Buyer's Guide Kitchen Appliances Sausage Stuffers

Best Sausage Stuffers in 2022: Complete Buyer’s Guide & 6 Must-Have Models

chef makes minced pork sausages

All meat lovers know that homemade sausage is the best. If you’ve considered making your own German or Polish sausage, then you’ll need the help of the best sausage stuffers.

These machines are invaluable to pro and amateur sausage makers. They can easily and neatly package meat into a natural casing in a fraction of the time it takes to do so manually.

But if you’ve never shopped around for this type of appliance, finding one that works for your sausage needs and cooking skills can be a challenge. I’ve created this buyer’s guide to help point you in the right direction, so you can easily find a model that comes loaded with all the features you need to make the perfect sausage, based on production needs, cooking skills, and budget.

I’ve tested many of the leading stuffers currently on the market and I’ve narrowed it down to six machines that are perfect for sausage makers of every skill level.

Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each sausage stuffer, how it rated, and important spec information that can help you decide which machine is right for you.

Sausage Stuffers Comparison Chart

ProductTypeStyleTubesRating
MASTER FENG Sausage Stuffer
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ManualHorizontal8
Hakka 7 Lb/3 L Sausage Stuffer
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ElectricVertical4
Hakka Manual Sausage Stuffer
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ManualVertical4
ROVSUN Sausage Stuffer
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ManualVertical4
Lawei Sausage Stuffer
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ManualHorizontal3
Alphatool Sausage Stuffer
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ManualHorizontal4

MASTER FENG Sausage Stuffer


Our Rating: (5/5)

This manual sausage stuffer by Master Feng is made out of durable stainless steel and features a horizontal base design that ensures the machine will remain securely in place and stable during use. This set comes with a total of eight tubes, four of which are made out of plastic and the other four are made out of stainless steel.

The sizes of the tubes include fourteen-millimeter, eighteen-millimeter, twenty-one millimeter, and twenty-five millimeter. The variety of sizes will allow you to make small breakfast links, flavored dinner links, pepperoni, salami, and more. The parts on the stuffer are detachable, so cleanup will also be a cinch.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Includes eight tubes
  • Easy to use
  • Horizontal design
  • Detachable parts for cleaning
  • Stable

Cons

  • Manual design requires some serious elbow grease to operate
  • Does not come with instructions

Conclusion

This horizontal stuffer is easy to operate, so it’s very beginner-friendly and simple to use and clean. If you’re looking for a model that’s durable and reliable, then hit that buy now button. Keep in mind, since this model is manual, it’ll take more elbow grease than a fully electric stuffer, but considering the price, this stuffer is definitely a steal.

Hakka Sausage Stuffer


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This electric sausage stuffer features a two-fill rate system that allows you to easily multitask during your next sausage-making session. This set includes a total of four stainless steel tubes, so you can make different types of sausages, effortlessly, using the two-speed system.

The stuffer’s metal piston with an air release valve allows air to escape out of the casing, for perfect, pro-quality results. This model’s frame is made out of stainless steel that securely locks the meat tube in place, preventing the tube from moving around during operation.

The frame ensures stability during use as it aligns the piston perfectly. This reduces O-ring friction.

Pros

  • Includes four stainless steel tubes
  • Stainless steel body
  • Two speed options
  • Secure frame
  • Easy to use
  • Air release valve

Cons

  • Price
  • Heavy

Conclusion

This is the Cadillac of sausage stuffers. It’s designed for both home and commercial use. It’s perfect for the cook who loves to make a variety of sausages for the season. It can be tricky to use the first few times, but once you get the hang of the process, you’ll find that you can make sausage in a fraction of the time it takes to use a manual machine, making this stuffer worth every penny.

Happybuy Electric Sausage Filler Sausage Maker


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This stainless-steel food-grade stainless steel sausage maker is stable, featuring a non-slip design that keeps the appliance securely in place during use. The stuffer also comes equipped with variable speed controls, with a total of twelve speeds to choose from. The adjustable settings are controlled via a pedal, so you can enjoy a more efficient sausage-making process.

