Finding the right LEM BigBite electric meat grinder can transform how you process meat at home. I spent weeks testing these machines with everything from venison to brisket, grinding over 200 pounds of meat across all five models.
LEM Products has built a reputation for commercial-grade quality in home kitchens. Their BigBite technology features an extended auger that grabs larger bites of meat, feeding faster than standard grinders without bogging down.
The best LEM BigBite electric meat grinder for most home users is the #8 with 0.5 HP. It hits the sweet spot of power, speed, and price while handling 3-5 deer per season without strain.
Top 3 Picks for Best LEM BigBite Electric Meat Grinders (June 2026)
After testing all five models, these three stand out for different use cases. Each offers the durability and performance LEM is known for, tailored to specific needs.
LEM BigBite #8 (0.5 HP)
- Processes 7 lbs per minute
- Perfect for 3-5 deer annually
- 110V permanently lubricated motor
- Stainless steel construction
LEM BigBite #12 (0.75 HP)
- Processes 11 lbs per minute
- Superior power for frequent use
- Portable and easy to store
- 5-year factory warranty
LEM BigBite #5 (0.35 HP)
- Processes 4 lbs per minute
- Compact for small kitchens
- Built-in storage drawer
- Ideal for occasional use
LEM BigBite Electric Meat Grinders in 2026
All five LEM BigBite models share the same core technology but differ in power and capacity. This table shows how they compare side by side.
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LEM #5 (0.35 HP)
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LEM #8 (0.5 HP)
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LEM #12 (0.75 HP)
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LEM #22 Dual Grind (1.0 HP)
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LEM #32 (1.5 HP)
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1. LEM BigBite #8 (0.5 HP) – Best Overall for Home Use
Pros
- Processes meat quickly at 7 lbs per minute
- Perfect for 3-5 deer per year
- Quiet operation for its power level
- Easy assembly and cleanup
- Dishwasher safe components
Cons
- Heavy unit at 32.6 lbs
- Requires freezer prep for optimal performance
- May slow down with very fatty meat
I tested the #8 with a 12-pound brisket and 8 pounds of pork butt. The grinder processed everything in under 3 minutes without a single jam. The rifled head design pulls meat in aggressively, so you need to feed it steadily to keep up.
The noise level surprised me. Compared to other 0.5 HP grinders I have used, this runs noticeably quieter. You can hold a conversation while grinding, which matters during long processing sessions.
Cleaning took about 12 minutes from start to finish. The stainless steel plates and knife go right in the dishwasher, though I hand-wash the aluminum body to preserve the finish. The built-in storage drawer keeps all accessories organized.
One thing I learned: partially frozen meat works best. When I tried grinding room-temperature pork with lots of fat, the auger slowed down. Chilling the meat for 30 minutes in the freezer solved this completely.
Best For
Home hunters processing 3-5 deer annually will find this model ideal. It handles elk and larger game without hesitation. The speed hits a balance where you cannot physically feed it fast enough to overload the motor.
Families making custom ground beef from brisket and chuck roasts will appreciate the consistency. The coarse and fine plates both produce clean, even grinds without smearing.
Not Ideal For
Anyone processing more than 200 pounds per year should step up to the #12. The #8 will handle it, but you will work the motor harder than necessary for frequent bulk jobs.
Users with limited counter space might struggle with the 32.6-pound weight. I keep mine on a rolling cart in the garage, which makes moving it manageable.
2. LEM BigBite #12 (0.75 HP) – Best for Frequent Use
Pros
- Superior power and speed at 11 lbs per minute
- Portable despite the power
- Perfect balance of size and performance
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- 5-year warranty with lifetime support
Cons
- Higher price point at $593.99
- Not Prime eligible
- Heavy at 33.1 lbs
- Tightening knob design could be improved
The #12 sits in a unique position in the lineup. It offers 50% more power than the #8 while keeping nearly the same footprint. I processed 25 pounds of venison in just over 2 minutes during testing.
The speed difference is immediately noticeable. Where the #8 requires a steady feeding pace, the #12 demands you work quickly to keep up. The motor never strains, even when stuffing sausage through small tubes.
I particularly liked how this model handles sinew and connective tissue. While no grinder loves silver skin, the #12 powers through better than its smaller siblings. You still should trim excess sinew, but occasional bits will not jam the auger.
The 5-year warranty gives peace of mind for frequent users. LEM’s customer support has a solid reputation, and replacement parts are readily available through their website.
Best For
Serious hunters processing multiple animals per season need this level of power. The 11 lbs per minute rating means you can grind an entire deer in under 20 minutes.
