mills, revisited....

[Mad Scientist]

Okay, I have $$$, so I am ordering a mill this weekend, and it has come down to three, in no order, all are adjustable:

St. Pats Automatic mill (http://http://www.stpats.com/mills.htm)

Cheapest, but not sure if they have any more

A Crankandstein 2D mill (http://http://www.crankandstein.com/cgm2d.htm)

This is the most expensive

A braley crusher (http://www.barleycrusher.com/barleycrusher.php)

Mid priced


I am perplexed as to which to buy, so your help is appreciated!!!!!

[HogieWan]

I think ANY 2 roller will be about the same in performance if you can set the gap right. Make sure you like the adjustability in the mill, and then go for the best price that meets your needs/wants.

I got that 3-roller mill and, instead of the 65% eff I was getting with AHS's crush, I hit 88% on the first try! It was a lot of fun using my drill on it, too.

My crankandstein has the same type of adjustment system as the 2D, and I really like it. Does the barley crusher come with the 7lbs hopper? If so, I'd say that is the better of the two. Can you check on the St Pat's mill?

[Bruno_78]

You didn't list the schmidling offering. I've been using the fixed roller mill for a couple years now, no complaints, and the price is right.

If I had it to do over again, I would save up for the adjustable verson, but have to reason to purchase it now, this one works just fine.

[dparsons]

My only comment is the Saint Pats comes with bushings that will wear out faster (getting loose until replaced). I'd recommend a model with bearings.

[Mad Scientist]

The schmidling is the second most expensive based on the other three that I posted, though there are no doubts about the quality of the mill. I would be inclinded to go ahead with the crankandstein over this one, but in my opinion, the barley crusher is winning the race at this point. If there are other mill out there, please be sure to point them out. I have reviewed the mill available from morebeer, and will it looks good, it is not as good a deal as the barley crusher.

Hogie, I'd be getting a CGM-3D also, if SWMBO would let me, so in the mean time, I'll have to settle for a double pass to simulate a three roller mill, until such time as I can make a justification to get a three roller......
The barley crusher has an option for a 15 lb hopper for $133, plus $17.50 shipping.

I have further ruled out the automatic, because it is only adjustable to 0.040".....and most mill setting that I have seen sugest 0.039" as a good starting gap!

Hogie, I am getting a mill for the same rerason you are, though in the past I have been able to achieve up to about 75% with AHS's cruch, but typically (over time, not recent) it has been about 65 to 70%. Also, Hogie, what are you settings?

[danno]

Originally posted by dparsons
My only comment is the Saint Pats comes with bushings that will wear out faster (getting loose until replaced). I'd recommend a model with bearings. two more reasons not to buy from St. Pats. one, they're getting out of the homebrew market and focusing on wine. two, they are notorious for poor customer service...

[Mad Scientist]

Originally posted by danno
two more reasons not to buy from St. Pats. one, they're getting out of the homebrew market and focusing on wine. two, they are notorious for poor customer service...

True, but they do have killer prices on stainless steel parts

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by Boerne Brew
Also, Hogie, what are you settings?

The "middle" setting is .045, and I left it there. I was a little worried about getting a stuck mash, but everything flowed nicely. I may set it one notch smaller next time, which would be .040"

[S.F.B.]

I have the Schmidling adjustable mill. I love it. My efficiency is around 75-80%. I think that is more due to getting used to my new system than the crush. I am not familiar with the other mills you list. I went off the recommendation of my LHBS.