Abstract: Apparatus for processing meat sections under atmospheric pressure and under a high vacuum, and having, a container of generally square cross-section and having an open top, reinforcing members attached at spaced apart intervals on the exterior of each of the side walls and further reinforcing members on the exterior of the bottom wall, a closure for the top to hermetically seal it, a stirring shaft and arms supported on the closure and a stirring motor with a shaft extending through the closure to the stirring shaft, reinforcing bars extending across the upper surface of the closure, and a hose connection on the closure for connection to a suitable vacuum pump.