Difference in motor size

[chrispbrown27]

I have had a Cabelas grinder for the last 10 years or so. I believe it is a 575 watt model, though I can’t remember for sure. I am thinking that it is a #8. It is well past time to upgrade but I am a little confused about the motor size. My grinder, assuming it is 575 watts, should be 3/4 horsepower. Assuming all of this, what would be the benefits of going up to a #12 that still has the same size motor? I would assume that both hp and grinder size have a bearing on how well the grinder works. So, in my mind, going up in size but keeping the same size motor isn’t going to speed things up much if any.
For some context, I process 2-3 deer and 1-2 hogs per year. So what are your suggestions?

[calldoctoday]

chrispbrown27 I would at least go to #12 for that much processing. I use a #32 for big projects & a #8 for smaller ones. Either works real well. I have heard that the #22 is extremely popular & helpful & that may work well for you too. I think the #22 is a 1HP, but I am not certain. Stick around for some more real good answers from folks that use all of the equipment & can guide you right in.

[twilliams]

chrispbrown27 yes I recommend the #22 in the 1 hp motor. You will never look back

[bocephus]

chrispbrown27 For that quantity a 22 should work well for you, I have a 32 and our hunting party bought a 22, the difference I have noticed is the second grind goes quite a bit faster with the 32.

[JohnG5]

chrispbrown27 Specs for the Walton’s 22 Meat Grinder: 1 HP motor, 750 Watt. https://www.waltonsinc.com/waltons-22-meat-grinder

[mrobisr]

I just upgraded to the 22 from a 12 and without any doubt in my mind the 22 is the way to go. You just cannot feed it fast enough, the thing is a starving beast for meat and that is with nearly completely frozen meat and a second grind.

[samspade]

I wish I had a 22. I got a 32 at an unbeatable price. So I have the same starving beast as mrobisr but it is soooooo heavy.

[smokinbubba]

I have a #12 and #22 cabelas grinders. My #12 is older, made by weston. The #22 is newer carnivore unit. I find myself using the #12 much more than the #22 due to the weight and footprint. I did 3 deer this season and the #12 made quick work of all of them. The #22 powers my mixer and has reverse so it has its place. Look on market place and craigslist, you can find great deals. Both mine came from marketplace. The #12 was $40 because it needed much love, but I have plenty of that to spread around. Also, look at the Walton #22. You can use speko (sp) plates on it.

[DJS303]

I upgraded from a #8 to a #22 about 15 years ago. I have been very happy with the #22, grinding 500 to 600 lbs a year with it.