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Farm Kitchen:  What's your flour mill?  |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
 Posted - May 22 2008 : 1:17:29 PM
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My favorite flour has hit $7.95 for a five pound bag. So I think I'm going to go with a flour mill and buy my own berries. What is your flour mill? Is it your dream mill? What features do you like about it? What do you dislike? After working with your own, is there any one out there you think you'd rather have?
I sure do appreciate your help. Every manufacturer will tell you theirs is the best. I need to find out what real people think. Thanks! |
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campchic
True Blue Farmgirl
312 Posts
Erin
Nebraska
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 3:11:56 PM
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Where do you find wheat berries? Is it cheaper to grind your own flour? I know what you mean about rising flour prices.
Erin
Farmgirl #190 |
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happyhousewife
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
Mary
North Pole
Alaska
201 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 3:19:43 PM
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| I use my Vita-mix with the dry container. I looked at many flour mills before I bought the Vitamix, but I chose the vitamix because of all the other things it can do as well. www.vitamix.com |
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campchic
True Blue Farmgirl
312 Posts
Erin
Nebraska
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 5:26:34 PM
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What about a Bosch mixer? I've heard some good things about them.
Erin |
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Renee M. in Michigan
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Renee
Allendale
MI
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 7:06:55 PM
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Has anyone ever tried an electric coffee grinder? I am tempted to try one for wheat berries. I say this because a few years ago, I used a small coffee grinder to grind up flax seed for a horse of mine with skin allergies (flax is supposed to help with that due to the Omega 3 acids in it) and it did a GREAT job. I basically got flax "flour".
Anyway, the coffee grinders are tons cheaper than the grain mills and geez, if they'd work and last well, it would be worth a try I think. My little coffee grinder was used for well over a year and never quit.
(At which time, I placed the horse in a home where the knats she was allergic to were non-existant)
Also, does anyone know the shelf life of wheat berries? I am embarrassed to say I have some in a sealed, never-opened, white plastic container, stored in the cool basement that are 8 years old. I was going to feed them to the chickens, but. . . . (yeah, you guessed it: They were part of our Y2K stash! 
fondly,
Renee M. in the mitten
No woman ever made history by following the rules. |
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Aunt Em
True Blue Farmgirl
137 Posts
Emme
Carnation
WA
137 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 10:07:34 PM
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Erin, I order big bags of wheat berries from our local food co-op/healthy grocery store. I'm not sure the overall loaf of bread is cheaper than the cheapest bread on the shelf, but its SO much better for you, I think its worth it.
Check out www.urbanhomemaker.com for lots of info on grain mills. The lady that owns it is very helpful in answering questions via email, though very sadly she just lost her husband, so may not be as quick right now.
Farmgirl Sister #138
http://www.LilBitCrunchy.blogspot.com |
Edited by - Aunt Em on May 22 2008 10:13:24 PM |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 10:14:06 PM
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We get our red wheat from a farmer. We trade him eggs for it because he also brings the bottom of the grain bin stuff to our chickens. I am just using my old blender to grind the wheat. It works fine. I have a really good whole wheat pancake recipe made in the blender starting with the wheat kernels if you're interested.
"Nature always has the last laugh." Mrs. Greenthumbs
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Renee M. in Michigan
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Renee
Allendale
MI
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 11:13:58 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by Aunt Em
. . . Check out www.urbanhomemaker.com
Thank you so much for this link -- I'm printing off recipes right now!
-- Renee M. in the mitten
No woman ever made history by following the rules. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2008 : 11:40:10 PM
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Renee...wheat is good for many many years....20 at the least if kept sealed and dry..so your wheat is totally fine!!
My mill is a whisper mill. I have had a hand grinder (corona type) for years and years...but a neighbor who was getting a new electric mill and knew I didn't have one gave me her "old" one 5 years ago..it works perfectly...and is quiet. I LOVE it.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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cindi
Farmgirl in Training
39 Posts
cindi
sedalia
mo
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2008 : 04:55:55 AM
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i have a "back to basic" Mill. I love it because it holds 2 cups of wheat, corn, ... Infact ui ground 2 cups of corn the other day. My DH bought me a "country living" mill on xmas. I hate it. It is heavy, hard to clean, I'm afrad of ruining the steal burr. The country living is great for cracking corn and beans.
I get my grains at minnonite stores. In MO: La Monte, Tipton, Versailes. In AR Harrison. |
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nouveau_farmchick
True Blue Farmgirl
173 Posts
Paris
Sequim
Wa
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2008 : 05:56:07 AM
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Mine is a Diamant hand grind mill. We use it many times daily, as we grind grain for the stock, and change the burrs for flour, etc. I love it and think it's beautiful to look at in the kitchen. There is a picture of one in Mary Jane's Farm Kitchen magazine edition, on page 42.
Farmgirl
sisterhood #167 |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2008 : 07:36:09 AM
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I had heard really good things about the Whisper Mill, but have been cautioned to stay away from those since the company has gone out of business and you can't get replacement parts. I do have a coffee grinder but I'm afraid the small batches would drive me bonkers. Plus, the lack of uniformity would bother me. I want a really uniform flour. I've been looking at the Nutrimill. It does 20 cups at a time, and doesn't take up much space. I thought about adding the grain mill to my KitchenAid mixer, but I understand it does a poor job of making uniform flour.
I would LOVE a Diamant, but alas a hand crank one would have a hard time finding a home in my little kitchen. They sure are beautiful to look at though.
