Grain Milling Problem

Foreigner · 06-21-2007, 01:27 AM

Well folks, I'm frustrated.

I bought 2 25K sacks of grain and was excited about making 2 batches tomorrow.

I thought I had all my variables in order but now that I'm trying to crush my grains I'm finding out it is a logistical nightmare.

My options:

A) Take it to a brew shop and have them charge me to crush it thus negating a large portion of my savings (I have no relationship with any of them, all my grain has come from out of province).

B) Food Processor on "chop." I realize this will produce flour, reduce efficiency, lead to stuck sparges and cloudy beer.

C) Buy a grain mill. See problems associated with choice A.

D) Mortar and Pestle.

I was very much looking forward to tomorrow and am now really aggravated.

I Know, RDWHAH. I do have a few left over

So, I'm leaning towards doing one batch tomorrow to test out how a food processor will work out. Option B...

Anyone have any thoughts? Anyone have any alternate methods of milling grain?

Help, please.

**Yuri_Rage** · 06-21-2007, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foreigner

A) Take it to a brew shop and have them charge me to crush it thus negating a large portion of my savings (I have no relationship with any of them, all my grain has come from out of province).

C) Buy a grain mill. See problems associated with choice A.

Your best two options are above. It really won't cost much to have the HBS crush them for you. If you're serious about AG brewing, you really need a grain mill. Fresh crushed grain goes a long way in determining the malty flavor of your brew!

Blender · 06-21-2007, 01:42 AM

If you can afford it buy the mill. You will always use in the future and it is a good investment to make in your equipment. I'm not sure that a food processor is going to do the job well. How much would the shop charge to crush?

Foreigner · 06-21-2007, 01:44 AM

Dang.

I know I will soon require a good mill, but I was really hoping to be able to get right into it tomorrow...

I have always ordered my grain crushed in the past.

I appreciate your quick feedback. My previous batch of honey ale will have to last a little longer I guess.

Foreigner · 06-21-2007, 01:48 AM

I don't imagine it will be overly expensive to get the shop to crush them for me. I seem to remember reading a post on here (which I can't seem to find now) where they were being charged something like a buck a pound.

Seems like such a waste though...Maybe I'll do some more research and make a run to buy a corona mill.

Anyone know where I could buy one retail? I've been to various kitchen stores and the mills they have look like they would break if I sneezed on them...

FlyGuy · 06-21-2007, 01:50 AM

Hey Foreigner, where do you live? You said 'another province' so I assume you are in Canada. If so, if you have a Princess Auto in town, they were selling Corona-style hand mills for $15. I have a Porkert version and it works much better than people give them credit for. I am getting mid-70's efficiency, and my best was about 85% with a really fine crush.

Anyways, for $15, well worth the investment.

Foreigner · 06-21-2007, 01:56 AM

I am in Toronto. Wow, an auto store sells a grain mill? How counter-intuitive.

I would be more than happy to have 70% efficiency. I don't know if there is a Princess Auto in toronto, but I will google it right now and hopefully find out.

Thanks FlyGuy!

Oh, I think I might need some more info about the mill itself. Is Corona the brand name? Is it the style of mill?

EDIT: Oh, neat, not an automotive shop! They seem to be everywhere except Toronto though...more surfing...

**bradsul** · 06-21-2007, 02:01 AM

I wouldn't call Princess Auto an auto parts store. I went to the one at Dixie road/Derry road area and they seemed to carry practically everything under the sun.

I too have one of the porkert mills and my last couple batches have been low to mid 80% and the mill is less than $50. Well worth the money even if just to tide you over until you get a roller mill.

Edit: You could check out those LHBS shops as well, they may carry a corona style mill.

Foreigner · 06-21-2007, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradsul

I wouldn't call Princess Auto an auto parts store. I went to the one at Dixie road/Derry road area and they seemed to carry practically everything under the sun.

This looks like a pretty cool store. I've never heard of it before.

I will have to make a run sometime when I can get access to a vehicle. Or...I think I will hit the yellow pages and call every HBS under the sun tomorrow.

Thanks guys.

Any other specific leads in the G.T.A?

mr x · 06-21-2007, 02:09 AM

Anybody ever try the Kitchen-Aid grinder which attaches to stand mixers?

http://www.kitchenaid.com/catalog/product.jsp?src=Stand+Mixer+Accessories&cat=158&pr od=673