LEM Jerky Cannon Kit: Worth It? Reddit Review Roundup

You're scrolling through Reddit, trying to decide if the LEM Original Jerky Cannon Gun Kit with seasoning is actually worth buying. Reddit reviews are split: some people swear it's the best thing since sliced meat, others say the plastic cracks after three uses. That's exactly the kind of real-world feedback you need, and exactly what we're breaking down here.

Manufacturer specs show the kit holds about one pound of ground meat and includes five forming tips plus three seasoning sample packets. As of 2026, this remains one of the most searched jerky gun kits online, and for good reason. Let's walk through what you're really getting, what the Reddit crowd says, and whether it's worth your money.

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Quick Answer

Yes, for beginners and occasional users. No, if you make jerky weekly. The LEM Original Jerky Cannon Kit is a solid entry-level tool.

It's cheap, easy to use, and the included seasoning is decent. But the plastic barrel has durability complaints on Reddit. For light use, it's worth it.

For heavy use, spend more on a metal model.

Why This Question Keeps Popping Up on Reddit

Reddit is full of jerky enthusiasts, and the LEM Original Jerky Cannon Kit is one of the most discussed entry-level kits. Search r/jerky or r/dehydrating and you'll find dozens of threads asking the same question: "Is this thing actually good or just a gimmick?"

The reason it comes up so often is simple. The price point ($25, $35) makes it tempting for anyone who's curious about making jerky at home. But the reviews are all over the place.

Some people say it changed their jerky game completely. Others say it broke after two batches and they wish they'd bought a Weston or a metal LEM model.

Common Reddit complaints you'll see:

• Plastic barrel cracks after a few uses
• Trigger mechanism jams if the meat is too fatty
• Cleaning is more annoying than expected
• Included seasoning is too salty or bland

Common Reddit praise:

• Makes perfectly uniform strips every time
• Way faster than hand-rolling or cutting
• Great for processing a lot of venison quickly
• Easy to use one-handed once you get the hang of it

The split opinions are why people keep asking. They want someone to cut through the noise and give a straight answer based on real use. That's what we're doing here.

By the way, if you enjoy making snacks at home, you might also like our take on air fryer recipes if you want to dry jerky faster. But more on that later.

What You Actually Get Inside the Box – Features and Components

Let's look at what LEM packs into that cardboard box. The LEM Original Jerky Cannon Gun Kit (model number usually 1161 or similar) includes:

• The cannon body: an 8-inch plastic barrel with a non-stick internal coating
• Five forming tips: flat strip, round stick, kabob, and two other shapes depending on the version
• Three seasoning sample packets: Original, Cracked Pepper, and Hot & Spicy
• A manual with basic recipes (very basic)
• No storage case, the tips just roll around loose

The plastic construction is the big talking point. It's lightweight, which is nice for handling, but the material is polycarbonate or similar. Reddit users report that over time, especially with cold meat or aggressive pressure, the barrel can develop hairline cracks.

Key specs at a glance:

The seasoning packets are small, each one makes about one pound of jerky. That's three pounds total of seasoning, which is a decent start but not enough to judge long-term value. We'll dig into that in a dedicated section.

One thing to note: the kit does not include a cure (Prague powder #1). If you plan to store jerky at room temperature for long periods, you'll need to add that separately. Per USDA guidelines, homemade jerky should be heated to 160°F internal before dehydrating to kill pathogens.

If you're new to dehydrating, you might find our guide on how to use a Hamilton Beach air fryer useful for understanding appliance safety, though it's a different tool.

The Real Pros and Cons (Based on Dozens of User Reports)

We combed through dozens of Reddit threads, Amazon reviews, and forum posts to compile a balanced list. Here's what real users report after using the LEM Original Jerky Cannon Kit for at least a few batches.

Pros:

• Uniform strips every time. This is the biggest advantage. Hand-rolling or cutting gives inconsistent thickness, which leads to uneven drying. The cannon produces perfect strips that dry evenly.
• Fast loading. You can load a pound of ground meat in about 30 seconds. No messing with plastic wrap or cookie cutters.
• Easy to use one-handed. Once you have the technique down, you can hold the tray with one hand and squeeze with the other. Good for high-volume batches.
• Price. At under $35, it's the cheapest option that actually works. You're not losing much if you decide jerky isn't your thing.
• Dishwasher safe. The plastic parts go on the top rack. Hand washing works too, but the dishwasher is convenient.

