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[[File:Knurled-rollers.jpg|thumb|right|Knurled rollers on a 3-roller mill (bottom view)]] | [[File:Knurled-rollers.jpg|thumb|right|Knurled rollers on a 3-roller mill (bottom view)]] | ||
*'''3-roller vs 2-roller''' - In a 3-roller mill, the grain is pre-crushed in the gap between the top two rollers, and then the grain flows into the gap between the drive roller and bottom roller, crushing it further. The top gap is fixed at around 0.060–0.070" which easily pulls in both wheat and barley, providing superior feed, and softening the starch without tearing up the husk.<ref name="monster">[https://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/store/pc/FAQs-d2.htm FAQs.] Monster Brewing Hardware. Accessed May 2020.</ref> The lowered husk damage aids in lautering among other things (see below). The double crush also more fully separates the husk from the starch. The downsides to 3-roller mills are that more power (torque) is typically required to drive them and they are generally more expensive. 2-roller mills are more budget friendly. | *'''3-roller vs 2-roller''' - In a 3-roller mill, the grain is pre-crushed in the gap between the top two rollers, and then the grain flows into the gap between the drive roller and bottom roller, crushing it further. The top gap is fixed at around 0.060–0.070" which easily pulls in both wheat and barley, providing superior feed, and softening the starch without tearing up the husk.<ref name="monster">[https://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/store/pc/FAQs-d2.htm FAQs.] Monster Brewing Hardware. Accessed May 2020.</ref> The lowered husk damage aids in lautering among other things (see below). The double crush also more fully separates the husk from the starch. The downsides to 3-roller mills are that more power (torque) is typically required to drive them and they are generally more expensive. 2-roller mills are more budget friendly. | ||
*'''Bearings vs bushings''' - Sealed ball bearings generally require no maintenance and can have a significantly longer lifespan than bushings, particularly if you drive the mill with a pulley.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-recomendations.662727/post-8529641 Grain mill recomendations.] HomebrewTalk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/quality-corona-hand-crank-mill.645349/post-8224674 Quality corona/hand-crank mill?] HomebrewTalk website. 2018. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/tell-me-about-grain-mills.666252/post-8598698 Tell me about grain mills.] HomebrewTalk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-recomendation.672926/post-8734778 Grain mill recomendation.] HomebrewTalk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref> On the other hand, bushings have more friction and may wear over time, such that they will need to be replaced at some point.<ref>Layosa C. [https://blog.misumiusa.com/introduction-to-working-with-linear-bushings-bushings-vs-bearings/ Introduction to working with linear bushings: bushings vs. bearings.] Misumi website. 2016. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://youtu.be/fJVGlvZQvGk Ball Bearings vs Bushings.] ServoCity on YouTube. 2017. Accessed 2020.</ref> Therefore we recommend a mill with sealed ball bearings. However, bushings are still | *'''Bearings vs bushings''' - Sealed ball bearings generally require no maintenance and can have a significantly longer lifespan than bushings, particularly if you drive the mill with a pulley.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-recomendations.662727/post-8529641 Grain mill recomendations.] HomebrewTalk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/quality-corona-hand-crank-mill.645349/post-8224674 Quality corona/hand-crank mill?] HomebrewTalk website. 2018. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/tell-me-about-grain-mills.666252/post-8598698 Tell me about grain mills.] HomebrewTalk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/grain-mill-recomendation.672926/post-8734778 Grain mill recomendation.] HomebrewTalk website. 2019. Accessed 2020.</ref> On the other hand, bushings have more friction and may wear over time, such that they will need to be replaced at some point.<ref>Layosa C. [https://blog.misumiusa.com/introduction-to-working-with-linear-bushings-bushings-vs-bearings/ Introduction to working with linear bushings: bushings vs. bearings.] Misumi website. 2016. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://youtu.be/fJVGlvZQvGk Ball Bearings vs Bushings.] ServoCity on YouTube. 2017. Accessed 2020.</ref> Therefore we recommend a mill with sealed ball bearings. However, bushings are still an acceptable option when using a direct drive system such as a drill. Bushings may benefit from periodic cleaning and lubrication with a drop of food-grade mineral oil; check with the manufacturer.<ref name="LOB-1069">[http://www.themodernbrewhouse.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1069 Choosing a malt mill.] The Modern Brewhouse website. 2018–2020. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/monster-mill-problems.102809/post-1141303 Monster mill problems.] HomebrewTalk website. 2009. Accessed 2020.</ref> | ||
*'''Roller material''' - For most brewers, hardened steel is the best option for roller material due to its durability.<ref>[https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/carbon-steel-versus-stainless-steel Carbon steel vs stainless steel.] Reliance Foundry. Accessed June 2020.</ref> However, stainless steel has better protection against corrosion (although it is also more expensive). If you live in a damp or coastal region, stainless might be a good option.<ref name="bison">Green T. [https://bisonbrew.com/grain-mill/ The best grain mills for homebrewing.] Bison Brew. 2020. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/store/pc/3-Roller-Homebrew-Grain-Mill-p86.htm 3 roller homebrew grain mill.] Monster Brewing Hardware. Accessed June 2020.</ref> | *'''Roller material''' - For most brewers, hardened steel is the best option for roller material due to its durability.<ref>[https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/carbon-steel-versus-stainless-steel Carbon steel vs stainless steel.] Reliance Foundry. Accessed June 2020.</ref> However, stainless steel has better protection against corrosion (although it is also more expensive). If you live in a damp or coastal region, stainless might be a good option.<ref name="bison">Green T. [https://bisonbrew.com/grain-mill/ The best grain mills for homebrewing.] Bison Brew. 2020. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.monsterbrewinghardware.com/store/pc/3-Roller-Homebrew-Grain-Mill-p86.htm 3 roller homebrew grain mill.] Monster Brewing Hardware. Accessed June 2020.</ref> | ||
*'''Roller diameter''' - Larger diameter helps the grain feed through the rollers.<ref name="Kunze"/><ref name=mashing>Evans E. [[Library|''Mashing.'']] American Society of Brewing Chemists and Master Brewers Association of the Americas; 2021.</ref> | *'''Roller diameter''' - Larger diameter helps the grain feed through the rollers.<ref name="Kunze"/><ref name=mashing>Evans E. [[Library|''Mashing.'']] American Society of Brewing Chemists and Master Brewers Association of the Americas; 2021.</ref> | ||