Can I ask you something?
Have you ever think of making homemade sausages?
Yes. I mean those flavorful, packed links of meat that are salty and spicy.
Ahh. Sausages!
Nothing really beats their taste— whether fried or smoked or whatever cooking method you can think of!
Unfortunately…
We can’t trust those pre-made sausages found in supermarkets since they might come with unhealthy and unnatural casings. Additionally, the meat may not be at its best.
However, this does not mean that you should stop enjoying a meaty link of sausages. But, what should you do?
Make them at home, of course!
As every food enthusiasts say, nothing beats a homemade food, especially homemade sausages.
Sounds great! What do I need?
Your favorite meat, the spices of your choice, and the best sausage stuffer!
A stuffer?
What is a Sausage Stuffer?
Well, as its name implies, a sausage stuffer is an appliance designed to help stuff or pack sausage meats into the casings.
Sausage stuffers will come to your rescue and take much of the time and hard work in making your own sausage with great results that are comparable to commercially-available sausages.
So, it’s like the ones used to create the pre-made sausages at the store?
Big yes!
Then a sausage stuffer can cost me a fortune!
That may be true, yes. But you should know that modern sausage stuffers are now also built to take the normal kitchen scene, making them less bulky to fit in your kitchen space. And although they may still cost you hundreds of dollars, kitchen stuffers are much affordable and easier to use than those for commercial use.
Why You Should Make Your Own Sausages From Now On?
1. Control Over Processing
You can trust others for cleaning and grinding the meats for the sausages, however, they may have a very different way of doing so.
For instance, if you want a venison sausage, there is some other meat mixed in. However, you cannot guarantee the ratio unless you try to do it yourself. This is also true for fat content. Some can load it down with fat and save on meat, making it such a greasier sausage.
2. The Taste
Buying sausage in the supermarket, you’re getting what other people feels as good tasting sausage. You might want a different type of meat as well as a different blend of seasonings in your sausage.
Creating your own sausages at home, you get to try out different possibilities until you create the taste that is unique and just right for you.
3. Meat Quality
Making your own sausages at home also means that you do not have to worry about any unknown or unworthy animal parts making through the grinder and to the sausages. This means that no nose, ears or any other animal parts aside from the typical meat used in sausages are fed to your family.
4. Cost
Sausages in the supermarkets usually call for a high price tag. In your kitchen, on the other hand, once you have paid for the necessary equipment, you only have the cost of the meat and whatever spices you want, making it a much affordable choice in the long term.
5. Health
Since homemade sausages will contain only what you want to put into it, you can keep the fat and salt content low, and making a healthier and leaner sausage for you and your family. Also, there won’t be any chemicals or preservative in your meat, since you will have complete control over what goes into it.
The Different Kinds of Sausage Stuffers
In order to easily figure out which sausage stuffer is the best one for your kitchen, you must first know that different types of sausage stuffers available in the market today.
1. Horn Stuffer
Being the cheapest kind of sausage stuffer, horn stuffers are more like a tool than a machine. It is basically a horn which comes with a pusher to push down meat into the sausage skin.
Horn stuffers are the simplest of its kind and are the best choice for beginners who are looking for a tool that is not overwhelming to use for the very first time. It is very practical and direct to the point.
2. Vertical Stuffers
This is probably the most popular type of stuffer. Vertical stuffers are a great choice for both experts and beginners and are available in both electric and manual models.
This stuffer can accommodate 5 – 15 pounds of meat in one go and is an ideal choice for creating large batches of sausages.
Its mechanism is somewhat similar to a horn stuffer, however, rather than pressing down in order to squeeze out the meat, you’ll have to press a button or turn a handle in order to grind and stuff the meat to the sausage skin.
3. Horizontal Stuffer
This type of stuffer works like its vertical sibling. The main difference is that the meat chamber of a horizontal stuffer is placed horizontally, thus its name. Horizontal stuffers make a better choice if vertical space is a problem.
Sausage Stuffer Buying Guide: Choosing the Best One!
