Have you made good beer with a Corona mill?

[gnr993]

I know many people have had bad experiences with Corona or Corona-style mills (e.g. Porkert), and even more are convinced that they are just bad without ever having used one. But I suspect that these mills have a worse reputation than they deserve. I also suspect that while they may not be ideal for brewers who fly sparge, they are probably just fine for those who batch sparge. And given that you can pick them up for $15 - $40, they could be a viable solution for many homebrewers, particularly those experimenting with PM or AG brewing.

I routinely hit efficiencies in mid 70's now with my Porkert mill, and I am quite pleased with that. I am also continually hearing about brewers who are doing better with this mill.

So, the question is, how many of you that are Corona-style mill users have had good success and what efficiencies are you reaching?

[A request: please try to base your response on your knowledge from experience, rather than reputation.]

 

[RADMAD]

I have made 9 batches with my corona all doing a batch sparge. No problems with the crush on any of them. efficiency in the mid 70's

 

[Mike_kever_kombi]

I use a corona mill in a bucket with a 1/2" drill.

Batch sparge

Our lhbs les customers adjust gap and diy crush their own grains.
I was getting inconsistent results. Switched to corona mill. Have had no regrets.

Consistent results. About 30-40 batches through it so far (5 & 10 gallon batches).

Did take me an hour or 2, and about $7 in extra parts to get it set up correctly.

Bought it from discount tommy

 

[mb82]

I have probably 10-15 batches on corona mill. Mostly hand cranked but I do have a half in drill that I use for bigger grain bills. Normally I get around 80% efficiency and I think the beer is good, friends think so also.

 

[Oginme]

Corona mill, 37 recipes brewed -- some hand cranked, mostly drill powered, BIAB with batch sparge, average 85% efficiency, never a problem in crush consistency. Took me about a half an hour to reconfigure the corona mill to remove the wobble and allow for the drill drive. I precondition the grains and keep them chilled in a refrigerator overnight before grinding which reduces the flour and helps keep the hulls intact.