Newest Threads

rocketshipready · 06-24-2012, 11:13 PM

So, I ordered a bunch of supplies off Midwest, and after a few issues, my 11# of Maris Otter and 5# Halcyon came uncrushed. I don't have access to a mill to crush these, and from what I read, this is far too much for the rolling pin method. I do have access to a blender and food processor, which I gather would work for my BIAB, but I'd like to get a few more opinions. Anyone have any thoughts? It should be noted that getting a proper mill isn't really an option right now.

So, to summarize, I need to crush 16# of grain for a BIAB session with no mill.

Thanks!

Gartywood · 06-24-2012, 11:45 PM

Find a friend with a mill (contact local brew clubs maybe)

Use your LHBS's mill

Gartywood · 06-24-2012, 11:51 PM

Also I know that the proper mill isn't an option right now but what about a corona type mill? I understand that they can be found for less then $30.

cockybitz · 06-25-2012, 07:28 AM

You're screwed. You can use a coffee grinder and just grind for about 1 second each time you fill. Should only take 6 or so hours to crush it.

ruralbrew · 06-25-2012, 09:35 AM

If you ordered your grains crushed and they came whole, the first thing I would do is contact Midwest and request that they resend your order. I understand they are pretty good about fixing these sort of mixups.

To use the grain you have, if you don't know someone with a grain mill, I would think you could put a pound at a time in the food processor and pulse it until you get it broken up. You might want to condition your grain first so the husks stay a little more whole. Another option is if you have or know someone that has an old cast iron meat grinder that might work. They usually come with different sized disks for the front and if you play around with it a bit you might get a pretty good grind.

You should be able to find something that works for you.

duckredbeard · 06-25-2012, 09:46 AM

If you don't have a LHBS to mill it, you could double Ziploc bag the grain and freeze it until you find a mill. My LHBS will mill grain that wasn't purchased there for a small fee. I am fortunate that I have a few LHBS to chose from in Atlanta.

**Jaybird** · 06-25-2012, 09:47 AM

Yep, call your LHBS I am sure they will help you out even though you didnt buy the grain from them. We do it from time to time.

If a LHBS is not available how about taking it to a local pizza joint and asking them if you can run it through their dough roller. Those things make a killer grain crusher. Just tell the owner its for beer and I am sure they will help.

Cheers
Jay

Pilgarlic · 06-25-2012, 11:20 AM

So you have 16 pounds of grain at, what, $1.50 a pound? $24.00? Get some crushed grains for your recipe and hold those grains until you have access to a mill, I'd say.

**wilserbrewer** · 06-25-2012, 12:55 PM

I would try the blender of food processer, 1-2 cups at a time pulsing the blender/processor till all the grains are chopped, just try and break all the grains without making all powder. For the future, corona mills work well for the low investment IME. Shouldn't take too long once you get a little rythym...there is a post around here somewhere whereby a guy used a blender "all the time" and reported success FWIW...of course YMMV. Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do...good luck!

Gear101 · 06-25-2012, 12:59 PM

I heard a guy one time, put them in a bag and rolled over them with his car. Not sure if it worked out for him or not. If you put them in a bag and placed it between two pieces of wood.. not sure that would work or not.