How to Buy a Home Grain Mill

Because home grain mills are a specialty item. Although they are growing in popularity around the country, they are generally available only at specialty stores, food co-ops and online. The quality of home-milled flour is unbeatable, so the search to find a home grain mill to buy is well worth it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Asses your home milling needs and research what is available. If you will use your flour mill for daily bread baking, a quality impact mill would make a good investment. If you want a grain mill just to make cracked grain cereals, look for a less expensive basic auger mill. Read "Flour Power" by Marleeta F. Basey to learn more about grain milling and available grain mills.

2. Choose the type of mill you would like to purchase. Impact mills cannot make cracked grains used for hot cereal, such as oat groats. To grind grains for hot cereal, you'll need an auger style mill such as KitchenAid or a hand mill such as the Back to Basics grain mill.

3. Check local flea markets to find a grain mill and speak to vendors who are there often. Many find items to resell at the flea market, so ask them to keep an eye out for a home grain mill for you and give them your contact information. Also, ask family and friends to keep an eye out at yard sales. Look in local classified ad papers and online at Craig's List for second hand grain mills.

4. Ask about mills at an owner-operated general store. If you live in an area with an Amish general store, you may be able to order a flour mill through the store. They will generally carry hand-crank mills, such as the Family Grain Mill, rather than electric models.

5. Buy a mill online through Pleasant Hill Grain or Grain Miller. Consider the highly rated Nutrimill if your family is large or your baking needs above average. This particular mill has a 20-cup flour capacity. Purchase a Kitchen Aid grain mill attachment on eBay if you already have a stand mixer and are looking for a budget mill. To switch between electrical power and hand cranking, or if you would like to prepare for loss of power, buy the Country Living Grain Mill hand mill with optional motor attachment, hopper cover, large auger for corn and more accessories.

Tips & Warnings

• Read and follow all manufacturer instructions on operating and caring for your grain mill. Protect your investment by using your mill properly.
• Avoid buying a used Whisper Mill, unless you pay very little, as the manufacturing company has gone out of business and is no longer servicing their grain mills.

Resources

• Buy Flour Power from Jermar Press
• Pleasant Hill Grain
• Grain Miller

[drcody]

on 10/2/2009 We just bought a Hawo's Octagon Grain mill from www.GourmetKitchenEssentials.com and we love it!! Who knew fresh ground flour could taste so good! It's a totally different flavor than the flour you buy at the store.

[faithl]

on 5/27/2009 Oh, forgot! I saw somewhere on GrindWheat.com a chart comparing a bunch of different mills. Interesting to see how they compare.Faith L.

[faithl]

on 5/27/2009 I like my Country Living Grain Mill (thank you www.GrindWheat.com!) A few of these are easier on the budget than the Country Living. Either way merry milling!Faith L.