The STX Turboforce 3000 costs about $180 and comes with a #12 head and a box of attachments. The LEM Mighty Bite costs about $240 with a smaller #8 head. One is about features, the other about build.
Side by side
| STX Turboforce 3000 | LEM Mighty Bite | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $180 | About $240 |
| Size | #12 | #8 |
| Motor | 800–1,200 W running | 500 W |
| Output (maker) | 3–4 lb/min | 4–5 lb/min |
| Plates | 4, 7 and 10 mm, plus more | 3/16 in, 3/8 in, stuffing |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
In testing
Smoked BBQ Source timed the STX: 7:27 for 4 lb of brisket and 30:14 for 6 lb of pork butt ground twice, with clogging on sinew and a lot of noise. We haven't found an independent test of the Mighty Bite.
Parts
The Mighty Bite takes standard #8 plates. An STX owner notes its plates aren't interchangeable with other brands, so spares come from STX.
Which should you buy?
You want the most attachments and the bigger head for the money.
You'd rather have standard plates and LEM's build.
Questions
Which is quieter?
The STX was loud in Smoked BBQ Source's test. LEM's grinders are generally quieter.
Can either handle a deer?
With careful trimming, yes, slowly. For regular deer processing, step up to the LEM #8 BigBite.
