Pick a commercial meat grinder by how many pounds you grind in a session, then match the hub size and motor to that load: a #12 hub with about 1 HP suits daily burger and sausage batches, a #22 with 1.5 HP suits a deli or butcher counter, and a #32 with 2 HP suits high volume grinding. Check the outlet, the counter space and how easily the head comes apart for cleaning before you order.
Shop the equipment in this article: Prepline MC12 #12 hub 250 lb meat grinder, MG-12 deli meat grinder, #12 hub and Prepline MC22 #22 hub 1.5 HP meat grinder. Freight is included on every order.
The four numbers that matter
Hub size
The hub number describes the size of the grinding head and plate. Larger hubs take bigger plates and move more meat per minute. Our grinders come in #12, #22 and #32. The hub size also decides which plates, knives and attachments fit, so stay with one size across a kitchen if you can. For a deeper look, see our guide to meat grinder hub sizes.
Motor
Motor power is listed in horsepower and watts. In our range:
- Prepline MC12, #12 hub: 1 HP with a gear driven transmission and a grease lubricated gearbox.
- MG-12, #12 hub: 1 HP, 750 W, 120 V.
- Prepline MC22, #22 hub: 1.5 HP, 1,100 W, gear driven.
- Porkert 10, #22 hub: 1.5 HP with overload protection.
- Prepline MC32, #32 hub: 2 HP, 1,800 W, gear driven.
- Prepline FM32, #32 hub: 2 HP, 1,100 W, gear driven, on backorder at the time of writing.
Output
Makers list output in pounds per hour. The Prepline MC12 page lists up to 250 lb per hour, the MC22 up to 450 lb per hour and the MC32 up to 661 lb per hour. Treat these as the top of the range with cold meat cut to size; real output drops with sinewy cuts, warm meat or a dull knife and plate.
Power supply
Check the plug and amperage before you buy. The MC22 lists 115 V, 16 A on a NEMA 5-15P plug and asks for a dedicated circuit. The MC32 lists 110 V, 1,800 W and also asks for a dedicated 110 V circuit. A grinder that shares a circuit with a slicer or mixer may trip the breaker in the middle of a batch.
Features worth paying for
- Forward and reverse switch. Reverse clears sinew that wraps around the auger without taking the head apart. The MC12 and MC22 list it; the MG-12 lists a reverse function.
- Gear drive. All the Prepline grinders above list gear driven transmissions.
- Stainless steel parts that touch food. The MC22 and MC32 list stainless steel construction.
- Plates included. The MC22 and MC32 come with 1/4 and 5/16 in. plates, a coarse and a finer grind.
- Emergency stop. The MC12 lists an emergency stop switch and a manual reset.
Size and weight on the counter
Grinders are heavy and need a stable surface. The MC22 measures 9.33 W x 18.6 D x 21 H in. and weighs 76 lbs; the MC32 measures 13.5 W x 19 D x 22.75 H in. and weighs 93 lbs. Put the grinder on a sturdy stainless table with room for a lug of meat on one side and the catch tray on the other. Check each of our commercial work tables for its size and, where listed, its load rating, and keep color coded cutting boards beside the grinder for trimming.
Cleaning and food safety
Grinder heads, augers, knives and plates are food-contact parts. The FDA Food Code (section 4-602.11) requires food-contact surfaces to be cleaned before each use with a different type of raw animal food, such as switching from beef to pork or poultry, each time you move from raw to ready-to-eat food, and at least every 4 hours when in constant use with time/temperature control for safety food, with listed exceptions. In practice that means taking the head apart, washing, rinsing and sanitizing the parts in a three compartment sink, and letting them air dry. Our guide on how to clean a meat grinder walks through it. Your local health department has the final say on how these rules apply to your kitchen.
Chilling the head and meat before grinding is common practice; it keeps fat from smearing and helps keep the meat cold.
Which grinder for which kitchen
- Restaurant grinding its own burger blend a few times a week: a #12 such as the MC12 or MG-12.
- Deli or butcher counter grinding daily: a #22 such as the MC22 or Porkert 10.
- Meat market, commissary or processor: a #32 such as the MC32.
These are common practice matches, not rules. Your daily pounds decide.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying by horsepower alone without checking the hub size and plates.
- Grinding warm meat, which slows output and smears fat.
- Running a grinder on a shared circuit.
- Leaving the head assembled overnight.
- Using a dull knife and plate. Replace or sharpen them as a pair.
Frequently asked questions
What size meat grinder does a restaurant need?
A #12 hub with about 1 HP is a common starting point for a restaurant grinding its own blend in batches. Move to a #22 if you grind every day or in larger batches.
What is the difference between a #12 and #22 meat grinder?
The #22 has a larger head and plate, and in our range comes with a 1.5 HP motor instead of 1 HP. The Prepline MC22 lists up to 450 lb per hour against 250 lb for the MC12.
Do commercial meat grinders come with plates?
Check each page. The Prepline MC22 and MC32 list 1/4 and 5/16 in. plates included, and the MG-12 lists a screw, propeller and grinder plate.
What is the return window?
7 days for powered equipment. Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price, and items from 500 dollars can be financed. See all models in our meat processing equipment.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Prepline MC12 #12 Hub 250lb Meat Grinder (model MC12)
- Brand: Prepline
- Powerful heavy-duty motor
- Durable stainless steel body
- Consistent gear-driven performance
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
MG-12 Commercial Deli Meat Grinder, #12 Hub, Express (model MG-12)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial Deli Meat Grinder
- Heavy-duty build for durability
- 1 HP motor for efficiency
Prepline MC22 #22 HUB 1.5 HP Meat Grinder (model MC22)
- Brand: Prepline
- High Torque Motor
- Heavy Duty Design
- 450 lbs/hr Production
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Porkert 10 Commercial Deli Meat Grinder, #22 Hub (model Porkert 10)
- Commercial Deli Meat Grinder, #22
- Heavy-duty build for durability
- 1.5 HP motor for powerful grinding
Prepline MC32 #32 HUB 2 HP Meat Grinder Heavy Duty (model MC32)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline FM32 HUB 32 Meat Grinder, 2 HP (model FM32)
- Brand: Prepline
- Rust-Resistant: Durable build
- High Capacity: 175 RPM
- Easy Maintenance: Extra blade
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline PMGA12 #12 HUB Head Mincer Meat Grinder Attachment (model PMGA12)
- Brand: Prepline
- Stainless Steel Construction
- #12 HUB Compatibility
- Versatile Grinding Plates
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.