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If you want to dive more into home brewing, you will need to equip yourself with a grain mill machine. It will help you prepare your grains every time you need them, thus improving the quality of the end product. I will help you identify the best grain mill for home brewing.
Contents
- My Top Home Brewing Grain Mill Reviews
- Best Overall Grain Mill for Home Brewing: Kegco KM11GM-3R Grain Mill
- Best Home Brewing Grain Mill for the Money: Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill
- Best Cheap Grain Mill for Home Brewing: MRbrew Malt Crusher
- Best Lightweight Grain Mill for Home Brewing: Ferroday Stainless Steel 2 Roller Malt Crusher
- Features to Consider for the Best Grain Mill for Home Brewing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
My Top Home Brewing Grain Mill Reviews
The best grain mill for home brewing should give you better control over the crushing of the grains. Let’s help you choose the best grain mill for home brewing.
Best Overall Grain Mill for Home Brewing: Kegco KM11GM-3R Grain Mill
The Kegco KM11GM-3R Grain Mill is a three-roller mill, making it suitable for experienced homebrewers who want to take the brewing experience to the next level. Unlike the Farroday Stainless Steel Two Roller Malt Crusher, this mill comes with the first roller fixed at 0.060 inches.
You can adjust the second roller from a range of 0.0 inches to 0.065 inches, allowing you to have better control of the crush. The build quality of this mill is sturdy and solid, featuring high-quality rollers that will serve you for years.
You can rotate the crankshaft in both directions, enhancing flexibility when hand-cranking. Also, you can connect it to a drill to improve the speed. The hopper in this mill can accommodate up to 7.7 pounds of grain and can process about 8 pounds of grain per minute, improving the overall speed and efficiency of the workflow.
Unlike the Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill, this mill doesn’t come with a base, and you will have to purchase one separately. With a weight of 18.05 pounds, it is the heaviest on my list and unsuitable for moving around.
Pros
- The three rollers are the most effective on my list
- The crankshaft can turn in both directions offering flexibility
Cons
- It is the heaviest on my list and unsuitable for moving around
- It doesn’t come with a base, and you’ll have to purchase one separately
- Barley crusher and grain grinder with 11 lb. Capacity grain hopper
- Heavy-duty three-roller mill with adjustable secondary gap-spacing
- Integral drive shaft and axles
Best Home Brewing Grain Mill for the Money: Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill
The Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill is an excellent two-roller grain mill suitable for both experienced and beginner homebrewers. This mill is specifically designed for home brewing and facilitates the release of malted sugars by crushing the grains coarsely.
Like the MRbrew Malt Crusher, this mill comes with a hopper that can accommodate 7 pounds of grain. Also, you can power the Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill with a drill or hand-crank it, offering you extra flexibility.
This mill sits on a regular 5-6.5 gallon bucket, allowing you to easily catch everything as it passes. Like the MRbrew Malt Crusher, you can adjust the roller gapping from 0.025 to 0.1 inches, allowing you to adjust the size of your crushing.
The hopper rubber ring keeps on coming off and might inconvenience you. Unlike many grain Mills of this level, this mill comes with a custom-designed metal base, saving you the hassle of looking for one.
Although lighter than the Kegco KM11HM-3R Grain Mill, the 9.97 pounds of weight is not convenient for moving around. Also, the small-sized nuts and bolts might pose a challenge when assembling.
Pros
- It can sit on a regular 5 to 6.5-gallon bucket, ensuring you catch everything
- It comes with a metal base, and you don’t have to purchase one separately
Cons
- It is the second heaviest on my list and unsuitable for moving around
- The rubber ring easily comes off
- Perfectly milled grains, ease of use and superior dependability. Look no further than the...
- Fully adjustable roller gap from 0.025” all the way to 0.1”, allowing you to finely tune the...
- INCLUDES a custom-designed all metal base that fits perfectly on any standard 5 or 6.5 gallon...
Best Cheap Grain Mill for Home Brewing: MRbrew Malt Crusher
If you want to invest in an entry-level grain mill you can’t go wrong with the MRbrew Malt Crusher two-roller model. It features high-quality stainless steel rollers that will give you years of service without breaking down.
