THE SPEC EXPLAINER

What Grinding Plate Sizes Does a Commercial Meat Grinder Need?

Plate hole diameter determines grind coarseness, while #12/#22/#32 describes the physical plate family that fits the head. Most commercial kitchens benefit from at least a coarse plate and a finer finishing plate matched to their menu.

Match the plate to the product

Coarser holes are useful for first grinds and textured sausage; smaller holes create a finer finished grind but increase resistance and can raise product temperature. Many recipes use a coarse first pass followed by a second grind.

Stock the wear parts

Knife and plate surfaces work as a matched cutting pair. Dull or mismatched pieces smear meat and reduce throughput, so a commercial shop should keep the correct size replacements on hand.

What to check before buying

  • Head family (#12/#22/#32)
  • Included hole sizes
  • Replacement-plate availability
  • Spare knife availability
PRODUCTS THAT FIT THIS QUESTION

Three products worth comparing

For “What Grinding Plate Sizes Does a Commercial Meat Grinder Need?,” these three models give you concrete products to compare against the requirements above, instead of leaving the answer at theory.

LEM BigBite #12
BEST MID-VOLUME

LEM BigBite #12

Our strongest starting point because 0.75 HP • #12 head gives you a real capacity reference while Rated around 11 lb/min shows the format you are comparing.

0.75 HP • #12 headRated around 11 lb/min
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LEM BigBite #22
BEST OVERALL

LEM BigBite #22

A useful second comparison because 1.0 HP • #22 head gives you a real capacity reference while Rated around 13 lb/min shows the format you are comparing.

1.0 HP • #22 headRated around 13 lb/min
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LEM BigBite #32
BEST PROFESSIONAL

LEM BigBite #32

A contrasting third option because 1.5 HP • #32 head gives you a real capacity reference while Rated around 17 lb/min shows the format you are comparing.

1.5 HP • #32 headRated around 17 lb/min
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