Investing in a quality meat grinder can take your home cooking to the next level. With the ability to make your own fresh ground meat, sausages, and more, a meat grinder is an invaluable addition to any home chef’s kitchen arsenal. However, these appliances can be quite an investment. Finding the best time to buy ensures you get the features you want at the most affordable price.

Why Buying at the Right Time Matters

Finding the optimal time to purchase your meat grinder ensures maximum savings. Prices fluctuate throughout the year, with certain periods offering better discounts and deals. Being a savvy shopper saves you money without compromising on quality.

The right purchase timing also increases the available selection of inventory. Buying during peak demand periods means fewer models and options in stock. Being flexible on dates opens up more choice and customization ability.

Finally, timing your meat grinder shopping well lets you access the latest features and models. Buying too early means outdated technology, while buying too late yields purchases near the end of product lifecycles. Plan properly to get the most modern capabilities.

6 Best Times of Year to Buy Meat Grinders

1. Major Holidays: Late December

The holiday season from late November to December sees major discounts on small kitchen appliances like meat grinders. Retailers offer sales to attract end-of-year shoppers, with prices dropping 20-50%.

Specific holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday have especially attractive deals. Shop 1-3 weeks before Christmas for optimal savings. Avoid early November, when sales are limited.

2. January: New Year Sales

January picks up right after the holiday sales season with New Year discounts on remaining inventory. Prices match or even beat holiday deals, especially mid-January.

Early January has the peak selection of unsold holiday stock. Wait until the second half for the deepest price cuts as retailers clear out inventory.

3. Summer: June to August

June to August summer months have two distinct sale events:

1. Father’s Day Sales (June)

Father’s Day meat grinder deals cater to men’s hobbies and interests with discounts on grills, tools, appliances, and electronics like meat grinders. Time around Father’s Day weekend has good sales.

2. Back to School Sales (July/August)

Surprisingly, late summer back to school sales also lower prices for appliances. Retailers attract shoppers with appliance discounts for college students and parents. Expect up to 40% off select meat grinders in July/August.

Aim for mid-late summer for a dual opportunity at Father’s Day and back to school markdowns on meat processing equipment.

4. Wedding Season: March to May

Spring wedding season sales present a unique opportunity for major discounts. Retailers attract newly engaged couples furnishing new homes with deals across categories.

As more couples plan summer weddings from March to May, keep an eye out for storewide sales during this peak engagement ring purchase period. Outside of holidays, wedding season has some of the best meat grinder deals all year.

5. Manufacturer Refurbished Units

All year round, carefully timed purchases of manufacturer refurbished meat grinders can yield great value. Directly from the producer, these pre-owned units undergo stringent performance checks before resale.

Refurbished models can cost 40-60% less than brand new grinders with comparable quality and decent warranties. However, inventory fluctuates more than brand new units. Check manufacturer listings intermittently for best availability.

6. End of Model Year

Late summer to fall is an opportune window for deals on meat grinders nearing the end of annual production. As manufacturers prepare to launch newer models in late fall, prices on existing lineup stock drops.

September/October has increasing availability of closeout sales for 20-30% off undiscounted prices. Compare specs and pricing history to identify true discounts versus retailers clearing old inventory.

5 Key Features to Evaluate

Use this checklist of must-have features when comparing meat grinder options across brands:

✔ Motor Power

Higher motor power (watts) enables faster grinding and ability to process meat chunks rather than just ground meat. 500 watts is ideal for most home needs.

✔ Materials

Metal housing and stainless steel components improve durability and ease of cleaning. Avoid lower cost plastic models.

✔ Grinding Head Styles

Look for a combination of plate and blade/knife system to allow both coarse and fine grinds for different meats.

✔ Attachments Included

At minimum, a kubbe attachment for ethnic dishes like kibbeh. Nice to have: sausage stuffer tube, pasta nozzles.

✔ Warranty

5-year minimum motor and 1 year parts warranty from reputable brands provide peace of mind.

Top 6 Meat Grinder Brands

Using the checklist, here are top rated meat grinder brands worth considering this sale season:

1. STX International

With some of the most powerful motors up to 3000 watts and all metal construction, STX grinders deliver exceptional performance. Models like the STX Turboforce 3000 and STX 3000 MF feature specialized air cooling to run longer without overheating.

While STX grinders work extremely well, noise levels can be higher than other brands. Overall, an excellent choice for the best grinding capability even on fibrous meats.

2. Kitchener

For a high capability grinder at lower cost, Kitchener grinders have stainless steel components and 500 watt motors starting under $150. Though not as heavy duty as the STX, Kitchener grinders match commercial restaurant quality for the average home user.

Kitchener also sells a dedicated stand mixer attachment grinder expanding flexibility. Excellent value across entry level to mid-range pricing.

3. Weston

Venerable meat processing brand Weston offers an extensive selection including both stand alone and attachment style grinders designed for its popular mixers. Models range from 350 watt manual versions to 1000 watt automated motor options.

Weston grinders advertise quieter operation than comparable models. The Weston Pro advantage line represents commercial level quality for discerning home chefs.

4. LEM

LEM grinders receive high marks for simplicity of operation coupled with consistent grinding across a range of meat types. Flagship models showcase all stainless steel housing and proprietary auger design to reduce jamming issues. Owners praise LEM’s customer service as well.

On the downside, LEM grinders carry higher price points, often over $300+. However, the exceptional durability and performance justify costs for serious hobbyists.

5. Gourmia

For shoppers prioritizing affordability, Gourmia meat grinders offer entry level functionality starting under $100. The Gourmia GMG525 model highlights aluminum construction, 3 grinding plates, and 550 watt motor – an unbeatable value.

Keep in mind lower durability at this cost, but Gourmia grinders present a solid, inexpensive starter option before upgrading.

6. Sunmile

Another budget-friendly pick, Sunmile meat grinders advertise metal housing and 400+ watt motors for less than $150. Sunmile’s SM-G50 ETL grinder even comes with a sausage stuffer kit and kubbe attachment included.

Sunmile grinders match more expensive brands on paper but may lack long term reliability. Still, great introductory models for new home butchers on a budget.

No matter your budget or needs, purchasing your meat grinder at the right time unlocks maximum savings. Use this guide to discover the best deals this year!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I buy a meat grinder to get the best deal?

The best times for meat grinder deals are major holidays like Christmas and Black Friday in late November/December as well as January New Year sales. Wedding season from March-May also sees discounts.

Q: How much should I spend on a good home meat grinder?

Expect to spend $150-300 for a quality mid-range grinder with metal housing, 500 watt motor, stainless steel components, and 5 year warranty. High performance commercial level grinders cost over $300+.

Q: Can I use a stand mixer attachment meat grinder?

Yes, attachment grinders for mixers provide decent capability for occasional use. However, long term heavy duty grinding is better suited to a dedicated countertop grinder with more power.

Q: What features make a good meat grinder?

Key aspects are 500+ watt motor, metal construction with stainless steel, combination grinding plates, generous warranty (5 years+), and special attachments like kubbe and stuffer tubes.

Q: Which are the best meat grinder brands?

Top rated meat grinder brands include STX International, Kitchener, Weston, LEM Products, Gourmia, and Sunmile. Each provides good value at different budget levels.