Equipment Needed For Fresh Sausage

The first piece of equipment needed to begin making sausage is a meat grinder. There are several different sizes of grinders, from a Walton's #8 Kitchen Grinder for simple home processing, to the Walton's #32 Meat Grinder for the more experienced processor who wants to make bigger batches. Making sausage requires a whole muscle cut of meat, such as an untrimmed pork butt. The lean-to-fat ratio of 70/30 of pork butt is ideal for sausage making. First, debone and cut the pork butt into small enough chunks to fit in the hole for the hopper to grind throat.

What Is the Most Important Piece of Equipment?

Making sausage requires a whole muscle cut of meat, such as an untrimmed pork butt. The lean-to-fat ratio of 70/30 of pork butt is ideal for sausage making. First, debone and cut the pork butt into small enough chunks to fit in the hole for the hopper to grind throat. Larger grinders like the Walton's #32 Meat Grinder will accept larger chunks. For smaller grinders like the Walton's #8 Kitchen Grinder, use smaller cuts of meat.

To prepare the grinder for use, make sure the knife and plates are sharp and lubricated with White Oil. The white oil limits friction and extends the life of your knife and plates. Making sausage requires two grinds, the first through a 3/8 plate, and the second through a 1/8 inch plate. The first grind will be faster than the second grind. Once the second grind is completed, run the small amount of the leftovers through another grind.

Do you Still Need a Sausage Stuffer?

A sausage stuffer is a valuable tool in suasage making. Walton's offers a variety of sausage stuffers, ranging from the 7lb. Sausage Stuffer up to the 33 lb. Sausage Stuffer. Where the stuffer has an advantage over grinders that offer a stuffer feature is that stuffers allow for a more precise stuff using smaller diameter stuffing tubes. If you buy ground meat from the store, you can make sausage with just a stuffer.

Do you Need a Meat Mixer?

Because protein extraction is not needed for making fresh sausage, a meat mixer is not necessary. Fresh sausage can be hand mixed. If desired, meat mixers are available in various sizes. The smallest meat mixer is Walton's 20 lb. Meat Mixer, and there is also Walton's 50 lb. Meat Mixer.

What is the Best Grinder for Beginners?

There are two models that are good for beginners at fresh sausage making, the Walton's #8 Kitchen Grinder and the Walton's #8 Meat Grinder. Both grinders are good for smaller batches of 5 to 10 lbs. Do not run these models for more than five minutes and allow a cool-down period between grinds. For more experienced procesors, use Walton's #12 Meat Grinder, Walton's #22 Meat Grinder, or Walton's #32 Meat Grinder.

What if I Have $375 for Equipment?

For a budget of $375, I would recommend the 11 lb. Sausage Stuffer for $274.99 then I would spend the other $99.99 on the Walton's #8 Kitchen Grinder.