These rollers come with an adjustable gap of 0.025 inches and 0.1 inches, allowing you to have better control over the size. Like the Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill, the hopper in this mill can hold up to seven pounds of grain, allowing you to work on a whole batch in one round.
If you want to improve the speed of the workflow, you can pass the 7 pounds of grain through this device twice in about 10 minutes. This mill allows you to switch between milling with the drill attached or manual milling, improving the overall flexibility of the workflow.
Although the assembly is easy, the supplied bolts and nuts are small in size making it slightly fiddly. Also, you might face challenges removing the protective plastic part which helps to keep the mill safe.
Although 1.01 pounds heavier than the Ferroday Stainless Steel 2 Roller Malt Crusher, this machine weighs 8.71 pounds which is lightweight enough to move around without problems.
Pros
- The adjustable roller gapping allows you to control the crushing size
- You can easily switch between manual milling and using a drill
Cons
- The small-sized nuts and bolts might make the assembling process challenging
- The protective plastic covering is difficult to remove
- Adjustable Roller Gap Distance and Not Ruin the Husks: MRbrew malt mill features a 2-roller grinding...
- Long Life Bearing Rollers Driving: stainless steel 304 two rollers malt grinder is built heavy with...
- High Holding Capacity and High Efficiency: brew malt wheat crusher features large grain hoppers that...
Best Lightweight Grain Mill for Home Brewing: Ferroday Stainless Steel 2 Roller Malt Crusher
If you want a grain mill that combines reliability and functionality, the Ferroday Stainless Steel Two Roller Malt Crusher is the best option for you. Unlike the hopper in the Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill, the hopper in this mill can accommodate up to 7.7 pounds of grain, which helps to reduce the time you will take to prepare your grain.
Also, this mill is compatible with a drill, saving you the hassle of hand-cranking. Like the MRbrew Malt Crusher, this mill is compatible with a drill, saving you the hassle of hand-cranking.
Like the Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill, you can adjust the gap between the roller from 0.025 inches to 0.1 inches, helping you fine-tune your crush size. The rollers are made of high-quality stainless steel, making them durable, sturdy, and resistant to corrosion.
Besides, the included solid wooden base saves you the cost of purchasing one separately. However, the protective film that comes with this mill is challenging to remove, and once you remove it, it leaves a sticky residue that is difficult to clean. Unlike the MRbrew Malt Crusher, the assembly of this mill is not straightforward.
Pros
- The large hopper size will allow you to work on a whole batch in one round
- You can switch between hand cranking and using a drill
Cons
- The two rollers are not effective like 3 rollers in Kegco KM11GM-3R Grain Mill
- The protective film that comes with this mill is difficult to remove
- 【Large 7.7LB Hopper】: Upgrade a thicker hopper that can hold up to 7.7 lb grains at one time....
- 【Powerful Knurls & Adjustable Gap】: 5-inch rollers, 12 TPI knurl, efficiently pulls all your...
- 【Strong Drill Mode】: Attach an electric drill and give your arm a rest! Give a throughput of 7...
Features to Consider for the Best Grain Mill for Home Brewing
The best grain mill should allow you to crush and prepare your grains in a fast and effective manner. Here are some of the features you should consider when choosing a grain mill for home brewing.
| Product | Number of Rollers | Hopper Capacity (Pounds) | Dimensions (Inches) | Weight (Pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRbrew Malt Crusher | 2 | 7 | 12.68 x 12.36 x 4.25 | 8.71 |
| Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill | 2 | 7 | 9 x 9 x 11 | 9.97 |
| Farroday Stainless Steel Two Roller Malt Crusher | 2 | 7.7 | 14.92 x 12.83 x 4.41 | 7.7 |
| Kegco KM11GM-3R Grain Mill | 3 | 7.7 | 14.2 12.2 x 9.21 | 18.05 |
Number of Rollers
Most grain mills for home brewing have two or three rollers. The 3 roller crusher like the Kegco KM11GM-3R Grain Mill operates by passing the grains between two gaps. The first one breaks the husk of the grain, and the second one grinds the grits.
That means that a 3 roller mill will help protect the integrity of the grain’s husk, which will eventually help in the lautering process. On the other hand, 2 roller mills have one gap. That means you will have to adjust the gapping to achieve the right crushing balance between grits flour and husks.
