Hi Everyone!
First time poster. Brad from Media, PA near Philadelphia.
I'm interested primarily in old fashioned 100% rye sourdough bread made from freshly ground rye. I want to use dark rye.
I also intend to crack rye berries for eating like a porridge.
The first thing I'm trying to decide on is a hand grinder. I don't want a motor. I'm looking at these two:
The Victorio sure does look attractive based upon the low price and great reviews. I'm wondering if it will grind rye OK or if I need to go with the Country Living. I am not necessarily looking for a fine flour - I'm actually interested in getting the highest nutrition out of the rye - whatever way that is. And I like hearty breads the most.
The Country Living is such a nice piece of equipment. I am the type who loves to get really great equipment that is heavy and solid like this and lasts a lifetime, so I'm leaning toward this as my selection.
Another factor is the clamp - The Victorio clamp is so small - but I've watched some review videos and read reviews and no one is complaining too much about it I don't think.
The next thing I'm trying to figure out is where to get my rye berries from. I'm thinking it may be good to get them from Switzerland or Germany - I'm looking for organic and the highest quality super nutritious dark rye berries. Any thoughts?
And then I'm wondering if you have any recommendations for good recipes or videos on sourdough bread and porridge or gruel specifically for rye - or something that would work well for 100% rye.
Thanks for the help!
welcome!
I started with a steel mill similar to what you posted but I wasn't at all happy with the flour it gave me. I used different recipes (100% wholemeal rye among them) and the flour just never soaked up enough water.
That changed dramatically when I started to use stone milled flour. Suddenly all the recipes worked for me again. I had a look at the two mills you favour and personally, I would definitely not use an aluminium one. If you want something that will not only last you a lifetime but also give you the best possible result have a look at this one:
https://www.slowjuice.de/schnitzer-country-handgetreidemuhle.html
Don't be fooled by the picture, that hopper holds a whole kilo!
I was tempted to buy this one myself but in the end decided to get a KoMoMio (electric) that I'm very happy with. The old steel grinder I now use for spices - in rye bread ;-)
Hi treesparrow! Thanks for the post. I was hesitant to buy a stone mill because I heard that some of the stone can grind into the flour and hurt your teeth. But maybe that's just the cheap mills?
Why do you not like the aluminum? It's just the casing - do you think it would be less sturdy or what?
I really like both mills you mentioned. Why did you decide on the KoMo Mio? Just because it was electric or other reasons also?
I like the looks of the classic walnut one (you have to choose walnut to see it...shown is beach):
https://pleasanthillgrain.com/komo-classic-grain-mill-flour-grinder-wood-stone
Also I read some reviews that says the KoMo electric heats up the grain - so I'm wondering if the manual one you mentioned would be cooler - I would think so but not sure. Anyway, i'm interested in keeping the grain as low of a temperature as possible.
Thanks