The best #12 meat grinder plate is the one that matches your grinder’s dimensions and gives you the grind texture you need. These four stainless steel options cover fine, medium, coarse, and specialty plate choices, but #12 sizing alone does not guarantee a fit. Before you buy, compare the plate diameter, center hole, thickness, and tab pattern with your existing plate and grinder manual.
Quick Comparison
| Plate | Hole size or options | Notable details |
|---|---|---|
| BOLEXINO #12 4.5mm Plate | 4.5mm | Stainless steel; intended for a fine-medium grind and second grind |
| Alolti #12 3mm Plate | 3mm (1/8 inch) | Stainless steel; 69mm diameter and 9mm thick |
| FLZHBFC #12 Plate | 6mm, 8mm, or a three-large-hole option | Stainless steel; check the selected configuration and fit |
| OUSTUE #12 Plate | Listed options include 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 18mm, and three large holes | Stainless steel; listing describes multiple hole-size options |
Our Picks: Best 12 Meat Grinder Plates reviews
BOLEXINO #12 4.5mm Plate for Fine-Medium Sausage Grind
The BOLEXINO is a single #12 stainless steel plate with 4.5mm holes, a size suited to a fine-medium grind. The listing recommends it for a second pass through the grinder and names breakfast, Polish, and Italian sausage as possible uses. It may also suit anyone who wants a texture between a very fine plate and a larger-hole option.
The listed dimensions are 69mm across, with a 10mm center opening and an 8mm plate thickness. It is hubless and can be used on either side, according to the product details. Those measurements are useful for checking fit, but make sure the tabs and plate profile match your grinder too.
A practical limitation is that this is a single-purpose plate: it does not offer the larger holes you might want for a coarse grind. The maker recommends washing it in warm, soapy water and applying a small amount of vegetable oil after cleaning to help prevent rust. Compared with the other picks, this is the most clearly specified option for a fine-medium sausage grind.
Pros:
- 4.5mm holes for a fine-medium grind
- Recommended for a second grind and several sausage styles
- Stainless steel construction
- Hubless design can be used on either side
Cons:
- Only one hole size is listed
- Requires careful size and tab-pattern checking before purchase
Verdict: Choose the BOLEXINO if you need a #12 plate for a finer second grind and its 69mm diameter, 10mm center hole, thickness, and tabs match your grinder.
Alolti #12 3mm Plate for a Finer Grind
This Alolti plate has 3mm (1/8-inch) holes, the smallest opening among the clearly specified single-size plates in this selection. The product description names hamburger, summer sausage, salami, pepperoni, and bratwurst as possible uses. A smaller hole size can be useful when you want a finer grind, though the final texture also depends on your meat, knife, and grinder setup.
The plate is listed as stainless steel, 69mm in diameter, 9mm thick, and with a 10mm center opening. It can be used on either side, and the listing describes matching its tabs to the grinder-body notches during installation. Check those details against your existing parts rather than relying on the #12 label alone.
The product information specifically advises pairing the plate with the same knife and cautions that mixing worn and new parts can lead to poor results or breakage. That is an important consideration if your existing knife is worn. Compared with the BOLEXINO, this plate has smaller holes; it is a better fit for shoppers who want a finer grind rather than a fine-medium one.
Pros:
- 3mm holes for a finer grind
- Dimensions are clearly listed
- Stainless steel plate can be used on either side
- Product details explain tab alignment and knife pairing
Cons:
- Only one hole size is listed
- Pairing it with a worn or mismatched knife may affect performance
Verdict: The Alolti is a sensible option when you want a 3mm plate and can match it with a compatible, appropriately paired knife.
FLZHBFC #12 Plate with Several Hole-Size Choices
The FLZHBFC listing describes a #12 stainless steel plate and gives 69mm as the plate length, with a 10mm center hole. It names 6mm and 8mm hole plates as well as a three-large-hole plate. Because the description does not make clear whether all these configurations come together or are selectable versions, check the specific listing option before ordering.
The product is presented as a replacement for worn or damaged parts and says it can be used on either side. The installation instructions call for placing the blade on the grinder worm first, then aligning the plate tabs with the body grooves. The listing names Hobart, LEM, Cabela’s, Weston, FGA Food Chopper, and MTN grinders, but you should still verify the physical measurements and fit for your exact model.
This option may appeal if you are looking for a larger-hole grind or a plate configuration beyond the fine openings offered by the first two picks. Its main drawback is the need to confirm which hole size or plate configuration the listing option provides. Unlike the Alolti and BOLEXINO, the supplied details do not give a plate thickness.
Pros:
- Stainless steel construction
- Listing describes 6mm, 8mm, and three-large-hole configurations
- 69mm plate length and 10mm center hole are specified
- Installation and tab alignment are explained
Cons:
- It is not clear from the supplied details whether the hole sizes are separate options or included together
- Plate thickness is not specified
Verdict: Consider the FLZHBFC if its listed hole-size configuration suits your needs, but confirm the selected version and grinder fit before buying.
