Meat Packing Tools Key Terms

Know the terminology and definitions of meat packing tools and equipment before you shop

Before purchasing expensive kitchen equipment for meat packing, know the terminology and key terms. Whether you have a meat packing company or simply supply meat items to customers at a retail store, know what to look for and how to pick the right equipment for your individual needs.

From simple terminology, such as shrink wrap and boxes, to more complex terms, such as tray sealers and thermoformers, the more education you have the better you can serve your patrons effectively.

 

Thermoformers

A thermoformers is a piece of equipment that heats a piece of plastic into a pliable temperature and then forms it to a specific shape. These shapes are used to package meat items and keep them fresh.
Try: CFS Lifecycle Performance has pictures, downloads and further information on thermoformer products it offers.

Tray sealers

Tray sealers are designed to seal preformed plastic trays in meat packing. A tray with meat products is placed on the lower portion of the tray sealer and the film is manually pulled over the tray. Once the heated lid is closed, the tray is sealed for freshness.
Try: Haug Quality Equipment has information on how to use a tray sealer and how they work. AmeriPak has a handy informational guide on the inner workings of tray sealers.

Patty makers

Patty makers ensure that you make a formed hamburger patty that's equal in size each time. These are useful in helping businesses stay cost-conscious.
Try: Free Patents Online explains how a patty maker works.

Vacuum packaging

Vacuum packaging is a meat packaging process known as reduced oxygen packaging, or ROP, which packages with less oxygen than normal. This means that your customer gets food that is fresher for a longer period of time.
Try: Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers a training presentation on vacuum packaging. Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop has a resource on why a provider or consumer should use vacuum packaging.

Conveyor

Loading and processing machines automatically align and stack portions into thermoforming and packaging machines such as a conveyor, which enables a worker to feed the meat product into a vacuum-chamber packaging machine.
Try: CFS offers guides on loading equipment and how each different piece can help your business, whether it's an easy loader or a flex loader. Koch features an informational guide on conveyors and their functions, plus brochure guides and specifications sheets.

Grinders

Meat grinders are pieces of equipment that can grind meat faster and more efficiently. They allow a business to choose the size, ingredients and flavors of the meat.
Try: ABT offers an excellent buying guide on meat grinders that explains their uses and the differences between electric and manual models.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---