The best manual stuffer is the Hakka SV-3 machine – it is durable, simple to assemble and use, and it has many nozzles for you to choose from. The best electric stuffer is the LEM BigBite stuffer – it has a large capacity, good build quality, is easy to use, and has plenty of stuffing tubes.
Ever since culinary school, I have almost made my own sausage. Not only does the homemade variety taste better, it is also a lot healthier for you too. So, I have quite a bit of experience in shopping around for sausage stuffers.
In this post, I will introduce you to the best sausage stuffer and offer up some other top picks as well. I have also included a buyer’s guide!
Here are the top sausage stuffers to choose from:
Best Manual Stuffer
Right out of the box, this sausage stuffer is easy to assemble. In fact, if you have never used a stuffer before, you shouldn’t have any trouble putting it together. This also means that dismantling the stuffer for storage and putting it together again is a fairly straightforward process.
One of the biggest perks of this steel vertical sausage stuffer is that it boasts excellent build quality. Almost all of the parts of this Hakka sausage stuffer – especially the ones making contact with the meat – are made of stainless steel.
Now, this stainless steel construction doesn’t just mean that you have a good quality sausage stuffer that will last you a long time. No, it also guarantees food safety, especially since the stuffer will not rust.
The only issue that I have with the construction of this sausage stuffer is that there are a lot of sharp edges. As a result, I had to file them down before I could use the machine without cutting myself.
I was pleased to see how easy it was to make homemade sausages with this Hakka sausage stuffer. Even if you are new to making sausages, you will have no problem utilizing this particular machine.
One of the things that I especially like is that the cylinder can be tilted back and even removed if necessary. This makes it a lot easier to get the sausage meat into the cylinder and makes re-fills that much easier too!
Then it is just a matter of slipping the sausage casing onto the stuffing tubes and you are good to go.
I like the fact that you get four stuffing tubes, each of varying dimensions with this sausage stuffer. This gives you the option to make any kind of sausage that you want – very narrow, very thick, or something in between.
Best Electric Sausage Stuffer
If you are someone who likes to or needs to make a large batch of sausages in one sitting, then this is the machine for you. This sausage stuffer can hold up to 10 lbs of ground meat at once. As a result, you can easily make string after string of your own sausages faster than ever before.
I also like that there are four stainless steel stuffing tubes. This means that you can make as many different sized sausages as you want. The other perk here is that all the stuffing tubes are made from food grade material. Due to this, it is a lot safer to use.
There is also the fact that this makes these tubes better than the plastic stuffing tubes and ensure that the product as a whole will last longer.
One of the reasons that this LEM sausage stuffer is one of the best electric sausage stuffers on the market is because it is so simple to use. With motorized sausage stuffers, there are a lot of automatic moving parts and this can make them tricky to use.
However, with this electric stuffer, you simply have to press up, down, and stop when working the machine. Also, the speed options let you adjust the rate at which the piston rises and falls.
The air release valve makes it easier for you to engage in a smoother and faster filling process. I like also like the fact that you have foot control that allows you to keep your hands free to handle the sausage casings and the sausage stuffing process.
The only hiccup here is that the motor has a tendency to give up when trying to fill the small sausage casings as with snack sticks. However, it does pick up again when you reset it.
I like the fact that this is a stainless steel vertical sausage stuffer. This makes it a lot safer for your sausage making. It is also a guarantee that the sausage stuffer will last for a longer period of time.
Best Budget Sausage Stuffer
If you live by yourself, have a small family, or simply don’t have all that much storage space, then you are going to want to make sausages in small batches. In this case, this is the sausage stuffer for you. It is small and lightweight, ensuring that it can be kept anywhere.
I do have to say that I have some concerns about how long this machine will actually last. Unlike most other horizontal sausage stuffers, this one is made from aluminum. So, it may give out sooner than more expensive models.
As this is a pretty basic sausage stuffer, there are a few parts to it. This makes it a lot easier for you to use. It is just a matter of adding the ground meat to the cylinder and then cranking the handle. Then the sausage stuffing can commence.
I do have to warn you that this sausage stuffer doesn’t have much stability though as the suction cup doesn’t work all that well.