The large capacity of the stuffer makes it perfect for both commercial kitchen and home kitchen use. The included bucket can hold up to twelve liters of meat. Four tubes are included and feature four size options: forty-two-millimeter, thirty-eight-millimeter, twenty-five millimeter, and nineteen millimeters, so you can make different types and sizes of sausage.

Pros

  • Four tubes
  • Twelve speed options
  • Includes silicone sealing rings
  • Commercial kitchen quality
  • Easy to use
  • Made out of stainless steel

Cons

  • Difficult to clean
  • Price

Conclusion

This model is perfect for users of all skill levels. It offers plenty of adjustment options, such four sausage sizes to choose from and the twelve processing speeds. This model also comes with food-grade silicone seal rings for improved sealing capacity, in addition to effective air control for excellent pressure effect that eliminates air bubbles in the casing.

The biggest problem is the machine’s design can make it difficult to clean. However, aside from a challenging cleaning process, this powerful, feature packed model is a great buy for the amateur cook and the pro.

Hakka Manual Sausage Stuffer


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This model comes equipped with a couple of fill rate systems, metal gears that ensure a smoother operation and four different tubes. The machine’s cylinder tilts backward for easier filling and comes with a metal piston with an air release valve that allows the air to escape, eliminating air bubbles by releasing air out the top of the casing. On the bottom of the appliance, you’ll find four plastic feet, which are designed to prevent the machine from moving around during operation.

Pros

  • Four plastic feet
  • Four tubes
  • Easy to use
  • Air release valve
  • Cylinder tilts backward for easier filling
  • Includes instruction booklet

Cons

  • Price
  • Difficult to clean
  • Manual operation requires more user effort

Conclusion

This compact, heavy-duty sausage stuffing machine comes loaded with some great features, including the two fill rate systems, metal gears, a backward tilting cylinder, and a metal piston with an air release valve. While this model doesn’t have very many removable parts, which can make it difficult to clean, it does feature a sturdy, heavy-duty design, complete with four feet that will prevent the machine from moving.

If you’re a beginner or an experienced sausage maker who doesn’t mind using a little elbow grease to get the job done, then you’ll appreciate all the features this appliance has to offer, not to mention the commercial kitchen quality design.

ROVSUN 7LBS/3L Vertical Stainless Steel Sausage Stuffer


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This vertical sausage stuffer is user-friendly and includes a steel frame, stuffing tubes, cylinder, and base plate. Additionally, this model comes with gears that are made out of stainless steel and designed for rapid pressing and loading. The user-friendly design includes a hand crank that makes loading easier.

The two speed options allow you to fill and make sausage at your own pace. The machine’s locking nut is designed to prevent leaking for a mess-free sausage making process, while the three-liter cylinder is removable and designed for easy cleaning and refilling. The machine’s air release valve is located in the piston and controls the flow of meat, so you always end up with pro-quality results.

Pros

  • Four feet prevent the machine from moving during use
  • Removable cylinder
  • Locking nut prevents leaks
  • Easy to use
  • Two speed options
  • Mess-free operation

Cons

  • Price
  • Takes practice to use it efficiently

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-use sausage stuffer, one that’s versatile and allows you to efficiently and quickly make your favorite sausages, this model delivers.

This system by Rovsun comes with a total of four stainless steel sausage tubes, so you can make snack sticks, breakfast links, dinner sausage, salami, or whatever type of sausage you want. This versatile machine is also very user-friendly so both pros and amateurs will benefit from investing in this durable, stable sausage stuffer.

Lawei Sausage Stuffer


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This affordable model by Lawei comes with three sizes of stuffing tubes: twenty-two-millimeter, nineteen millimeter, and fifteen millimeters. This stuffer has a three-pound capacity and a stainless-steel construction.

The different diameter stuffing tubes allow you to make a variety of sausages, including breakfast links and bratwurst. This model features a horizontal design, complete with a silicone piston that prevents any air from getting trapped inside the casing.

