Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder Review

Is the Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder Right for You?

For years, I’ve been meticulously selecting and utilizing gear across a wide spectrum of demanding environments. From the sterile precision of a laboratory to the gritty reality of a workshop, and out into the vastness of the field, my equipment has to perform. My recent foray into home butchery and recipe development brought me face-to-face with a common kitchen bottleneck: the grinding process. This is where the Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder entered my radar, promising robust performance for serious home cooks and small-batch producers.

The catalyst for seeking a dedicated grinder was a particular batch of homemade sausages that ended up with an inconsistent texture, a frustratingly common issue when relying on inferior or multi-purpose kitchen tools. I needed something that could handle tougher cuts of meat with ease and provide consistent results, time after time. My initial impressions upon unboxing the E720 were positive; the unit feels substantial, with a rugged, cast metal hopper and a reassuring weight that speaks to its professional aspirations. While I briefly considered some of the more compact, consumer-grade models, their reported limitations in grinding speed and durability quickly steered me back towards a more robust option. My first reaction was one of practical curiosity, eager to see if this grinder could truly deliver on its “professional” moniker.

Real-World Testing: Putting Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was my own kitchen, specifically for preparing a large batch of ground beef for burgers and then tackling pork shoulder for sausage. The process was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the intuitive design. I placed the grinder on a stable countertop, ensuring it had plenty of clearance, and connected the power.

The meat, pre-chilled and cut into manageable chunks, fed smoothly into the large capacity, die cast metal hopper. The powerful motor with 350-400 watts of power certainly made its presence felt, delivering a consistent output. Even with tougher cuts of beef, the grinder maintained its pace without significant bogging down. There was a slight learning curve with the three-way control switch (grinding, stuffing, and reverse), primarily to ensure I was selecting the correct mode, but it became second nature quickly. No significant issues or surprises presented themselves during this initial run, which is always a good sign.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past few months, this Chef’s Choice grinder has become a staple in my kitchen. I’ve used it for everything from grinding chicken thighs for meatballs to processing beef brisket for chili. Its consistent performance has been impressive, reliably grinding up to 3.5 lbs. of meat per minute.

In terms of durability, the rugged cast metal hopper and the overall solid construction have shown no signs of significant wear. The stainless steel components, including the grinding plates and stuffing kit, remain corrosion-free even after repeated washing and drying. Maintenance is straightforward; the removable parts are easy to disassemble and clean with warm, soapy water, though I always opt for hand-washing to preserve the integrity of the grinding plates and blade. Storing it is also relatively simple thanks to its compact design and the integrated handle, which makes moving and stowing it a breeze. Compared to some of the flimsier, budget models I’ve encountered in the past, this unit feels built to last and significantly outperforms them in terms of sheer throughput and consistency.

Breaking Down the Features of Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder

Specifications

The Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder is equipped with a suite of features designed for efficiency and durability. Its powerful motor with 350-400 watts of power is the heart of its operation, coupled with a high-torque gear drive system. This robust setup allows the grinder to achieve an impressive throughput of up to 3.5 lbs. of meat per minute, a substantial rate that minimizes kitchen time, especially for larger quantities.

The large capacity, die cast metal hopper is a critical component, easily accommodating generous portions of meat, reducing the need for frequent refills. Its rugged cast metal construction not only adds to its durability but also ensures stability during operation. The three-way control switch, offering grinding, stuffing, and reverse functions, provides excellent versatility for various meat processing tasks. Furthermore, the inclusion of re-settable motor overload protection is a vital safety feature, safeguarding the motor from damage during demanding tasks. Finally, the compact design with dimensions of 9 3/4″ L x 7″ D x 14″ H makes it practical for storage without sacrificing substantial capacity or power.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, the Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder excels. It consistently produces evenly ground meat with minimal fuss, regardless of the cut or fat content. The powerful motor handles tougher meats like venison or beef chuck with admirable ease, pushing them through the grinding plates without bogging down.