Although 2 roller mills are not as fast as 3 roller mills, they still get the job done for most homebrewers. They are capable of crushing 5 to 10-gallon batches in several minutes.
Roller Material
Most grain crushers for homebrewing are made of stainless steel or hardened steel. Although hardened steel might be preferable due to its durability, it is not corrosive resistant like stainless steel.
If you live in a coastal or damp region, it is advisable to go for a stainless steel mill such as the Farroday Stainless Steel Two Roller Malt Crusher. In most cases, the frame is constructed of an aluminum alloy, which helps to improve corrosion resistance and stability.
Hopper Size
Hoppers are the funnel-shaped parts in a grain mill that holds the grains before they enter the mill. Usually, the size of the hopper is included in the specs of the mill. Hoppers vary in size depending on the model of the mill, and you need to choose a size that will meet your crushing requirements.
For instance, the 7 pounds hopper capacity in the Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill will allow you to work on the whole batch in one round.
Mill Base
The base of a mill helps to catch the milled grain. Most grain mills for home brewing come with a wooden or metallic base. For instance, the Farroday Stainless Steel Two Roller Malt Crusher comes with a wooden base while the Northern Brewer Hullwrecker Grain Mill comes with a metal base.
Keep in mind that some models such as the Kegco KM11GM-3R Grain Mill don’t come with a base and so you’ll need to check it out when purchasing. If the grain mill doesn’t come with a base, it means you need to purchase one separately, which translates to added costs.
Roller Gapping
Different homebrew systems use different grain crushes. Also, different grains have varying ideal crush sizes. Choosing a grain mill that will allow you to control your grain crush will help obtain the right crush sizes for your recipe and brewing system, allowing you to make consistent brews.
Although many grain mills come with an adjustable gap, you should pay attention to how accurate the adjustment is, and how easy it is to do it. Usually, it should feature markings to let you know the size that you have chosen, and a knob to help you adjust with ease.
Also, pay attention to the adjustment range offered by the mill. Many grain mills such as the MRbrew Malt Crusher offer a minimum adjustment of 0.025 inches to a maximum adjustment of 0.1 inches, which is sufficient for regular home brewing needs.
Drill-Powered or Hand-Powered
When purchasing a grain mill for home brewing, consider purchasing one that allows you to switch between milling with the drill attached or manual milling such as the MRbrew Malt Crusher.
The drill-powered option will save you effort and time, and the hand-cranking option will help you when there is a power blackout.
Roller Crusher or Plate Crusher
There are two types of grain mills for home brewing; plate and roller mills. The plate mills crush the grains between plates and offer minimal control over the crushing.
On the other hand, roller mills such as the Kegco KM11GM-3R Grain Mill crush grains between rollers, allowing you to have better control over the crush size. Keep in mind that the control you have over the crush size will have a direct impact on the quality of the beer produced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Clean My Grain Mill?
Avoid using cleaning products or water to clean your grain mill. Rather, use a dry and clean paintbrush to dust off your mill. You can use compressed air to clean the tight corners and hard-to-reach places.
How Can I Power My Mill?
You can power the mill using a strong electric drill that features variable speed control. You will need an electric drill that can run slow at around 175 to 200 RPM to obtain the best crush.
For How Long Is Grain Good for Brewing After Milling?
You can’t tell whether the grain is still good for brewing by its smell and taste. If you keep the milled grain in a dry environment, it will remain good for 4 to 6 months after milling.
How Do I Know That a Grain Crush Is Good?
A grain crush is good if you have exposed the grain inside while preserving the integrity of the husk. You should not have whole uncrushed kernels or too much fine powder.
Do I Need to Mill Grain for Home Brewing?
You do not have to shred the grain into a fine powder unless you are utilizing a mash filtration system. In regular homebrewing, you will not be using this system and so you only need to invest in a malt mill that has a preset roller gap or adjustable rollers.
Conclusion
You will need to invest in a grain Mill device if you want to improve your overall home brewing efficiency. Although choosing the best grain mill for home brewing can be challenging, you can’t go wrong with any option from the above mills.
