Like other reviewers have stated, the plunger's diameter is just too small and doesn't create any type of seal and also allows air in. While pushing the meat down the tube the meat just squishes around the edges. I even kept the meat in the freezer ahead of time to keep it cold as is recommended for sausage making. I abandoned attempting to make sausages altogether and ended up pan frying the meat in patties. This product is so bad it actually prompted me to write my first review of a product ever.