The KitchenAid Metal Food Grinder is a durable, die-cast aluminum attachment built for heavy-duty use, while the more budget-friendly KitchenAid Food Grinder uses a plastic main housing for lighter, occasional grinding. The primary differences come down to material construction, which directly impacts durability, price, and cooling performance for grinding tough meats and making sausage.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which KitchenAid grinder attachment is right for your kitchen.
KitchenAid All-Metal Food Grinder (KSMMGA)
Designed for avid home cooks and dedicated food preppers, the All-Metal Food Grinder is KitchenAid's premium grinding attachment. Its robust, all-metal construction provides the durability and stability needed for frequent use and for processing everything from beef for burgers to venison for sausage.
- What it is: A heavy-duty, all-metal grinder attachment that connects to the power hub of any KitchenAid Stand Mixer.
- Key features: All-metal body, auger, and food tray. Includes three stainless steel grinding plates (fine, medium, coarse), two sausage stuffer tubes, a food pusher, and a cleaning brush.
- Price: $149.99
- Materials/Construction: The main housing and food tray are made from machined and cast aluminum, while the grinding plates and blade are stainless steel.
- Pros: Superior durability for long-term use. Metal parts can be pre-chilled in the freezer, preventing fat smearing and ensuring a clean grind. Handles large batches and tougher cuts of meat with ease. Includes sausage stuffer accessories.
- Cons: More than double the price of the plastic version. The aluminum components must be hand-washed to prevent oxidation and discoloration. Heavier and bulkier to store.
This grinder is built for those who prioritize performance and longevity, process meat frequently, or are serious about making their own sausage and charcuterie.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/p.metal-food-grinder-attachment.ksmmga.html
KitchenAid Food Grinder (KSMFGA)
The standard Food Grinder is a versatile and affordable attachment perfect for those new to grinding or who only process smaller batches a few times a year. Its plastic housing makes it lightweight and easy to handle while still providing the power needed for grinding meat, hard cheeses, and even bread for homemade breadcrumbs.
- What it is: An entry-level food grinder attachment with a plastic body designed to fit all KitchenAid stand mixers.
- Key features: White plastic main housing and auger, with a removable metal food tray on top. Comes with fine and coarse stainless steel grinding plates and a combination food pusher/wrench.
- Price: $64.99
- Materials/Construction: The body, housing, and food auger are made from durable plastic. The food tray on top is metal, and the grinder blade and plates are stainless steel.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Lightweight design is easy to store and maneuver. Effectively handles most basic grinding tasks for burgers in sauce. The plastic body is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Cons: Less durable than the metal version and may struggle with particularly tough or semi-frozen meat. Plastic can absorb odors or stains over time. Does not come with sausage stuffer parts (available separately).
This grinder is an excellent, wallet-friendly choice for home cooks who expect to grind meat or other ingredients occasionally and in smaller quantities.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/p.food-grinder-attachment.ksmfga.html
KitchenAid Metal vs. Plastic Food Grinder Comparison
Materials & Durability
The most significant difference is the construction material. The All-Metal Grinder's cast aluminum body is built to withstand years of heavy use without flexing or straining. This rigidity is crucial when forcing dense meat through the grinding plates. By contrast, the plastic model (KSMFGA) is more susceptible to long-term wear, and the white plastic can stain from ingredients like beef fat or paprika. For longevity and robust performance, metal is the clear winner.
Performance & Grinding Quality
Proper meat grinding requires cold equipment to prevent the fat from separating and smearing, which creates a pasty texture. Here, the metal grinder has a distinct advantage. You can place the entire metal assembly in the freezer before use, ensuring it stays ice-cold throughout the grinding process. This results in a cleaner, more defined grind, especially with high-fat meats like pork shoulder.
While you can chill the metal plates of the plastic grinder, the plastic housing itself doesn't retain cold. It still works well for basic grinds, but it won't perform as efficiently with semi-frozen meat or very large batches where equipment temperature is key.
