1. Introduction to Beef Jerky and the Role of Machines
industrial beef jerky machine ：Beef jerky has a history that dates back thousands of years, from Native American pemmican to modern, flavor-packed snacks sold worldwide. Сегодня, the market has evolved from traditional sun-drying to fully automated jerky production lines that ensure high efficiency, consistent taste, and compliance with food safety regulations.
For commercial producers, the question “What machine is used for beef jerky?” is not about a single device—it’s about an integrated system of machines working together.
According to Market Research Future, the global jerky market is projected to grow at over 6% CAGR от 2024 к 2030, driven by consumer demand for high-protein, low-carb snacks. This means more meat processors are investing in industrial beef jerky machine.
2. The Complete Beef Jerky Production Process
Let’s break down the process and see what machines are used at each stage.
Шаг 1: Meat Preparation & Trimming
Before slicing, fresh beef must be inspected, trimmed, and sometimes frozen slightly to make cutting easier. This stage ensures:
- Removal of excess fat
- Consistent meat quality
- Compliance with hygiene standards
Optional Machine:
- Meat Trimming Table with Conveyor – speeds up manual trimming and waste removal.
Шаг 2: Meat Slicing Machine
Функция: Cuts meat into uniform slices or strips for even drying.
Working Principle:
А rotating blade или guillotine-style cutter slices beef to preset thickness. In high-capacity models, conveyor belts feed meat automatically to maximize throughput.
Structure Components:
- Stainless steel body (продовольственный 304/316)
- Cutting blade assembly
- Thickness adjustment system
- Safety guards
- Conveyor feeding system (in automatic models)
Technical Table – Meat Slicing Machine:
| Модель | Власть (кВт) | Емкость (кг/ч) | Толщины среза | Размеры (мм) | Масса (кг) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS-200 | 0.75 | 200 | 2–10 mm | 650×500×850 | 80 |
| MS-500 | 1.5 | 500 | 1–15 mm | 950×700×1100 | 150 |
| MS-1000 | 3.0 | 1000 | 1–20 mm | 1500×1200×1500 | 320 |
Преимущества:
- Uniform thickness = consistent drying time
- Adjustable for different products (jerky, biltong, pork strips)
- Labor cost savings
Шаг 3: Meat Marinating Machine (Vacuum Tumbler)
Функция: Infuses seasoning into meat using vacuum pressure and tumbling motion.
How It Works:
- Meat slices and marinade are loaded into the drum.
- Air is removed to create vacuum.
- Drum rotates, causing meat to massage against itself and absorb seasoning quickly.
Technical Table – Vacuum Marinating Machine:
| Модель | Емкость (Л) | Власть (кВт) | Скорость (rpm) | Размеры (мм) | Масса (кг) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VT-300 | 300 | 1.1 | 6–8 | 1500×850×1100 | 260 |
| VT-800 | 800 | 2.2 | 6–8 | 2100×1200×1600 | 520 |
| VT-1500 | 1500 | 4.0 | 6–8 | 2600×1600×1800 | 850 |
Преимущества:
- Shorter marination time (30–60 minutes vs 8–12 hours manually)
- Even seasoning distribution
- Better texture and tenderness
Шаг 4: Beef Jerky Drying Machine
Purpose: Removes moisture while preserving flavor and nutrients.
Drying Methods:
- Hot Air Circulation Dryer – Economical, widely used.
- Heat Pump Dryer – Energy-efficient, Точный контроль температуры.
- Continuous Conveyor Dryer – High capacity, suitable for large plants.
Technical Table – Beef Jerky Dryer:
| Модель | Trays | Власть (кВт) | Temp Range | Емкость (кг/партия) | Размеры (мм) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR-24 | 24 | 9 | 40–90 ° C. | 100–120 | 1400×1200×2000 |
| DR-48 | 48 | 15 | 40–90 ° C. | 200–250 | 1800×1600×2200 |
| DR-96 | 96 | 22 | 40–90 ° C. | 400–500 | 3200×2000×2300 |
Шаг 5: Smoking Oven (Необязательный)
If smoked flavor is desired, а smoke oven can be used before or during drying.
Функции:
- Smoke generator with wood chips
- Temperature and humidity control
- Batch or continuous operation
Шаг 6: Охлаждающий конвейер
Purpose: Brings jerky to a safe packaging temperature quickly to prevent bacteria growth.
Шаг 7: Упаковочная машина
Типы:
- Вакуумная упаковочная машина – Removes air to extend shelf life.
- Nitrogen Flushing Machine – Prevents oxidation, keeps jerky fresh.
Technical Table – Vacuum Packaging Machine:
| Модель | Seal Width | Власть (кВт) | Скорость (packs/min) | Размеры (мм) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VP-400 | 400 мм | 1.5 | 5–8 | 1000×600×900 |
| VP-600 | 600 мм | 2.2 | 6–10 | 1300×800×950 |
| VP-1000 | 1000 мм | 3.5 | 10–15 | 1800×1100×1200 |
3. Global Market Trends for Beef Jerky
- Северная Америка: Largest consumer market, prefers automated, high-capacity lines.
- Asia-Pacific: Growing middle class, high demand for flavored jerky.
- Европа: Strong food safety regulations, demand for CE-certified machines.
4. Investment Cost Case Studies
- Small Workshop (500 kg/day) – $20,000–$50,000
- Medium Factory (1–3 tons/day) – $80,000–$150,000
- Large Industrial Plant (5–10 tons/day) - $200,000+
5. Обслуживание & Гигиена
- Clean all contact surfaces daily.
- Check lubrication points weekly.
- Replace worn belts or seals.
- Use stainless steel parts to prevent rust.
6. Как выбрать правильную машину
- Объем производства
- Space availability
- Бюджет
- Local power supply (Напряжение, phase)
- Certification requirements (CE, UL, Iso, HACCP)
7. Extended FAQ for industrial beef jerky machine
- Can these machines process pork or chicken jerky? – Yes.
- How long is the machine warranty? – Typically 12–24 months.
- Do you provide installation service? – Yes, on-site or remote.
- Can I customize machine size? – Yes, OEM is available.
- What’s the average drying time? – 6–12 hours depending on thickness.
- Can I use solar energy for drying? – Yes, for small-scale production.
- How much electricity does a dryer use? – 9–25 kW depending on model.
- Is vacuum marination necessary? – Recommended for consistency.
- Do I need a metal detector? – Yes, for food safety compliance.
- How soon can I start production after machine delivery? – Usually within 1–2 weeks after installation.
8. RFQ – Get Your Beef Jerky Production Line Quote
If you are ready to start or upgrade your beef jerky production and industrial beef jerky machine, наш DT Food Machinery Co., ООО. team can provide:
- Full production line design
- Custom capacity options
- Competitive pricing
- CE/ISO-certified machines