Kitchenaid attachments

[JCGrill]

SWMBO has a pretty good stand mixer, the Kitchenaid Professional 6000 HD, which is a 1 HP unit. I've considered getting both the meat grinder and the sausage stuffer attachments, but I am concerned that they won't be able to hold up to the challenge. I wouldn't be doing either of these things super regularly, but I want the power necessary to do a good job, and I wonder if stand-alone units wouldn't be better. Any advice?

[Dewesq55]

I think the consensus is that the grinder is decent, but the sausage stuffer is very sub par. I like the grinder on mine but don't have the sausage stuffer.

[CaptainMike]

I started with the plastic grinder and it performed well. Traded up to the metal one and it's noticeably better and I recommend it. I grind my own hamburger a couple of times a month and the metal version makes very quick work of it. The stuffer function is adequate, but difficult to use by yourself. It's fine for occasional use, but if you're planning on doing a lot of sausage then get a dedicated unit.

[Attjack]

The metal one works on my Artisan model. But if you want real power you might want to go stand alone.

[TheQuietOne]

We had a Kitchenaid grinder and it worked OK as a grinder. As a sausage stuffer it was worthless. So for a grinder we bought one of these. https://www.onestopjerkyshop.com/tas...-meat-grinder/
We've had it ten years and grind all our beef with it. We also grind chicken thighs bone and all to feed our cats. With all that it hasn't given us a bit of trouble. If you have the space, it's worth it.

I don't like the grinder based sausage stuffers at all. They don't have the control of a cranked stuffer. We have a LEM stuffer and it works very well. https://www.lemproducts.com/product/...usage-stuffers
There are lots of similar products by other manufacturers.

[Skip]

I agree with the posts above. The metal grinder for a KA Mixer works great but the stuffer not so good. A hand stuffer gives much better control IMO.

[texastweeter]

love my KA grinder, don't have the stuffer

[klflowers]

Just used the metal grinder for the first time. 5lbs pork butt for some Andouille. The grinder worked fine but the stuffer was a pain in the rear.

[ScottyC13]

Do you have the plastic stuffer? I got a Kitchen Aid for my work 30th anniversary (free from them!!!). I have used the grinder a couple of times and it worked well. I do want to try to make sausages, but haven't tried the stuffer yet.

[klflowers]

ScottyC13, I have the stainless one. Got it on sale several months ago. Stuffing with it takes a lot of patience. Now that we have done it I think it will go smoother next time.

[HouseHomey]

What do you mean by "Challenge?"

I have beat the crud out of my KA grinder. I love it.

Making sausage, grinding meat and stuffing is about proper technique and takes practice.

Unless you are making a lot, the KA is just fine.

I have a stuffer from "The Sausage Maker." I really love their products.

Nothing wrong with stand alone products if you have the space.

[surfdog]

Agreed...
I use the KA grinder & stuffer with my pro line.
If I made a lot of sausage I might consider a stand alone...but I don’t, so it’s not really something I need.
I’m on my second grinder...lost the first one in a divorce. LOL

[barelfly]

I have both the grinder and stuffer. I have not used the stuffer and have since purchased an LEM stuffer that is amazing!

anyhow, I do like the grinder. I have used it more so for making burgers and it has worked well.

[tbob4]