The 5 Best Sausage Stuffers for Home Use in 2023

As someone who loves to make their own sausages, I know how frustrating it can be using the stuffing attachment that came with your meat grinder. The grind is often inconsistent, it’s slow going, and you can’t make large batches easily. That’s why investing in a dedicated sausage stuffer is a game changer for any homemade sausage enthusiast.

After testing out numerous models over the years I’ve compiled this list of the 5 best sausage stuffers currently available based on performance build quality, value and ease of use. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned sausage making pro, there’s a stuffer here that will suit your needs and budget.

How I Selected The Best Sausage Stuffers

To make sure I picked the absolute best stuffers out there I considered the following factors

• Capacity – The size of stuffer you need depends on your sausage making frequency. For most home cooks a 5lb or 7lb stuffer is ideal. But those who make large batches may want a 20lb+ electric model.

• Build Quality – All parts that come in contact with food should be stainless steel. Gears and cranks need to be sturdy and built to last.

• Value – Stuffers can range from $50 to $500+ so I made sure to include options at different price points. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get excellent results.

• Ease of Use – The best stuffers have a smooth crank and consistent flow. Removable cylinders make loading easier. Some electric models have a foot pedal so you can operate hands-free.

• Cleaning – Look for stuffers where all food contact parts can be fully disassembled for thorough cleaning. Dishwasher safe components are a bonus.

After putting the top contenders through their paces, these are my picks for the 5 best sausage stuffers in 2023.

1. Best Overall: LEM 5lb Vertical Sausage Stuffer

The LEM 5lb vertical stuffer ticks all the boxes for performance and durability. The carbon steel gears provide a smooth stuffing motion that prevents jamming. All parts that come in contact with food are stainless steel including the base, piston and 4 stuffing tubes.

A unique feature is the air release valve on the piston which lets you remove air pockets for denser sausages. The cylinder tilts outwards at a 45° angle making it easy to load. A canola oil-coated plunger simplifies cleaning. At 22lbs, this stuffer is hefty enough to stay put on the counter while in use.

Key Features:

• 5lb total capacity
• Removable cylinder for easy loading
• Air release valve
• Carbon steel gears
• 4 stuffing tubes included

For fast and frustration-free stuffing, the LEM 5lb is a workhorse that will churn out batch after batch of perfect sausages. It’s built to last a lifetime.

2. Best Electric: LEM 20lb Motorized Sausage Stuffer

When you need to produce sausages in larger quantities, nothing beats the convenience of an electric stuffer. The LEM 20lb stuffer allows you to stuff 5lbs of meat per minute, operated by a single person.

A 110V motor powers the machine while a foot pedal switch frees up your hands. No more having someone else crank! Variable speed control lets you fine tune the flow. Of course, it still has the same stainless steel construction and air release system as the manual LEM stuffers.

With 6 different sized stuffing tubes, you can make everything from breakfast links to extra thick bratwurst. An automatic piston stop prevents over packing. Weighing in at 37lbs, it stays locked in position during use. Clean up takes just minutes.

Key Features:

• 20lb total capacity
• 110V electric motor
• Foot pedal control
• Variable speed control
• 6 stuffing tubes

When you need to churn out pounds of sausages for holidays, parties or just to stock your freezer, the LEM electric stuffer is one of the best investments you can make.

3. Best Value: ALFA 7lb Sausage Stuffer

You don’t need to spend big bucks to get excellent stuffing results. The ALFA 7lb stuffer gives you premium quality at an affordable price point. The cylinder, piston and 4 metal stuffing tubes are all stainless steel. A special hex bolt design keeps the unit stable while cranking.

Despite the budget price, it stuffs like a pro. The ALFA has a smooth action and consistent meat flow thanks to quality carbon steel gears. An air vent release valve eliminates air pockets. The cylinder detaches for easy loading and washing. It even comes with a sausage pricking tool, stuffing tray and 2 stainless steel hooks.

Weighing only 12lbs, the ALFA stuffer takes up minimal counter space. It punches far above its weight for performance. For hassle-free stuffing on a budget, the ALFA 7lb stuffer delivers satisfaction.

Key Features:

• 7lb total capacity
• Removable cylinder
• Air vent release valve
• 4 metal stuffing tubes
• Carbon steel gears

4. Best Horizontal Stuffer: Hakka Brothers 11lb Sausage Stuffer

If you prefer a horizontal stuffing style, the Hakka Brothers stuffer is the best of the best. The horizontal design lets you stuff longer salamis or sausages up to 19 inches. Dual speed settings allow you to fine tune the flow.

All components including the base, cylinder, piston and stuffing tubes are stainless steel. An air release valve eliminates air pockets for even filling. With 2 securing clamps, the unit stays fixed to the table during operation.

Weighing in at 15lbs, the Hakka stuffer is easy to move but doesn’t budge while in use. Simple to operate and easy to clean, the Hakka Brothers stuffer delivers flawless stuffed sausages every time.

Key Features:

• 11lb total capacity
• Dual speed settings
• Removable cylinder
• Horizontal design
• 2 securing clamps

If the horizontal stuffing style suits your preferences, the Hakka Brothers stuffer will meet all your sausage stuffing needs.

5. BestManual Stuffer for Beginners: VIVO 5lb Vertical Sausage Stuffer

For beginners making their first foray into sausage stuffing, the VIVO 5lb stuffer is the perfect way to get started. It has all the essential features you need to begin stuffing sausages minus some of the bells and whistles.

The cylinder, piston and 3 stuffing tubes are stainless steel. A basic air release valve lets you remove air pockets. The ergonomic crank handle has a long grip that provides good leverage for easy turning. Dual securing clamps keep the unit stable while cranking.

Weighing only 15lbs, the VIVO stuffer is highly portable and stores away easily. Affordable, easy to use and simple to clean, it’s the ideal entry level stuffer for novice sausage makers. Once you master your technique, you can always upgrade to a larger capacity model.

Key Features:

• 5lb total capacity
• Air release valve
• 3 stainless steel stuffing tubes
• Ergonomic crank handle
• 2 securing clamps

For an affordable and user-friendly introduction to sausage stuffing, the VIVO 5lb stuffer is a great value starter unit.

What To Look For When Buying a Sausage Stuffer

Manual vs Electric

The first decision is whether you want a manual or electric sausage stuffer. Manual stuffers rely on a hand crank to fill the sausage casings. Electric stuffers use electric motors and allow for hands-free operation.

Manual

• Less expensive
• Easier to store
• Can take more strength/effort to operate
• Typically smaller capacities

Electric

• More expensive
• Heavier and take up more space
• Allow for hands-free operation
• Larger capacities available
• Fill sausages much faster

Size Capacity

Popular sizes for home stuffers are:

• 3-5 pounds – Good for occasional use or smaller batches
• 7-10 pounds – Ideal for most home sausage making
• 12-25 pounds – For larger batches and bigger families
• 30+ pounds – Best for hunters and commercial use

Horizontal vs Vertical

Horizontal stuffers have a sideways cylinder and allow you to make longer sausages. Vertical stuffers have a vertically aligned cylinder and take up less space. This is mostly personal preference.

Build Quality

Look for stuffers where all food contact parts are stainless steel including the base, cylinder, gears, piston and tubes. Metal parts should be steel, aluminum or cast iron. Durable construction ensures longevity.

Ease of Use

See how smoothly the gears turn and if the stuffing action is consistent without jamming. A removable cylinder makes loading easier. Some stuffers come with special clamps to secure to the counter.