OUSTUE #12 Plate with Large-Hole Options
The OUSTUE is a stainless steel #12 replacement plate listing that describes several hole-size choices: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 18mm, and a three-large-hole configuration. The product title also calls out a “2/5 Hole Plate,” so pay close attention to the exact option shown on the listing. The supplied description does not establish that every configuration is included in one purchase.
The stated dimensions are about 70mm in diameter, 10mm at the center hole, and 8.13mm thick. The instructions say to put the blade over the square shank, then align the plate tabs with the grinder-body notches. The listing names Cabela’s, Hobart, and FGA Food Chopper compatibility, but matching your grinder’s measurements remains the safer approach.
The range of listed hole sizes gives this plate more potential texture choices than the single-size BOLEXINO and Alolti plates, provided the desired configuration is available. Its main limitation is the product description’s mix of multiple hole sizes and a specific title reference; confirm exactly what you are selecting. The listing says the stainless steel plate is dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
Pros:
- Multiple hole-size configurations are described
- Diameter, center-hole size, and thickness are listed
- Installation steps are provided
- Product details state that it is dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Confirm which hole size or configuration is included with the selected option
- Its listed dimensions differ slightly from some other plates here, so check your grinder carefully
Verdict: The OUSTUE may suit you if you need one of its larger-hole options, as long as the selected configuration and dimensions match your grinder.
How to Choose a #12 Meat Grinder Plate
Confirm the Fit, Not Just the #12 Label
Check the diameter, center hole, thickness, and tab pattern of your current plate or the grinder maker’s parts information. The plates here are listed around 69–70mm in diameter, but their thickness and configuration vary. A plate that is labeled #12 may still be the wrong fit for your grinder, so compare measurements before ordering.
Choose a Hole Size for Your Desired Grind
Smaller holes generally produce a finer grind than larger holes when the grinder and other parts are working properly. The Alolti’s 3mm holes are the smallest listed here, while the BOLEXINO’s 4.5mm holes are described as fine-medium. The FLZHBFC and OUSTUE listings describe larger options, but check which configuration you are buying.
Think About How You Plan to Use It
Match the plate to your recipe and the texture you want. The BOLEXINO is specifically described for a second grind and sausage-making. The Alolti listing names several sausage styles and hamburger, while the other two listings focus on replacement plates with larger-hole options. These are product descriptions, not guarantees of a particular result; your meat preparation and grinder setup also matter.
Check the Knife and Plate as a Pair
A plate works with the grinder knife to cut meat. The Alolti listing cautions against pairing a new plate with a mismatched or worn knife, which can lead to poor results or damage. Check your knife’s condition and compatibility, and follow your grinder maker’s guidance on replacing or matching these parts.
Review Care and Storage Instructions
The BOLEXINO and Alolti descriptions recommend washing in warm, soapy water, drying the plate, and applying a small amount of vegetable oil to help prevent rust. The OUSTUE listing says its plate is dishwasher safe. Follow the care instructions for the exact plate you choose, and dry metal parts before storage when appropriate.
Read the Selected Product Configuration Carefully
Some listings describe several hole sizes or plate styles, but the supplied details do not confirm whether those are all included or sold as separate choices. Check the selected option and its description before checkout. This is especially important if you need one particular hole size or a three-large-hole plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “#12” mean for a meat grinder plate?
It identifies a grinder size category, but it does not guarantee that every #12 plate will fit every grinder. Compare the plate’s diameter, center hole, thickness, and tabs with your existing part or grinder specifications.
Which plate in this list has the smallest holes?
The Alolti plate is listed with 3mm (1/8-inch) holes. The BOLEXINO has 4.5mm holes, which its description characterizes as a fine-medium grind.
Can I use a meat grinder plate on either side?
The BOLEXINO, Alolti, and FLZHBFC descriptions say their plates can be used on either side. Check the instructions for your specific plate and grinder before installing it.
Do these plates include a grinder knife?
The supplied product details describe replacement plates, but do not confirm that a knife is included with each option. Check the listing contents before buying, and make sure your knife is compatible with the plate.
How do I know whether an option includes multiple hole sizes?
Do not assume that every hole size named in a listing is included in one purchase. The FLZHBFC and OUSTUE descriptions mention multiple configurations, so confirm the selected option and package contents before ordering.
How should I care for a stainless steel grinder plate?
Follow the care directions for your specific plate. The BOLEXINO and Alolti descriptions recommend warm, soapy water and a small amount of vegetable oil after cleaning to help prevent rust. The OUSTUE listing says its plate is dishwasher safe.
Final Recommendation
For a clearly specified fine-medium sausage grind, the BOLEXINO is the most straightforward choice in this group. Choose the Alolti if you need 3mm holes for a finer grind, or consider the FLZHBFC and OUSTUE for their listed larger-hole configurations. In every case, verify the exact option and physical fit before buying; a matching #12 label by itself is not enough.