bulk grinding, the LEM Big Bite #12: a powerful, trusted grinder with a fast-feeding auger. For large batches, the LEM #22 or value Weston Pro #22. For daily restaurant use, the KWS TC-12 Elite. On a budget, the VEVOR #12.
Quick Picks: The Best Commercial Meat Grinders
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.
LEM Big Bite #12 Electric Meat Grinder
A heavy-duty #12 grinder with LEM’s Big Bite auger for fast second grinds.
Check LEM Big Bite #12 Price →LEM Big Bite #22 Electric Meat Grinder
A larger #22 grinder for processing big batches of meat.
Check LEM Big Bite #22 Price →KWS TC-12 Elite Commercial Electric Meat Grinder
A restaurant-style #12 grinder with an all-metal build.
Check KWS TC-12 Elite Price →VEVOR Commercial Electric Meat Grinder (#12)
A low-cost commercial-style #12 grinder for startups and home processors.
Check VEVOR #12 Grinder Price →Commercial Meat Grinder Comparison Chart
All five side by side. Tap any name to see today’s price on Amazon.
| Grinder | Head size | Key feature | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEM Big Bite #12 Electric Meat Grinder | #12 head | Big Bite auger | Stainless | $$$ |
| LEM Big Bite #22 Electric Meat Grinder | #22 head | Big Bite auger | Stainless | $$$$ |
| Weston Pro Series #22 Electric Meat Grinder | #22 head | Stainless | Reverse | $$$ |
| KWS TC-12 Elite Commercial Electric Meat Grinder | #12 head | All metal | Commercial | $$$$ |
| VEVOR Commercial Electric Meat Grinder (#12) | #12 head | Stainless | Budget | $$ |
Specs as stated by each brand. Price tiers are a rough guide and change often, especially around Black Friday: $$ under $300 · $$$ $300–700 · $$$$ over $700.
The 5 Best Commercial Meat Grinders, Reviewed
#12 and #22 grinders for hunters, butchers and restaurant kitchens.
LEM Big Bite #12 Electric Meat Grinder
LEM is a favorite with hunters and small butchers, and the #12 Big Bite is the sweet spot of power and size. Its auger grabs meat so well that a second grind goes quickly, with no extra pushing.
- Fast, smooth grinding
- Stuffing tubes included
- Trusted brand
- Heavy
- Loud like most grinders
LEM Big Bite #22 Electric Meat Grinder
Step up to the #22 if you grind large batches at once, like a whole deer or a bulk beef order. The bigger head and throat move more meat per minute.
- High output
- Big throat for large chunks
- Durable build
- Top price tier
- Very heavy
Weston Pro Series #22 Electric Meat Grinder
Weston’s Pro Series offers #22 capacity at a friendlier price, with a reverse switch to clear sinew jams and a stuffing kit for sausages.
- Lower cost for a #22
- Reverse function
- Stuffing kit
- Heavy
- Loud
KWS TC-12 Elite Commercial Electric Meat Grinder
KWS makes restaurant equipment, and the TC-12 Elite is a commercial grinder designed for daily use in delis, butcher counters and restaurant kitchens.
- Built for daily use
- All-metal build
- Commercial brand
- Top price tier
- Fewer home accessories
VEVOR Commercial Electric Meat Grinder (#12)
VEVOR’s #12 is a budget way into commercial-style grinding. It is not as refined as LEM or KWS, but it handles regular batches for small shops and home processing.
- Lowest price
- Stainless body
- Accessories included
- Lighter duty
- Shorter warranty
What Size Meat Grinder Do You Need?
| Head size | Good for |
|---|---|
| #8 | Home kitchens, small batches |
| #12 | Hunters, small shops, regular batches |
| #22 | Large batches, butchers |
| #32 | High-volume processing |
The number is the size of the grinding plate; bigger numbers move more meat per minute.
Grinding for one family? See the best electric meat grinders for home use.
Food-Safe Grinding Tips
Keep it cold
Chill meat and the grinder head and plate before grinding for cleaner cuts.
Trim sinew
Remove silver skin and gristle to prevent jams.
Clean right away
Wash and dry all metal parts after use to stop rust and bacteria.
Freeze portions with the best vacuum sealers and store them in one of the best chest freezers. Make turkey burgers or smoked turkey sausage.
How to Choose a Commercial Meat Grinder
Six things to check before you buy.
#12 or #22
Bigger heads move more meat per minute.
Power for volume
Stronger motors handle second grinds without stalling.
Stainless parts
Stainless heads and plates resist rust and are easier to clean.
Clears jams
A reverse switch frees sinew without taking it apart.
Plates and tubes
Coarse and fine plates plus stuffing tubes add flexibility.
Daily or seasonal
Daily restaurant use calls for commercial brands.
Prepping in volume? See the best commercial food mixers and the best plastic cutting boards for meat.
Commercial Meat Grinder FAQs
What is the best commercial meat grinder?▼
The LEM Big Bite #12 for most bulk grinding: powerful, fast-feeding and trusted.
What does #12 or #22 mean on a meat grinder?▼
It is the grinding head and plate size; bigger numbers grind more meat per minute.
Is a #12 or #22 grinder better?▼
#12 suits regular batches; #22 suits large batches and butcher work.
Can a commercial grinder grind bones?▼
Most are not made for bones; check the manual before grinding any bone.
Should meat be frozen before grinding?▼
Partly frozen or very cold meat grinds cleaner and stays food-safe.
How do I clean a meat grinder?▼
Take it apart, wash metal parts by hand in hot soapy water and dry fully.
Can I put grinder parts in the dishwasher?▼
Usually not; dishwashers can dull plates and discolor aluminum.
Can I make sausage with a commercial grinder?▼
Yes. Most include stuffing tubes; a separate stuffer is faster for big batches.
What is a Big Bite auger?▼
LEM’s auger design that grabs meat aggressively, speeding up grinding with less pushing.
How long do commercial meat grinders last?▼
Many years with regular cleaning and sharp plates and knives.
Do I need a commercial grinder at home?▼
Only for frequent bulk grinding; otherwise a home electric grinder is enough.
How do I stop a grinder from jamming?▼
Trim sinew, keep meat cold and use the reverse switch if it has one.
The Bottom Line
- Best overall: LEM Big Bite #12.
- Big batches: LEM Big Bite #22 or Weston Pro Series #22.
- Restaurants: KWS TC-12 Elite; budget: VEVOR #12.
Pick the head size for your batch size, keep everything cold, and clean right away.