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About grain mills (for Uma)

dalepadams@juno.com
Tue, 22 Apr 2003 23:02:52 -0400
v103.n021.12
Hello to all from a lurker.  I am very pleased with the postings and truly 
appreciate the work done by Reggie to keep the recipes and comments coming.

I have some information for Uma that I hope is helpful.  I recently 
purchased a grain mill and am offering you my research in a condensed 
format.  If you would like more specific information, feel free to contact 
me directly.

There are several types of grain mills with different characteristics, 
advantages, and disadvantages.

1.  stone grinder - grinds all types of grains using stones that are turned 
by hand.  It grinds well but can get gummed up and glazed from grinding 
oily seeds.  It is heavy and takes up a lot of space.

2.  burr grinder - uses metal burrs that look like meshing gears to grind, 
either hand-cranked or motorized.  It gives an adjustable grind from 
cracked to flour.  Several passes through the grinder are needed to make 
the finest flour.  It cannot be used to grind wet items (like pop corn) or 
hardened grains like pearl barley.

3.  micronizer - used in industry to mill pharmaceuticals prior to making 
pills.  Produces a fine powdery flour.  It sounds like a vacuum cleaner and 
is enclosed to minimize dust and noise.  Only available in motorized format.

Grinding generates heat, which can scorch the grains or flours.  So, look 
for a lower grinding temperature if you are going to get a motorized 
unit.  It is also good to look for a larger hopper so that you can grind 
several pounds of grain without refilling.  If the grinder will be used 
frequently, its footprint and weight might become an issue.  If it will be 
used to grind dried herbs and spices as well as grains, be sure that it is 
easily cleaned.  And finally, after looking at all models and deciding on a 
mill, get user comments off the internet or through experiences of people 
who you know.  If you plan on using the mill a lot, get one that is sturdy 
and not prone to breakdowns and repair.  I found the best price on eBay, 
even though the mills in town were on sale.  I purchased new-in-box without 
bidding.  Prices range from $60 to $500.