Here's the Nutrimill. It's pretty intriguing to me, but what do I know at this point??? I'd be grateful if those of you who have used mills would take a look and let me know your thoughts.
http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/index.aspx#Nutrimill |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2008 : 09:05:36 AM
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It looks really good MaryAnn...if I ever have to replace my Whisper Mill I will sure be looking at that one....I like it! I didn't know about the Whisper Mill's company going out of business...so if anything ever happens to mine I will be up a creek..yikes!! I am glad I have a hand grinder that would hold me over until getting a new one..but I am sure spoiled with the electric one right now.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9409 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9409 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2008 : 11:01:56 AM
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I have a Whisper Mill. Have had it for years and I've never needed replacement parts yet. It is quieter than most mills too. The company did go out of business but they were actually bought out by another company so they are still available and called the Wonder Mill. I also have the Bosch mixer and I love it. I have had it for years too and wouldn't trade it for anything. It has many attachments, I only have a few but it is well worth the money. I feel I have gotten my money's worth already.
I get my wheat berries from a co-op. Although at present I am still using wheat berries I bought about 10 years ago. I have kept them in buckets with oxygen absorbers in and they are fine. Come to think of it I need to make a batch of bread! Just FYI using the Bosch I can make 4 loaves at a time. Keep one out for use and freeze the rest. I also freeze any flour that is left over from grinding that I don't use in the recipe it's great for cookies and things. I use red wheat for all my recipes.
Denise
farmgirl sister #43
Kind hearts are gardens
Kind thoughts are roots
Kind words are blossoms
Kind deeds are Fruits
www.torismimi.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
Edited by - levisgrammy on May 23 2008 11:08:26 AM |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9409 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9409 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2008 : 11:11:39 AM
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MaryAnn,
The thing about the Nutrimill doing 20 cups at a time, unless you are going to freeze the flour I wouldn't think you would need that much at one time.
Denise
farmgirl sister #43
Kind hearts are gardens
Kind thoughts are roots
Kind words are blossoms
Kind deeds are Fruits
www.torismimi.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
Edited by - levisgrammy on May 23 2008 11:13:24 AM |
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farmgirlkate
True Blue Farmgirl
167 Posts
kate
bryan
TX
USA
167 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2008 : 5:43:41 PM
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I hate to admit it, but I found mine at a garage sale. the lady wasn't really sure what it was or how it worked and I paid .50 for it. It's pretty old-from the early 70's I think and called a Rich Flour Mill. It has all sorts of settings, but I did have to make a few "parts" for it out of a tin can and cardboard. For .50 I can live with that :)
It works great!
kate
"You only have what you give..."" |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9409 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9409 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2008 : 6:44:13 PM
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wow Kate now that is what I call being resourceful. Good for you!
Denise
farmgirl sister #43
"Take a lesson from the teakettle, though up to its
neck in hot water...it sings!"
www.torismimi.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2008 : 09:03:51 AM
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I am fairly new to milling my own grain. We purchased the Country Living Mill and absolutly love it. As one of the gals said it is large but, DH mounted mine to a stand by itself so it is not taking counter space. Our main reason for buying this one was that it can be used either manually or attached to an electric motor. I have used it without the motor and it is easy but, does take a while. We now have the motor for it and it just zips right along. If for some reason my motor stopped working then I still am able to use my mill while it is being repaired. As far as cleaning- I find it really easy.
I purchase my wheat through Bob's Red Mill. I can drive up there and buy 25lb bags of what I need, and smaller bags of grains that I would like to try.
I have read a few times not to use the attachment for the Kitchen Aid because it is really hard on the motor.
Check out Country Living's web site www.countrylivinggrainmills.com
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2008 : 2:16:30 PM
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I actually have 3 mills. I bought a kitchen aid attachment about 16 years ago. I used that for five years and it worked pretty good.
By the way my kitchen aid is 24 years old and i have been making 4 loaves of bread every 10 days over the past 24 years. It has really paid for itself. Its been a super appliance and worth the money I paid for it.
Anyway then when Y2K was coming I got worried and we scraped up the money for a a big hand grinder.Of course nothing happened... I was a little disappointed.....lol. Its made in the USA but can't find the name on it.It has a wheat stalk on the side of it and its white. It can be hooked up to a pully and a motor. It also had a huge flywheel on it with a wooden handle and its easy to turn. It really grinds finely or can be set to grind coarse. I love it. I use this for cornmeal mostly. Flour when I don't feel like listening to the electric one.
I also have an elctric one thats a KTEC kitchen flour mill. Its kinda loud but grinds super fine. I have been using the heck out of it for 8 years.
I use to use Red Winter wheat berries but found something I liked about 8 years ago. Its called Prarie Gold wheat berries. Its a golden color. Same fiber, healthy, but has a lighter color and also a little nuttier and sweeter taste. I absolutely love making everything with it. People are always amazed how good the bread and everything else made with it taste. It really makes a good loaf of bread.
I use to be able to get it for 19 dollars for $50 lbs. This time it went up to $37 for 50 lbs. Its still worth it for me because of the quality. If you have never tried this wheat its worth trying. It comes from the company Prarie Gold Wheat Montana. We have an Amish community that is about 40 minutes from here. I always order 2 50 lb bags to make it worth the gas money. I unfortunatly own a 12 year old diesel truck and gas is almost $5 here...I love the truck for farming
Whatever grain mill you choose you will be happy using the fresh flour for baking. Theres nothing quite like it. I started over 26 years ago and have never gone back.
Linda
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2008 : 6:14:44 PM
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I LOVE the Nutrimill that I stoleborrowed from my MIL. I just set aside a day that's 'grinding day' and sit out with 50 lbs of rice on my back porch and let 'er rip! I use the food saver to seal it all up as it comes out and stick it in the freezer. Lasts for months and I don't even have to think about it until I grab for the last bag. Then, it's time for another 'grinding day'. Loud messy project, though!
Funny Farm ramblings http://happydalehobby.blogspot.com/ |
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Farm Kitchen: What's your flour mill? |
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What's your flour mill?
