6 Hand Crank Kitchen Tools You NEED! 

Before modern kitchen tools and appliances were created, cooking was much simpler. People didn’t use a ton of tech to prepare dinner every day. They just used simple mechanics! Thankfully, many of these tools are still on the market, and we’ve put together the perfect list! Our 6 hand crank kitchen tools are still surprisingly strong, long-lasting, and efficient.

These hand-crank essentials are the perfect gift for those living off the grid. In addition to their durability, they require zero electricity! Even if power consumption is not an issue, manual kitchen tools are frequently less expensive than their automated counterparts. They also last a lot longer. 

Having said that, every homesteader’s kitchen (and everyone else) should contain a couple of these hand crank kitchen tools. To reduce your energy consumption and set up your kitchen for any condition, power or not, start with these six hand crank kitchen essentials! 

Want to read more about hand crank tools we’re loving? Check them out here!

Why Use a Hand Crank Kitchen Tool? 

I get it. You’re probably asking yourself, “why should I use a hand crank tool when they make perfect good electrical ones.” We get that. If you’re not living off grid, it may seem like a hand crank tool is a waste of time. BUT here are a few great reasons to consider buying one:

• They will reduce your electric bill. 
• If you lose power, you can still use them. 
• They’re virtually indestructible, and you can always fix them when they break! 
• They will last you a lifetime. 
• They’re typically a lot cheaper than an electrical alternative! \

Check out the rest of our off grid kitchen recommendations here!

Our Top 5 Hand Crank Kitchen Essentials 

We’ve picked out our favorite five hand crank kitchen tools that are perfect for any off grid family. Even if you’re not living off grid, these tools are great for anyone interested in reducing their energy bill! 

Meat Grinder 

If you frequently hunt where you live, you or someone you know most likely has a meat grinder. They work well for making sausage and ground meat from non-prime beef cuts. For instance, many hunters like making their own sausage from the flesh from the front shoulders and neck of large game animals like deer or moose.

When slaughtering animals you’ve killed or farmed on your homestead, you’ll be less inclined to throw away “off-cuts” of meat if you have a meat grinder on hand. Most of these less appetizing beef parts can be ground into something you’re more inclined to eat (say hello, hot dog). 

Making your own ground beef and sausage will also ensure no additives or preservatives in the meat. You’ll always be aware of the ingredients if you create them yourself. For me, this is a seriously empowering feeling. 

Since their creation, electric meat grinders have grown in popularity as consumers like their quickness and use. However, a hand-crank meat grinder is more affordable, less likely to break, and even provides a workout.

This is the hand crank meat grinder that my neighbor uses. He seriously recommends it and has used it for about three years with no problem! Just don’t forget to clean it!

Egg Beater 

The old-fashioned hand-crank egg beaters are charming, even though a whisk may readily replace an electronic egg beater. They have a simple gear system that converts the cranking motion into rotary power, which makes them resemble hand-held manual drills.

These tools, though straightforward, are incredibly powerful. My parents always had one of these growing up. I distinctly recall being astounded by how much power and speed it generated with so little cranking effort. To this day, I still use an old-fashioned egg beater because it’s just more fun! 

The hand crank uses no electricity and is compact enough to be placed in a drawer. 

Recently, my hand crank egg beater broke, and I was able to fix it super easily. Taking it apart, I could see what piece needed to be tightened back into place. I don’t think I could have done that with an electrical beater! 

Grain Mill

Grain mills enable you to make your own flour from any grain—making them necessary equipment for any homesteader or prepper. The most often milled grains at home are rice, barley, and wheat. You can make your own flour from these and use it in your baking, which will help you become more independent.

There are many different sizes and shapes of grain mills, but the Cast Iron Manual Grain Mill is best used in a home kitchen. It is simpler to continually turn the handle of this hand-crank cooking equipment because it features a clamp that securely fastens to any surface. It even grinds coffee and corn, and you may choose the milling size.

Amazingly, more people don’t have grain mills because they are inexpensive and can accomplish many different things in the kitchen. A hand crank grain mill would be a wonderful present for anyone who loves to bake in your life! 

Noodle Maker 

Although using a grain mill to manufacture your own flour can seem like a luxury for your kitchen, why not use that wheat to make handmade pasta? It’s considerably simpler than you may imagine making pasta from scratch if you’ve never done it before. It tastes far superior to any spaghetti you would find at a shop.

Pasta rollers attach to the edge of your counter to provide stability while in use, much like meat grinders and grain mills do. You can roll and press pasta through a machine with various settings and sizes for various types of pasta using a hand-crank arm on the side.

I recently purchased this noodle maker. I’ve only used it a few times however, it was a worthwhile purchase.

Food Mill 

A food mill is one of the most useful and important tools to have in your farmhouse kitchen. By eliminating boring automatic tasks like mashing potatoes or making applesauce, using a food mill will save you time and energy. It’s also fun to use (it’s great for your kids)!

Several settings on food mills let you alter the grind size for mashing, straining, or grating. The stainless steel mills can handle hot or cold food and are made to be easily cleaned. Because of their adaptability, you’ll spend less time producing purees, soups, and canned preserves.

Food mills are pretty much unbeatable. I’ve used the Hungry Artisian Food Mill for about three years without a problem. I find it easy to clean and use it way more than I ever expected. During the fall, I’m constantly making my own applesauce with it—YUM! 

Butter Churner 

Most people think of a pioneer churning butter with a long wooden stave for hours at a time when they hear “butter churning.” Fortunately, since then, manual butter churning has become more effective.

You can create fresh butter in about 10 minutes with a compact hand-crank machine that holds 34 ounces. Additionally, they are easier to clean and take up much less room than a standard stave butter churner.

A manual butter churner is a must if you live on a homestead and have access to fresh milk. Before you know it, you’ll be producing quick, simple butter every day.

Final Thoughts 

Thanks for reading our article on hand crank kitchen tools! Don’t hesitate to reach out with a comment or question about any of the products I use and recommend. I’d be more than happy to help. For now, go enjoy cooking and living that simple life.