Cons:

• Plastic durability is questionable. Several Reddit users report cracks after 10, 20 uses. The barrel can split along the seam, especially if you use cold meat or overfill.
• Clogging is a pain. If the meat has any sinew or is too lean (below 85/15), the tip can clog. You have to stop, disassemble, clean, and reload.
• Cleaning takes time. Meat gets stuck in the trigger mechanism and around the tip. Even with a brush, it's not as quick as advertised.
• Seasoning is hit-or-miss. The Original and Cracked Pepper are fine, but the Hot & Spicy has mixed reviews. Some say it's too mild, others say it's bland.
• No storage for tips. Lose one and you're stuck without that shape. You'll need to buy replacements or a storage case.

One more thing: The trigger mechanism uses a ratcheting system. Some users find it stiff at first, others say it gets easier after a few uses. But if you have arthritis or weak grip, a metal model with a smoother action might be better.

If you're already using a deep fryer for other snacks, you might also want to read our review of the Presto 05420 Frydaddy to compare kitchen tools. But back to jerky.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition (LEM vs Weston vs Nesco)

The LEM Original Jerky Cannon isn't the only game in town. Two direct competitors are the Weston Jerky Gun (metal barrel) and the Nesco Jerky Gun (plastic barrel). Here's a quick comparison to help you decide.

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Side-by-side comparison:

Who should choose the LEM Original?

• Budget-conscious beginners who want to try jerky without a big investment
• People who only make jerky a few times a year
• Hunters who need a quick, cheap option for a small batch of venison

Who should choose the Weston metal version?

• Regular users who make jerky every month
• People who want the gun to last years without cracking
• Users with strong hands who don't mind a slightly heavier tool
• Anyone processing large amounts of meat (10+ pounds)

Who should choose the Nesco?

• Absolute beginners on a tight budget
• Users who already own a Nesco dehydrator (the gun fits the tray spacing)
• People who rarely make jerky and just want a low-commitment tool

Our take: The LEM Original is a better value than the Nesco because you get more tips and seasoning. But the Weston is clearly superior for long-term use. If you're deciding between LEM and Weston, the extra $20, $25 is worth it if you'll use it more than a few times.

For other kitchen gadgets, you might also check out the Ninja AF101 air fryer review to see how it handles dehydrating tasks. But for now, we'll focus on the jerky gun.

Are the Seasoning Packets Worth It or Just Filler?

The kit comes with three seasoning packets: Original, Cracked Pepper, and Hot & Spicy. Each packet claims to season one pound of ground meat. But are they any good, or do they just take up space?

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What's inside each packet?

Based on the ingredient list, they contain salt, sugar, spices, and natural flavors. No artificial colors, but also no added cure (Prague powder). If you want shelf-stable jerky, you'll need to add cure separately.

Reddit consensus on the flavors:

• Original: Solid choice. Classic jerky taste, salty, slightly sweet, with a hint of garlic. Most users say it's as good as many store-bought brands.
• Cracked Pepper: Good but not great. The pepper is present but not intense. Some users add extra cracked pepper for more kick.
• Hot & Spicy: The weak link. Several users say it's too mild to call "hot." One Redditor described it as "barely warm." If you want real heat, you'll need to add cayenne or chili flakes.

Value calculation:

• A packet costs roughly $1, $2 if bought separately (LEM sells refill packs for about $6, $8 for 3 packets).
• Homemade seasoning costs about $0.50, $1 per pound using typical pantry spices.
• So the included packets are a nice starter, but not a money-saver long-term.

Verdict: Worth it as a trial. Use them for your first couple of batches to learn the process. Then experiment with your own blends or higher-quality seasonings from other brands.

The packets are a freebie, not a reason to buy the kit.

If you enjoy DIY snacks, you might also like our recipe for making croutons in an air fryer. But that's a different kind of dehydration.

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Note on safety: Always follow USDA food safety guidelines when making jerky. Heat the meat to 160°F before dehydrating. For long-term storage, use a curing salt like Prague powder #1.

You can find official details on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website.

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Who Should Buy It – and Who Should Absolutely Skip It

This kit is not a one-size-fits-all tool. Your answer depends on how often you make jerky, what kind of meat you use, and your tolerance for replacing plastic parts.

Best fit for these users:

• First‑time jerky makers. The low price and included seasoning make it a cheap way to learn the process. If you decide jerky isn’t your thing, you’re only out $30.
• Occasional batch cooks. If you make jerky for hunting trips or holiday gifts once or twice a year, the plastic will hold up fine.
• Venison processors who do small amounts. Hunters processing 5, 10 pounds of deer meat per season will get good use out of it. Just grind twice and keep the meat cold.
• Gift buyers. It makes a solid present for someone who already owns a dehydrator. Throw in a meat grinder for a complete starter kit.

