The #12 is the better choice for most home processors because its wider feed head and stronger motor — typically 575W versus the #8's 350W — handle cold, partially frozen venison or pork without bogging down mid-batch.
The head number refers to the diameter of the grinder's feed opening: a #12 moves roughly 150–200 lbs per hour under real home conditions, while a #8 runs closer to 100–130 lbs per hour before needing rest breaks. If you're grinding one deer a season — 30 to 40 pounds total — a #8 gets the job done. Once you're running multiple animals, large sausage batches, or fat-heavy cuts regularly, the #12's motor handles sustained throughput without overheating.
- #8 grinder motor output: approximately 350W; suited for batches under 40 lbs per session.
- #12 grinder motor output: approximately 575W; handles 150–200 lbs per hour under home conditions.
- #12 feed head opening is wider than the #8, reducing jamming on cold or fat-heavy meat.
- Both #8 and #12 grinders accept the same standard plate sizes: coarse (3/4-inch) and fine (3/16-inch).
- #8 grinder is the practical minimum for one deer per season; #12 is the recommended step up for multi-animal or sausage-focused processing.