You can't have too good of a grinder.I would not consider anything less than 1 hp. For me the 1.75 would be the way to go. I do about 5 deer and a couple of hogs a year into sausage, salami, summer sausage ,jerky. Don't skimp on your grinder and you won't have to upgrade every few years or replace a worn out POS. just my 2 cents worth.