VENTRAY Meat Grinder Attachment Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The VENTRAY Meat Grinder Attachment is designed to expand the functionality of your compatible stand mixer, allowing you to grind various meats and prepare homemade sausages. This attachment provides a versatile solution for fresh food preparation in your kitchen.

Compatibility: This attachment is compatible with VENTRAY SM600 stand mixers, all KitchenAid stand mixers, COOKLEE SM-1522NM stand mixers, KUPPET 1522 stand mixers, and Cuisinart SM-50 / SM-50BC / SM-50R stand mixers.

Image: The Ventray Meat Grinder Attachment installed on a stand mixer, ready for use.

Safety Instructions

• Always ensure the stand mixer is turned off and unplugged before attaching or detaching the grinder.
• Keep fingers and utensils away from the grinding mechanism during operation. Use the food pusher provided.
• Do not operate the grinder without meat or other food items, as this can damage the components.
• Ensure all parts are correctly assembled and securely tightened before use.
• Keep children away from the appliance during operation.
• Do not immerse the stand mixer base in water. Clean only the attachment parts as instructed.

What's Included

The VENTRAY Meat Grinder Attachment package includes the following components:

• Food Tray
• Grinder Body
• Grind Worm
• Food Pusher
• 2 Sausage Stuffing Tubes
• 2 Grinding Blades
• Stuffing Tube Holder
• 4 Grinding Plates (Coarse, Medium, Fine, Kidney Shape)
• Cleaning Brush

Image: All included parts of the meat grinder attachment.

Setup and Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble the meat grinder attachment and connect it to your stand mixer:

1. Prepare the Stand Mixer: Ensure your stand mixer is unplugged and the power head is tilted back (if applicable). Remove the accessory hub cover.
2. Insert Grind Worm: Insert the grind worm into the grinder body.
3. Place Grinding Blade: Place a grinding blade over the square shank at the exposed end of the grind worm.
4. Select Grinding Plate: Place your desired grinding plate over the blade.
5. Secure with Locking Ring: Place the locking ring onto the grinder body and turn it by hand until it is secured, but not overtightened.
6. Attach Food Tray: Place the food tray into the top of the grinder body.
7. Connect to Mixer: Insert the assembled grinder attachment into the accessory hub of your stand mixer. Tighten the thumb screw on the mixer's hub to secure the attachment.

Image: Step-by-step assembly instructions for the meat grinder attachment.

Operating Instructions

Grinding Meat

1. Prepare Meat: Cut meat into small pieces (approximately 1-inch cubes) that will easily fit into the food tray opening. For best results, chill the meat and the grinder attachment components before grinding.
2. Select Grinding Plate: Choose one of the four grinding plates (Coarse, Medium, Fine, Kidney Shape) based on your desired texture.
3. Start Mixer: Turn on your stand mixer to a low to medium speed (typically speed 4-6).
4. Feed Meat: Place the prepared meat into the food tray. Use the food pusher to gently guide the meat into the grinder. Do not force the meat.
5. Collect Ground Meat: Place a bowl or container under the grinder outlet to collect the ground meat.

Image: Examples of meat textures produced by the four grinding plates.

Making Sausages

1. Prepare Grinder for Stuffing: Remove the grinding plate and blade. Insert the stuffing tube holder, then attach one of the two sausage stuffing tubes. Secure with the locking ring.
2. Prepare Sausage Mixture: Ensure your sausage mixture is well-chilled.
3. Prepare Casing: Moisten the sausage casing and carefully slide it onto the stuffing tube, leaving a small overhang at the end.
4. Start Mixer: Turn on your stand mixer to a low speed (typically speed 4).
5. Stuff Sausages: Place the sausage mixture into the food tray and use the food pusher to gently feed it into the grinder. Guide the casing as it fills, ensuring it fills evenly without air pockets. Twist the casing at desired intervals to form individual sausages.

Image: Sausage stuffing tubes and examples of homemade sausages.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your meat grinder attachment:

1. Disassemble: After each use, turn off and unplug the stand mixer. Disassemble all parts of the meat grinder attachment.
2. Rinse Immediately: Rinse all components with warm water to remove any remaining food particles.
3. Hand Wash: Hand wash all parts using mild dish soap and the provided cleaning brush. Pay special attention to the grinding plates and blades to ensure all crevices are clean.
4. Do Not Dishwash: Do not clean the components in a dishwasher, as this can dull their shine and potentially damage the material.
5. Dry Thoroughly: Wipe all parts dry immediately after washing to prevent water spots and rust.
6. Storage: Store the clean, dry components in a safe place.

Image: Hand washing the meat grinder attachment components.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using your VENTRAY Meat Grinder Attachment, consider the following:

• Grinder Not Operating:
  • Ensure the stand mixer is properly plugged in and turned on.
  • Verify the attachment is securely fastened to the mixer's accessory hub.
  • Check if the mixer's speed setting is appropriate (typically speed 4-6 for grinding).
• Meat Not Grinding Properly / Clogging:
  • Ensure meat is cut into small, manageable pieces.
  • Remove any bones, gristle, or tough connective tissue from the meat before grinding.
  • Chill the meat and attachment components thoroughly before use.
  • Do not overfill the food tray or force meat into the grinder. Use the food pusher gently.
  • Disassemble and clean the attachment to remove any blockages.
• Sausage Casing Tearing:
  • Ensure the sausage casing is adequately moistened before sliding it onto the stuffing tube.
  • Use a low speed setting on the stand mixer for stuffing.
  • Do not overfill the casing; allow for some flexibility.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information or customer support regarding your VENTRAY Meat Grinder Attachment, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Ventray website. You may also contact Ventray customer service directly for assistance with product inquiries, troubleshooting, or replacement parts.