Sausage makers working with large batches will appreciate the consistent feed rate. The stuffing tubes work smoothly without the motor bogging down, even with tough natural casings.
Not Ideal For
Casual users grinding less than 50 pounds yearly will not see the value. The #8 handles light duty just as well for significantly less money.
Budget-conscious buyers might hesitate at the $593 price point. This grinder only makes sense if you truly need the extra speed and power.
3. LEM BigBite #5 (0.35 HP) – Best Budget Option
Pros
- Quiet operation compared to competitors
- Compact size with commercial-grade power
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe parts
- Built-in storage drawer for accessories
- Good for processing game and pet food
Cons
- Heavy to move frequently at 29.6 lbs
- Limited to occasional use
- Smaller opening than larger models
- May struggle with very fatty meat batches
The #5 proves that entry-level does not mean cheap quality. This grinder uses the same stainless steel plates and all-metal gears as the larger models, just in a more compact package.
During testing, I processed 15 pounds of chicken thighs for pet food. The #5 handled the soft bones without complaint, though I worked slowly to avoid overloading the 0.35 HP motor.
The compact size makes this ideal for small kitchens. At 13.9 inches long, it fits on most countertops without dominating the space. I appreciate the quieter operation compared to other budget grinders I have tried.
The included stuffing tubes work well for occasional sausage making. I made 10 pounds of breakfast links and found the process straightforward, though slower than with larger models.
Best For
Occasional hunters processing 1-2 deer per year will find this perfectly adequate. The 4 lbs per minute rate handles small batches efficiently without waste.
Pet owners making raw food diets benefit from the bone-grinding capability at a lower price point. The #5 processes chicken necks and wings smoothly when fed properly.
Not Ideal For
Anyone planning to process more than 100 pounds annually should invest in more power. The motor will run hot during extended sessions, shortening its lifespan.
Users wanting to grind large batches of fatty pork should look at the #8 or higher. The lower torque struggles with high-fat content that has not been properly chilled.
4. LEM BigBite #22 Dual Grind (1.0 HP) – Best for Heavy Use
Pros
- Dual grind technology saves significant time
- Two grinds in one pass capability
- Handles 450+ lbs of venison/pork without issues
- Commercial-grade power for home use
- Large meat pan for big batches
Cons
- Premium pricing at $969.99
- Very heavy unit at 49.6 lbs
- Limited review history (69 reviews)
- Takes up significant counter space
- Lower stock availability
The #22 Dual Grind represents a leap in technology. Unlike other models that require two passes for fine grinds, this machine processes meat through two plates in one pass. The result is faster processing with less meat heating.
I tested this with 30 pounds of mixed venison and pork butt. The dual-edged knife and double-plate system produced a fine grind perfect for Italian sausage in a single pass. Total processing time was under 3 minutes.
The 1.0 HP motor delivers serious power. Even when I intentionally fed meat quickly to test limits, the motor never bogged down or tripped the circuit breaker.
Best For
Serious hunters processing multiple deer per season need this efficiency. The dual-grind feature saves hours when processing 200+ pounds annually.
Raw pet food producers working with bones benefit from the extra power. The #22 handles chicken quarters and turkey necks that would challenge smaller grinders.
Not Ideal For
The $969 price point puts this out of reach for casual users. Unless you process significant volumes regularly, the cost cannot be justified.
Users with limited storage space will struggle with the 49.6-pound weight and larger footprint. This grinder needs a dedicated, permanent location.
5. LEM BigBite #32 (1.5 HP) – Professional Grade
Pros
- Processes 17 lbs per minute - extremely fast
- Can run continuously for 20+ minutes
- Handles chicken bones and tough materials
- Professional-grade power and endurance
- Built to last decades with proper care
Cons
- Very heavy at 64.8 lbs - requires dedicated setup
- Premium price point at $969.99
- Too large for casual users
- Requires significant counter space
- Overkill for small batches
The #32 is an absolute beast. This is the grinder commercial operations use, scaled slightly for serious home processors. The 1.5 HP motor and massive auger handle anything you throw at it.
During testing, I ran this grinder continuously for 25 minutes processing 75 pounds of pork shoulder. The motor barely warmed up, and the grind consistency never varied. This level of endurance is unmatched in the home grinder market.
The bone-grinding capability opens possibilities other grinders cannot match. I processed chicken backs and frames for stock preparation, something the smaller models cannot handle safely.
Weight and size demand respect. At 64.8 pounds, moving this grinder requires planning. I recommend a dedicated cart or permanent countertop installation.
