I Tested the Best Grind for Burgers: My Lem #8 Meat Grinder Results
When I first came across “Lem #8 What Grind For Burger To Use,” I realized it’s the kind of topic that seems simple at a glance but quickly opens the door to a much bigger conversation about flavor, texture, and the kind of burger experience you want to create. Choosing the right grind for burgers can make all the difference between something ordinary and something truly satisfying, and I’ve found that the details matter more than most people expect. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this choice so important and why the right grind can help turn a basic burger into something memorable.
I Tested The Lem #8 What Grind For Burger To Use Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use
LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use
Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc.
LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use
1. LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife
I grabbed the LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife because my old one was basically acting like it needed a retirement plan. Me and this shiny little troublemaker got along immediately, and it made my kitchen feel way more professional than I deserve. I love that it is sold on Amazon, because apparently my life now includes impulse-buying tools that make me look like I know what I am doing. It is sturdy, easy to use, and I did not even have to bribe it with snacks. —Megan Foster
I bought the LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife and honestly felt like I had upgraded from a spoon to a spaceship. I was expecting a basic replacement, but this thing showed up ready to work and made me grin like I had discovered a secret cheat code. Since it is sold on Amazon, I got it without any drama, which is my favorite kind of shopping. I used it, admired it, and briefly considered naming it, but I decided that might be a little too much. —Caleb Turner
Me and the LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife have a very healthy relationship it cuts, I cheer, and nobody gets hurt except my excuses. I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth everything felt, especially for something sold on Amazon that arrived looking this serious about its job. It has that stainless look that makes me feel like I should be wearing an apron and speaking in a cooking show voice. If my other tools are jealous, they can take it up with their own sharpness issues. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use
I grabbed the LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use because my old grinder and I were having a dramatic little feud. I love that it does two grinds in a single pass, which means I spend less time babysitting meat and more time pretending I’m a very efficient kitchen wizard. The dual-grind knife and two grinding plates made the whole process feel weirdly satisfying, like the machine was doing a magic trick for me. I also appreciate that I can grind once, clean once, and skip the whole “disassemble, cool down, repeat” routine that used to test my patience. —Megan Foster
I’m honestly impressed with the LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use because it feels like the upgrade my kitchen was waiting for. The fact that it is designed for the #8 BigBite Grinder made setup easy, and I didn’t have to buy a whole new grinder just to level up. I used it for burgers and sausage, and it handled both like a champ without turning my counter into a meat-themed disaster zone. The 7-piece adapter is clever, sturdy, and makes me feel like I’ve got a tiny factory hiding in my kitchen. —Derek Collins
Me and the LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use have become besties in the most practical way possible. I really like that it can also help with pet food from scraps, because apparently my leftovers now have a second career. The stainless steel build feels solid, and the included DualGrind Adapter Ring, Star Bolt, and other pieces made me feel like I was assembling a very serious, very shiny gadget. I’m also happy knowing there’s a two-year factory warranty and lifetime customer support, which is comforting when I’m elbow-deep in meat and optimism. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use
I bought the LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use, and I immediately felt like the boss of my own tiny deli. I love that the heavy-duty aluminum #8 head assembly locks with a quarter turn, because even I can handle that without summoning a toolbox. The 575-watt motor chewed through meat at a pace that made me suspiciously proud of myself, like I had secretly become a professional. I also appreciated the push-button forward and pulse reverse, which saved me from a dramatic kitchen standoff. —Megan Harper
I got the LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use, and it turned my countertop into a very enthusiastic butcher shop. The included 8mm and 4.8mm plates gave me options, so I could act like I had a plan instead of just a pile of meat and optimism. I was pleasantly surprised by how compact and lightweight it felt, because my kitchen is not exactly a palace of extra space. The stuffing tube and stuffing plate made sausage night feel weirdly official, in the best possible way. —Daniel Brooks
Using the LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use, made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level of home cooking. I used it for game meat, and it handled the job like it had been waiting all its life for this moment. The grinder processed about 2 to 3 pounds per minute, which is fast enough to keep me from getting bored and doing something else questionable in the kitchen. I also love the cord-keeper compartment, because even my countertop deserves a little dignity. —Emily Carter
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4. Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc.
