For anyone passionate about fresh, custom-ground meats, a reliable meat grinder is an indispensable kitchen ally. Moving beyond store-bought options allows you to control fat content, ensure freshness, and experiment with a vast array of recipes from gourmet burgers to homemade sausages. Among the many choices available, the Waring Pro MG855 Professional Die-Cast Meat Grinder stands out as a formidable contender for the serious home cook. This review dives deep into its features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if this robust “workhorse” is the right fit for your culinary ambitions.
Unpacking the Power: Waring Pro MG855 Features & Specifications
The Waring Pro MG855 is engineered to bring professional-grade grinding capabilities into your home kitchen, blending power with durable construction and user-friendly design. It presents itself as a compact yet sturdy machine, designed for frequent use without occupying excessive counter space.
Motor Power: A Closer Look at Wattage
At the heart of the MG855 is its robust motor. While often advertised with a “heavy-duty 1000 peak watts motor,” its average operating wattage is around 350 watts, with some sources indicating 450 watts for the motor and a 5-year warranty. This combination of substantial peak power and consistent operating wattage ensures that the grinder can tackle tough cuts of meat without bogging down, making it an efficient tool for a variety of tasks. The motor is engineered for effortless grinding of various ingredients, a key factor for efficiency in any kitchen.
Premium Construction: Built to Last
The MG855 boasts a brushed stainless-steel and die-cast metal housing, giving it a premium look and feel that integrates well into any modern kitchen aesthetic. This solid and sturdy construction is not just for appearances; it’s designed for long-term durability and stability during operation. An extra-large, die-cast hopper sits atop the unit, capable of holding a generous amount of cubed or sliced meat, streamlining the grinding process by reducing the need for constant refills.
A Waring Pro MG855 professional die-cast meat grinder with a brushed stainless-steel housing on a kitchen counter.
Versatile Attachments for Every Need
To cater to diverse culinary requirements, the Waring Pro MG855 comes equipped with a comprehensive set of attachments. It includes three metal cutting plates—fine, medium, and coarse—allowing you to achieve the perfect texture for anything from smooth pâtés and baby food to hearty chili or hamburger. Beyond grinding, the unit excels in sausage making, thanks to the inclusion of two sausage attachments. These attachments, along with an instructional guide featuring recipes for various sausages, empower users to create thin or plump sausages with ease, adding another dimension to homemade food preparation. The plastic pusher, essential for guiding meat into the grinder, also features a convenient storage compartment for the sausage attachments and cutting plates, keeping everything organized and accessible.
Design & Usability: Simplicity Meets Efficiency
Operating the MG855 is remarkably straightforward, making it suitable even for those new to meat grinding. It features a simple on/off switch with a reverse function, providing essential control to clear any potential clogs without complicated settings. Its compact size, weighing under 12 pounds, ensures it can be easily stored or kept on the countertop, despite its “industry size 8” designation, indicating its grinding capacity.
Performance Under Pressure: How the MG855 Grinds
Beyond its specifications, the true test of any meat grinder lies in its performance. The Waring Pro MG855 consistently delivers, earning its reputation as a reliable kitchen workhorse.
Grinding Efficiency and Speed
Users consistently praise the MG855 for its impressive grinding rate and consistency, often comparing it favorably to models that cost significantly more. The powerful motor, even at its average operating wattage, efficiently processes meat, reducing the time and effort required for large batches. The machine’s design minimizes friction, ensuring a smooth flow of meat through the grinding plates.
Consistency of Grind
The three included cutting plates allow for precise control over the texture of your grind. Whether you need a fine grind for delicate spreads or a coarse texture for robust chili, the MG855 handles it with uniform results. This consistency is crucial for dishes where texture plays a vital role, such as sausages, where an even grind impacts both taste and casing integrity.
Handling Different Meats (and more!)
The MG855 is not limited to just meat. Its versatility extends to grinding fish and vegetables, making it a multi-functional appliance for various culinary preparations. This capability is particularly useful for preparing homemade pet food, vegetable purees, or mixing finely ground vegetables into meat dishes.
Various textures of ground meat (fine, medium, coarse) and homemade sausages, demonstrating versatility.
Noise Level: Addressing Common Concerns
While no electric meat grinder is entirely silent, the Waring Pro MG855 generally operates within an acceptable noise range for its class. Some users note it’s not “super quiet,” but this is a common characteristic across most powerful grinders and typically not a deal-breaker for its performance. The robust motor, while creating some noise, is a testament to its grinding capability.
The Waring Pro MG855 Advantage: Pros & Cons
Understanding the strengths and limitations of any appliance is key to making an informed purchase. The Waring Pro MG855, like all tools, has its distinct advantages and a few considerations.
Pros:
- Exceptional Value: Many reviews highlight the MG855’s excellent performance-to-price ratio, stating it outperforms rivals costing significantly more.
- Durable Build: The die-cast metal and brushed stainless-steel housing ensure longevity and stability.
- Versatility: Capable of grinding meats, fish, and vegetables, with three cutting plates for varied textures.
- Ease of Use: Simple on/off/reverse switch and intuitive assembly make it user-friendly, even for novices.
- Powerful for Home Use: The 1000 peak watt motor provides ample power for typical home grinding needs.
- Sausage Making Capabilities: Includes two sausage attachments and a recipe guide, expanding its utility.
- Generous Warranty: The motor is covered by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, offering peace of mind.
- Compact Design: Despite its power, it’s designed to be relatively compact, fitting easily on countertops or in storage.
