I prefer the pantop grinders myself. They are easier to clean and easier to manage what you are grinding in my opinion. But then again if we were still pricing ground beef at .99 cents like we were 15 years ago I would say a grinder/mixer with a foot switch is the way to go. That is a nice one and if its brandnew you shouldn't have any issues from it for a long time. I just recently had a new power box installed my grinder because the old one quit. it took the electricians 3 weeks and order the parts and install it. Until they finally did that I had to beat the side of the grinder with my fist to get it to turn on and off. LOL I look at it and laugh now but it was frustrating at the time. I would sure like a brand new grinder too.