A mincer plate is one of those very small components that can have a surprisingly big influence on the final results. Specifically, this simple component plays a crucial role in determining the texture, consistency, and overall quality of your ground meat. In short, whether you're preparing burgers, sausages, or meatballs, the quality of your ground meat often hinges on the mincer plate you choose.

That’s why we take care to supply an extensive range of mincer plates here at Butchers Equipment Warehouse, encompassing options from a number of brands – including Salvador, Lumbeck, and Torrey. So, if you’re still making your final decisions between them, here are a couple of points that are worth bearing in mind!

Texture control in ground meat production

Being selective with your choice of mincer plate enables you to have greater control over the texture of the ground meat. Essentially, the size of the holes in the plate determines whether the meat will be finely ground or have a coarser texture. Fine grinds are perfect for dishes like hamburgers or terrines, while coarser grinds work well for recipes like meatloaf or sausages.

Before you choose your mincer plate, then, you’ll need to have a reasonably accurate idea of what kind of cuts you’re planning to prepare, and how, when and where they’ll be served.

Recipe requirements for optimal results

Following on closely from our last point, different recipes call for different grind sizes to achieve the best results. For example, if you're making homemade sausages, you'll want a mincer plate that produces a medium-to-fine grind to ensure the proper texture and consistency. On the other hand, if you're preparing a rustic meat sauce or chilli, you may find that a coarser grind is preferable, to add texture and mouthfeel to the dish. (Yes, mouthfeel is a thing!) When you’re making your choice of mincer plate then, you’ll need to consider the requirements of your recipes, to ensure optimal results every time.

Consistency is key

You don’t need to be a particularly experienced chef to know that consistency is essential in the world of cooking, and the same holds true for meat grinding. Using the same mincer plate consistently ensures uniformity in the ground meat’s texture, which is crucial for achieving consistent results. Whether you're making multiple batches of burgers for an outdoor barbecue (the weather should clear up any day now), or producing sausages for sale in your butcher shop, maintaining consistency in grind size is key to customer satisfaction and future business.

Meat type and fat content considerations

The type of meat that’s being ground, and its fat content, both also influence the choice of mincer plate. Lean meats like chicken or turkey may require a finer grind to prevent dryness and ensure a juicy end product. Conversely, fattier cuts like pork shoulder or beef chuck may well benefit from a coarser grind to maintain a pleasing texture and prevent the meat from becoming too dense. They’re just a couple of reasons why it’s always worth taking the time to consider the characteristics of the meat you're working with, when you’re selecting the appropriate mincer plate for the job.

Performance and efficiency optimisation

Finally, choosing the right mincer plate can optimise the performance and efficiency of your meat grinder. Using the correct plate for the type of meat being ground ensures smooth operation and prevents clogging or jamming, saving you time and unnecessary effort in the kitchen. Additionally, a well-selected mincer plate can help boost the yield of ground meat from each batch, helping you to reduce waste and maximise productivity.

These are just some of the most universal benefits – with the right choice of mincer plate, you may even be able to enjoy even more advantages specific to you! And if you need any help or advice in making your decisions with mincer plates, that’s exactly what we’re here for. We’ve recently published a quick guide detailing everything you need to know about meat mincers, and don’t forget that you can always get in touch with our team on 01254 427761. We’ll always be happy to help!