Now, let’s dive into the different factors that you need to be mindful of when looking for a sausage stuffer in the market. Here are some of the features and important factors you should look for to have the best one for your kitchen.
1. Materials
Sausage stuffers are tools which come in several parts for assembling and disassembling. It is important that these parts can be thoroughly cleaned, particularly parts which come in contact with the meat in order to maintain proper hygiene. The whole sausage stuffer need to be sturdy, resistant to rust and durable,
The most common material used for sausage stuffer is stainless steel. However, you also need to check that its material is of high-grade, particularly if you intend to use it for heavy-duty purposes.
2. Capacity
Sausage stuffers can accommodate 5 - 20 pounds of meat. And in terms of choosing the best sausage stuffer based on its capacity, make sure that you’re getting something that fits your personal needs.
It is worth mentioning that a larger capacity also means that the machine will be heavier and harder to clean and store away.
3. Electric VS. Manual
Sausage stuffers can either come in an electric or manual model. Without a doubt, electric models are easier and quicker to use. But, they also require more of your budget. Manual models, on the other hand, will need your strength to create those yummy sausages and comes at a much affordable price tag.
If you would ask me, I’d say that an electric model is more suitable if you need something for commercial use. If you need something for a typical sausage BBQ party once a week, then manual models are much better.
4. Stuffing Tubes Sizes
They say size counts. And in reality, some like small and some prefer big ones. And for quality sausage stuffer, they offer you a range of sizes— from extra-large to small sausages.
Common sizes of stuffing tubes are 1”, ¾” and ½”— allowing you to create small breakfast sausages for your little ones through chunky chorizos for a BBQ afternoon.
5. Usability
When getting a sausage stuffer, try to choose one that you will enjoy using and not something that will just make you cringe every time you think of using it. In terms of overall usability, try to consider the simplicity of controls, the design of the handles and if it comes with an easy-to-understand instruction.
6. Extra Features
Some sausage stuffers come with extra features, making them more valuable for every penny you spend. Some important extra features include:
a. Air-Release Valves
These valves are designed in order to release any air that is trapped inside the sausage so that you do not have to deal with sausage casing constantly breaking.
b. Speed Option
It is always recommended to choose a sausage stuffer that has at least 2 speeds. If you have an additional pair of helping hands or as you become more experienced, you can then increase the speed in order to get the work done quickly.
Also, some casing, particularly natural casings, can be weaker than other. And if you run a stuffer at maximum speed with such casing, chances are they could rip or tear. Having the option to slow things down can really help.
The grind of meat also determines the required speed, with a coarser grind needing a more gradual pressure in order to avoid ripping or bursting the case open.
c. Grinder Function
One of the pre-requisite of homemade sausages is the use of ground meat. You can always buy ground meat in local butcher shops, however, if you wish to do the grinding yourself, then there are some sausage stuffers out there that can also be used as a meat grinder. This model comes with grinding plates and fitting plates for grinding meat.
7. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
One thing that you should never, ever, forget to look for is how easy it is to clean and maintain the appliance.
If you can’t clean the sausage stuffer properly, some meat can get stuck in hard-to-reach areas which can cause bacterial growth and unpleasant odor.
So, in terms of sausage stuffers, you need to choose one that has detachable parts for a seamless cleaning and maintenance.
8. Warranty
One thing that I have learned over the years is that kitchen appliances, particularly those that endure heavy use, are highly prone to malfunctioning. Therefore, I highly recommend that you get a sausage stuffer that has at least a 1-year warranty or more provided by the manufacturer.
The Top 5 Best Sausage Stuffer 2019
#1: Hakka Brothers 3L Sausage Stuffer
Via Amazon.com
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A great choice for anyone who wants to make large batches of delicious sausages either for commercial or personal use, this 3-liter sausage stuffer by the Hakka Brothers makes a great tool for both beginner and pro.
