Hey all. So I'm looking at a mill, going between the Cereal Killer and the Barley Crusher. They're both on sale various places for Black Friday - IS there a big difference between them? Is the extra $10 for the BC worth it?
I’ve had a cereal killer for like 3 years now. I go through close to 5 sacks a year and ive has no issues.
I have used a Cereal Killer, for 4-5 years. I brew 2.5-5 gallon mostly low-moderate OG batches. I hook a corded drill up to the mill and it goes very fast. I have no problems to report.
I've got both now, but cannot comment on the Cereal Killer since I haven't used it yet. I've had the Barley Crusher for probably 7 years and run tons of grain through it. Lately its been having problems, it will stop crushing the grain about half way through forcing me to reverse my drill and restart milling. From what I've read they use brass bushings which are not as good as ball bearings. The Cereal Killer has ball bearings, that is why I decided to purchase it for the inevitable time the Barley Crusher bites the dust.
So due to this thread and one on another beer / homebrewing forum I belong to, I got the Cereal Killer. Came in yesterday, so I had a chance to play around with it a little, but the brews I have ready to go are pre-milled, since I wasn't sure of timing. Seems like a solid hunk of machinery - though I'm not a huge fan of the base. I think I may pick up a piece of plywood or melamine to make a new one out of. PLus a bucket I can dedicate to this use, as opposed to most of my others which have many uses.
You probably won't be disappointed. Bought my Cereal Killer from Austin Homebrew and it was delivered with a bent hopper. Austin HB quickly sent a replacement hopper. The lightweight plywood base had some voids in the sides and a couple small knotholes. I filled them with putty, sanded and then sprayed the entire base with several thin coats of spray-on Plasti Dip.
Not sure what your problem is but I was having a similar issue and i learned the rollers need to be scrubbed with a wire wheel or brush. Never thought the knurl could clog.
