Need Advice....Grinder Size

[Wacenturion]

Planning on picking up a new Cabelas Carnivore grinder tomorrow before the sale goes off.  What is the best size hp wise?  I realize once you get to the 1 hp or larger it also has reversible gears, which is nice.  The increase in throat size is also apparently important.  So for those of you that have Cabelas grinders or other makes for that matter, what would be the best option.  The 1 hp is like $150 less than the cost of the 1 1/2 hp unit, both of which are on sale (sale prices...$80 off).  They also come with free foot control pedal...$50 option.  The $150 more for the 1 1/2 hp is not a concern unless the extra 1/2 hp and increased throat size is unneccessary.  In other words is the larger one worth the extra money considering what it is?  I'm sure I probably don't need the 1 3/4.

Thanks....need advice soon.

[quadrafire]

I have the 1 1/2 hp. It will grind faster than you can feed it for a first grind. I think where the large hp shines is with the second grind. I went from a small kitchen aide like model before this so it is night and day.
If the money won't kill you I'd say step up to the 1 1/2

[bobcat]

I have the 1 hp and sometimes I think it's overkill. I sure wouldn't want any bigger. My grinder will grind as fast as I can feed it. I ran three deer and two antelope through it this year. I've had it for 5 or 6 years now and have never felt I needed a bigger grinder.

[KFhunter]

I can't imagine me needing a cooling sock for a grinder, so I've almost decided against the carnivore grinder.  If I knew it was identical to (or better than) their regular commercial grade 1hp and .75 hp grinder maybe, it's cheaper for the carnivore for now with the cooling sock over their old grinders.  I figure they 'cheaped' out somewhere then threw on the gel pack to make up for it.  I lack trust in this grinder and I also lack trust in Cabela's as they're selling out soon or have sold out.  Very hesitant to buy branded items until I see what their future holds. The Cabela's 1HP carnivore is $535 to my door. It's cheaper than paying tax in store plus I save fuel. 

I know I want a foot pedal, and I know I want a big hopper and a big size throat so I can jam larger pieces of meat down it.  With bigger throats and grinder sizes you leave more meat wasted during clean out.  I don't care about accessories but I do want replacement parts readily available. 



Right now I'm looking at Westin grinders,  I can get a 1hp #22 grinder for $527.63 off amazon with free prime shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Weston-08-2201-W-Number-Commercial-Grinder/dp/B004DE35RY/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1449015462&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Weston+%2322


Another grinder that's interesting to me is the pro-cut grinders, they have a bigger hopper. For the price range you'd have to step down to a #12 grinder though with 3/4 hp
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/161439981126?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

They're more on the commercial end instead of heavy duty home owner line. http://www.pro-cut.us/products.php

[KFhunter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLdg-RV1vruBhp7I_7SRF_bKUUjrJo8IeS&v=LNm0BwvJ6c0

[jrebel]

I have a 1 hp and it will eat an entire elk in less than 10 minutes.  This is no exageration....unless you are doing it commercially a 1 hp will last you a life time. 

This is the one I have and I have no complaints. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-MTN-Commercial-1HP-Stainless-Steel-Electric-Meat-Sauage-Grinder-No-22-/191748433605?hash=item2ca518e6c5:g:RUEAAMXQTT9RsD2a

[Wacenturion]

KF....have similar thoughts about the newer product.  The description for the Carivore says the best grinder Cabelas has made so far.  Improvements over their commercial version.  Hard to say....you may indeed be right.  Talked with a salesman and he said the new one is made by a different company, so it could go either way...north or south.

The few initial reviews on the Carnivore were excellent however.

May take another look at the commercial line.

[KFhunter]

I'm in the same boat, I've got a plastic kitchen aid attachment and a 600lb boar out in the back yard that's going into sausage soon


For me the weston is a few bucks cheaper and I know who makes it and I can get replacement parts

check this out

http://www.westonsupply.com/Meat-Grinder-Parts-s/140.htm

[Ridgeratt]

I'm in the same boat, I've got a plastic kitchen aid attachment and a 600lb boar out in the back yard that's going into sausage soon

Depends if you knock on the right doors!!!

[KFhunter]

I'm in the same boat, I've got a plastic kitchen aid attachment and a 600lb boar out in the back yard that's going into sausage soon

Depends if you knock on the right doors!!!

want to help out? 

[Wacenturion]

I'm in the same boat, I've got a plastic kitchen aid attachment and a 600lb boar out in the back yard that's going into sausage soon


For me the weston is a few bucks cheaper and I know who makes it and I can get replacement parts

check this out

http://www.westonsupply.com/Meat-Grinder-Parts-s/140.htm

From what I have seen on forums, the commercial line of Cabelas is made by Weston, and it was indicated that parts would be available if Cabelas stopped making them.  As far as the Carnivore line, not able to find who makes them at the moment.

[Ridgeratt]

I'm in the same boat, I've got a plastic kitchen aid attachment and a 600lb boar out in the back yard that's going into sausage soon

Depends if you knock on the right doors!!!

want to help out?

I closed up shop for the year, but depending on when I might find some toys you could use.
When you planning on tipping him over?

[Wacenturion]

Carnivore Grinder Ad............notice the comment....our best grinder ever

[KFhunter]

I'm in the same boat, I've got a plastic kitchen aid attachment and a 600lb boar out in the back yard that's going into sausage soon

Depends if you knock on the right doors!!!

want to help out?

I closed up shop for the year, but depending on when I might find some toys you could use.
When you planning on tipping him over?

by the end of december for sure then I'll be wasting feed. Probably within a week.

[KFhunter]

Didja order the Carnivore?   I was sure tempted and would have if I could have figured out who made it.