Vertical vs. Horizontal Sausage Stuffer – Quick Comparison

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If you love making sausages, you probably already know about sausage stuffers and how they make your life easy. But it can be very confusing which one to choose if you are new to this as you will find many options in the market. 

You might wonder which one is better, vertical vs. horizontal sausage stuffer?

Well, it actually depends on your requirements which one is better for you. But if you are making sausages at home, then going for a vertical one is a good option. But for commercial purposes, a horizontal stuffer is better. There are distinctions in their capacity, output, and usage rate.  

Read the article below to discover:

  • Quick comparison: vertical vs. horizontal sausage stuffer
  • What size stuffer should I get?
  • How do you use a vertical sausage stuffer?
  • How do you get the meat out of a sausage stuffer?

Quick Comparison: Vertical Vs. Horizontal Sausage Stuffer

Before deciding which one is better, let’s take a quick look at this comparison table to learn some basics about the two sausage stuffers.

Comparison ParameterVertical Sausage StufferHorizontal Sausage Stuffer
CapacitySmallerGreater
Configurations Come in many versions Only come in manual and electric versions
OutputLess More 
Usage rateMore commonLess common

Vertical or Horizontal Sausage Stuffer: Which One Is Better?

Vertical vs. Horizontal Sausage Stuffer

Is a vertical or horizontal sausage stuffer better? Isn’t it a confusing query?

It would be unfair just to determine this one is better among the two. Because both sausage stuffers are used for different needs and have their advantages and disadvantages. Plus, both are different in structure and function. 

Determine your needs regarding the amount of meat you’ll be using and the number of sausages you’ll be making all at once. Then choose the sausage stuffer that best matches your requirements.

The best way to choose a sausage stuffer is to learn about the pros and cons of both types. It helps you rule out the possibility of making the wrong decision.

So, at first, let’s see the pros and cons of vertical sausage stuffer.

Pros and Cons of Vertical Sausage Stuffer

Pros:

  • This one will work great if you are a newbie or expert at sausage making.
  • Vertical sausage stuffers are available in multiple configurations.
  • These are very handy in size; therefore, they will fit in any kitchen.
  • You can easily operate a vertical sausage stuffer.
  • You can use this stuffer without anyone’s help.
  • If you want to purchase a vertical sausage stuffer, you’ll have a lot of options on the market. 

Cons:

  • This type has a smaller capacity for meat.
  • The vertical stuffer may require greater force while turning the handle.
  • It is not suitable for commercial production.
  • Due to its small capacity, you will get less output from it.

Pros and Cons of Horizontal Sausage Stuffer

Pros:

  • Horizontal stuffers have greater capacity.
  • These stuffers are available in manual and electric versions.
  • This is ideal for any professional or commercial use.
  • It remains steady and secure during use.
  • The output is greater in horizontal stuffer.

Cons:

  • Horizontal sausage stuffer must be placed on a table or countertop edge.
  • It costs more than the vertical one.
  • It may require two people to operate a horizontal sausage stuffer.

If you are in a dilemma which is better – vertical or horizontal – some suggestions might help you to choose the suitable one.

Things to Consider While Choosing a Sausage Stuffer

Things to Consider While Choosing a Sausage Stuffer

A sausage stuffer is a handy tool that makes your sausage-making task easy and efficient. However, there are a few things to consider before purchasing one for yourself.

Let’s see the factors described below to clarify your decision.

  • Size of Sausages

The vertical one is ideal for you if you prepare sausages frequently and in large amounts. It causes the meat to move smoothly and quickly in a short period.

To stuff meat into the stuffing tube of a horizontal stuffer, you must apply a lot of pressure. It requires a notable amount of time and effort.

  • Storage

Their shapes dictate how they should be kept in the kitchen. A horizontal one can be kept on any flat kitchen corner or within the cabinet, whereas a vertical one must be clamped and takes up more space.

It looks to be causing individuals problems because it is an additional step to complete after completing the task.

  • Movements

Vertical tubes do not have the adverse tendency to shift around when the meat is being processed.

You don’t have to worry about losing your grasp because they stay motionless in a fixed position.

On the other hand, horizontal cylinders bumble so much that the procedure is hampered.

  • Direction

Common sense dictates that having the meat fall from a vertical machine is more efficient, as gravity will do most of the job. You don’t need to transfer the sausage from the tube to a dish.