What’s great about this stuffing machine is its stainless build and components, making it a very sanitary choice. Stainless steel means that it allows easy cleaning and minimal bacterial growth. Highly durable, the stuffer is also very easy to maintain.
The stuffer comes with two adjustable speed so you have the option to choose the right speed to work with as well as 2 fill rates system for an easy and fast sausage making. Its stainless steel piston features an air valve that helps release air when stuffing in order to prevent tearing of sausage casing. Plus, its resin bevel gears are mounted in a double-threaded steel rod in order to ensure a smooth operation.
Furthermore, the stuffer comes with 4 different sized stainless steel tubing— 38mm, 32mm, 22mm, and 16mm— so you have the option to create small or large sized sausages. And despite it is a manual stuffer that needs a bit of effort, this machine features chrome-plated steel crank and all-metal gears, making stuffing easy without breaking a sweat.
What We Like
- All-stainless steel construction
- Comes with a large capacity
- Two speeds for better control
- Easy to use and maintain
- 4 different diameter tubing
- Stuff sausages real quick
What We Don't Like
- Blades dull easily
- Lacks rubber feet for extra stability
- A bit heavy
#2: Super Deal 3L Sausage Stuffer
Via Amazon.com
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Whether you are making snack sticks or sausages, this stuffer will surely deliver! The Super Deal 3L Sausage Stuffer continues to receive a lot of praises for its easy cleanup, easy crank, and sturdiness. It doesn’t hurt that it looks sleek and modern, too!
Ideal for commercial establishments, it features an all-stainless steel construction that can withstand heavy-duty use. It is also very easy to use due to the 90-degree “tiltable” barrel design. Other than being a stuffer, this machine also works as a meat mincer for processing chunks of meats.
With large meat capacity, the stuffer comes with 4 stuffing barrels to get your desired sausage sizes. It has 2 manual speed for quick release and refilling of the plunger. Meanwhile, the base comes with 4 nozzles in order to enhance its stability when stuffing or grinding meat.
What We Like
- Easy to reload
- Features 2 manual speeds
- The nozzles stabilize the machine
- Sturdy and heavy-duty construction
- Easy to set up, use and maintain
- 4 stuffing tubes
- Full stainless steel body
What We Don't Like
- Difficulty to obtain extra parts
- Bit heavy
- Wasted meat in the elbow space of the stuffing nozzle
#3: LEM 20lb Motorized Sausage Stuffer
Via Amazon.com
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The answer to one person stuffing, the LEM Motorized Sausage Stuffer makes an ideal machine for creating delicious sausages in an instant. Featuring variable speed control of 8 speeds, this machine allows you to stuff sausage casing at any desired pace.
Its sturdy and durable stainless steel body and removable cylinder make clean up so easy! The machine also includes 4 stainless steel stuffing tubes for creating differently sized sausages.
Featuring an electric foot switch, this machine allows you to turn it on and off, completely hands-free. It comes with a handle and its motor is exclusive for this particular sausage stuffer only!
What We Like
- Large capacity
- Ideal for commercial use
- Durable stainless steel body
- Removable cylinder for easy cleanup
- 4 stainless steel stuffing tubes
- Variable speed control
What We Don't Like
- Super expensive
- Super heavy
- Not ideal for home use
#4: ROVSUN 3L Vertical Sausage Stuffer
Via Amazon.com
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The ROVSUN Sausage Stuffer features full stainless steel construction for durability and longevity, plus, all parts passed all SGS food hygiene standard. It is also equipped with stainless steel gears for quick loading and pressing.
The machine features a user-friendly design with a hand crank that is so easy to operate and 2-speed design which can be easily refilled and released quickly. It features locking nut in order to prevent leaking and air release valves controls the flow of meat and reduce air.
The stuffer also features a 90-degree “tiltable” barrel design for a trouble-free operation. And with 4 stuffing tubes, you can create any size of sausages you want. The machine is easy to assemble and all pieces come apart for cleaning made easy!
