I guess for me it would depend on my grinder, I just have the Kitchen aid, which is adequate for one grind. I use the 1/4 or 3/16" plate, never sure which it is. If I had a LEM type system (or any type that made a 2nd grind easy), where running the meat back through was a simple process, I would go with the 3/8" plate 1st and do the 2nd grind fine.