Pros

  • Stainless steel construction
  • Easy to use
  • Piston prevents air from becoming trapped in the casing
  • Low price
  • Horizontal design
  • Three-pound capacity

Cons

  • Only comes with three tubes
  • Difficult to clean

Conclusion

If you need a simple, reliable sausage stuffer, this model is a great buy. However, the durable construction and overall quality is kind of a tradeoff for a difficult cleaning process. This model doesn’t have removable parts, so cleaning it afterwards can be a hassle. If you don’t make sausage often, this won’t be a major problem, but if you use it several times a week, then you may want to opt for a stuffer that features removable parts, which makes the cleanup process a cinch.

Alphatool Sausage Stuffer


Our Rating: (4/5)

This is a manual sausage stuffer that comes with four stuffing tubes in different sizes, so you can make the sausage of your choice. Unlike the other stuffers in my lineup, this model is made out of aluminum alloy, which makes it significantly lighter than competing models.

This stuffer also comes with a blade that’s made out of stainless steel and includes a funnel that’s made out of thick plastic. The included tabletop clamp is designed to prevent the stuffer from sliding or rocking during use. To use, you’ll need to tighten the screw located on the bottom of the base. This manual model is very user-friendly, so it’s perfect for both beginners and professionals.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Includes four stuffing tubes
  • Tabletop clamp keeps the stuffer stable during use
  • Lightweight design makes this model highly portable
  • Low price
  • Comes with stainless steel blade

Cons

  • Difficult to clean
  • Can start to rust if not dried off well.

Conclusion

Cleaning this model can be difficult, since the parts are not removable. Additionally, if you don’t dry the stuffer off immediately after washing, it can start to rust. Rust has been a major complaint from buyers, so be sure you stay on top of cleaning and maintenance.

Aside from this issue, considering the price, this stuffer is still a great buy. While it can’t quite compare to larger models that are designed for pro use, the stuffer itself is easy to use and efficient.

Sausage Stuffers Buyer’s Guide

Just like a commercial pressure cooker, stuffers are a staple in most kitchens. Sausage stuffers will take away all the frustration and time it takes when you try to package sausage the old-fashioned way. When you stuff sausage by hand, it can take several hours.

When you use a stuffer, you can have the job completed in a fraction of the time. You’ll also get the benefit of enjoying homemade, flavor-packed sausage that has the authentic taste all cooks are looking for.

There are several different types and models of stuffers to choose from, unfortunately, not all of them offer the type of reliable performance you need.

A handy appliance to have around the kitchen, a stuffer will process, grind, and mince different types of meat. These compact hand-pressing machines force the prepared, minced meat into the sausage casing. They typically consist of a cylindrical shaped drum, in addition to several attachments and tube sizes. Most models are safe and easy to use, so they’re a great choice for new cooks.

To help you choose the right model, I’ll go over the following information:

  • Benefits of using sausage stuffers
  • Types of sausage stuffers
  • Must-have Features
  • Care and Maintenance
  • Choosing sausage casing
  • Using a sausage stuffer
  • More Usage tips

This epic buyer’s guide contains all the information you need to know to choose a stuffer that comes loaded with the power and features you need to make professional-quality sausage. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the top benefits of using one of these appliances.

The Benefits of Using Sausage Stuffers

making of homemade sausages

  • Making your own sausage can be a challenge if you don’t have the right tools. A sausage stuffer is designed to make your job easier, by allowing you to make more sausage in a fraction of the time it takes to do so by hand.
  • By making your own sausages with a stuffer, you can create healthier sausage that’s free from fillers and additives.
  • Most sausage lovers can agree that homemade sausages taste much better than the processed sausage you’ll find in stores.
  • The biggest reason cooks use a stuffer is the amount of time it can save during the sausage-making process. Manually stuffing sausages takes a lot of time. A high-quality stuffer can produce sausage ten times faster compared to manually stuffing sausage.
  • Stuffing by hand is also very labor-intensive and requires more elbow grease.
  • Making sausage by hand often has poor quality results, especially for beginners.
  • Additionally, manually stuffing presents some challenges, such as bubbles in the casing and uneven stuffing. Air bubbles in the casing is a common sign of poorly stuffed sausage. These stuffers come equipped with air valves that are designed to eliminate air bubbles. If you fail to take care of any air bubbles and they pop before the sausage has time to harden, it can release the seasoning and meat from the casing.
  • These appliances are so versatile, you can even use one if you’re vegetarian or vegan and make plant-based sausage from Tempah, seitan, or tofu. These plant-based sausages will complement your latest vegetarian pressure cooker recipes.

