The KitchenAid KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder and generic third-party grinders, such as the FGA Food Grinder, primarily differ in materials, price, and durability. The KSMMGA is a premium, all-metal attachment built for performance and longevity, while the FGA is a budget-friendly option, typically using a combination of plastic and metal designed for occasional use.
Here’s everything you need to know to pick the right grinder attachment for your KitchenAid mixer.
KitchenAid KSMMGA Metal Food Grinder
The KSMMGA is KitchenAid's premium grinding attachment, designed for home chefs who demand durability and professional-grade results. Made entirely of die-cast metal, it's engineered for heavy-duty tasks and seamless integration with any KitchenAid stand mixer, making it a long-term investment for serious cooks.
- What it is: A heavy-duty, die-cast metal food grinder attachment designed exclusively for KitchenAid stand mixers.
- Key features: Includes three stainless steel grinding plates (fine, medium, coarse), sausage stuffer tubes, a cleaning brush, and a storage case.
- Price: Around $100 to $150.
- Materials/Construction: All components are made from die-cast metal, with stainless steel grinding plates and blades for sharpness and rust resistance.
- Style: Sleek, professional silver metallic finish that matches the premium look of KitchenAid mixers.
- Pros: Superior durability and longevity. Provides consistent, high-quality grinding performance. Offers excellent stability due to the perfect fit. Includes comprehensive accessories and a storage case. Most metal parts are dishwasher-safe (check the manual for specifics).
- Cons: Significantly higher price point. Heavier than plastic alternatives. Compatibility is limited to KitchenAid brand mixers only.
This attachment is ideal for those who frequently grind meats, make sausages, or process tough ingredients and want a tool that can keep up without compromising on performance.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/p.metal-food-grinder-attachment.ksmmga.html
FGA Food Grinder Attachment
The FGA food grinder represents scores of budget-friendly, third-party attachments available on the market. It offers core grinding functionality at a very low price by using less expensive materials, typically a combination of a plastic housing with metal grinding plates, making it a practical entry-level option for casual users.
- What it is: A cost-effective, third-party food grinder attachment designed to be compatible with a broad range of stand mixers, including KitchenAid.
- Key features: Usually includes two grinding plates (fine, coarse) and sausage stuffer tubes. Universal mounting system is designed to attach to multiple stand mixer brands.
- Price: Generally between $30 and $60.
- Materials/Construction: Features a plastic main housing with stainless steel or alloy metal for the grinding plates, blade, and feeding tray.
- Style: A functional and utilitarian design that prioritizes cost savings over aesthetics. Typically comes in white or black plastic.
- Pros: Very affordable and budget-friendly. Lightweight and easy to handle. Offers broad compatibility with different stand mixer brands. Gets the job done for basic and infrequent grinding tasks.
- Cons: Less durable due to plastic components, which can crack or wear over time. May struggle with very cold, hard meats or large quantities. Compatibility and fit on mixers can sometimes be imperfect. Plastic parts typically require hand-washing.
This attachment suits a budget-conscious buyer who only needs a grinder for occasional, light-duty tasks like grinding a small batch of meat for burgers or making breadcrumbs.
Shop this product: amazon.com/Grinder-Attachment-KitchenAid
KitchenAid KSMMGA vs. FGA Comparison
Quality & Materials
The difference in quality is the most significant factor between these two attachments. The KitchenAid KSMMGA is built entirely from die-cast metal. This construction ensures it can handle the intense pressure of grinding tough or frozen meats without flexing, warping, or cracking. Its stainless steel plates and blade resist rust and stay sharp longer, contributing to its overall longevity.
In contrast, the FGA model uses a plastic main body to keep costs down. While its cutting components are metal, the plastic housing is the weak point. Under heavy load or over time, the plastic may get stained, develop stress fractures, or break, especially near the connection hub. For light tasks, it is adequate, but for regular or heavy-duty use, the all-metal build of the KitchenAid is far superior.
Performance & Functionality
The robust construction of the KitchenAid KSMMGA translates directly to better performance. Its heavy-duty components and powerful connection to the mixer's motor allow it to grind meat, firm fruits, vegetables, and hard cheeses evenly and efficiently. Users report a smooth, consistent output without clogging, especially when meat is properly chilled beforehand.
The FGA grinder performs well enough for simple jobs but can struggle with tougher ingredients. The system may feel less stable and the grinding can be less consistent. It's perfectly capable of handling a pound of beef chuck for burgers but may not be the best choice for dense game meats or large, continuous batches.
