Best grain crusher for BiaB brewing?

[manicmethod]

I just started buying bulk grain and want to get a crusher at home. my LHBS has a maltmill attached to a motor and when I used it without double crushing my efficiency was <50%.

I don't know if that is the default setting for maltmill or it is just old and worn down. I've looked at the main options (monster, maltmill, barley crusher, etc) and can't really tell why I might choose one or the other (other than price). And once I do get one, what is the ideal adjustment for BiaB?

 

[samc]

Depends on method of BIAB. I recirculate and found last brew that my crush was too fine and it created major problems. If you go with BC, the standard gap is ok, if you wet condition the malt you can tighten the gap down. If you are going to be doing massive amounts of grain then you might consider one of the higher priced mills with hardened rollers and possibly SS. Otherwise the BC will do ya.

 

[beaksnbeer]

Bought a maltmill in classified here cleaned and adjusted went for 76% to 83% then 85% last batch. Sparge water temp issue. Love the 10 inch rollers. (Yes ladies 10 inch) 18 Lbs crushed in under 5 minutes running variable speed drill at setting #3:rockin:

 

[Malticulous]

I've worn out my BC. I'll get a monster next. You need something that adjusts tight for BIAB.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Dare i say it....corona style. I have a bag sewn and ready to go...my crush is quite crushed fwiw??

 

[rico567]

The "corona" type mill FTW, as "wilserbrewer" suggests. There is no particular mill that is best suited for BIAB, or any other technique, and all available mills should be capable of crushing malt to the fineness you require, as long as they're adjustable. As for my "Victoria" brand corona mill, I just cranked it down until I got it where I was hitting all my numbers on brewday. And all for an investment of less than $25.

 

[jeffmeh]

I go for a fine crush on a Corona for full-volume, no-sparge, BIAB and usually exceed 80% efficiency.

 

[jmhart]

I go for a fine crush on a Corona for full-volume, no-sparge, BIAB and usually exceed 80% efficiency.

Ditto all all counts.

 

[bschoenb]

I recently got myself a Barley Crusher because of BIAB. My LHBS was too variable and with the Full volume, no Sparge BIAB method...(Which I had dialed in except for the grain crush variable)...

Using a feeler gage, I've dialed it in at .035 which is a tad less than standard gap and am getting very constant 75% eff. I may play with the crush a little to get to 80%, but I'm liking the consistancy of having my own mil.

so Far, I'm liking the BC and what it's doing for my BIAB