Most Durable Grain Mill

5 Is Not Enough · 03-05-2008, 07:45 PM

I've read though many of the grain mill threads on the forum. I am comparing (as most do) the Schmidling P, the Crankandstein CGM-2D, and the BC 15lb. I will be running many a hundreds of lbs through this and would like the one that will hold up the best.
Even though the Barley Crusher looks smaller, it has a complete squared off housing vs the open end of the C&S.
The Schmidling looks in the pictures like it's made partially of MDF - is this true or is that an optical illusion? If so, it's out.
I guess that I'm leaning towards the BC, or is the C&S going to be more reliable enough to warrant having to build my own hopper, base and shroud?

FatDuc · 03-05-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5 Is Not Enough

I've read though many of the grain mill threads on the forum. I am comparing (as most do) the Schmidling P, the Crankandstein CGM-2D, and the BC 15lb. I will be running many a hundreds of lbs through this and would like the one that will hold up the best.
Even though the Barley Crusher looks smaller, it has a complete squared off housing vs the open end of the C&S.
The Schmidling looks in the pictures like it's made partially of MDF - is this true or is that an optical illusion? If so, it's out.
I guess that I'm leaning towards the BC, or is the C&S going to be more reliable enough to warrant having to build my own hopper, base and shroud?

That concerned me about the Schmidling as well, that and the lower priced ones only adjust on one side.

To me the BC was the best buy for the money, but I'm only doing 1 or 2 batches a month, so It'll probably outlast me and get handed down to my kids. YMMV.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 03-05-2008, 08:00 PM

I just did some drooling over this

It is pricey, but wow is that thing sweet.

mashmaster.com

Jared311 · 03-05-2008, 08:27 PM

Talk about homebrew porn. Shes a hotty.

**Smurfe** · 03-05-2008, 09:02 PM

We use an adjustable 3 roller Monster Mill. It is very heavy duty and I anticipate it to last forever. I use it hooked up to a drill right now and really need to get a stand built and motorize it. I really like this grinder. Absolutely no complaints and I truly feel I got my money's worth when I bought it. Great crush every time.

http://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/mm3.htm

Funkenjaeger · 03-05-2008, 09:05 PM

If memory serves, many of the major mills have bulletproof lifetime warranties... And the general consensus seems to be that in general, they're durable enough that for home brewing use they should easily last a lifetime anyway.

Also, for what it's worth, the barley crusher side panels are nothing more than thin sheet metal, they are more of a shield/covering than some kind of real structural support, it's the end plates that are the real structure, just like with the 'open' mills like the monster mills, etc. Personally I love my BC, and I like the design because it keeps the mill above the stand so I don't need to prop the mounting panel higher above the bucket to clear the drive shaft (or modify the bucket for the shaft), but it's still fully enclosed so there's no grain dust flying around.

**BierMuncher** · 03-05-2008, 09:08 PM

BC user here.

I'm on my 9th sack of base grain along with all the other specialty grains that go into my recipes.

I'd guess I'm close to 600 pounds since early summer when I got it.

No signs whatsoever of any wear and tear. It's given me no cause for concern regarding it's "staying" power.

**raceskier** · 03-05-2008, 10:35 PM

Just as a point of reference, my LHBS has a Schmidling as their shop mill. I'm pretty sure it has had literally tons of grain run through it without a problem. Yeah the hopper is MDF. The rest of it appears to be the more or less common aluminum frame and mild steel rollers.

mr x · 03-05-2008, 11:51 PM

I wouldn't get hung up on the hopper. It's the least important part of the mill. Myself and others just use a 5 gallon water bottle and it works just fine. I went with the 3 roller and CS and wouldn't trade it for anything else under $200.

pieper · 03-06-2008, 01:23 AM

Do you guys know where is the best place to buy a BC?