What We Like
- All stainless steel construction
- Passed SGS food hygiene standards
- 2-speed design
- Easy to operate hand crank
- Air release valve
- 90-degree tiltable barrel design
- Includes 4 stuffing tubes
- Easy to assemble and disassemble for easy cleaning
What We Don't Like
- Handle looks fragile
#5: Weston Manual Vertical Sausage Stuffer
Via Amazon.com
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The Weston Manual Vertical Sausage Stuffer might be a bit too much for entry-level sausage stuffers, however, it is a great choice for the experts. This particular machine accommodates 7 pounds of meat for your stuffing needs. In addition, the machine is designed with an upright canister in order to accommodate larger meat quantities.
The stuffer is built with a stainless steel canister and housing, making it a durable option. Furthermore, the machine also offers a safe and stable operation, thanks to its rubber feet ensuring that it won’t budge when stuffing. Featuring heavy-duty steel gears stuffing is a breeze with this machine, plus its dual speed gives you the options.
In order to prevent any tear or rip on the casing, the stuffer comes with a pressure release valve. For a sausage size options, the stuffer also includes 4 stainless steel funnels. The stuffer is very easy to maintain and clean since it can be easily disassembled. And since you can take the whole thing apart with such ease, you also will not have any problems with storage.
Last but not the least, the stuffer also offers extreme versatility, since it does not only stuff sausages. The machine is also a meat grinder so you can help process chunks of meats and stuff sausages in one go!
What We Like
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Highly versatile
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Grinds meat
- Disassembles for easy cleaning
- Air release valve
- Rubber feet for stability
What We Don't Like
- Does not come with a warranty
- Tall
Stuffing Sausages: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
There is no single perfect recipe for sausages. After all, we all have different opinions on a perfect tasting sausage.
For making gorgeous links of sausages, pork is the most common meat used. However, you can also try lamb, duck, chicken and beef meat. You can get ready ground meat, or you can choose to grind your own.
For grinding meat
- 1Place the meat of your choice in an ice bath in order to keep it cold. Make sure that it does not warm up. Otherwise, the fat will go soft.
- 2Chop the cold meat into small chunks of about 1 square inch.
- 3Season the meat with pepper and salt, or any other spices and herbs of your choice.
- 4Freeze the meat mix for 30 minutes only. If you leave the meat in the freezer for longer, it will be harder to grind. The meat should be a bit softer in the middle and frozen outside.
- 5Grind the meat into a bowl. Choose your desired coarseness setting.
Stuffing sausage
- 1Soak the sausage casing in water in order to soften it up.
- 2Get the bowl with grind meat and mix with wet ingredients of your choice, you might add honey, soy sauce, sherry or vinegar. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- 3Run water through the sausage casing and slide it onto the stuffing tube.
- 4Place the meat mixture into the stuffer. Crank down the stuffer if it is manual or switch it on if it is electric. The meat should push through the stuffer tube and into the sausage casing.
- 5Coil the end of stuffed sausages. Hang it to dry then store in the fridge.
And the Weiner Is…
Weston Manual Vertical Sausage Stuffer!
Amazon’s Choice for “Sausage Stuffer Machine” (and I totally agree), this stuffer can provide all your stuffing needs! With the right capacity for home use, durable build, no stability problems, air pressure valve, 2-speed operation, 4 stainless steel funnels and ease of cleaning and maintenance, there really is no reason to not call it the best!
Oh, and it also works like a meat grinder, making your purchase a lot more valuable!
Linking Thoughts
Any sausage lover’s ultimate joy comes with every bite on their favorite sausages. What better way to have your favorite sausages any time of the day with a bit of taste twist from you than creating homemade sausages with the help of the best sausage stuffer?
Nothing right? So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and get the sausage stuffer meant for you and start creating those yummy links!
Do you have any questions? Maybe a yummy sausage recipe? Feel free to share it with the entire community and fire up the comment section below!
Until then, happy stuffing!
The post Best Sausage Stuffer Reviews 2019: Top 5+ Recommended appeared first on Cooky Mom.