I’m in the market for a Mill to add to my all grain setup. I’ve been reading about The Barley Crusher and Monster Mill. Does anyone have any feelings either way? Thanks for your input.
I actually have one of each, the BC got me through several years until I upgraded to a bigger (and much more expensive) mill. I recommend both of them but for a budget minded person the BC is a great value and it comes ready to use out of the box.
I love my Barley Crusher. I use a drill to run it and it works great, and adjusting the gap is very easy.
I’ve never used a Monster Mill so I can’t comment on that one.
I’ve got a 3 roller monster mill and I really like it. But, you have to make some sort of hopper and base for the mill. Mine works but needs improvement. The mill itself does a very good job and is easily adjustable. This is the only mill I’ve ever owned.
I got a Barley Crusher with 15 pound hopper about 4 years ago.
Works great, no issues.
Used it with the hand crank for about 3 years, then last year put a motor on it.
Motorizing it cut 20 minutes off my brew day and works like a charm.
I’ve had a Barley Crusher for several years. It has more than met my needs. I’ve used a drill to drive it and built a couple different milling tables while improving my design.
I’ve been happy with it.
Paul
Generally a mill recommendation will follow the mill a brewer has purchased.
Both are good mills, I own a BC.
Good point. I like my Schmidlin mill. It is at least 15 years old and has never given me a problem.
Of course, now it will…
Very true! These questions can quickly become a religion-like discussion. All the major mills get good reviews from their users.
Paul
That said, not many can attest to owning both. Given my druthers I may go MM over BC. But you can’t beat BC for the price.
Another vote for the Schmidling. Mine is used by 2 people and over the last 13 years has had tons of grain run through it. It still functions perfectly.
I have a Barley Crusher and really like it. It is ready to crush straight out of the box. You usually have to fabricate a hopper with other mills.
Not the Schmidling.
I’m using a 2 roller MM with the optional hopper. The mill has worked flawlessly over the past 9 months and gives me a good, consistent crush. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another if mine was destroyed somehow.
I use the JSP Maltmill and give it a big two mugs up. 
hey guys thanks for all the input, I’ve found a few other mills to look at because of your recommendations. Keep’em commin
Time is money.
I like how the BC I bought came with a 15 lb hopper and hand crank and for a very good price.
All I needed was a 5 gallon Homer Bucket and I was good to go.
I don’t have the time or resources to construct hoppers and belt-driven motors/tables.
I used the hand crank a few times in near 100 degree heat and humidity here in FL, but quickly realized that using a corded power drill to run the rollers is a much easier way to do this task.
Plus, when you are grinding harder grains (e.g., crystal or roasted malts), the power drill works harder, not you.
I have a MM and love it. I got the hopper but built my own table for it.
As others have mentioned though, everyone seems to love the mill that they have. I have heard of a few people wearing out their Barley Crusher, but for most people they last several years at least. I’ve crushed on one and it worked great, I think it is a good product, especially for the price.
I’m very happy with my adjustable JSP MaltMill. I ordered a barebones version and made my own deck and use an inverted 5 gallon plastic water jug as the hopper.
http://schmidling.com/bbordpp.htm
I’m looking to put together my own table and add a electric motor to help make things easier. Does anyone have any pictures of their motorized setup? The cost of the bare bone JSP MaltMill is very enticing, taking a few extra steps to make my own hopper seems like a fun project.