Milling grain without a mill

[tyso22]

Hey everyone. I live in an area with no local homebrew shops so everything I get I have to order in the mail. Made a mistake on my last order and my grains arrived unmilled. I don't know anyone with a mill and need to get this beer brewing. I have a manual and electric food processor with many attachment blades. I found one that's meant for sort of a balance between mixing and a light chop. I tried a small amount of grain in it and it seems to do the trick without turning it into dust. Does anyone have any input, other ways to mill grain without a mill or any additional advice for me? Thanks in advance.

 

[Jimbodaman]

Not sure if the URL works but if you live near a walmart these mills work just fine and are inexpensive. A basic Corona mill has served many well. If not just use a rolling pin although it will take a while.
http://https://www.walmart.com/ip/Weston-Cereal-and-Multi-Grain-Mill-36-3601-W/14223932?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=984&adid=22222222227000422327&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40345765352&wl4=pla-78310980872&wl5=9016984&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8453308&wl11=online&wl12=14223932&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[BigJoeBrew]

I would say if you use a food processor to mill, you might look at going the BIAB route if you have a bag. Many use paint strainer bags from your local paint store or big box hardware store. The crush might be uneven enough that you get stuck trying to use traditional method.

 

[BigJoeBrew]

+1 on this^^ For the long run you are better off to have a mill of some kind

Not sure if the URL works but if you live near a walmart these mills work just fine and are inexpensive. A basic Corona mill has served many well. If not just use a rolling pin although it will take a while.
http://https://www.walmart.com/ip/Weston-Cereal-and-Multi-Grain-Mill-36-3601-W/14223932?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=984&adid=22222222227000422327&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40345765352&wl4=pla-78310980872&wl5=9016984&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8453308&wl11=online&wl12=14223932&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[RM-MN]

I would say if you use a food processor to mill, you might look at going the BIAB route if you have a bag. Many use paint strainer bags from your local paint store or big box hardware store. The crush might be uneven enough that you get stuck trying to use traditional method.

Even if you don't want to go to full BIAB, lining your mash tun with a fine mesh bag will keep you from a stuck mash or sparge since the bag is the filter and the area is large. If the runoff is slow, lift the bag a bit.

 

[ericbw]

Even if you don't want to go to full BIAB, lining your mash tun with a fine mesh bag will keep you from a stuck mash or sparge since the bag is the filter and the area is large. If the runoff is slow, lift the bag a bit.

I did that for a while before installing the screen. Works well.

 

[Morrey]

Might be a good point to add an inexpensive hand mill to your brew operation. A Corona mill is $30 some odd dollars and the hand crank can be removed to add in a hex head screw so a hand drill can power the grinder. Many a pound of malt has been processed in this fashion.

Once you begin grinding your own grains, you'll be unlikely to go back to pre-milled grist.

 

[JohnSand]

I used a blender for a long time in BIAB brewing. I ran it just until no more whole grains were visible. I was also careful to load it just right: too little grain just flies around, too much won't cycle through. It never took longer to grind then my strike water did to heat. I stopped because my 40 year old Waring became quirky. Now I use a corona type. But a blender or food processor works well.