Antique Meat Grinder Values: What Your Vintage Kitchen Tool Is Worth

Look for patent dates cast into the body, which provide a minimum age (the grinder can't be older than its patent date). Also examine manufacturing details:

Pre-1900 models typically have rougher casting and simpler designs
1900-1930 models show improved casting quality and more standardized designs
1930-1950 models feature more streamlined shapes and sometimes art deco influences

The manufacturer can also help date your grinder. For example, Enterprise grinders from Philadelphia were made from the 1870s through the 1940s, while Universal grinders became popular in the early 1900s.

The numbers on antique meat grinders (like #5, #10, #22) typically refer to the size of the grinder. These numbers originally corresponded to the diameter of the grinding plates in eighths of an inch:

#5 = 5/8" diameter (small, for household use)
#8 = 1" diameter (medium household size)
#10 = 1-1/4" diameter (standard kitchen size)
#12 = 1-1/2" diameter (large household/small commercial)
#22 = 2-3/4" diameter (commercial size)
#32 = 4" diameter (large commercial model)

Larger numbers indicate bigger, more expensive, and generally more valuable grinders.

It depends on your market:


For serious collectors: Original unrestored condition with natural patina typically commands higher prices, as long as the grinder is complete and not severely damaged.


For decorative buyers: Clean, restored grinders with fresh paint often sell better to people looking for display pieces or functional kitchen decor.


If your grinder is rare or from a highly collectible manufacturer like early Enterprise or Griswold, preservation of original condition is usually preferable for maximum value.

You have several options:

Sell it - List on eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or at local antique shops
Repurpose it - Convert it into a decorative item, planter, or other functional piece
Donate it - Historical societies, cooking museums, or antique tool collectors might appreciate the donation
Restore it - Clean it up for display in your home as a piece of kitchen history

Even common models typically sell for $20-$45, with better examples bringing $50-$100+, making them worth selling rather than discarding.

Yes, many antique meat grinders can still be used, but important food safety considerations apply:

Thoroughly clean and sanitize all parts before use
Check for lead content in older models (pre-1940s may contain lead)
Ensure all moving parts work smoothly without metal fragments
Replace the tinning if it’s worn (tin-lined grinders)
Use only for grinding foods that will be thoroughly cooked

Many collectors prefer to keep valuable antique grinders as display pieces and use modern stainless steel grinders for actual food preparation.

No, your meat grinder is not from 1742. This is a common misconception with Enterprise meat grinders. The numbers that appear to be "1742" are actually a casting mark from the foundry or a model/pattern number, not a date.
Commercial meat grinders for home use weren’t invented until the mid-19th century. The first Enterprise meat choppers were patented in the 1870s. What looks like "1742" is likely a factory pattern number or other manufacturing code.
According to a professional appraiser on JustAnswer, these grinders typically date from the early 20th century and value in the $35-45 range in excellent condition.

Generally, no. Vintage hand-cranked meat grinders typically command higher prices than early electric models for several reasons:

Hand-cranked models are often older and represent earlier technology
Cast iron hand grinders have more decorative appeal and display value
Early electric motors often have reliability issues or safety concerns
Hand-cranked models are more versatile as display pieces

However, certain vintage electric grinders from premium brands like Hobart, early KitchenAid, or commercial-grade models can be quite valuable, especially to collectors of vintage kitchen appliances.

As a pure financial investment, antique meat grinders typically don't appreciate dramatically in value. Most common models maintain steady but modest values between $30-$100.
However, certain factors can make specific grinders better investments:

Rare manufacturers or unusual designs
Very early examples (pre-1900)
Complete original condition with all parts
Original packaging or advertising materials
Documented provenance or historical significance

For most collectors, the value comes from the historical significance, decorative appeal, and connection to culinary traditions rather than investment potential.