wheat grinder?

[mommy2abigail]

i want to start grinding wheat berries. i saw this vitamix thing which looks neat but is $$$$$$. can i use my blender? or is there something else?

[dogmom327]

To make flour, you'll need an actual grain grinder. Do your research though as there are different features and abilities (ex. not all can grind beans which is important if you are trying to make Ezekiel 4:9 type flour).

I actually bought my grinder on Craig's List for $70. It's not what I would have bought if I had more money to spend (would have got a Nutrimill) but it works okay and it will get me by until I can afford something better.

[earthy]

I LOVE my vitamix. It's ground everything I've stuck in it, which includes beans and wheat. It also makes awesome smoothies. And soups- I can sneak all kinds of things in there! It's kind of like a blender with a lawn mower moter attached!
I think they have (at least they did, I've had mine a few years) a list you can get on for refurbished models. Also, Costco and Aafes has sold them in the past for a few hundred cheaper.

Tanya

[annethcz]

Yes, you can use a vitamix to grind grain, but an ordinary blender would not work well.

I use the Family Grain mill, and I've been happy with it. I strongly recommend purchasing the electric base, though. I used the hand crank attachment for 6 months, and it was a PITB.

[notneb]

I have the budget option - a $30 Braun coffee grinder. It's not great if you're planning to make cakes and pastries and such that need very finely ground flour, but for bread and the occasional chocolate chip cookie it's more than sufficient. I'm waiting for it to die to replace it with a nicer grinder, probably the Nutrimill, but it refuses to do so. I've been using it and baking at least a loaf of bread (usually 2-3) a week for more than 5 years at this point. It's a good option if money is an issue and/or you aren't sure whether you're really going to get into grinding your own grains or whether you'll get tired of it in a few months.