Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe operation, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your LEM Products W781A Stainless Steel Big Bite Electric #22 Meat Grinder. Please read this manual thoroughly before initial use and retain it for future reference. Proper understanding and adherence to these instructions will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your appliance.
Important Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of injury or damage, always follow basic safety precautions when using electrical appliances. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Read all instructions before operating the grinder.
- Do not operate the grinder with a damaged cord or plug. If the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner, contact customer support.
- Always unplug the grinder from the electrical outlet when not in use, before assembling or disassembling parts, and before cleaning.
- Avoid contact with moving parts. Keep hands, hair, clothing, and utensils away from the feed opening during operation to prevent personal injury.
- Never use your fingers or hands to push meat into the grinder. Always use the provided meat stomper.
- Do not use outdoors. This appliance is designed for indoor household or light commercial use.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not immerse the motor housing in water or other liquids.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
- Use only attachments recommended or sold by the manufacturer.
- Ensure the power switch is in the "OFF" position before plugging or unplugging the unit.
Package Contents
Verify that all components are present upon unpacking:
- 1x LEM Products W781A Electric Meat Grinder Unit
- 1x Meat Stomper
- 1x Stainless Steel Knife
- 1x Stainless Steel Stuffing Plate
- 1x Stainless Steel Coarse Grinding Plate (3/8")
- 1x Stainless Steel Fine Grinding Plate (3/16")
- 3x Stuffing Tubes (5/8", 1", 1-3/8" OD)
- 1x Instruction Manual (this document)
Product Overview
The LEM Products W781A is a robust electric meat grinder designed for efficient processing. Its "Big Bite" technology ensures quick and effective grinding of various meats.
Key Components:
- Motor Housing: Stainless steel enclosure for the powerful 1 HP motor.
- Grinder Head: The front assembly where grinding components are installed.
- Auger: A spiral screw that feeds meat through the grinder head.
- Knife: A sharp blade that cuts meat against the grinding plate.
- Grinding Plates: Perforated discs that determine the fineness of the ground meat.
- Meat Pan: A large stainless steel tray positioned above the grinder head for holding meat before processing.
- Meat Stomper: A tool used to safely push meat into the grinder's feed tube.
- Stuffing Tubes: Attachments used for filling sausage casings.
- Power Switch: An On/Off control with a built-in circuit breaker for safety.
Image: LEM Products W781A Stainless Steel Big Bite Electric #22 Meat Grinder. This image displays the complete grinder unit, highlighting the stainless steel construction, the large meat pan, the grinder head with "BIG BITE" branding, and the power switch on the side of the motor housing.
Setup and Assembly
Unpacking:
- Carefully remove all packaging materials from the grinder and its components.
- Inspect the grinder for any signs of shipping damage. If damage is found, do not operate the unit and contact customer support.
- Before first use, thoroughly clean all parts that will come into contact with food. Refer to the "Maintenance and Cleaning" section for detailed instructions.
Assembly Steps:
- Place the motor housing on a stable, level, and dry surface. Ensure there is adequate ventilation around the unit.
- Insert the auger into the grinder head, ensuring it seats properly.
- Place the knife onto the auger shaft, making sure the sharp cutting edge faces outwards towards where the grinding plate will be.
- Select the desired grinding plate (coarse or fine) and place it over the knife and auger shaft.
- Secure the grinding plate by screwing on the retaining ring. Tighten it firmly by hand, but do not overtighten.
- Attach the stainless steel meat pan to the top of the grinder head.
- Ensure the power switch is in the "OFF" position before plugging the unit into a grounded 110V (60Hz) electrical outlet.
Operating Instructions
Preparing Meat for Grinding:
- Trim meat of excessive fat, gristle, or bones that could potentially damage the grinder or affect the grind quality.
- Cut meat into pieces small enough to fit comfortably into the grinder's feed tube.
- For optimal results and to prevent smearing, chill meat thoroughly (to near freezing, but not frozen solid) before grinding.
Grinding Process:
- Ensure the grinder is properly assembled, plugged in, and the power switch is in the "OFF" position.
- Place a suitable container (e.g., a large bowl or pan) under the grinder head to collect the ground meat.
- Turn the power switch to the "ON" position. The motor will start.
