Planning to purchase commercial food processing equipment? Although it is a necessary investment that can eventually pay for itself, low-quality machinery can result in costly downtimes. When it comes on to meat processing machines that last, it is important to assess your needs and choose equipment that is of the highest quality and have a reputation for durability.
Some of the meat processing machines used in butcher shops and meat processing plants include meat grinders, band saws, sausage fillers, bowl cutters, burger machines, meat tenderizers, meat mincers, and chop cutters. Depending on the size of your facility and what you specialize in, you may need a few or all of the above. In this article, we will discuss what to look for in choosing a durable meat grinder, band saw, and sausage filler.
- Meat grinder: One of the most common types of machines used in meat processing, a meat grinder allows for blocks of fresh or frozen meat to be reduced to smaller particles. Good quality heavy duty meat grinders have powerful grind and mix motors and are often constructed from premium stainless steel material. You also want a meat grinder that has a large capacity to match your expected output, so you don’t overwork it. Overworking can shorten the lifespan of your meat grinder.
- Band saw: Also called a butcher saw or bone saw, a meat band saw is one of the most useful items for commercial meat processing facilities. They allow you to quickly cut large portions of meat or bone into smaller pieces. This is more efficient than manual cutting. Durable band saws often feature high-quality stainless steel blades, a powerful motor to allow cutting of frozen meats and bones, and intelligent design to minimize moisture collection and trapped meat cuttings. Safety features such as blade guards and emergency stop functions should also be taken into consideration.
- Sausage filler: A sausage filler or stuffer is used to force ground meat into casings, thereby creating sausages. Like most other food processing equipment, they are available in many different brands, capacities, and designs. Manual sausage fillers are quite common but there are newer hydraulic stuffers that require less human effort. Depending on your expected daily volume, you want to get a sausage filler that not only has the right capacity but is also made from high-grade stainless steel and has a powerful motor to handle your processing needs.
Now that you are aware of some of the things to look for, what are the most durable meat processing machines for your shop or facility? When it comes on to brands, there are several that consistently get high ratings among consumers that you can look into, including Hobart, Avantco, and Kolbe. In addition to brand and features, you also want to ensure that any food processing equipment you are interested in has the necessary certification and meets the regulatory requirements in your area. A substantial warranty period is also important, so you can have the item changed without further cost if it breaks down in a short time.
With so many things to consider when trying to source durable meat processing machines, it is probably a good idea to leave it to the experts to help you make the best choice. Louie Brennan Food Machinery Limited is a reputable supplier here in Ireland that can put you on the right path.