You do get plastic stuffing tubes with this sausage stuffer but there is quite a variety with four nozzles. This means that you get to make sausages as thin or as thick as you want them.
If you are just getting started with sausage making and aren’t sure that you want to commit to it, then I would go with this machine. It is far from perfect but it definitely gets the job done at a reasonable price.
If you are on the lookout for easy to use vertical sausage stuffers, then this model should be at the top of your list. One of the main reasons for this is because it is so easy to use. For one thing, the cylinder is detachable, making it a breeze to refill during the sausage stuffing process.
The other perk is that as this sausage stuffer is well-built, you only have to make a minimum effort when depressing the handle, ensuring that anyone can use it.
The suction base on this sausage stuffer, along with the clamps, works really well. Combined, they create a really stable base for your sausage stuffer. So, you don’t have to worry about any slippage or movement during any point in the process.
This is a largely stainless steel vertical sausage stuffer along with hardened steel gears. As a result, not only does this sausage stuffer function really well, but it is also built to last. This makes it a good investment for you.
The only issue that I have regarding the design is that the tip of the nozzles has small protrusions. These need to be filed down or they will poke holes in the casings.
As the cylinder is detachable, it is actually really easy to clean. You can also clean it more thoroughly, ensuring that this sausage stuffer is safe for you to use each and every time.
If you have a large family or gathering to feed or are running a home business, then this is the sausage stuffer for you. You will easily be able to make dozens and dozens of sausages in one go with minimal effort.
Of course, such a large capacity does come with a downside. This sausage stuffer is very heavy and can’t be moved without assistance
One of the things that I like best about this sausage stuffer is how simple it is to use, even for beginners. In particular, I love that there are eleven variable speeds to choose from. Due to this, you can go as fast or as slow as you like.
The foot pedal is also a nice touch. It frees up your hands to handle the filling process.
There are five different stuffing tubes with this model. This means that not only can you make very narrow sausages, you can also make larger ones and all the sizes in between.
Finally, it is really great that all the components are made from stainless steel. Not only does this result in an incredibly durable stuffer, but it also makes your machine safe for food making as well.
Most sausage stuffers that have a vertical design tend to be rather large. As such, they can be rather tricky to store in your kitchen. This sausage stuffer is a great deal more compact than many others which makes it a lot easier to store.
This is also an excellent choice if you are just getting started with making sausages and still only want to make small batches each time.
The only issue that I have with this stuffer is that the clamp isn’t designed for most kitchen countertops. Due to this, you have to find the right counter to screw the stuffer onto.
One of my favorite things about this stuffer is the air release valve. It works beautifully to ensure that no air enters the sausage casing, regardless of the size of sausage that you are making. This helps to create nice and uniform sausages that are also easier to cook.
One of the perks of getting this stuffer is that you actually get eight stuffing tubes! One set is stainless steel and the other are plastic. This gives you an additional set to hold onto in case you ever lose your nozzles. Also, you have a bit more choice if you prefer one material over the other.
One of the top things about this stuffer is that it is made from excellent quality. This is a really well-built stainless steel vertical sausage stuffer. All the components are incredibly durable. So, you are getting a great investment for what you are paying.
The other thing is that this stuffer is incredibly food safe. As a result, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are using a machine that can be easily sanitized.
I also like how easy this machine is to use. You require little effort to get it going. Also, there are two speed settings, allowing you to go a little slower or faster, depending on your sausage making skills.
My only real issue with this stuffer is that as it empties it becomes more lightweight and becomes less stable as a result. Then, you need someone else to hold it down while you are using it.
The air release valve on this machine works really well. It prevents any air from entering the sausage casing. This means that you get nice and uniform sausages with minimal effort.
I like how straightforward it is to assemble and disassemble this stuffer. This is because it makes it really simple to clean every inch of the stuffer after use. In turn, it helps to keep the entire machine sanitary and ensure that your sausage stuffing process is a lot more sanitary
Here are the top tips to follow to make sure that you find your best fit:
The first decision that you need to make is between manual sausage stuffers (also known as horn sausage stuffers) and electric ones. So, let’s take a closer look at each option.
A manual sausage stuffer is certainly the cheaper option. If you are on a budget, this is the type of sausage stuffer that you should go with.