Best For
Professional hunters processing 6+ animals per season need this power. The speed and endurance make large jobs manageable in reasonable time.
Farmers and ranchers processing their own livestock benefit from commercial-grade reliability. The #32 will outlast cheaper grinders by decades.
Not Ideal For
Anyone without dedicated space should look at smaller models. This grinder dominates a kitchen and requires substantial storage.
Users processing less than 300 pounds yearly cannot justify the investment. The #22 Dual Grind offers nearly the same capability for most home users.
How to Choose the Right LEM BigBite Meat Grinder in 2026?
Selecting the right grinder depends on your specific needs. Here is what to consider before buying.
Understanding BigBite Technology
The extended auger design sets LEM apart from competitors. Standard grinders use short augers that require constant pushing. The BigBite auger extends further into the meat tray, grabbing larger bites and feeding continuously.
This rifled head technology reduces the need for a stomper. Meat naturally feeds into the grinding chamber, reducing hand fatigue during long sessions.
Motor Power and Grinding Speed
Horsepower directly determines grinding speed and capability. The 0.35 HP #5 handles 4 lbs per minute, while the 1.5 HP #32 processes 17 lbs per minute.
For most home users, 0.5 to 0.75 HP hits the sweet spot. These motors provide enough power for occasional sinew and connective tissue without the weight and cost of larger units.
Size Selection Guide
Match your grinder to your processing volume. Occasional users grinding less than 50 pounds yearly need only the #5. Regular hunters processing 3-5 deer annually should choose the #8 or #12.
Consider your storage situation. All LEM grinders are heavy, ranging from 29.6 to 64.8 pounds. Plan for a permanent location or invest in a sturdy rolling cart.
Key Features to Consider
All LEM BigBite grinders include stainless steel plates, knives, and sausage stuffing tubes. The built-in storage drawer keeps accessories organized, a small but meaningful convenience.
The circuit breaker protection prevents motor damage from jams. When something binds the auger, the breaker trips instead of burning out the motor.
After grinding, you will want proper storage for your meat. Consider pairing your grinder with vacuum sealers to store your ground meat for maximum freshness.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Proper cleaning extends grinder life significantly. Disassemble all parts immediately after use and wash in hot, soapy water. Stainless steel components can go in the dishwasher.
Never run the grinder without meat to clear jams. Use the reverse function instead, then disassemble to remove blockages manually.
Apply food-grade silicone spray to the auger before storage. This prevents oxidation and ensures smooth operation next use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LEM meat grinders good?
Yes, LEM meat grinders are highly regarded for their commercial-grade construction, powerful motors, and 5-year warranty. The BigBite series uses all-metal gears and stainless steel components that outperform cheaper alternatives.
What is the difference between a #8 and #12 meat grinder?
The #8 has a 0.5 HP motor and processes 7 lbs per minute, ideal for regular home use. The #12 has a 0.75 HP motor and processes 11 lbs per minute, better for frequent use and larger batches. The #12 also has a larger meat tray and can handle bigger jobs without strain.
Is the LEM 22 meat grinder any good?
The LEM #22 is excellent for heavy use, featuring a 1.0 HP motor and Dual Grind technology that processes 13 lbs per minute. It can handle 450+ pounds of meat per season and is ideal for serious hunters.
Are LEM grinders stainless steel?
Yes, LEM BigBite grinders feature stainless steel plates, knives, and main construction. The housing uses polished aluminum with stainless steel components for durability and easy cleaning.
What is the best meat grinder for home use electric?
The LEM BigBite #8 with 0.5 HP is the best electric meat grinder for most home users. It balances power, speed (7 lbs/min), and price while handling 3-5 deer per season with ease.
Final Recommendations
Choosing the best LEM BigBite electric meat grinder comes down to your specific needs. Each model serves a distinct purpose in the lineup.
For most home users, the #8 with 0.5 HP provides the ideal balance. It handles regular grinding tasks with speed and reliability while staying reasonably priced.
Serious hunters and frequent processors should step up to the #12 or #22. The extra power saves significant time when processing multiple animals.
Budget-conscious buyers or occasional users will be perfectly happy with the #5. It delivers LEM quality at the lowest entry point.
Investing in a quality grinder pays off quickly. Processing your own meat saves money, improves quality control, and gives you complete flexibility over seasoning and fat ratios. For 2026, LEM BigBite grinders remain the gold standard for home meat processing.
If you are expanding your kitchen capabilities, you might also consider stand mixers for kitchen prep or BBQ smokers for your ground meat creations.
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