Mill recommendations

[Kaz]

Picking up some bulk grains this weekend and looking to get my own mill. I've kind of narrowed it down to a Monster Mill or Crankandstein. Question is which one is best for my purposes. I brew 6 Gallon batches using BIAB currently, so my grain bill is usually around 8-15 lbs and I might want to mill pretty fine to get some better efficiency using the bag. Would I be better suited to getting a 2 roller mill with the larger 2" rollers or the 3 roller mill with the standard 1.5" rollers or just the 2 roller mill with the 1.5" rollers...too many decisions. I'll invest in a 1/2" drill to drive it the near future, way down the road, I may motorize it. Just looking to see what help people may have to offer. TIA

 

[kpr121]

I use a Corona style mill so I wont be of much help on your decision, but might I suggest this for a 1/2" drill:
http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...uty-variable-speed-reversible-drill-3273.html

It frequently goes on sale for as low as $30 and/or you can use a 20% off coupon. Many of us here are using this drill and its worked great for me so far.

 

[DeNomad]

I really like my Barley Crusher, much cheaper than monster mill at the LHBS. Easy to adjust the gap between the rollers with vice grips and a feeler gauge set. Easy to hook a corded drill up to as well, I would never crush anything by hand.
http://www.barleycrusher.com/

 

[Paulgs3]

i really like my barley crusher, much cheaper than monster mill at the lhbs. Easy to adjust the gap between the rollers with vice grips and a feeler gauge set. Easy to hook a corded drill up to as well, i would never crush anything by hand.
http://www.barleycrusher.com/

+1

 

[nate456789]

+1 Barley Crusher.
Works great and you can tell the guy that built it does quality work.
Can't beat the cost either.

 

[h22lude]

I am still trying to figure out which route I want to go with my grain mill.

Barley Crusher, Crankandstein and Monster Mill all seem to be good products.

 

[Hugh_Jass]

I know many, including me, have a barley crusher. From my experience, if you're going to be the occasional hobbyist, the BC will work pretty well.

Personally, I wish I'd have spent the money on a MM or Crankenstein. I run more than the average brewer and the BC sometimes isn't up to the task.

 

[diS]

Every roller mill will do good job, BC, MM or Crankenstein.
I have MM2, and it is wort every cent.. Reason why I choose MM is that the rollers are integrated part of shaft so drive roller can sustain larger exertion, especially with motor.
Only disadvantage is if you choose 1/2" shaft you wont be able to buy hand crank, but it is assumed that if you buy 1/2" version you are going to motorize it anyway.

 

[sweet_corn]

Love my barley crusher...

 

[Dog House Brew]

I have a MM-3 stainless with the 1.5" rolls. Love the mill and have never had an issue. I've ran 500 pounds through it and have never had any problems. Would buy it again.

 

[sudsmcgee]

Barley Crusher

 

[Face Eater]

I own an adjustable gear drive JSP malt mill and love it but it's not one of your options. I motorized mine and it works fantastic, haven't really used any other mills but I also would say harbor freight if you want a decent cheap drill for the job. It seems like many people use the monster mill (being one of your options) and like them. On the other hand it seems like most of the people like the mill they have regardless of the make or model. If it gets the job done and is well built that's what matters.