As there are fewer parts with a manual design, they are less likely to break. In fact, get a good quality model and it is possible to make your sausage stuffer last for a very long time.
The other advantage to having fewer parts is that a manual design is easier to clean and maintain.
The biggest downside with this kind of sausage stuffer is that it takes more physical effort. It can be especially taxing to use such a machine to make a large amount of homemade sausage.
With the electric stuffers, making sausages is incredibly easy and requires virtually no effort on your part. As an added bonus, you can make numerous sausages much faster too.
The cost and the increased maintenance are the biggest problems with these machines.
If you are considering an electric device, then there are a few things to consider here.
To begin with, check out the motor. If you are planning on making a large batch of sausages, then you are going to need a strong motor to accommodate this endeavor. So, look for a powerful motor that will also make your job a lot easier.
Another to consider is the speed options. Personally, the more speed options that a machine has, the better. This is especially true if you are new to making sausages at home.
When you start off, you are going to need to go a bit slower. As you get better at it, then you can slowly pick up speed. Eventually, you can switch to a higher speed to make the process go even faster.
The more options that you have, the easier the learning curve will be for you. At the very least, make sure that the machine has three or more speeds for you to choose from.
The next decision that you have to make is whether to get vertical or horizontal sausage stuffers.
Vertical sausage stuffers work with the help of gravity. You turn the handle and the gears bear down on the meat pushing it out of the cylinder and into the tubes.
Most people prefer this kind of sausage stuffer as it is easier to use. This is because you need only one person and don’t need to make quite as much effort.
The biggest issue with this kind of stuffer is that it isn’t easy to stabilize due to the design. There is also the fact as it has a very tall design, it can be tricky to store as well.
The biggest advantage with horizontal stuffers is that they can accommodate a larger capacity. This is why they are so popular in commercial kitchens. They are also easy to clamp to your kitchen counter.
That being said these stuffers can be difficult to use. This is because you typically need two people to operate it. One person needs to turn the crank and the other person needs to handle the casing.
The material that the sausage stuffer is made from is important for a few different reasons. First, it has to do with safety.
Not only must the material be food safe, it must also be easy to clean. This ensures that you can sanitize the stuffer completely and prevent contamination in future batches.
The other reason is durability. As there are a few moving parts even with a manual stuffer, it is important for all the parts to be made from high quality materials. This ensures that they will work smoothly and last for a longer period of time too.
I would advise you to look for stainless steel sausage stuffers whenever possible as these are the best options.
While plastic stuffing tubes are fine, the stainless steel designs are better as they are more durable and can be easier to clean too.
You also need to think about the cylinder dimensions and capacity. This will give you an idea of how much meat a stuffer can hold at any one time. The more meat that a cylinder can hold, the more sausages you can make at one time.
Now, if you are just getting started with making sausages or you are only making them for one or two people, then a smaller cylinder may work for you.
In general, though, I would advise you to go with the larger capacity. This way, you will always have the opportunity to make more sausage if you need to.
The sausage tubes are important to the sausage making process. After all, it is these that will determine the kind of sausages that you make.
So, before you invest in a particular machine, check what sizes are coming along with it.
In the case of a fewer attachments, you may need to purchase nozzles of your own. In this instance, it is important to determine if the machine accepts all kinds of attachments or if you have to select ones with specific dimensions.
It goes without saying but it is important to have a stable machine. This is because when turning the crank or running the motor, the machine is likely to move around.
However, with a good suction base or clamp, you can prevent this from happening. If possible, look for a suction base and a clamp with your machine. This will come in handy with a manual stuffer as there is more movement.
Just make sure that the clamp can be tightened enough to fit on your kitchen countertop or other workstation.
If you are looking for the best sausage stuffer for manual use, then the Hakka SV-3 is the stuffer for you. It is durable, easy to use, is easy to assemble, and has plenty of nozzle sizes for you to choose from.
The best electric machine is the LEM BigBite device. It has a large capacity, is durable, has numerous nozzles, and is simple to use.
Of course, I do suggest that you check out all the sausage stuffers on this list. They each have their own unique features and advantages. So, you can’t tell which one may be the perfect one for you until you take a closer look!