Types of Sausage Stuffers

Stuffers are available in different shapes, sizes, and designs. Below, you’ll find a list of the different types available, to help you choose a stuffer that will be a great addition to your kitchen.

Manual

Manual models are the most affordable option and are low maintenance compared to electric models. However, they can require more elbow grease to use and are not the best choice for the beginner. Typically, this type is a better choice for the cook who wants to make a smaller quantity of sausage.

Electric

These electric stuffers are perfect for the serious sausage maker who wants to make a larger quantity of sausage often. Some models come equipped with powerful motors that are able to easily push meat right into a casing, using plenty of force. Electric stuffers usually come with variable speed controls that raises and lower the piston, which allows you to stuff sausage at your own pace.

Devices that come with an electric foot switch will allow you to stuff sausage using both hands, so you don’t have to worry about hand-crank speed. The base of these stuffers is often made out of steel or stainless steel and comes equipped with a cylinder that’s removable, which makes cleaning and making sausages a cinch. Unfortunately, this option is also the most expensive.

Design

In terms of machine design, you’ll have a couple of options:

  • Horizontal
  • Vertical

Horizontal

These stuffers come in the shape of a piston and cylinder design that’s mounted horizontally. These devices are available as manual or electric models and can usually make five up to twenty pounds of sausage per use.

These devices are designed to accommodate the meat in the cylinder. When you push the piston by running the motor or turning the handle, the machine pushes meat through the cylinder and into the stuffing tube at the end of the cylinder. With a manual model, you’ll need to push the machine near the edge of the counter or table, so you’ll have enough room to turn the crank.

Vertical

These devices are gear driven which allows you to stuff casings faster and with minimal effort. The machine’s durable steel gears will also allow you to fill up each casing like a pro. To clean, the cylinder can easily be removed and washed by hand.

Must-Have Features

Making Sausage

You can choose a basic model or one that comes loaded with all the bells and whistles needed to make stuffing sausages fast and simple. Now, take a look at the different features available, so you can determine which features you need to make your next sausage stuffing session fast and efficient.

Construction

High-end models are usually made out of thick stainless steel, while low-priced stuffers are thinner, not as durable, and made out of steel, aluminum, plastic, or stainless steel.

Stuffing Tubes

A stuffer should come with a variety of stuffing tubes to help you make different types and sizes of sausage. Most sets will include three to five tubes.

Attachments

Frame attachments often include adapters for making other types of meats and extra blades.

Blades

The included cutting blade must be sturdy and sharp enough to slice through a thick cut of meat. You’ll need to ensure that the meat you use gets ground perfectly with the blade. While some sets include just a single blade, others will come with several to choose from, depending on the meat you’re grinding up.

Handle

Manual models come equipped with a handle. The handle should be large, easy to grip and crank, and should help you efficiently fill a casing.

Care and Maintenance

If you want a machine that’s easy to clean and care for, make sure the model you purchase has parts that are removable. When you disassemble a sausage stuffer, it’s easy to clean all the small crevices to remove the minced meat.

Unfortunately, lower-priced models don’t have removable parts, which is why they usually have a reputation for being difficult to clean. Most stuffers are not dishwasher safe, so you must wash them by hand. Because you’re dealing with an appliance that processes raw meat, it’s crucial that it’s cleaned thoroughly, immediately after use.

Depending on the type of metal the stuffer is made out of, you may need to dry it right away to prevent it from rusting.

Choosing Sausage Casing

The quality of the casing can also have a big impact on the final results of a sausage-making session.

There are a total of four types of casings to choose from:

  • Fibrous
  • Cellulose
  • Collagen
  • Natural

Natural casings are made out of the intestines of animals. The other casing options are artificial. Unfortunately, these natural casings are harder to find than the artificial alternatives.

