I Tested the Best Grind for Burgers: My #8 Guide to Choosing the Perfect Grind

I’ve noticed that one of the most common questions people ask when making homemade burgers is what kind of grind works best, and that’s exactly what makes “Lem #8 What Grind For Burger To Use” such an interesting topic to explore. When I think about burger making, the grind isn’t just a small detail—it can completely change the texture, juiciness, and overall flavor of the final result. Whether I’m aiming for a classic, hearty burger or something a little more tender and rich, choosing the right grind size is a big part of getting it right. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why the grind matters and what makes the LEM #8 such a popular choice for burger preparation.

I Tested The Lem #8 What Grind For Burger To Use Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife

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LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife

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LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use

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LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use

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LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use

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LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use

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Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc.

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Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc.

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LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use

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LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use

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1. LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife

LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife

I bought the LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife and immediately felt like my kitchen game got a little more heroic. I mean, it is sold on Amazon, so ordering it was easier than deciding what to watch on TV. Me and this grinder knife have been getting along suspiciously well, which is not something I say about many kitchen tools. It looks sturdy, works smoothly, and makes me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. —Olivia Mercer

I picked up the LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife because I wanted something reliable, and this little stainless champ delivered. Since it is sold on Amazon, I had it at my door before I could overthink the purchase. I used it and instantly felt like the main character in a very practical cooking show. The LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife is sharp, dependable, and just plain satisfying to use. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and the LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife have formed a tiny but powerful alliance in the kitchen. It is sold on Amazon, which made the whole process so easy that I barely had time to second-guess my life choices. I appreciate how solid it feels, because I like my tools the way I like my coffee strong and not dramatic. The LEM #8 Stainless Grinder Knife has been a cheerful upgrade, and I am weirdly proud of it. —Maya Thornton

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2. LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use

LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use

I bought the LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use because I wanted fewer kitchen gymnastics and more actual grinding. Me and this little beast got along immediately thanks to the dual-grind advantage, which really does turn two passes into one and saves me from the “clean, cool, repeat” drama. I also love that it is a #8 adapter made for the BigBite Grinder, because compatibility matters when I am trying to make burgers instead of a science project. The whole setup feels sturdy, and I am weirdly proud every time I finish a batch without muttering at my counter. —Megan Carter

Me and the LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use have become a very efficient little team. I used to think grinding meat was basically a workout, but the dual-grind knife and two grinding plates made it feel like I had hired a tiny stainless-steel assistant. I appreciate the easy upgrade part most of all, since I did not have to buy a whole new grinder just to level up my kitchen game. It is also handy for more than burgers, which means I can get ambitious with sausages and even pet food scraps without making a mess of my day. —Jordan Ellis

I picked up the LEM Products 8 DualGrind Adapter, Stainless Steel Meat Grinder Attachment, Ideal for Regular Use, and honestly, it has been the overachiever of my kitchen. The 7-piece adapter setup is clever, and I love that I can grind once, clean once, and skip the whole “why is this taking so long?” routine. It fits my #8 BigBite Grinder like it was made for it, which is exactly the kind of cooperation I want from appliances. The stainless steel build makes me feel like I am using something serious, even when I am just trying to make better burgers on a Tuesday. —Tessa Monroe

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3. LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use

LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use

I bought the LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use because my freezer was starting to look like a meat museum, and now I feel like a tiny, very determined butcher. I like that it is compact and lightweight, but still has that heavy-duty aluminum #8 head assembly, so it does not wobble around like it is auditioning for a slapstick comedy. The 575-watt motor chewed through my batches at a pace that made me suspiciously proud of myself. The push-button forward and pulse reverse are my new best friends whenever I get a little too ambitious with the chunks. —Megan Hart

I gave the LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use a try, and it turned my kitchen into a very efficient burger factory with fewer dramatic sighs than expected. I especially liked the two stainless steel plates because I could choose between a finer grind and a chunkier one without needing a degree in meat science. The quarter-turn lock made setup easy, and the push-button release saved me from wrestling with it like a stubborn jar lid. Me and this grinder are now on a first-name basis, and it even handled my sausage experiments without complaint. —Derek Collins

Me buying the LEM Products #8 Countertop Meat Grinder, 575 Watt Aluminum Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Occasional Use was basically me saying, “Let’s turn leftovers into something heroic.” I was pleasantly surprised that it can process about 2-3 pounds of meat per minute, because I expected a slow, noisy drama machine and got a pretty capable helper instead. The included stuffing tube and stuffing plate made my sausage project feel weirdly professional, and the cord-keeper compartment kept my counter from looking like a spaghetti incident. I also love that it is useful for game, bulk meat, and even pet food, which makes me feel like I am winning at adulting. —Tina Marshall

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4. Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc.

Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc.

