On Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:45:38 -0400, "Peter" > wrote:

>> A food processor is far better than mystery meat... but you really
>> ought to buy a meat grinder.
>
>Sheldon, I'll probably give this a go and if it does not satisfy my needs I
>may end up doing so. Suggestions for brand names and models? I don't want
>to sacrifice an early retirement on one but I would want one that lasts for
>life.

Jeez, I've never agreed with Sheldon before, but he's right about this. 8;(

Food processors shred the meed rather than extruding it. Two important points:
you need to first chill the meat and cut the meet into 3/4 or 1 inch cubes, then
pulse it in the processor, and you will get something usable for burgers, meat
loaf, and such.

However, a meat grinder is far, far better. The meat grinder attachment for
Kitchen Aid mixers does fine, but something much beefier (NPI) with standard
grinder plates is better yet. Avoid the common WalMart / Target names like Rival
-- their toys are not nearly as capable as others available for the same price.

Two excellent sources a

http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/mea...ders_food.aspx (scroll past the
commercial grinders to the bottom of the page for the Maverick ($99.95) and
Back-to-Basics ($89.95) grinders).

and http://www.sausagemaker.com/ (the TSM-8 at $99.95, as well as a great
selection of grinder plates and parts).

These or similar grinders are often available on eBay, but -- shipping
considered -- no better buys, in my experience.

I have the Maverick, with an extra coarse plate for making chili, and I'm very
happy with it. I do at least ten pounds at a time, and it doesn't break a sweat.
Much better than the KA attachment I used before.

-- Larry