Cons:
- Hand Wash Only: All parts of the MG855 must be washed by hand to maintain their longevity and performance. This might be a minor inconvenience for some.
- Noise Level: While not excessive for a grinder, it’s not whisper-quiet, which is a common trade-off for motor power.
- Availability of Parts: While not a flaw of the grinder’s design, some buyer experiences indicate issues with purchasing remanufactured units or finding replacement parts from certain third-party sellers, suggesting caution when not buying new from authorized retailers.
Waring Pro MG855 vs. The Competition (e.g., KitchenAid Attachments)
When considering a meat grinder, a common question arises: should I opt for a dedicated unit like the Waring Pro MG855 or a mixer attachment, such as those for KitchenAid stand mixers? The answer often depends on your usage frequency and volume.
Dedicated Grinder Superiority
For those who regularly grind more than small batches (e.g., over 5-10 pounds), a dedicated electric meat grinder like the MG855 offers a distinct advantage. Dedicated units are designed specifically for grinding, featuring more powerful motors and robust components that handle tough sinews and larger quantities with greater efficiency and less strain on the machine.
Capacity and Power Differences
KitchenAid grinder attachments, while convenient for occasional, small batches, often struggle with larger volumes or tougher cuts, leading to slower processing times and potential “fat smearing” as the meat warms up. The Waring Pro MG855, with its independent motor and optimized design, maintains consistent performance even during extended use, providing a cleaner, more efficient grind.
Sturdiness and Longevity
Dedicated grinders typically feature more robust, all-metal internal components, which contribute to greater durability and a longer lifespan under heavy use compared to some plastic-heavy mixer attachments. “For serious grinding, especially for sausage making, a dedicated unit simply provides more power and a more consistent, professional result,” notes Chef Antoine Dubois, a seasoned charcutier.
Maximizing Longevity: Tips for Using and Maintaining Your MG855
To ensure your Waring Pro MG855 serves you well for years to come, proper usage and maintenance are paramount.
Prepping Meat for Grinding
Always cut meat into appropriate sizes that fit easily into the hopper. For optimal results and to prevent clogging, partially freeze your meat (and ideally the grinding head components) for about 30 minutes before grinding. This firms up the fat and muscle, allowing for a cleaner cut and preventing smearing. Remove any excessive gristle or small bones that could strain the motor.
Proper Assembly and Disassembly
Familiarize yourself with the MG855’s components and their correct assembly. Ensuring the blade is inserted correctly (flat side facing the cutting plate) is crucial for efficient grinding. Disassembly is equally straightforward, designed to facilitate thorough cleaning.
Cleaning and Care
The most important maintenance tip for the Waring Pro MG855 is that all parts should be washed by hand. Hot, soapy water is generally sufficient. Clean all components immediately after use to prevent meat residue from drying and becoming difficult to remove. A small brush can be helpful for intricate parts. Never put the metal components in a dishwasher, as harsh detergents and high heat can cause discoloration or damage.
Storage Tips
Once thoroughly cleaned and dried, store all attachments and plates in the pusher’s internal compartment or a separate, dry place to prevent rust. Keep the main unit in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Its compact size makes it easy to store in a pantry or on a shelf.
“Investing a few extra minutes in proper cleaning and storage after each use is the easiest way to protect your meat grinder and ensure it performs like new for years,” advises Maria Rodriguez, a long-time food blogger and home chef.
Conclusion
The Waring Pro MG855 Professional Die-Cast Meat Grinder carves out a significant niche for itself, offering a compelling blend of power, durability, and versatility at a competitive price point. It’s an ideal choice for the home cook looking to elevate their culinary creations beyond what standard mixer attachments can provide. With its robust 1000 peak watt motor, premium stainless-steel construction, and comprehensive set of grinding and sausage-making attachments, the MG855 proves to be a reliable and efficient kitchen companion. While requiring hand washing and producing some operational noise, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by its exceptional performance and long-term value. For those ready to take control of their ground meats and explore the exciting world of homemade charcuterie, the Waring Pro MG855 is a smart investment that promises years of reliable service. Are you ready to transform your kitchen and create delicious, custom-ground masterpieces?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the true wattage of the Waring Pro MG855?
The Waring Pro MG855 features a heavy-duty motor with a peak wattage of 1000 watts, while its average continuous operating wattage is around 350-450 watts. This combination provides ample power for processing various meats and other ingredients efficiently.
Can the Waring Pro MG855 grind bones?
No, the Waring Pro MG855, like most home-use Meat Grinders, is not designed to grind bones. Attempting to grind bones can severely damage the motor, gears, and grinding components, voiding the warranty. It is best suited for boneless meats, fish, and vegetables.
Is the Waring Pro MG855 dishwasher safe?
No, none of the parts of the Waring Pro MG855 are dishwasher safe. All components, especially the metal ones, should be hand washed with warm, soapy water and thoroughly dried immediately after each use to prevent corrosion and maintain their condition.
How does the MG855 compare to commercial meat grinders?
The Waring Pro MG855 is designed for professional-quality home use and is significantly more powerful and durable than typical kitchen mixer attachments. However, it is not a commercial-grade grinder intended for continuous, heavy-volume use in a butcher shop or restaurant setting. Commercial grinders typically have much larger motors, higher capacities, and are built for all-day operation.
What kind of warranty does the Waring Pro MG855 offer?
The Waring Pro MG855 typically comes with a 5-year warranty specifically covering the motor, providing considerable assurance regarding the longevity and reliability of its core component. It’s always recommended to check the specific warranty details from your retailer or manufacturer upon purchase.