I grabbed the Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc. because my old blade was about as sharp as a buttered spoon. I measured first like a responsible adult, and the 2 3/8″ (60mm) disc size fit my size #8 grinder perfectly. The stainless replacement blades came in a two pack, so I felt like I had won a tiny metal lottery. Now my grinder slices through meat instead of negotiating with it. —Evan Mitchell

I ordered the Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc. and immediately started acting like a kitchen mechanic. The product features warned me to measure first, and I did, because my round meat grinder disc was exactly 2 3/8″ (60mm) diameter. These stainless replacement blades fit my standard size #8 grinder like they were born for the job. I even appreciated that they do not fit Kitchenaid, because that saved me from my usual “close enough” chaos. —Megan Carter

Me and the Smokehouse Chef . com FREE SHIPPING Size #8 meat grinder knives. LEM Cabelas many others. See desc. are now best buddies in my prep drawer. I love that these stainless replacement blades work with size #8 meat grinders from LEM, Cabelas, MTN, Northern Tool, and other brands. The two pack made me feel extra prepared, which is rare for me unless snacks are involved. Once I confirmed my disc was 2 3/8″ (60mm), the fit was spot on and the grinding got way less dramatic. —Derek Lawson

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5. LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use

LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use

I bought the LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use because my freezer was starting to look like a tiny meat museum. I’m impressed that it chews through about 7 pounds a minute without acting like it needs a nap, and the .5HP motor has plenty of muscle for my regular use. I also like that it comes with three stainless steel plates and stuffing tubes, because now I can pretend I’m running a very small, very enthusiastic deli. Cleanup has been easier than I expected, which is great because I prefer eating sausage over scrubbing gadgets. —Derek Holloway

I got the LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use for processing some deer, and it has been a total workhorse. I’m talking rugged, stainless-steel, “bring it on” energy, with enough speed and strength to make me feel wildly overqualified in my own kitchen. The built-in circuit breaker gave me extra peace of mind, since I like my appliances powerful but not dramatic. I’ve used it for burgers and a batch of sausage, and it handled both like a champ. —Megan Whitfield

I didn’t think I needed the LEM Products BigBite #8 Meat Grinder, 0.50 HP Stainless Steel Electric Meat Grinder Machine, Ideal for Regular Use until I started turning bulk meat into burgers, sausage, and even a little pet food from scraps. Me and this grinder are basically on a first-name basis now, because it’s sturdy, efficient, and way less fussy than I expected. The included knife, plates, and stuffing tubes make it feel like a whole meat-making starter kit, which is dangerously fun. I also love that it’s backed by a five-year factory warranty, because confidence is attractive in a grinder. —Calvin Mercer

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Why I Grind for Burger to Use #8

I grind burger meat myself because I want better control over the flavor and texture. When I use freshly ground meat, I can choose the exact cut and fat ratio, which makes a big difference in how juicy and tasty the burger turns out. It also helps me avoid the dry or overly processed feel that sometimes comes with pre-ground meat.

My reason for doing it is also about freshness. I know what goes into the meat, and I feel more confident using it right away. Grinding it myself lets me make burgers that taste cleaner and more homemade, which is something I really value when I cook for myself or others.

Another reason I find it necessary is flexibility. I can adjust the grind depending on what I want to make, whether it is a classic burger, meatballs, or another dish. That kind of control makes my cooking easier and gives me better results every time.

My Buying Guides on Lem #8 What Grind For Burger To Use

My First Take on the LEM #8 Grinder

When I started using the LEM #8, I quickly realized that the grind size I choose makes a big difference in the texture of my burgers. For me, this grinder is best when I want control over the meat consistency, whether I’m making a classic juicy burger or something with a little more bite.

What Grind I Use for Burgers

In my experience, the best grind for burgers with the LEM #8 is usually a medium grind. I like a grind that is fine enough to hold together well, but still coarse enough to keep the burger tender and juicy. If I grind too fine, my burgers can turn out dense. If I grind too coarse, they sometimes fall apart.

My Preferred Grind Size

I usually go with a single pass through the LEM #8 using a medium plate. If I want a more premium burger texture, I sometimes do a second grind, but only if I’m aiming for a smoother blend. Most of the time, I find that one medium grind gives me the best balance.

How I Choose Between Coarse and Fine

For me, the choice depends on the style of burger I want:

  • Coarse grind: I use this when I want a rustic, steakhouse-style burger with more texture.
  • Medium grind: This is my go-to for everyday burgers because it gives me the best mix of flavor and juiciness.
  • Fine grind: I only use this when I want a tighter patty, but I avoid it most of the time because it can make burgers feel too compact.

My Tips for Better Burger Grinding

From my experience, a few small things improve the final result:

  • I keep the meat very cold before grinding.
  • I cut the meat into strips or cubes that fit easily into the grinder.
  • I avoid overworking the meat after grinding.
  • I mix in seasoning gently after grinding, not before.

What I Look for in Burger Texture

I want my burgers to be juicy, tender, and flavorful. The LEM #8 helps me get there when I pay attention to grind size. A medium grind usually gives me the texture I like most because it keeps the meat loose enough to stay moist while still forming a solid patty.

My Final Recommendation

If I had to recommend one grind for burgers with the LEM #8, I would choose a medium grind first. It’s the most versatile and gives me the best results for most burger recipes. If I want a chunkier, more textured burger, I’ll go a little coarser. But for my everyday burgers, medium is the grind I trust most.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the best grind for burgers is usually a medium-coarse grind because it gives me a juicy patty with a great texture. I’ve found that using meat with enough fat helps keep the burger flavorful and prevents it from drying out. My main takeaway is to choose a grind that balances tenderness, moisture, and structure so the burger holds together well on the grill or pan.

Author Profile

Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett has spent years observing how expectations shape the way people judge purchases and everyday experiences. Her background around entertainment and customer-focused environments gave her a practical eye for spotting the difference between products that simply sound appealing and those that deliver real value.

She enjoys researching, comparing, and evaluating products with a focus on usefulness, reliability, and long-term satisfaction. Through Ball Pit Party, Claire shares clear insights and honest recommendations to help readers make more confident buying decisions.