LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate Review

Full Disclosure: LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate

My journey to the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate was born out of a familiar frustration: the inconsistent, messy process of stuffing sausages. For years, I’d been wrestling with various DIY solutions and less-than-ideal grinder attachments that seemed to promise efficiency but delivered only exasperation. The specific need arose during a particularly ambitious batch of bratwurst, where the traditional stuffing horn was proving utterly inadequate, leading to torn casings and an unacceptably slow pace.

Upon receiving this stuffing plate, my initial impression was one of understated quality. It felt substantial in my hand, with a pleasing weight that suggested durability. The stainless steel construction gave me confidence that it could withstand the rigors of repeated use and cleaning. I had briefly considered a generic replacement plate for a different grinder brand, but the specific design of this LEM plate, with its distinctive hole pattern, piqued my interest, and I hoped it would offer a noticeable improvement. My immediate reaction was a quiet sense of optimism, a feeling that this might finally be the solution to my sausage-making woes.

Real-World Testing: Putting LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate to the Test

My testing ground for this stuffing plate was firmly rooted in my home butchering setup and the associated kitchen environment. I paired it with my LEM #22 grinder and a variety of casings – natural hog, sheep, and even some collagen. The initial test involved a large batch of pork sausage, where the goal was to see how efficiently and cleanly the plate facilitated the stuffing process.

During this first use, the performance was immediately noticeable. The large, kidney-shaped holes allowed the ground meat to flow smoothly and consistently into the stuffing tube, with significantly less backflow and pulsation than I’d experienced with other setups. Even with a slightly more viscous grind, the plate handled it admirably, producing a uniform fill without excessive pressure. There was a slight learning curve in finding the optimal meat consistency for the plate, but it was intuitive enough that I was producing well-stuffed sausages within my first 30 minutes of use.

Over several weeks, this stuffing plate became a staple in my regular sausage-making endeavors. I tackled everything from finely ground breakfast sausage to coarser Italian-style blends, and it performed consistently well across the board. The stainless steel construction proved its worth during cleaning; a quick soak and scrub were usually all that was needed to remove any residual meat and fat. I did notice that on one occasion, after stuffing a particularly lean mix, there was a bit of meat residue clinging stubbornly to the plate’s surface, requiring a slightly firmer brush. This minor detail aside, the plate has shown no signs of wear, like pitting or warping, and continues to function as it did on day one. When compared to the flimsy, often rusting plates I’ve encountered from less reputable brands, this LEM product feels like a significant upgrade in terms of both durability and ongoing performance.

Breaking Down the Features of LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate

Specifications

The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is crafted from Stainless Steel, a crucial material choice for food processing equipment that guarantees high resistance to rust. It measures 3-1/4in diameter, which is a standard size compatible with LEM’s #20 and #22 grinder models. The most distinctive feature is its 3 large kidney-shaped plate holes.

These specifications translate directly into user benefits. The stainless steel ensures longevity and hygiene, making cleaning far less of a chore and reducing concerns about metallic contamination in the food. The 3-1/4in diameter means it’s designed to fit specific, common grinder sizes, avoiding compatibility issues. The 3 kidney-shaped plate holes are the real game-changer here, as they are specifically engineered to facilitate a larger, smoother flow of ground meat during stuffing, minimizing clogging and pulsation that plague other designs. This contrasts with more basic plates that might have smaller, more restrictive circular holes, which can hinder the stuffing process.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is to facilitate the stuffing of sausages or filling of meat bags. It excels at this core task, providing a noticeably smoother and more consistent flow of meat than standard grinding plates when used in a stuffing capacity. The large, irregular shape of the holes seems to be the key, preventing the meat from bunching up and creating a steady, almost continuous extrusion.

Its main strength lies in its ability to reduce the pulsation often associated with stuffing, leading to more evenly filled casings. A slight weakness, though minor, is that extremely fine grinds can sometimes adhere more readily to the plate’s surface, requiring a more thorough cleaning. Nevertheless, it consistently meets and often exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, especially for home processors looking to improve their sausage-making efficiency.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this stuffing plate is elegantly simple yet highly effective. Constructed from Stainless Steel, it possesses a robust feel and a clean, professional finish. The hubless design is a smart touch, allowing it to be used on either side without affecting functionality.

Ergonomically, its simplicity is its strength; there’s no complex handling involved. You simply place it on the grinder where a standard plate would go. The uniform thickness and smooth finish make it easy to grip and handle during installation and removal. The absence of any sharp edges or intricate parts contributes to its overall user-friendliness.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its Stainless Steel construction and the fact that it’s a single, solid piece with no moving parts, the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is built for long-term durability. Under normal use for sausage stuffing, it should last for many years, if not a lifetime.

Maintenance is straightforward: wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water after each use. I typically let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any residue, then scrub it with a stiff brush. It is important to dry it completely immediately after washing to prevent any water spots, though its stainless nature makes it highly resistant to actual rust. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, and the design doesn’t lend itself to common wear and tear issues.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific product, the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate, is a singular component. It does not come with accessories, nor does it have customization options in the traditional sense, as its form is dictated by its function. However, its design implies that it is intended to be used in conjunction with a compatible LEM grinder and a stuffing horn attachment.

It is crucial to note the manufacturer’s specification: “stuffing plates should be used without a grinder knife.” This is a vital piece of information for proper use. Using it with a knife would defeat its purpose and likely damage both components. The plate is designed to work with the grinder’s screw and casing, directly feeding into the stuffing horn.

Pros and Cons of LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate

Who Should Buy LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate?

This stuffing plate is an absolute must-have for anyone serious about making homemade sausages using a LEM #20 or #22 grinder. It is ideal for home butchers, avid home cooks, and small-scale food processors who regularly grind and stuff their own meats. If you find yourself struggling with uneven fills, pulsating casings, or slow stuffing times with traditional methods, this plate will be a revelation.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who only grind meat and never stuff sausages, or those who own a grinder model not compatible with LEM’s #20/22 plates. It’s also not for users who prefer extremely rapid, almost industrial-scale stuffing without attention to casing uniformity. For optimal use, ensure you have a compatible LEM grinder and the appropriate stuffing horn attachment.

Conclusion on LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate

The LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate is a testament to well-designed, purpose-built equipment. It takes a common sausage-making challenge and offers a remarkably effective solution through its unique hole design and robust construction. The stainless steel build guarantees durability and ease of maintenance, while the 3 kidney-shaped plate holes drastically improve the stuffing experience, delivering a more professional and consistent result.

At its price point, the value offered by this stuffing plate is exceptional. It eliminates common frustrations and streamlines the sausage-making process, making it a worthwhile investment for any home processor. I wholeheartedly recommend the LEM Products #20/22 Grinder Stuffing Plate to anyone looking to elevate their sausage-making game. It’s a simple component that makes a significant difference, and it has certainly earned its place in my kitchen arsenal.