STX International STX 4000-TB2 Review

What’s Good

STX International certainly didn’t skimp on the extras with this grinder. For the purchase price, you get not only the three speeds that you’ll see on the company’s other models, but also three different stainless steel blades, five grinding plates, one “beaner” plate used for making sausages, and three different sausage tubes. One word: Wow.

The extras mean that this is one of the most versatile grinders on the market and can be used for just about any cooking projects imaginable that requires a grinder. I think the sheer massive range of functions of the STX-4000-TB2 might be my favorite feature.

The grinder is also aesthetically pleasing with black plastic coverings on the side and sleek stainless steel grinding parts and feeding trays. It’s a stylish, contemporary look that will fit well in any modern kitchen where the grinder design might be a deal-breaker.

And of course, it comes with the “quad air cooling” system expected with most of STX International’s grinders that help keep it working perfectly and extends its lifetime. Think of it as the grinder’s own air conditioning system that prolongs its usefulness.

What’s Not So Good

The vast range of add-ons might be a confusing overkill for some cooks that are just looking for a simple grinder that will process their meat. The fact there are so many extras also means that you’ll have to devote more time to hand-washing the various additional parts because only the plastic parts are dishwasher safe, so that can be time-consuming.

Although the grinder is, like most STX International models, not that large overall, the numerous extras also mean it might require more storage space than other grinders. That could be an important consideration in kitchens that have minimal free storage space.

The modern look of the model might also not sit well in more homely rustic kitchens, so if you’ve got a kitchen with a more traditional appearance, then visually this might not be the best choice because the black-and-steel look could clash in such a space.

Conclusion

Not every cook is going to need all the extras that come with the STX-4000-TB2, so for those looking for a basic model, I’d recommend some of STX International’s cheaper models. They will get the job done and prevent wasting any money.

However, for experienced cooks, it’s hard to go wrong with this model. I think it scores highly in almost every category that counts: Appearance, functionality, and versatility. So the fact it’s more expensive is more than offset by how useful it is. The choice comes down to the type of cooking being done, and an individual’s purchasing budget.