- Begin feeding prepared meat into the grinder's feed tube using the meat stomper. Always use the meat stomper; never use your hands or fingers.
- Feed meat at a steady, consistent pace. The "Big Bite" technology is designed for efficient intake, but avoid overloading the machine.
- If the grinder slows significantly or jams, immediately turn the power switch to "OFF", unplug the unit, and clear the obstruction. Refer to the "Troubleshooting" section.
- Once grinding is complete, turn the power switch to "OFF" and unplug the unit from the electrical outlet.
Sausage Stuffing (Optional):
To use the grinder for sausage stuffing, replace the grinding plate and knife with the stuffing plate and your desired stuffing tube. Attach the casing to the stuffing tube. Follow specific sausage stuffing recipes and techniques for best results. Ensure meat is well-chilled for optimal stuffing.
Maintenance and Cleaning
After Each Use:
- Always unplug the grinder from the power outlet before cleaning or disassembling.
- Disassemble the grinder head components: retaining ring, grinding plate, knife, auger, and grinder head.
- Wash all removable parts (meat pan, auger, knife, plates, stuffing tubes, stomper) with warm, soapy water. Use a brush to thoroughly remove any meat residue from all crevices and holes.
- Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water and dry them immediately with a clean cloth to prevent water spots and potential rust, especially on the knife and plates.
- The motor housing should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Never immerse the motor housing in water or spray it directly with water.
- For optimal longevity and to prevent rust on the grinding plates and knife, apply a thin coat of food-grade silicone spray or mineral oil to these parts before storage.
Storage:
- Store the clean, dry grinder and its components in a cool, dry place.
- Keep the appliance out of reach of children.
Circuit Breaker:
The grinder is equipped with a built-in circuit breaker to protect the motor from overload. If the grinder stops unexpectedly during operation, it is likely that the circuit breaker has tripped. Locate the circuit breaker button (typically near the power switch) and press it to reset. If the circuit breaker trips repeatedly, consult the troubleshooting section or contact customer support.
Troubleshooting
Before contacting customer support, please review the following common issues and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Grinder does not turn on. | Unit not plugged in; Power switch off; Circuit breaker tripped. | Ensure the unit is securely plugged into a live outlet; Turn the power switch to "ON"; Locate and press the circuit breaker reset button. |
| Grinder stops during operation. | Overload (too much meat, meat too cold/frozen, bone); Circuit breaker tripped. | Turn off the grinder, unplug it, and clear any obstruction. Reset the circuit breaker. Reduce the load by feeding smaller pieces or ensuring meat is not frozen solid. |
| Meat is smearing or not grinding cleanly. | Meat is too warm; Knife or grinding plate is dull; Grinding plate is clogged. | Chill meat thoroughly to near freezing before grinding; Inspect the knife and plate for sharpness (replace if dull); Disassemble and clean the grinding plate and knife. |
| Grinder is excessively loud or vibrating. | Improper assembly of grinder head components; Loose parts. | Turn off, unplug, and carefully reassemble all grinder head components, ensuring they are correctly seated and the retaining ring is tightened. |
Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the LEM Products W781A Meat Grinder:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | W781A |
| Motor | 1 HP (750 watts), 110V (60Hz), Permanently Lubricated Induction Motor |
| Material | Stainless Steel (motor housing, head, auger, meat pan, knife, plates) |
| Grinding Capacity | Approximately 13 lbs (5.9 kg) per minute |
| Meat Pan Dimensions | 15-1/2" x 11" x 3" |
| Product Dimensions (assembled) | Approx. 12" W x 22.5" L x 19" H (57.2L x 30.5W x 48.3H Centimetres) |
| Weight | 63 lbs (28.58 kg) |
| Included Grinding Plates | Coarse (3/8"), Fine (3/16") |
| Included Stuffing Tubes | 5/8", 1", 1-3/8" OD |
| Certifications | ETL Certified to UL Standards |
Warranty and Support
This LEM Products W781A Meat Grinder comes with a 5-year factory warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Additionally, LEM Products offers lifetime customer support for this product.
For warranty claims, technical assistance, replacement parts, or any other inquiries, please contact LEM Products customer service directly. Refer to the product packaging or the official LEM Products website for the most current contact information.