Included Accessories
The attachments included with each model cater to different end goals. The All-Metal Grinder is positioned for versatility, coming standard with three grinding plates (fine, medium, coarse) and two sausage stuffer tubes. This makes it a complete kit for anyone looking to make everything from fine-ground burgers to chunky sausage. The standard Food Grinder includes just two plates (fine and coarse) and no sausage accessories, making it more tailored to basic grinding tasks.
Price & Value
At around $65, the plastic KSMFGA offers an incredible entry point for exploring home grinding. It lets you create fresh burgers and meatballs for a minimal investment. At around $150, the all-metal KSMMGA is a more considerable upfront cost. However, its value is realized through superior performance, versatility (thanks to the included accessories), and the expectation that it will last for decades. The plastic model provides immediate affordability, while the metal model delivers superior long-term value for serious users.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both attachments fit seamlessly onto any KitchenAid stand mixer, but they serve different users and purposes.
Choose the All-Metal Food Grinder (KSMMGA) if:
- You plan to grind meat weekly or frequently in large batches.
- You are serious about making your own sausage from scratch.
- Performance and durability are your top priorities over price.
- You want the best possible texture, especially when grinding high-fat or tough meats.
Choose the standard Food Grinder (KSMFGA) if:
- You are on a tighter budget and want an affordable entry point into grinding.
- You only plan to grind meat occasionally for things like burgers, tacos, or chili.
- Ease of cleaning and lightweight storage is more important than heavy-duty performance.
- You are new to grinding and want to try it out without a big commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the KitchenAid metal and plastic grinders?
The main difference is the material of the main housing and auger (the screw that pushes food forward). The metal grinder uses die-cast aluminum for superior durability and the ability to be chilled for better performance. The plastic grinder uses a durable plastic housing, making it lighter and more affordable but less ideal for heavy-duty, frequent use.
Can you put KitchenAid grinder attachments in the dishwasher?
It depends on the part. The machined aluminum parts of the All-Metal Grinder (housing, auger, tray, ring) are NOT dishwasher safe and must be hand-washed to avoid permanent corrosion. The white plastic housing of the standard Food Grinder is typically listed as top-rack dishwasher safe. For both models, the stainless steel grinding plates and blade should be hand-washed and dried immediately to prevent rust.
Is the metal KitchenAid grinder worth the extra price?
For frequent users, yes. Its durability and ability to handle cold temperatures result in a noticeably better grinding experience and product texture. The inclusion of sausage stuffer tubes adds significant value if that's a hobby you're interested in. For someone grinding meat once every few months, the extra cost is likely not necessary.
Which grinder is better for sausage making?
The All-Metal Food Grinder is much better for sausage making. Not only does it come with the necessary stuffer tubes, but its ability to stay cold is critical for achieving the right bind and texture in sausage filling, preventing the fat from breaking.
How important is it to chill the grinder parts before use?
It's extremely important for getting a high-quality finished product. Cold meat and cold grinder parts prevent the fat from melting and smearing. This ensures a distinct particle definition instead of a mushy, pasty texture. This is why the metal grinder often produces better results - it stays colder for longer.
What can you grind besides meat?
Both grinders are versatile. You can use them to grind hard cheeses like Parmesan, make breadcrumbs from stale bread, shred firm vegetables for hash browns or relishes, and create homemade fruit purees or baby food.
Will the plastic grinder stain?
Over time, the white plastic housing of the standard grinder can become stained from highly pigmented foods, particularly meat fat or spices like paprika and chili powder. While this doesn't affect performance, it can be a cosmetic issue.
Do both grinders fit all KitchenAid stand mixers?
Yes, both the Metal Food Grinder and the standard Food Grinder are designed to work with the universal power hub found on the front of every model of KitchenAid stand mixer, including tilt-head and bowl-lift designs.
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