Expert: Jim Musumeci - 7/22/2007

Question
Hi!

I am shopping around currently for a manual grain mill and would like to know what your recommendations are for someone who would like to use these on a regular basis for a variety of grain and nut flours for use in baking, crepes, pancakes, etc.

Thanks bunches!

Joy

Answer
Thanks for the question Joy.  Although this is not an area of my expertise, I have done some research on the subject and hope the following info on buying a manual grain mill will be helpful.

There are several types of grinders available, basically in three styles.  The type of grain grinder that will be right for you will depend on how you use it.

1. Stone
These were the original grinders, dating back many hundreds of years.  They have two circular stones. One of the stones turns and grinds against a nonmovable stone. Grooves are cut into the stone radiating out from the center of the stone to the ends.  When the grain is milled, it drops through a channel into the center of these stones. As the stone rotates, it pulls the grain out through these channels.  The ground flour falls out the edges of the stones. Today’s home grinders are fairly small, a few inches in diameter.  They are not made from stone, but from hard materials with a long life.

2.Burr
These are like stone grinders but their grinding wheels are constructed of steel with small teeth (Burrs) which shear the grain and turn it into flour. Burr grinders have pros and cons which we will mention later.

3. Impact
Impact grinders make use of rows of 'blades' in circular rows on metal wheels. One wheel moves against a stationary wheel, somewhat like the stone grinder.  The two wheels are set so that the blades intermesh.  They run close together but do not touch.  As grain is fed into the center of the fixed wheel, the motion between the two wheels pulverizes the grain into flour.

The following comparisons of the above types we’re taken from http://www.internet-grocer.net/grinders.htm

Stone Grinders
Favorable Characteristics
Very durable
Adjustable to any setting from cracked wheat to fine flour
Much safer if you are grinding grain that has not been completely cleaned of grain-sized stones and small pieces of metal
Should last a lifetime
Unfavorable Characteristics
Usually larger, bulky machines that can't easily be put away
Grind more slowly than impact grinders
Stones quickly become loaded' if you grind oil bearing seeds or nuts

Burr Grinders
Favorable Characteristics
Will grind dry grains as well as oil bearing seeds (wheels will not "load up".)
Unfavorable Characteristics
Will not grind as finely as a stone grinder. (But close!)

Impact Grinders
Favorable Characteristics
Very small, light and compact. Can be put in the cupboard when not in use.
Grinds very quickly
Grinds grain into very fine flour
Unfavorable Characteristics
The blades are somewhat fragile. Small rocks or metal pieces will damage and misalign the wheels. (Grind only well-cleaned grain and these grinders will last many years.)
Noisy (except the motorized Family Grain Mill)
Even on the coarsest setting the flour comes out relatively fine. (You won't be able to crack wheat.)


I also found some great sites for general information and how to best use these grinders.  They are:

http://www.internet-grocer.net/grinders.htm

http://www.everythingkitchens.com/article-grain-mills-flour-grinders.html

http://waltonfeed.com/self/grinders.html

I believe that this info should help Joy.  Please take a moment now to rate my answer.  Also, feel free to write again if I can do more research for you in this area.

Jim “JimmyScones” Musumeci