I have always bought precrushed grain. currently the difference in price between PER LB crushed grain and uncrushed is that crushed is about 5-15% more expensive than uncrushed.
-i dont have to spend time crushing the grain
-i dont have to pay for the mill upfront and store it
-i have my efficiency dialed in with the uncrushed grain i get
2roller mill is about $150 here i believe.
however i am always interested in improving the quality of my product.
should i buy a mill?
Buy a grain mill if you are getting inconsistent crushes from your supplier.
Buy a grain mill if you want to “stock” grain and brew from inventory.
You can store uncrushed grain a lot longer before it degrades. I would only store crushed grain for a few weeks before using it (although roasted grains will probably last longer). If you want to purchase grain in larger quantities to get price breaks and store it for months, then you need a grain mill. I do BIAB and crush my grain finer than pre-crushed grain or the self-serve mill at my LHBS.
Like @Richard I BIAB and crush my grain much finer than I could get at my LHBS and I feel I control more of the process. Also, I get a weird sense of satisfaction from doing it.
I, too, bought my own mill so that I could crush a lot finer (for BIAB) than my (then) LHBS crushed.
thank you guys, does anyone feel like the beer is fresher/better or worse? if crushed just before brewing vs. precrushed.
full disclosure:
-i buy from a big supplier, i think they crush most of the grain in advance and keep it around for sale.
-only some of the grains come in this crushed format, so if i want some types only available uncrushed i do it at home with a coffee mill. it takes about 10 mins to get through 2lbs and its not a perfect crush.
is the taste p much the same, a little better or.much better?
I can’t say that I notice a difference in taste, especially since I haven’t used pre-crushed grain in a few years. The finer crush and ability to store for longer were the big selling points for me.
I haven’t purchased pre crushed grain in years and never did a side-by-side comparison. But, mentally I think I make better beer with CIY (crush it yourself).
I have always been with the understanding that milled grain needed to be used in a very short time period; a day or two. However, I have never read any particular scientific finding on this subject.
I bought a Barley Crusher many years ago because I was getting a very inconsistent crush from my supplier, and I love it.
Not being very experienced with any of this, take it for what it is worth. My wife was kind enough to buy me a mill for Xmas. I used it for the first time a few months ago, and I seemed to get a better result. It could be just in my head, but it seems my OG and preboil numbers were closer to my software calculations. Like I said, it could just be in my head, but I did having another part of the process under my control. Rock On!!!
For me, the main benefit was a consistent crush. I buy my ingredients from at least half a dozen different suppliers depending on price and product selection. I found that my efficiency was all over the place depending on where I got my milled grain from. Once I started milling my own grain, I was within the same 2-4% window every time.
Since then I have also felt a lot more comfortable stockpiling grain and essentially having a mini LHBS in my basement. Unmilled grain lasts for years with little to no affect on flavor if stored properly.
Briess says their crushed grain is good for 2 years.
In the original sealed packaging, I have no doubts that it lasts at least that long based on my experience. I don’t know if I’d feel as comfortable with bulk milled grain thrown in a thin bag from a LHBS. FWIW, I live in New England where we are prone to humid summers. In Arizona or New Mexico it may last a lot longer than in my area.
I agree 100% with the statement about packaging and conditions.
Also, I looked at some of the data sheets on the Briess website. For example, this one https://www.brewingwithbriess.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/Briess-PISB-Brewers-Malt.pdf for Brewers malt, and a few others that I looked at say:
“Whole kernel diastatic and preground malts are best when used within 6 months from date of manufacture.”
If you’re happy with the beer you make buying pre-crushed grain and you don’t buy in bulk, you don’t need a mill.
If cost is the prohibitive factor, you could probably find a used mill for sale on craigslist/local fb homebrew groups/etc. for half as much. Lots of people still getting out of the hobby and unloading equipment.
I brew small BIAB batches and use my Kitchen Aid Grain Mill.
Takes me about 30 minutes to grind ≈ 8lbs, on a slow-medium speed.
How large are your batch sizes?
How often do you brew?
Are you trying to improve your brewing consistency?
Will you be buying larger/bulk?
Keep in mind that you may want a a motorized mill. Much better that a hand crank or power drill IMO.
You can find these for less money than on MoreBeer. Website was illustrative only.
FWIW, I am very happy with my grain mill and I know that it improved overall efficiency
FWIW, I’ve been using a drill powered mill for 25 years and it works great.
I crush anywhere from 35lbs of grain and up, so for me having a large hopper and motor, it’s a matter of convenience and ease. That’s why I asked how large the batch size is. But I agree a power drill works just fine.
Got it. I regularly do 32-35 lb. with my drill