Horizontally ribbed rollers versus conventional knurled rollers on grain mills

[hairymare]

Below is a quote regarding a new type of roller grain mill being offered by Northern Brewer. It's name is Captain Crunch. Does anybody know about this type of roller mill versus the knurled rollers on the rest of the mills? Does anybody know if ribbed rollers are the way of the future? I am very curious and have not been able to find out much about ribbed rollers.

Quote from the captain crunch add:
Horizontally ribbed rollers provide a more uniform particle size by synchronously feeding grain through the mill. And by drawing grain through the mill without piercing it, this slotted design preserves the delicate grain husk to allow a finer crush than knurled rollers without sacrificing spargeability

 

[30Bones]

Not a lot of facts out there yet on this mill, but I am also curious and researching mills and trying to gather what would be the best bang for the buck and still be the last mill I would need to buy

 

[hairymare]

I did ask and it is imported. I was told by an employee that this horizontal ribbing is superior. I wonder why other manufacturers aren't using it. No matter what, I am curious if this is a superior surface. Have you decided on another choice? I definitely am in the camp of buying the first and last, the first time. I like the JSP malt mill, adjustable at both ends with hardened rollers. I discovered this on ebay, free shipping. The geared mill master. $241.00 shipped
http://www.ebay.com/itm/barley-crus...71179049678?pt=AU_Barware&hash=item27db1102ce

 

[30Bones]

Haven't decided yet and am in no rush either. I have a cereal killer that works, just not that great IMO.

Here is what I posted on our local board with no responses yet. This is all I have researched thus far. The Millars is also looking great for the $$

The prices for sake of argument are middle of the road for "options". I chose case hardened rollers and adjustable as my two main options. All are 1.5' diameter rollers other than the MM 2.0

Malt Mill ~$180 Big pluses they tout are 10" long rollers
http://schmidling.com/maltmill.htm

Malt Mill (barebones) $135 I like this model for the size and using a funnel I already have for the hopper. Doesn't take up a ton of room
http://schmidling.com/barebone.htm

Captain Crush $279 all Stainless, ribbed rollers over knurled. New to the market, so not much on info yet. The plexyglass makes me think snake oil for some reason. Ready out of the box
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/capt ... -mill.html

Millar's B3 $159 7" long stainless rollers, ready out of the box and IMO a great price
http://millarsmills.com/barley-mills

Monster Mill offers several from 1.5" diameter 2 or 3 rollers to now 2" diameter rollers in 2 or 3 rollers. Prices get pretty spendy depending on options and there are a lot there. $125-$300 plus hopper, etc.
http://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/p ... _main.html

 

[mattd2]

The ribs look pretty big from the photo, just wonder if you get a uniform crush and if this causes any inaccurancy during setup.
But to compare apples with apples you really only have the MM3 as comparison and for the mill, base and hopper and SS rollers = $275 which is the same as the Captain Crush.
I would think for a homebrewer the standard 2 roller is more than enough - the Millar looks like a good option.

Although I can't talk too much since I am running a homemade mill with hardly any knurling (just a scratched up surface) - with the 2" rollers it doesn't need any heavy knurling to keep grain feeding through. My process is to remove the hopper and hand turn half-a-handful of grain into the mill to start it, then hopper back on and filled then grind away

 

[Kraiglight]

I bought a Captain crush mill and was very disappointed in the performance. They did a good job with the stand and the hopper, I would like to just have those by them selves and put them on my new Mill Master. The Gear driven diamond plated knurled rollers are the only way to go. With NB Captain crush mill it would mill really we'll for several pounds them the rollers get bound up. I ended up convinced I had a lemon so I sent it back in exchange for a new one and it did the same damn thing. I lubed everything and made every single possible adjustment that could be made and still having the same popular issue. I defiantly do not recommend Captain crush mill it's way to expensive for a good looking wall decoration.

I must say that Northern brewers customer service is top notch though.....

 

[30Bones]

Malt Mill (barebones) $135 I like this model for the size and using a funnel I already have for the hopper. Doesn't take up a ton of room
http://schmidling.com/barebone.htm

I bought this model, adjustable and non hardened rollers. Love this mill. Motorized it this week and I'm even more impressed.