Furthermore, you can complete the task without any help from others.

What Size Sausage Stuffer Should I Get?

What Size Sausage Stuffer Should I Get

We don’t just think about the physical size of the sausage stuffer when we think about the size of the product. While this is equally crucial because you will need to be able to fit it into your kitchen and storage cabinet, we must also evaluate the machine’s capacity.

You can change the size of your sausage stuffer by adjusting the casing output tube and the size and type of casing you use.

Breakfast sausage, for example, uses casing tubes with a dimension of 21 to 26 mm.

On the other hand, Hotdogs can have a circumference of up to 30 mm.

Given that the cylinder containing the sausage meat is the main part, the capacity of the sausage stuffer will be the determinant. The capacity of the stuffer should not be an issue for you if making sausages is just a hobby for you. 

A sausage stuffer with a maximum 10 lbs capacity may be suitable in this situation. A vertical sausage stuffer is an incredible choice if you’re satisfied with its features. Smaller horizontal stuffers with capacities as low as 5 pounds are also available if it works for you. 

If you want to make huge quantities of sausage professionally or commercially, you’ll need a horizontal stuffer which will provide you with more capacity. Given their bigger cylinders than vertical sausage stuffers, their capacity ranges from 5 to 20 pounds.

How Do You Use a Vertical Sausage Stuffer?

Sausages call for lean ground meat. You can use any meat you like, but it must be fatty. If you’re preparing sausages at home, cut the meat into little cubes before grinding it, and don’t forget to add fat. And season the meat as required.

The instructions below will help you learn how to use your vertical sausage stuffer:

  • Apply some cooking grease to the tube you want to use, so the casing slides on easily.
  • Cut around 3 or 4 feet of the casing, depending on the size of the batch you wish to produce. Tie a knot or use a string to secure one end.
  • Starting from the open end, press the casing onto the stuffing tube to the top until the knot is at the tube’s tip.
  • Regardless of the stuffer type, you can start it by either powering on the motor or simply turning the crank.
  • Feed small portions of minced meat into the hopper while the machine is running.  The stomper directs the meat into the hopper tube, allowing only a tiny amount to pass through the worm gear. The meat will fill the worm gear and stuffing tube in a few minutes.
  • Until the flesh extrudes into the casing, hold the knotted end in one hand and guide the meat as it fills the rest of the casing.
  • On the open end of the casing, keep about 4 inches open. You can stuff the next case after you’ve tied the outer edge.

How Do You Get the Meat Out of a Sausage Stuffer?

How Do You Get the Meat Out of a Sausage Stuffer

It’s fun and very efficient to make sausages with a sausage stuffer. But often, when you’ve finished emptying the grinder, the stuffing tube still has enough filling for multiple sausages. That might seem very wasteful to you, and you want to make the best use of the meat. 

If you don’t know any tricks to that, we have gathered some ideas for you. 

You can remove the tube and physically push the meat out with a dowel, but there’s a better way than you’ll appreciate.

You can run a couple of slices of bread through the grinder and out the stuffing tube. Stop when it reaches the casing and squeeze out the bread before joining the sausages.

It’s pretty easy. It doesn’t stop the process, and it wastes a couple of slices of bread, but it’s a quick fix.

You can also use rice instead of bread. Or you can also use the leftover ground meat to make some patties that will make a nice sandwich. You will waste no food if you follow this method, and it will be efficient. You can always make meatloaf with your leftover ground meat. 

You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of: Sausage Stuffer vs Grinder: Which Is the Best?

FAQ’s:

  • Should I use a manual sausage stuffer?

The manual sausage stuffers include choices that allow you to customize the size and number of sausages you want to make. As a result, you can stuff your link in your design and preferences using the manual sausage stuffer.

  • Can I use a meat grinder to stuff sausage?

Yes, you sure can. You can use your manual or electric meat grinder to stuff your choice without any problem. But you will need to follow the proper steps if you want to apply this technique. Don’t try it if you are not quite sure how to do it. 

Take Away

Vertical vs. horizontal sausage stuffer: which one is best? It depends on you what kind of sausage you make.

If you are a home cook and frequently make many sausages, a vertical stuffer is suitable for you. On the other hand, a horizontal stuffer will work best if you are into mass production for commercial purposes.

So, pick out the best one for you and have a sausage fiesta.

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