Who should skip it:

• Weekly or monthly jerky makers. The plastic barrel is not built for regular heavy use. Reddit users who make jerky every few weeks report cracks within 6 months. Save up for a Weston metal model.
• People who process large batches (20+ pounds at a time). Loading and reloading a 1‑lb cannon gets tedious fast. A grinder with a jerky attachment or a larger commercial gun is better.
• Anyone who hates cleaning small crevices. The trigger mechanism and tip area trap meat. If you aren’t willing to scrub with a brush after every batch, this will frustrate you.
• Users with weak grip or arthritis. The trigger requires firm, repeated pressure. A metal gun with a smoother action is easier on your hands.

If you already own a deep fryer and like making crispy snacks, you might wonder if it can dehydrate too. It cannot, but our guide comparing a deep fryer vs pot can help you decide which tool fits your kitchen. For jerky, stick with a dehydrator or smoker.

Mistakes That Wreck Your First Batch (and How to Avoid Them)

First‑time users make the same errors over and over. Here are the five most common, based on Reddit threads and manufacturer support forums.

1. Meat that is too lean or too fatty.

The sweet spot is 85/15 ground meat. Leaner than 90/10 and the jerky turns into dry cardboard. Fattier than 80/20 and the fat goes rancid during storage.

Mix in some pork shoulder or beef chuck if your deer meat is too lean.

2. Not grinding twice.

One pass through a coarse plate leaves chunks that clog the tip. Grind once coarse, then once fine. Or buy pre‑ground meat that is already fine enough.

Clogging is the number one complaint, and this fix prevents most of it.

3. Skipping the cure.

Without Prague powder #1, your jerky is only safe in the fridge for a few weeks. If you want shelf‑stable snacks for camping or gifts, add 1 teaspoon of curing salt per 5 pounds of meat. Follow USDA guidelines: heat the meat to 160°F before dehydrating.

You can find the official guidance on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website.

4. Overloading the cannon.

Pack the meat in firmly but leave a little air gap at the end. Overstuffing creates pressure that can split the plastic barrel. Squeeze gently and let the ratchet do the work.

5. Not cleaning immediately.

Dried meat residue is a nightmare to remove. Soak the parts in hot water right after use. Use a bottle brush for the barrel and a toothpick for the tip holes.

They are dishwasher safe on the top rack, but hand‑washing prevents warping.

If you already use an air fryer for dehydrating, you might find our guide on how to clean Ninja air fryer helpful for maintaining that appliance. The same deep‑cleaning principles apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the LEM Original Jerky Cannon last?

Light users (2, 4 batches per year) report 3, 5 years before cracks appear. Heavy users (monthly) often see splitting within 6, 12 months. The plastic is the weak link.

Metal alternatives last indefinitely.

Can I use the included seasoning with any meat?

Yes. The seasoning works on beef, venison, elk, turkey, or even bison. Just adjust the salt to your taste.

Some users add extra black pepper or cayenne for more kick.

Is the kit dishwasher safe?

The manual says top rack only. Many users hand‑wash to avoid warping. The tips are small enough to fall through the rack, so place them in a basket.

Dry immediately to prevent rust on the spring inside the trigger.

What size of meat grind should I use?

Grind twice: first through a coarse plate (3/8 inch), then through a medium plate (1/8 inch). If your meat is pre‑ground from the store, ask for a fine grind. Too chunky and the tip will clog.

Can I use the cannon for sausage stuffing?

No. The barrel is not long enough, and the plastic cannot handle the pressure of dense sausage meat. Use a dedicated sausage stuffer for that job.

The LEM kit is for thin strips only.

What is the best way to store leftover seasoning packets?

Keep them in a cool, dry place away from light. A sealed glass jar in the pantry works perfectly. They stay fresh for about a year.

If the packet feels clumpy, it has absorbed moisture and should be discarded.

You might also be curious about other snack‑making tools. Our review of the Ninja AF101 air fryer covers how it compares to dedicating a dehydrator if you are short on counter space.

Final Verdict: Is the LEM Jerky Cannon Kit Worth Your Money?

The LEM Original Jerky Cannon Gun Kit with seasoning is worth it under two conditions: you are a first‑time jerky maker or you only make jerky a few times a year. For $30, you get uniform strips, decent starter seasoning, and a tool that works well for light use.

It is not worth it if you plan to make jerky every month. The plastic barrel is the weak point. For about $20 more, the Weston metal model will last you years longer.

The included seasoning is a nice bonus but not a reason to choose this kit over competitors.

Our final score breakdown:

Bottom line: Buy this kit to test the waters of homemade jerky. If you love the results, upgrade to a metal model. If you only use it once a year, the plastic will be fine.

Either way, you’ll know whether jerky making is for you without spending a lot.

If you are also considering other kitchen appliances for snack preparation, our guide on how to make air fryer recipes in the oven might help you repurpose existing equipment. But for jerky, the LEM Original is a solid starting point. Just keep your expectations realistic about how long it will last.