Compatibility & Fit
The KitchenAid KSMMGA is made by KitchenAid, for KitchenAid mixers. This guarantees a perfect, secure fit to the power hub, ensuring stable operation and efficient power transfer from the motor. There is no guesswork involved - it simply works as intended with any modern KitchenAid stand mixer.
The FGA grinder is designed with universal compatibility in mind, which is both a pro and a con. While this allows it to be used with other brands, the "one-size-fits-all" approach can lead to a less-than-perfect fit. Some users may experience slight wiggling or instability during operation, which can impact performance and long-term wear on both the mixer and the attachment.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
Both attachments are relatively straightforward to assemble and use, they attach to the power hub, and you simply feed food down the chute. Where they diverge is cleanup. The all-metal parts of the KitchenAid grinder are largely dishwasher-safe (be sure to check manufacturer guidelines), making post-use cleanup fast and simple.
The plastic housing and other components of the FGA grinder are almost always hand-wash only. The plastic can warp in high heat, and food residue, especially from fatty meats, can be more difficult to clean from plastic surfaces. Hand-washing adds time and effort to the cleanup process.
Price & Value
There is a stark price difference. The FGA grinder is a low-cost entry, often costing less than a third of the KitchenAid attachment. For someone who is just curious about grinding their own meat or will only use it once or twice a year, the FGA offers tremendous value by providing basic functionality without a large financial commitment.
The KitchenAid KSMMGA is an investment. Its high initial cost buys you superior durability, better performance, and the peace of mind that comes with an official, brand-backed accessory. For anyone who plans to use their grinder regularly, the KSMMGA delivers better long-term value, as it will outlast multiple plastic versions and produce more consistent results.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both grinder attachments serve a purpose in the kitchen, but they are built for very different users and priorities.
Choose the KitchenAid KSMMGA if:
- Durability and long-term performance are your top priorities.
- You grind meat, vegetables, or other tough foods frequently.
- You want the guaranteed-perfect fit and stability of a first-party accessory.
- You're willing to invest more for a heavy-duty tool that will last for years.
Choose the FGA if:
- You are on a tight budget and need the most affordable option.
- You only plan to use a grinder a few times a year for light tasks.
- The idea of hand-washing the parts is not a deterrent for you.
- You want a low-cost way to try food grinding before committing to premium equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid KSMMGA and a generic FGA grinder?
The main difference is material quality and durability. The KitchenAid KSMMGA is made entirely of durable die-cast metal, designed for heavy and frequent use. The FGA is primarily made of plastic with metal cutting parts, making it a lighter-duty, more budget-friendly option for occasional use.
Is the KitchenAid grinder attachment worth the extra money?
For serious home cooks who grind food regularly, yes. Its all-metal construction provides far greater durability and more consistent performance, making it a better long-term investment that won't need to be replaced. For very infrequent users, the higher price may not be justifiable.
Can I grind bones with a KitchenAid KSMMGA?
No, KitchenAid advises against grinding bones in the KSMMGA. It is designed for meat, firm vegetables, hard cheeses, and stale bread. Attempting to grind bones can permanently damage the grinder and potentially harm your stand mixer's motor.
Will a third-party FGA attachment fit my KitchenAid mixer perfectly?
It should fit, as most are specifically designed to be compatible with KitchenAid's power hub. However, the universal design can sometimes result in a slightly looser or less secure fit compared to the official KitchenAid attachment.
Are the plastic parts on the FGA attachment durable?
For light or occasional use, the plastic parts are generally sufficient. However, they are more susceptible to staining, cracking, and wear over time compared to metal. For heavy or frequent use, the plastic housing is a definite weak point.
Which grinder is easier to clean?
The KitchenAid KSMMGA is easier to clean because its main metal components are generally dishwasher-safe. The plastic parts of an FGA grinder attachment usually require careful hand-washing to prevent warping or damage.
What can I use a grinder attachment for besides meat?
Both attachments are versatile. You can use them to make breadcrumbs from stale bread, grind hard cheeses like Parmesan, create vegetable relishes and salsas, or make your own baby food from cooked fruits and vegetables.
Do I need to chill my meat before grinding?
Yes. For the best results with either attachment, you should cut your meat into cubes and chill it in the freezer for about 30 minutes until it is very firm but not frozen solid. This helps the grinder make clean cuts and prevents the fat from smearing, resulting in a much better texture.
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