Bulk Food Supplies?

[Lazy Gardener]

The grain mill you bought... can you hook it up to a drill? I think that would be the way to go for short term power outages. My shoulders and hands couldn't take much in the way of hand cranking.

 

[wyoDreamer]

If you are asking about the Country Living Grain Mill, no, I don't think you could hook a drill directly to it.
The motor attachment like what we bought, has the mill and the motor fastened down to a piece of plywood.
Maybe if the shaft is not built into the flywheel, you might be able to attach a drill to it after removing the flywheel, but I would worry about bending or damaging that shaft and then the grinder would be no good.

 

[Britesea]

There are plans out there for powering a grain mill using a bicycle. We bought a Grainmaker mill (https://grainmaker.com/ ) which is hand powered, but is so well made that it really isn't that hard to grind up just what you need for a loaf of bread. It was expensive, but it's one of the finest mills made- comparable to the italian Diamante, but made in the US so if you need parts or whatever it's a lot more accessible.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Holy price tags
But beautiful. I love the vintage look, and looks similar to my coffee grinder.

If I'm looking for one, new or used, what does one look for?
Say I want to mill only flours.
Or, what if I want to also grind items like nuts?
Or, are there other multi purpose parts and attachments to consider on the journey to self sufficient kitchening?


I did make it to Whole Foods today.
I'll check into the co-op, but was pleasantly surprised at Whole Foods discount on bulk and the variety.

 

[wyoDreamer]

The Grainmaker is made like the one we bought. Solid construction - stainless steel wear areas, made in America. Ours is not guaranteed Heirloom., lol. Expensive -definitely. But it will be used for a long time.
Hopefully, after we are gone, it will go to someone who appreciates it.

Actually, DH and I have been talking about adding some storage to our kitchen. This kitchen has an open area that is just waisted space, so we decided on a 4' tall x 5' wide x 16" deep cabinet that I can store my canned goods in (with some appliances on the bottom). I also asked about an additional cabinet to put the grain mill in. Something that I can just open the doors, plug in the motor and pour in the grains.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Looked quick at Mills on eBay (Craigslist produced nothing.)
Can any old vintage mill be brought back into use?
Some beautiful cast iron beasts I'd love in my new pantry.

 

[baymule]

Looked quick at Mills on eBay (Craigslist produced nothing.)
Can any old vintage mill be brought back into use?
Some beautiful cast iron beasts I'd love in my new pantry.

I don't see why not. Cast iron is awesome, love my old skillets.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Probably, if you can you get replacement parts. The important part is the grinding plates - if they are wore out or rusted and pitted, they won't grind right. If the shaft is bent, it will need to be replaced. Things like that. Sometimes the replacement parts can add up to more than buying new.

 

[CrealCritter]

I guess I'm our bulk food supplier.

 

[Mini Horses]

-Everythingkitchens.com has several Italian models for $109-300.

Personally I feel I would use it very little, given the low ability to find & purchase the grains. Plus I eat little bread...love it, just don't eat a lot of it. I have a bread machine but ---- for what I eat, I can buy the flour for less than a grinder. But if grinding is your goal, go for it! We all enjoy different things.

Shame we don't live close enough to share this type of thing. I have a cheese press, cream separator, 3 stand mixers & attachments, pressure cookers (3), dehydrator, yogurt maker -- a boatload of pans/cookers, etc.….same with tractor equipment. Wish others were around with one or two pieces...some things you only use once or twice a year. I have ALL kinds of animal equipment!!!

Sorry... got off subject of "bulk food".