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Contents
While running smoothly, you will enjoy grinding your meat with Cabelas’ meat grinder. With proper usage and regular maintenance, it is rare before Cabelas grinding machine gives you any problem.
However, due to unknown reasons, you might experience problems while using the grinder. In this article, we will discuss the peculiar problems with Cabelas grinding machine and some DIY troubleshooting methods.
Cabelas Meat Grinder Problems
A smooth-running grinder is the joy of the owner. At times, due to mishandling, technical fault, and other factors, you will likely experience problems with Cabelas’ meat grinder.
You shouldn’t panic when this happens, you can troubleshoot yourself with ease. Check out this article for some of the peculiar problems with Cabelas’ meat grinder.
1. Difficulty in grinding the second time
Likely, you don’t get the desired result with the first grind and you wish to grind the second time with a lesser plate.
At times, using a lesser plate to grind the second time when the meat is now in pieces could be a problem.
You will have to put in more pressure and it takes a longer duration before you could force the meat out of the grinder. You can resolve this type of problem by doing any of the steps highlighted below.
Sharpen the blade
Irrespective of the number of times you are grinding meat, it will always be difficult with a blade that is not sharp.
It becomes more difficult if you are trying to grind meat that has been ground before. You should first sharpen the blade and the surface. Now pour the meat again and see if it will be easier to grind the second time.
Return the meat into the freezer
It is always easier to grind cold or frozen meat. If it is difficult for you to grind the meat the second time with a smaller plate when it is now defrosted and likely warm; you should clear the grinder, put the meat in a container, and return it into the freezer.
When it is frozen, bring it out and cut it into strips, you can then repeat the grinding process when the meat is still frozen.
Repeat the first plate
The purpose of grinding the second time is mostly to change the texture of the meat. You can still achieve this if you grind the meat again on the same plate. Alternatively, you can opt for other plates that are not as smaller as the first plate you used.
2. Overheating
Many users of the Cabelas’ meat grinder, especially the larger models do complain that their grinder heats up quickly. Do you know the implication of that?
You are potentially damaging the grinder if you do not resolve it quickly. Here is a list of some of the things you can do to fix an overheated Cabelas’ meat grinder.
Turn it off
The first thing you should do if you notice that the heat of the grinder is getting unbearable is to turn it off. Additionally, do not leave it running or plugged into an outlet if you are not grinding meat in it.
Don’t grind fresh meat in it
It is likely the grinder will overheat if you are grinding fresh or uncooked meat in it. When you notice the heat, check the grinder to ensure that you are grinding cooked meat. Moreover, it is recommended that you only grind frozen or cold meat as it provides coolant for the gears and motors.
Apply lubricant
At times, the grinder could overheat when there is friction. Once you notice the grinder is overheating, turn it off and unplug it from the electric outlet. You should allow it to cool down before you apply food-grade oil lubricant.
Don’t overtighten
Over tightening the grinder could make it overheat during use. Once you have turned it off and unplugged it, you can check the grinder for possible over-tightening. If there is any, you should loosen it.
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3. Corrosion
You are free to use your grinder when it pleases you but you should be moderate with it. Dullness of the grinder, especially the blade, or corrosion of the plate could occur when you use the grinder regularly or overuse it. You can fix this with the following steps.
Sharpen the blade
Firstly, you need to sharpen the blade to make them fit again. With sandpaper, you can get rid of corrosion from the grinder.
However, when you do this or anytime you clean the grinder, make sure they are thoroughly dried before you fix the parts of the grinder again.
Always lubricate
Make it a habit to always lubricate the grinder. Depending on the duration of use and how often you use the grinder, you can lubricate after use or before you use it. Nevertheless, make sure you use a food-grade lubricant.
4. Clogging
Fatty meats, warm meats, and other technical issues with the grinder could cause a build-up in the grinder and cause it to clog, thereby preventing the smooth operation of the grinder and free flow of the meat you are grinding. Below are some of the things you can do to troubleshoot clogging.
Regular maintenance
I am sure you are not prepared for the hassle of dealing with a clogged Cabelas meat grinder. You can avoid this by giving regular care to the grinder’s blades and plates.
Lubricate the grinder
Anytime you are grinding meat and it is difficult for it to go through the plates at the end, you should turn off the grinder, unplug it, and then clear the meat from it. You can then lubricate the internal parts of the grinder with food-grade lubricant.
Freeze the meat
Once the grinder is clogged and you have retrieved the meat from it. You should return the meat to the freezer, allow it to freeze before you grind it again. It is easier to grind frozen meat than warm meat.
5. Smoke from the neck of the grinder
When Cabelas meat grinder begins to emit smoke from the neck, especially from the back ring, you should be watchful. It is either the smoke is from the meat if you are grinding frozen meat or a technical fault which could be from over-tightening of the grinder, especially when the smoke gives an offensive odor. The following are some of the things you can do to troubleshoot.
Turn it off
Anytime you notice smoke from the neck of the Cabelas’ meat grinder, you should first backoff by turning off the grinder.
You can then unplug it from the outlet, allowing it to cool before you continue. Some part of the grinder is likely too warm and it is putting pressure on the ring. You can lubricate the grinder before you turn it on again.
Loosen the ground plate
If you have tried the method highlighted above and the problem persists, you have likely over-tightened the ground plate.
Just unplug the grinder, allow it to cool, remove the meat, and then loosen the ground plate a bit. It is recommended that you allow the meat to freeze before you repeat the grinding process.
Seek help
If the steps highlighted above don’t fix the issue, it is recommended that you seek help from a professional. The grinder has likely developed a technical fault that needs quick fixing.
Maintenance tips for Cabelas meat grinder
Maintaining the Cabelas meat grinder is easy, provided you have assembled the grinder and the plate rightly the way you desire. The following are a few tips that could make the grinder function optimally for a longer duration.
Grind when it is cool
It has been stated earlier in this article that the best time to grind meat is when it is frozen. Make it a habit to grind only frozen meat. This will not only make it easier for you, but it will also potentially increase the lifespan of the grinder unlike grinding warm meat.
Sharpen the blade
The sharpness of the blade reduces anytime you grind meat with it. You should occasionally sharpen the blade to keep them in good shape. Alternatively, you can change the blades to new ones if you don’t want to go through the hassle of sharpening the blades.
Clean the plate
There are likely residuals of meat left on the plate of the grinder. You should thoroughly wash all parts of the grinders before you use them again, even if your grinder has a stainless plate.
You should wash with your hand and warm soapy water. Moreover, carefully rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry properly before you store it or use it again.
Store properly
If the grinder is not in use, it is recommended that you keep it in a dry location and beyond the reach of little children and pets.
Cabelas Meat Grinder Problems – Conclusion
The peculiar problems and possible troubleshooting methods have been discussed in this article. If your grinder has any of the highlighted problems in this article and you are unable to fix it yourself, it is recommended that you seek help from professional technicians. Nevertheless, proper care for the grinder will save you from some of these troubles.
