For years, I struggled with inconsistent grain crushing for my homebrewing, leading to subpar mash efficiency and ultimately, less-than-stellar beers. I knew a good FERRODAY Malt Mill 2 Roller Stainless Steel Malt Crusher could solve this, promising improved consistency and better brews. The thought of another batch of disappointing beer spurred me to finally invest in a reliable solution.
Homebrewing enthusiasts often face the challenge of achieving a consistent grain crush, crucial for efficient extraction of sugars during the mash process. A poorly crushed grain can result in incomplete sugar conversion, leading to weak, thin beers, or worse, stuck mashes. The ideal customer for a grain mill like the FERRODAY Malt Mill is the homebrewer who values consistency and efficiency in their brewing process, and is willing to invest in a tool that improves the overall quality of their beer. Those who only brew very small batches occasionally might find a hand-crank mill sufficient, whereas those brewing large batches regularly should prioritize a model with a drill attachment. Individuals looking for a mill to crush grains other than malted barley and wheat should explore alternative options. Before purchasing, consider factors like capacity (how much grain you typically process at once), adjustability (fineness of the crush), build quality (durability and longevity), and ease of use and cleaning. The availability of a drill attachment is a significant factor for larger brewing operations. Consider whether you prefer manual operation or the convenience of a power-assisted model.
- Large 7.7LB Hopper: Upgrade to a thicker hopper that can hold up to 7.7 lb grains. Large capacity for you to handle large batches of brewing. Specially designed to crush malted grain for beer brew,...
- Powerful Knurls & Adjustable Gap: 5-inch rollers, 12 TPI knurl, efficiently pull all your grains through while leaving the hull intact to form an excellent filter bed for sparging. The clearance of...
- Strong Drill Mode: Attach an electric drill and give your arm a rest! Give a throughput of 7 pounds in one minute with the drill mode! much more powerful than the traditional manual mode. (3/8 inch,...
Introducing the FERRODAY Malt Mill 2-Roller Crusher
The FERRODAY Malt Mill 2 Roller Stainless Steel Malt Crusher is a homebrew grain crusher designed to efficiently crush malted barley and wheat for beer brewing. It promises a consistent crush, adjustable gap settings, and the option of both manual and drill-assisted operation. This model distinguishes itself from its competitors with its large hopper capacity and robust construction. When compared to other entry-level models, the FERRODAY offers a good balance of features and price. This mill is perfect for homebrewers who regularly brew larger batches or value the convenience of faster milling with the drill attachment option. It is not, however, suitable for crushing corn, soybeans, or for producing flakes or flour.
- Pros: Large hopper capacity, adjustable crush settings, durable stainless steel construction, drill attachment option, relatively affordable.
- Cons: Small assembly hardware, hopper may not hold the advertised 7.7 lbs, some reports of inconsistent crush settings, lack of a mounting base.
- 1200-Watt Motor: Provides the power necessary to mill hard grains like wheat, delivering the perfect texture for bread flour.
- Connect to any household KitchenAid Stand Mixer power hub and use the power of the motor to run the attachment. sold separately.
- CAST IRON GRINDER: Designed to make grinding a breeze, the Victoria Grain Grinder features a spacious hopper and a double-tin plating to resist stains and corrosion. This food mill allows efficient...
Exploring the FERRODAY Malt Mill’s Features and Benefits
The Hopper: Capacity and Design
The FERRODAY Malt Mill’s 7.7-pound hopper capacity, while advertised as a significant advantage, proved to be slightly less in practice. While it still manages a substantial amount of grain, it’s advisable to expect slightly less than the stated capacity. The hopper design, however, is generally well-received, with users appreciating its relatively smooth interior to allow for easier grain flow. However, several reviewers noted that the grains tend to bunch up in the corners, necessitating some improvisation to improve the flow. A slight modification, like adding tape to the hopper corners, helps alleviate this issue. While this isn’t ideal, the solution is relatively straightforward.
The Rollers: Crush Consistency and Adjustability
The 5-inch stainless steel rollers, with their 12 TPI knurl pattern, are a key feature of this mill. The adjustability of the gap between the rollers allows you to control the fineness of the crush, a crucial aspect for achieving optimal mash efficiency. While most users report excellent crush consistency, a few reviewers mentioned some slippage in the crush settings over time, potentially requiring adjustments during a long milling session. I found this to be only a minor inconvenience, easily manageable with occasional checks. The quality of the bearings is quite good and I’ve not experienced any wobble after several months of use.
Drill Attachment: Speed and Efficiency
The option to use a low-speed drill significantly increases the milling speed and efficiency, a massive time-saver for larger batches. This feature was a game-changer for me; the time saved during my brew days is invaluable. The attachment is sturdy and secure, and I’ve never experienced any issues with it. Ensure you use a low-speed drill (as recommended), as higher speeds can damage the mill or the grain.
Build Quality and Durability
The FERRODAY Malt Mill is constructed primarily from stainless steel and aluminum alloy. The stainless steel rollers and screws are food-safe, ensuring the integrity of your ingredients. The aluminum alloy components are lightweight yet sturdy. While some reviewers reported minor issues with the assembly hardware (the screws being unusually small), the overall build quality appears durable enough for regular homebrewing use. However, careful handling is recommended, particularly during the assembly process, given the size of the hardware.
Assembly and Ease of Use
Assembly is relatively straightforward, but the small size of the nuts and bolts requires patience and a suitable workspace. The instructions, while adequate, could benefit from clearer diagrams. Once assembled, operating the mill is simple, whether manually or with a drill. Cleaning is also relatively easy – a quick brush-down and wipe-down typically suffice. The addition of a mounting base for better stability would be a welcome enhancement.
User Feedback on the FERRODAY Malt Mill
Online reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many homebrewers praising the mill’s efficiency and ease of use for its price point. While some users experienced minor issues, like the small assembly hardware or inconsistent crush settings, most consider these minor inconveniences easily overcome. The consensus seems to be that the FERRODAY Malt Mill provides excellent value for money for the homebrewer who prefers the convenience of a power option.
Final Verdict: A Solid Choice for Homebrewers
The FERRODAY Malt Mill efficiently solves the problem of inconsistent grain crushing for homebrewers, leading to improved mash efficiency and ultimately, better beer. Its large capacity, adjustable settings, and the convenient drill attachment option make it a great option. While some minor drawbacks exist (small assembly hardware, potential for crush setting slippage, and the slightly lower-than-advertised hopper capacity), these are largely outweighed by its performance and affordability. To ensure consistent crushing and avoid potential issues, it’s advisable to address the grain bunching in the hopper corners with a simple modification. To experience the benefits of consistently crushed grains and improve your brewing efficiency, click here to check out the FERRODAY Malt Mill 2 Roller Stainless Steel Malt Crusher today!