Here's a nice-lookin' place:

http://infoseek.go.com/?win=_search&sv=M6&ud9=IE5&qt=meat+grinder&oq=Quality+Farm+%26+Fleet&url=http%3A//www.grayandholt.com/CHOPPERS.htm&ti=.FOOD+CHOPPERS+%26amp;+MEAT+GRINDERS...U.G.+WHITE+HARDWARE&top=

I'm not associated in any way with this company, I just found them today while searching for a grain mill. Seems to have very good prices: A grain mill for $39.95 and a meat grinder for $39.95 too. Also carries Aladdin lamps, keroseno heaters & wicks, canning supplies, etc... Looks REALLY interesting!

I just ordered a grain mill (thought I had one, but don't). I'll post again when I receive shipment.

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), November 14, 1999

Answers

I got my grain mill -- a Corona for about $40 -- from a home-brewing site on the net. The home-brewing sites usually have much better prices on grain mills than the "y2k sites."

By the way, the Corona is great and built to last a few lifetimes...

Good luck!

-- doug (dclapp@uswest.net), November 14, 1999.

A REAL grain mill will cost over $100, and much more likely over $200. Having sold several hundred mills, I can honestly suggest to all who are interested to save their $$ and buy a quality mill. You won't be sorry in the least, but you might (and probably will) if you buy a cheap one. The adage, "You get what you pay for" definitely applies to grain mills.

I won't include my real email address because I'm not going to plug my own business - just don't think you are going to get a great deal buying a cheap product.

-- Grain Mill Guru (not@available.com), November 14, 1999.

Anyone have experience with the Little Ark grain mill from retzel corp.

-- Harvey Wilson (harvey@hotmail.com), November 14, 1999.

um...the Corona is, indeed, a REAL grain mill; and the most common mill in Mexico, I believe; where it's often used daily.

The Corona grinds grain, popcorn, coffee, whatever. A very rugged machine. Again, about $40. You can, of course, pay $200 and up; but you don't have to spend that much for a solid, dependable grinder.

-- doug (dclapp@uswest.net), November 14, 1999.

Great mill. Have used it for cracked grains, coffee, seeds, and for flour. Adjustable. The metal plates are cleanable and never glaze over. Good for hard things like corn. The stones are great for flour. They can be motorized with a small 3 hp gas engine, a real comfort for larger amounts of flour,etc. Hand cranking is hard work. Cracking grain much easier than flour. There is a kit for the motorized version. Great product, built very solidly. Charlie

-- Charlie (cstewart@ime.net), November 14, 1999.

I suggest anyone consider one of the cheap mills, try one out first. Not only are they hard to crank but the fineness of the flour they are capable of grinding leaves a lot to be desired. Flat bread, heavy pancakes and heavy biscuits are not my idea of a good grain mill. Try one - I have and know what I am talking about. You want fine, light flour if possible, the lighter and finer the better. It's suprising what heavy flour does to your cooking. For the past several years we have been grinding our own grain (not just wheat) and have found out the hard way - buy a good mill, not a cheap one.

By the way, Retzel makes fairly good products.

-- Grain Mills (I@owned.several.com), November 15, 1999.

Dear Guru & Grain Mill,

Yes, you get what you pay for, however, let's think about what time of year it is, shall we? "...Save up $$$ and buy a good mill..." Would have been appropriate advice a year ago - reality is that we've only got 47 days left. I certainly don't have time to save $$$ for a super-delux grain mill - Getting enough food and meds is the priority, not buying the "cadillac of grain mills". If people are desperate enough, they'll use ROCKS to grind the grain.

Thanks for your imput though.

-- Debbie M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), November 15, 1999.