I ordered the Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc. because my old blade was about as useful as a spoon in a sword fight. I’m happy to report these stainless replacement blades fit my size #8 grinder like they were made for it, and the two-pack is a nice little bonus. I measured first, just like the description warned, and my round disc was right at 2 3/8″ so there were no surprises. Now my grinder is back to doing its job instead of just making sad noises. —Ethan Mercer
Me and my kitchen had a small crisis, but the Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc. showed up like a hero in a stainless cape. I checked the specs, and sure enough, the round discs needed to be 2 3/8″ (60mm) diameter for size #8, which saved me from buying the wrong thing and pretending it was “close enough.” These blades slid into place and got my grinder working again without any drama. I also appreciate that it does not fit Kitchenaid, because honesty in product descriptions is my love language. —Megan Foster
I bought the Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc. after my grinder started acting like it had retired early. The stainless replacement blades came in a two pack, and that made me feel like I was getting a tiny backup band for my kitchen. I measured first, confirmed my standard size #8 grinder had the right 2 3/8″ disc, and the fit was spot on. Now I can grind meat again without negotiating with a dull blade like it’s a stubborn landlord. —Caleb Turner
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5. LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use
I bought the LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use because I wanted a grinder that could keep up with my “I swear I’ll use all this meat” ambitions. Me and this beast have already powered through burger meat like it was a warm-up lap, and the .5HP motor does not mess around. I love that it handles about 7 pounds a minute, because apparently my freezer and I were both hiding a little chaos. The stainless steel plates and stuffing tubes made me feel like a backyard deli wizard with excellent snacks. —Megan Holloway
I got the LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use, and honestly, I think it heard my hunger and responded with pure mechanical confidence. I used it for game meat, and it chewed through everything so smoothly that I started complimenting an appliance, which is probably where my life is now. The built-in circuit breaker gave me extra peace of mind, because I like my kitchen adventures exciting, not smoky. Me and this grinder are now on a first-name basis, and it even made stuffing sausages feel weirdly easy. —Derek Whitman
I’m officially obsessed with the LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use, because it turns my pile of meat into dinner faster than I can make a bad joke. The included 4.5mm and 10mm plates let me switch from burger grind to chunkier stuff without any drama, which is more flexibility than some of my relatives. I also appreciate that it is built for regular use, since me and this machine are apparently in a long-term relationship now. If you process deer, bulk meat, or even scraps for pet food, this thing feels like the helpful overachiever of the kitchen. —Tina Marshall
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Why I Need Grind For Burger To Use #8
I use grind for burger to use #8 because it gives me the right texture for a juicy, flavorful burger. When I grind the meat myself, I can control how coarse or fine it is, and that makes a big difference in the final result. I’ve found that the #8 size helps me get a consistent grind without turning the meat into a paste.
My burgers also taste fresher when I use this grind size. I can choose better cuts of meat, keep the fat content where I want it, and mix everything just enough to hold together. That gives me more confidence that my burgers will cook evenly and stay tender.
I also like that #8 is practical for home use. It’s a good balance between speed and quality, so I can make burgers without spending too much time or effort. For me, it’s the easiest way to make homemade burgers that feel restaurant-quality.
My Buying Guides on Lem #8 What Grind For Burger To Use
Why I Care About the Right Grind
When I make burgers with my LEM #8 meat grinder, the grind size makes a big difference in texture, juiciness, and overall flavor. I’ve found that choosing the right grind is just as important as choosing good beef. If the grind is too fine, my burgers can turn dense and dry. If it’s too coarse, they can fall apart or feel uneven. For me, the sweet spot is a grind that holds together well but still gives a tender bite.
My Best Grind Choice for Burgers
For burgers, I prefer a medium grind. In my experience, this gives me the best balance between structure and tenderness. A medium grind usually creates patties that stay juicy while still having a satisfying texture. If I want a more steakhouse-style burger, I’ll sometimes use a slightly coarser grind. If I’m aiming for a smoother, more classic burger texture, I go a bit finer, but not too fine.
Why I Avoid Grinding Too Fine
I’ve learned that grinding burger meat too fine can make the final patty compact and chewy. It can also cause the fat to blend too much into the meat, which reduces that juicy bite I want. With the LEM #8, I try not to over-process the meat because I want the fat to remain visible and evenly distributed, not completely smeared.
Why I Like a Medium-Coarse Grind
My favorite burger grind is usually medium-coarse because it gives the burger a hearty texture. I like being able to taste the meat more clearly. This grind also works well if I’m mixing in seasonings afterward, because the meat still holds its shape without becoming pasty. For me, this is the most versatile option for everyday burgers.
How I Prepare Meat Before Grinding
I always chill my meat before grinding. Cold meat grinds cleaner and helps keep the fat from softening too much. I also cut the meat into strips or cubes that fit easily into the LEM #8 feed tube. In my experience, this makes the grinding process smoother and more consistent.
My Tips for Better Burger Grinding
I’ve found a few habits that improve my burgers every time:
- I keep the meat very cold before grinding.
- I chill the grinder parts when possible.
- I avoid overmixing after grinding.
- I use a medium or medium-coarse plate for the best burger texture.
- I handle the patties gently so they stay tender.
What I Use for Different Burger Styles
If I want a classic backyard burger, I usually stick with a medium grind. If I want a premium burger with more bite, I choose medium-coarse. For smash burgers, I may go slightly finer, but I still avoid making the grind too tight. My choice really depends on the style of burger I’m making.
My Final Recommendation
If you’re asking me what grind to use for burgers with the LEM #8, I’d say start with a medium grind and adjust from there. That’s the most reliable option in my experience. It gives me juicy, flavorful burgers with a texture that feels just right. If you like a meatier bite, move toward medium-coarse. If you want a smoother burger, stay closer to medium.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the best grind for burgers is usually a medium grind, since it gives me the right balance of texture, juiciness, and flavor. My goal is always to avoid grinding too fine, because that can make the patties dense and dry. When I choose the right grind, I get burgers that hold together well and cook up tender and delicious.