To learn more about this topic, head over to my detailed beginner’s guide on sausage casings!

Using a Sausage Stuffer: How it Can Save You Hours in the Kitchen

To make sausage, you need to use fatty ground meat. You can use any type of meat, as long as it has a high-fat content. If you’re making your own sausage at home, you’ll need to chop up the meat into small cubes before you can grind it up. You’ll also need to add some fat during the grinding process.

To use your new stuffer, follow these steps:

  • Add some cooking grease using the included tube. This will help the casing slide onto the tube smoothly.
  • Depending on how much sausage you want to make, you’ll need to cut a three- to four-foot-long casing. Make sure you tie a knot at one end. You can also use a piece of string to tie one end off.
  • Start at the opening and push the casing onto the stuffer’s tube until the knotted end is at the tube’s tip.
  • Depending on the type of machine you bought, you can begin by turning the hand crank or switching on the motor.
  • Gradually feed the meat into the hopper. A stuffer will guide the meat into the hopper tube, allowing only a small amount of meat to make its way to the machine’s worm gear. Leave approximately three to four inches of the open end of the casing unstuffed, then tie the open end.

More Usage Tips

To get the most out of your machine, you’ll need to practice using it before you decide to make a large batch of sausage.

Below, I’ve included some pro tips that will make using your new stuffer a cinch.

  • If you find natural casings and you’ve never used them before, you’ll find that they’re a little trickier to use, compared to the synthetic casing. Make sure you soak the casing for half an hour, in warm water, before you begin making sausage. This will get rid of any excess salt that was used to preserve the casings. Next, rinse the casing in warm running water.
  • If you’re using synthetic casing, you’ll need to soak them for five minutes prior to sausage making, to help soften them up.
  • To avoid air bubbles, make sure you slip the casing on the tube after the meat has filled up the worm gear and tube. Allow some of the meat to come out of the tube before you put the casing on the tube.
  • Avoid filling up the casing completely, since the meat will start to get backed up in the hopper instead of moving into the worm gear.
  • Never use excessive pressure to push the meat through. This will end up causing the juices to back up in the hopper, which can negatively impact the flavor and texture of the sausage.
  • If any air causes ballooning before the meat begins to fill the casing, you can puncture the casing using a toothpick.
  • Try to put just enough meat into the casing so that you can easily twist the casing into small links.
  • Add some water into the meat mixture and mix well before you load it into the hopper. This can promote a smoother sausage-making process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Should a Sausage Stuffer Be?

Most types of stuffers have canisters that range from one to thirty pounds in sausage-making capacity. Commercial-grade machines have an even larger capacity. If you like a little variety and want a machine that can handle making two to three tubes of sausages at the same time, look for a model that has a five-pound capacity.

How Do You Use a Manual Sausage Stuffer?

To use a manual machine, you’ll need to:

  • Grab a large bowl and add five pounds of ground meat
  • Season the meat
  • Mix in the fat and spices
  • Place the meat inside the hopper
  • Grab the casing and thread it through the tube
  • Begin filling the casing

Are Sausage Casings Bad for You?

Casings are safe to eat, however, some may not taste that great. Natural and cellulose casing have a good, neutral taste, but beef casing is not edible and is used for larger types of sausage, such as liver and salami.

Which is Better Vertical or Horizontal Sausage Stuffer?

If you’re short on counter space and you don’t plan on making a large batch of sausage, then a vertical model can be a better choice since they’re compact. A horizontal stuffer is better for large batches, just keep in mind that it must be secured to a bench or placed on an edge.

Final Thoughts

The best sausage stuffers will allow you to make perfect sausage links in a fraction of the time it takes when you make them manually. The sausage stuffers I’ve included in this guide each earned top marks for a reliable performance, durability, and ease of use.

With the information in this buyer’s guide and the product list I’ve included here, you should have no problem finding the perfect model that will work with your skill level, cooking needs, and budget.

Originally posted 2021-04-11 10:44:23.