The number on a meat grinder (#12, #22, #32) is the hub size, a standard that sets the size of the grinder head and its plates: the bigger the number, the bigger the head and the more meat it can push through per hour. A #12 suits a restaurant grinding daily burger blend, a #22 suits a busy deli or small butcher, and a #32 suits a butcher shop or a kitchen grinding large batches every day.
Shop the equipment in this article: commercial work tables, meat processing machinery and food prep equipment. Freight is included on every order.
The hub size also decides which plates and knives fit, so it matters when you buy spares. This guide explains each size using the output and motor figures on the grinders we carry.
What the hub number means
The hub is the opening where the grinder head attaches. Plates, knives and heads are made to fit a hub size, so a #12 plate will not fit a #22 head. When you order replacement plates, knives or a sausage tube, order them for your hub size. Some mixers also have a #12 hub on the front that takes a grinder attachment, such as the Prepline PHL-MH12, which fits #12 hub mixers.
#12 hub
A #12 grinder is the common choice for restaurants and delis that grind a few batches a day.
- Prepline MC12: up to 250 lb per hour, 1 HP (735 W) gear-driven motor at 170 RPM, 115 V, 11 amps, NEMA 5-15P plug. Forward and reverse, an emergency stop and manual reset overload protection. 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch plates plus a spare blade included.
- Express KitchQuip MG-12: #12 hub, 1 HP (750 W), 120 V, cast aluminum body with a stainless T-head, reverse to clear jams, screw, propeller and plate included. Its size is listed as 14 x 21 x 17 inches.
#22 hub
A #22 grinder moves noticeably more meat and suits a deli, a butcher counter or a restaurant group grinding for several locations.
- Prepline MC22: up to 450 lb per hour, 1.5 HP (1,100 W), gear driven at 170 RPM, forward and reverse, manual reset overload protection, 1/4 and 5/16 inch plates. 9.33 W x 18.6 D x 21 H inches, 76 lb. Its page asks for a dedicated 115 V circuit.
- Porkert 10: #22 hub, 1.5 HP, 120 V.
#32 hub
A #32 grinder is a heavy duty machine for butcher shops, meat markets and commissaries.
- Prepline MC32: up to 661 lb per hour, 2 HP (1,800 W), gear driven at 230 RPM, 110 V. 13.5 W x 19 D x 22.75 H inches, 93 lb. Plates and a spare blade included. Its page asks for a dedicated 110 V circuit.
- Prepline FM32: #32 hub, 2 HP, gear driven, sausage tube included (currently on backorder).
How to choose
- Work out pounds per day and the time you can give to grinding. If you grind 100 lb in a morning, a #12 at up to 250 lb per hour does it in well under an hour on paper; real output is lower once you count loading, chilling and plate changes.
- Leave headroom. A grinder run near its limit every day heats the meat and works harder. Many operators size up one hub when volume is close.
- Check the power: all the models above run on a standard 110 to 120 V circuit, but larger motors draw more current, so give them their own circuit.
- Check bench space and weight. A #22 or #32 needs a sturdy table at a working height. See our commercial work tables.
Grinding tips that apply to every size
- Keep meat cold. Cold meat cuts cleanly instead of smearing. The MC22 and MC32 pages suggest chilling the meat and grinder parts before grinding. Raw meat must be held at 41 F or below when not being worked (12VAC5-421-820).
- Cut meat into strips that fit the throat; do not force it with your hand. Use the stomper or pusher.
- Use reverse to clear sinew that wraps the auger.
- Clean between types of raw meat. The Food Code asks that food-contact surfaces be cleaned before each use with a different type of raw animal food, such as beef, pork or poultry (12VAC5-421-1780), except when going from lower to higher cooking temperature meats in that order.
Cleaning
Unplug, take the head apart (auger, knife, plate, ring), wash, rinse and sanitize the parts and let them air dry. Do not put the motor base in water. Dry cast aluminum parts promptly. Step by step instructions are in our guide on how to clean a meat grinder.
Ordering from Express KitchQuip
Freight with liftgate delivery to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price. Grinders are powered equipment with a 7 day return window from delivery, and lease-to-own financing is available on items from 500 dollars. Browse all meat processing machinery or food prep equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Is a #12 grinder enough for a restaurant?
For most restaurants grinding burger blend daily, yes. A #12 like the MC12 is listed at up to 250 lb per hour.
Can I put #22 plates on a #12 grinder?
No. Plates and knives are sized to the hub. Order parts for your hub size.
What plate size for burgers?
Many kitchens use a coarse plate first and a finer plate second. The Prepline grinders include 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch plates.
Do I need a 220 V circuit for a #32 grinder?
Not for the MC32, which is listed at 110 V. Its page asks for a dedicated circuit.
Your local health department has the final say on meat handling.
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
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
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
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.