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Bacon-Deer Burger Method and Tips

Redhunter1012

Senior Member
Supporting Member
If you dont have a press, just put a wax square on a small pie plate, place your ball of burger on top of it, then a wax square on top of that, and use another pie plate to press it down. It's reall quick and easy and they come out great. I use a 1/3 cup measuring cup for the amount of meat
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I bought a cabelas brand mid grade one last year. They have sales on them a couple of times a year. For years before that I used a kitchen aid with the grinder attachment. I bought it for "her" for Christmas....lol. It worked just fine and she uses it for all kinds of things.
 

Dustinb80

#FACKCANCER
Supporting Member
18,163
187
S.W. Ohio
That's where I'm leaning, I did the same thing, bought one for her, but I use it more. I'll probably just buy the attachments.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I bet we processed over 800 lbs of meat with it over the years. I know we did 300 lbs of just moose the first year we had it. Only reason we bought a real one was because it was on crazy sale and we try to buy something to help process every year. I think it's gonna be a smoker this year.
 

xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,603
234
Licking Co. Ohio
Ok so now I have everything but the grinder. Suggestions?

If you do decide to get a grinder: Buy all the grinder you can afford. Grinders are like garages...Bigger is really better. IMO. You may only do a couple deer a year, but add a couple for your buddies because it is gonna happen and usually creates free beer. Couple things to keep in mind with grinders. Colder your grinder and the meat, the easier it is to work with. I put my grinder parts in the freezer if possible before using. I also like my mix to be nearly frozen as well. The minute you think the grinder is not doing so well (if it is not "Hot" such as room temp or more) it's the Plate and Blade not the grinder! Utmost importance is the sharpness of your plate and blade!!!! I keep 3 sets on hand. You can have them sent out and resharpened for a bit cheaper than new ones. Keep plates and blades together as a set. Plate should go against blade the same direction every time.
 

Buckmaster

Senior Member
14,361
191
Portage
# 32 Grinder
12" Wheel
1 hp motor bought at Harbor Freight

It's seen about a ton of meat over the past 10 years.

It's simple, few parts to break, and relatively easy to clean and maintain.
 

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xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,603
234
Licking Co. Ohio
Ben, I hear this set up is awesome. Your about the 3rd person to say it. Not seen it in person, but I do believe it. You could probably get a motor out of most any old washer or dryer.

We have the Kitchen Aid attachment. Joy only uses it on Lunchmeat and vegetables. Not used it on meat trimmings.
 

Buckmaster

Senior Member
14,361
191
Portage
Additional Pics per Dustin's request.
 

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hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,704
248
Ohio
I agree- buy as much as you can afford. That said, when I did my first deer I needed one. Spent $80-90 on one at Rural King. 7yrs later it is still going. Usually 2 deer a year. Sometimes more. The tubs you see in pics with ground burger in them are a must. 3-4 with lids would be a great starting point. I can put them in the fridge if I run out of energy to finish at night. With the lids they stack well and keep some of the oxygen out. Lids work better for me than saran wrap.

Also- my wife gets grumpy if I use a wooden cutting board of hers. Use a plastic one you can rinse easily or stainless table if you have one.
 
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xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,603
234
Licking Co. Ohio
20171223_083357.jpg

Found myself in a bind as Save-A-Lot did not have Pioneer or Chuckwagon bacon in bulk this time. Found this bacon at Walmart in bulk 3# pkgs. I was skeptical at first because you cannot see in the package real well. After using about 10 packages now, on average it's some pretty darn good bacon to use with your burgers. Runs 8.48 a pkg.
 
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Blan37

Member
1,800
64
SW Ohio
Thanks Rick. Right now Im leaning towards the grinder attachment for our Kitchen Aid mixer

I tried the KitchenAid attachment one year to grind up my nephew's deer and it was rough. Had to constantly stop and clean out the knife/grinding plate area. It got the job done eventually but man I wouldn't do it again.
 

Blan37

Member
1,800
64
SW Ohio
# 32 Grinder
12" Wheel
1 hp motor bought at Harbor Freight

It's seen about a ton of meat over the past 10 years.

It's simple, few parts to break, and relatively easy to clean and maintain.

Did that wheel come with the grinder or did you have to buy it and add it on?
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
38,835
260
I tried the KitchenAid attachment one year to grind up my nephew's deer and it was rough. Had to constantly stop and clean out the knife/grinding plate area. It got the job done eventually but man I wouldn't do it again.
I've had a similar problem once when i didnt trim all the silver skin off the meat before grinding. I always trim all the fat and silver skin off the meat but got in a hurry and missed a pile. It kept collecting behind the grinder plate and i had to clean it out. I trim my meat super clean because i hate the taste of that stuff.