The three stainless steel grinding plates are a standout feature, offering versatility for different textures. The fine (3 mm), medium (4.5 mm), and coarse (8mm) plates allow for precise control over the grind size, whether you’re aiming for delicate pâté or hearty sausage. The integrated forged grinding and sausage stuffing kit is also a significant advantage, making the transition from grinding to stuffing seamless. Its primary strength lies in its consistent speed and power, easily meeting and often exceeding expectations for a home-use grinder.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Chef’s Choice unit is clearly focused on functionality and durability. The rugged cast metal hopper is not only tough but also provides a generous surface area for feeding meat. Its overall construction feels solid, and the corrosion-free design suggests it’s built for longevity.

Ergonomically, the grinder is well-designed for practical use. The integrated handle makes it easy to lift and maneuver, which is a small but appreciated detail for storage and setup. The three-way control switch is positioned intuitively, allowing for quick adjustments during operation. The overall feel is one of robust engineering, built for tasks that demand more than a lightweight appliance.

Durability & Maintenance

This grinder appears to be built for the long haul. The use of rugged cast metal and stainless steel components indicates a commitment to durability, which is essential for a piece of equipment expected to handle tough tasks. Under normal use within its intended category, I anticipate it will last for many years.

Maintenance is thankfully straightforward. The grinding plates, blade, and hopper components are easily detached for cleaning. A simple wash with warm, soapy water and thorough drying is usually sufficient. It’s important to keep the grinding plates and blade dry to prevent any potential rust, though the stainless steel construction offers good resistance. I haven’t encountered any significant failure points or potential concerns beyond the standard need for regular cleaning and proper storage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The included accessories with the Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder significantly enhance its utility. The three stainless steel grinding plates (fine, medium, and coarse) are fundamental for achieving desired meat textures. The inclusion of a sausage stuffing kit, typically consisting of various-sized stuffing tubes, allows users to create homemade sausages with ease.

While this model is a complete package for most home users, customization options are generally limited to the provided plates and stuffing tubes. The focus is on providing a high-performing, integrated system rather than extensive modularity. However, for those seeking specific grinding characteristics beyond what the three plates offer, some aftermarket grinding plates might be compatible, though this would require careful checking for thread and diameter specifications.

Pros and Cons of Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder

Who Should Buy Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder?

The Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder is an excellent choice for home cooks who frequently process large quantities of meat, aspiring charcuterie enthusiasts, and anyone who values consistent, high-quality results in their ground meat preparations. This includes individuals who enjoy making their own burgers, sausages, meatballs, or pâtés from scratch and want a reliable tool to achieve professional-grade textures. It’s particularly well-suited for those who might tackle game processing or simply desire a more powerful and durable alternative to lighter-duty kitchen appliances.

Conversely, individuals who only occasionally grind small amounts of meat or have extremely limited counter and storage space might find this unit to be more than they need. Those on a very tight budget may also want to explore more entry-level options. For optimal use, I’d recommend always ensuring your meat is well-chilled before grinding, which significantly improves performance and prevents the fat from smearing. Having a good set of butcher knives and a reliable meat thermometer are also complementary tools for anyone serious about meat preparation.

Conclusion on Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder

The Chef’s Choice Model E720 Professional Meat Grinder stands out as a robust and highly capable appliance for serious home cooks and food enthusiasts. Its powerful motor, impressive grinding speed of 3.5 lbs. per minute, and durable cast metal construction make it a reliable workhorse. The inclusion of three stainless steel grinding plates and a sausage stuffing kit adds significant value and versatility, allowing for a wide range of culinary creations. While its price point of $229.99 positions it as a premium option in the home market, the performance, build quality, and longevity it offers largely justify the investment. I would personally recommend this grinder to anyone who is passionate about meat preparation and is looking for a tool that can consistently deliver professional-grade results without compromise. If you’re ready to elevate your homemade sausages, burgers, and more, this unit is a truly worthy contender.