Posted: 12/29/2011 8:07:55 PM EDT
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Have looked at all the past threads I can find, but wanted to post a new one. My plan is to purchase a grain mill this spring, sooo I am looking for input. From my internet research, I am leaning toward the Country Living mill or the Grain Maker mill. I like the idea of the Grain Maker being all steel, but would like to get some input from someone who has used one for a while. One of my plans is to use it to grind heirloom corn into cornmeal.
So, any input appreciated. Do's or don'ts? Thanks Doc |
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I got a CLM for Christmas from Mrs Monkey, it is top notch, well made by a bunch of nice folks here in WA. I drove down and picked it up face to face and they were great to deal with. Its easy (for a mill) to use, and I made brownies the other day using freshly milled rice flour. It went from rice to a flour much finer than the all purpose we have in the pantry in one pass. I highly reccommend it, and as soon as the cannery opens for the new year, I plan on getting some wheat to try and find the best (for us) combo of white/red to use. |
I have a Grain Maker. It's built tough. I bought the xtra plates for it and not sure if I will ever need them in my lifetime, but have them just in case! So far I have ground alot of rye, some wheat and pop-corn and it handles all well. Your arms get a little tired after a while, but I just figure it's part of my exercise routine.
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We have the Family Grain Mill, a step down in size from the Country Living Grain mill, and about three steps down in cost (probably longevity too), but it has served very well for five years now.
Do it. We buy wheat in 50 lb bags, my wife makes bread at least once a week, and grinds other cereals too. 
With the amount ours gets used, both of us are glad it is electric motor driven. |
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When I first became aware of the GrainMaker several years ago, it was priced a bit higher than the CLM but not by much. About a year ago (?) they raised their price to the point where their mill really sat at a price point that put it in a different category from the CLM ($675 vs. $429)
Interestingly, GM now shows a pre-production "economy" model on their site. At $325, this new mill will probably give CLM much more competition than the $675 model. I suspect GM was working on the new model even before they changed the price on their bigger mill. |
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I bought a Country Living Mill about 2 years ago and have used it weekly grinding wheat. Other than you have to be smart enough to know which way is loose and which way is tight when adjusting the fineness have had no problems with it. Gives a good workout to the arms.
I am very satisfied with it. |
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I have a GrainMaker Model No.99 manual grain mill and a Nutrimill electric grain mill. The Nutrimill will grind in minutes what the GrainMaker will grind in hours (I prefer a very fine grind). The quality of the GrainMaker is second to none and will be passed down in my family for generations. In the event of electricity failure, the GrainMaker will be a lifesaver but my preference as long as we have electricity will be the Nutrimill.
If I was to use the GrainMaker as my only source grain mill, I would purchase the Bicycle Conversion Kit or make something myself to use pedal power, that would make manual grinding job much easier, especially for feeding a larger family or group. Whatever you choose, you will be better prepared. There are countless people who use the Country Living grain mill and are completely satisfied. The GrainMaker Model No.99 is bulletproof IMO, and will last many lifetimes. The new GrainMaker Model No.35 Grain Mill is cost-competitive with the Country Living grain mill and more apples-to-apples comparison as far as quality to the Country Living grain mill. The Nutrimill makes the job of grinding wheat effortless with electricity. |