LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel Review

What’s Special About the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel?

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with machinery in every conceivable environment, from sterile labs to the dustiest workshops and the most remote field sites, I’ve developed a keen appreciation for components that just work. The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel are one such item that landed on my bench precisely when a specific need arose. My trusty meat grinder, a workhorse for processing game and preparing custom blends, was showing its age, and a critical component – the grinding plate – had become dull and inefficient. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was impacting the quality of the final product, leading to a mushy texture rather than the clean, defined grind I expected.

My search for a replacement led me to these specific LEM plates. I’d previously considered generic brands, but their inconsistent quality and questionable material composition always gave me pause. The promise of stainless steel and LEM’s reputation for quality manufacturing felt like a much safer bet. Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. The weight felt right, and the finish was consistent, suggesting a product built to withstand the rigors of regular use. My first reaction was a quiet sense of relief; this felt like a component that would integrate seamlessly and restore the full functionality of my grinder.

Real-World Testing: Putting LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for these grinder plates were my own kitchen and processing area, a familiar space that sees a lot of action with various machinery. I installed the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel onto my LEM grinder, specifically for its coarsest grind setting, intending to process venison for chili and stew. The installation itself was straightforward, slotting perfectly into place as expected. The first grind went through a batch of partially frozen venison, a task that had been challenging my old plate.

The performance was immediately noticeable; the grinder powered through the meat with a clean, decisive action, producing uniform coarse chunks. There was a distinct lack of the pushing and tearing that had become characteristic of the worn plate. Even after processing a significant amount of meat, the plate maintained its sharpness and efficiency, and I didn’t notice any excessive heat buildup.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, these plates have become my go-to for any application requiring a coarse grind. I’ve used them for everything from burger patties to jerky preparation, and the results remain consistently impressive. The stainless steel construction has proven its worth; after numerous cycles of grinding, washing, and drying, there are absolutely no signs of rust or corrosion.

Even after being accidentally dropped on the concrete floor of my workshop once (a minor mishap that would have likely chipped or deformed a lesser material), the plate emerged unscathed. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick scrub with a brush and some warm, soapy water is all that’s needed to keep them in pristine condition. Compared to the budget-friendly, unbranded plates I’ve tried in the past, which often warped or dulled within months, these LEM plates are a significant upgrade in both durability and consistent performance.

Breaking Down the Features of LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel

Specifications

The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel are precisely engineered for demanding grinding tasks. Each plate boasts a 3-1/4 inch diameter, a standard size that ensures compatibility with many popular grinders, particularly those in the #20 or #22 size category. The defining characteristic is the 12mm (approximately 1/2 inch) plate holes, which produce a satisfyingly coarse grind, ideal for applications like first grinds, chili meat, or stew cuts. The material is a high-quality stainless steel, a critical choice that provides exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion, which is paramount for food processing equipment.

This focus on material and hole size directly impacts the user experience. The stainless steel means you don’t have to worry about unsightly rust spots developing after washing, nor do you have to meticulously oil every nook and cranny for storage, which is a welcome convenience. The 1/2 inch holes are intentionally designed to produce larger particles, which is exactly what you want for certain recipes. For instance, when making sausage or chili, a coarser grind provides a better texture and mouthfeel compared to a finer grind. The fact that these plates are hubless is also a noteworthy detail; it means they can be used on either side, effectively doubling their usable life before replacement is necessary.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, these grinder plates perform exceptionally well in their intended role. The primary job is to shear meat into uniform pieces, and this is where the 12mm holes and quality steel shine. They slice through meat cleanly, creating distinct particles rather than mashing or smearing them, which is crucial for achieving the right texture in ground products. This clean cut minimizes friction and heat buildup, preserving the integrity of the meat and its flavor.

