The meat mincer is a vital weapon in the arsenal of a butcher. Mince has enduring popularity due to its varied uses and adaptability. Many of the nation’s favourite dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie, Spaghetti Bolognese and Chilli Con Carne require mince.

Millions of pounds of mince are sold every year, as such mince will fly off a butcher’s shelf the whole year round. This means that a meat mincer will seldom get a rest and requires regular attendance, maintenance and cleaning.

It is suggested that you clean a mincer every single day that it is used. Failure to do so can lead to meat particles and mould growing and spreading throughout the mechanisms and functions of the mincer. Such growths can lead to compromised performance or even total loss of function. Furthermore, old and rotting meat within the mechanism could serve to taint meats that are minced. This is especially important if you are using a number of different meats within the mincer or produce halal/kosher minces alongside non-halal/kosher minces.

First, ensure that the meat mincer has been turned off and removed from the mains. Failure to do so could be dangerous for both the person cleaning the mincer and the mincer itself. Remove the pestle and the food tray and scrub these with warm water and dry thoroughly. Then remove the blade and wash with warm water and a neutral detergent.

Use a damp cloth to clean the rest of the main structure. Only small amounts of dirt and foreign bodies should access the main structure so the regular, light clean should suffice in protecting it from dirt and damage.

All fixtures on the main structure that move should be treated with care, excess force could cause them to react dangerously. Fix these moveable structures in place where possible to ensure that you do not risk excessive danger. After wiping them with a damp cloth and allowing them to dry, unfix them from their locked positions. Ensure that all parts of the butcher mincer are back in place before reattaching to the mains and turning on.

Ensure that all members of staff who clean the butcher mincer are taught the correct safety procedures to ensure that they do not endanger themselves. Likewise, always ensure that the full and correct safety equipment and information is provided to everybody who may undertake the task.

Regular maintenance of a butcher mincer can help prolong its life and continue to function at its maximum capacity.