The key strength of these plates is their consistent performance, even when processing tougher cuts or meats with a higher fat content. They handle semi-frozen meat with relative ease, producing a grind that is neither too mushy nor too coarse. A minor weakness, if one could call it that, is that their coarseness means they aren’t suitable for recipes requiring a fine grind, like pâté or very smooth sausages. However, for their intended purpose – a coarse, robust grind – they exceed expectations, especially considering their price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel is straightforward and functional. The 3-1/4 inch diameter and the central hub design are standard for many meat grinders. The stainless steel construction gives them a satisfying heft and a professional feel, indicating they are built for durability. The surface finish is smooth and easy to clean, with no sharp edges or burrs that could snag or cause issues.

In terms of ergonomics, the design is inherently simple, as the plate is a passive component. Its ease of use comes from its direct fit and the fact that it requires no complex handling. The hubless design, allowing for use on either side, is a brilliant ergonomic touch that extends the plate’s lifespan and simplifies the process of switching it out if wear occurs on one side. There’s no learning curve here; it’s a drop-in replacement that immediately enhances the grinder’s functionality.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is where these LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel truly stand out. Constructed from stainless steel, they are inherently resistant to the common enemies of grinder plates: rust, staining, and dulling. I’ve put them through extensive use, including multiple sessions of grinding, washing, and air-drying, and they show no signs of degradation. The 12mm holes retain their sharp edges through repeated use, a testament to the hardness of the material used.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After each use, a thorough washing with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive brush is sufficient. Prompt drying prevents any residual moisture from causing issues, though the stainless steel is quite forgiving. Unlike some steel plates that require a light coat of food-grade oil for storage to prevent oxidation, these can typically be stored dry without concern. The only potential failure point to consider would be extreme impact damage, but for normal grinding operations, these plates are built to last for many years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel are sold as individual replacement or upgrade parts, and as such, they do not typically come with accessories. The primary ‘customization’ comes from the fact that they are designed for specific grinder sizes and hole configurations. This particular plate, with its 12mm (1/2 inch) holes, is intended for users seeking a coarser grind, differentiating it from plates with smaller aperture sizes like 4.5mm or 8mm.

While there are no direct customization options for the plate itself, its hubless design does offer a form of user-driven customization by allowing it to be flipped and used on either side. This effectively doubles its lifespan, reducing the frequency of needing to purchase replacements. The plates are designed to work seamlessly with LEM Products grinders, and often with other brands that adhere to similar sizing standards, though it’s always best to verify compatibility with your specific grinder model before purchasing.

Pros and Cons of LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel

Who Should Buy LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel?

This specific grinder plate is an excellent choice for anyone who frequently grinds meat for applications where a coarse texture is desirable. Home butchers, hunters processing game, and culinary enthusiasts preparing dishes like hearty chili, chunky sausages, or stew bases will find these LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel indispensable. If you own a LEM Products grinder or another unit that accepts 3-1/4 inch diameter plates with a similar hub configuration, and you’re looking to replace a worn-out plate or simply achieve a coarser grind than your current plate provides, this is an ideal upgrade.

Conversely, individuals who primarily need a fine grind for things like smooth pâtés, very fine burger blends, or certain types of forcemeat might need to look for plates with smaller aperture sizes. If your grinder isn’t compatible with a 3-1/4 inch plate, these will obviously not fit. For those seeking maximum value, pairing these plates with a quality grinder knife is crucial, as a sharp knife working in conjunction with a sharp plate ensures the most efficient and highest-quality grind.

Conclusion on LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel

After extensive testing across various meats and applications, the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Plates 12mm, Stainless Steel have proven themselves to be a robust, reliable, and high-performing component. Their stainless steel construction, coupled with the 12mm hole size, delivers precisely the coarse grind that many recipes demand, offering superior durability and ease of maintenance over lesser alternatives. The hubless design is a practical touch that further enhances their value by extending their usable life.

At $19.56, the price is more than justified by the quality, performance, and longevity these plates offer, especially considering they are a consumable item that, when worn, directly impacts your grinder’s output. I wholeheartedly recommend these grinder plates to anyone who needs a dependable, coarse grind and appreciates the durability and ease of care that quality stainless steel provides. If you’re looking to restore or enhance your meat grinder’s ability to produce perfect coarse grounds for your culinary projects, these LEM plates are an excellent investment.