Hi all. Has anyone ever used a SAMAP hand grain mill? If so, what kind of flour does it produce - specifically, how fine? I've been interested in trying home milling for a while now and recently bought a cheap steel burr mill just as an experiment. However even on the finest setting the flour is still pretty coarse, too coarse for most breads (it produces a very dark and heavy loaf, something like the 'Grant loaves' I remember my mother making in the 70s). I'm still keen on the idea of hand milling and am getting ready to do what I should have done in the first place and spend a bit more on a better mill. I like the look of the SAMAP, the model has been around for years and looks well-made, but I haven't been able to find any detailed reviews of it online. So this is just in the forlorn hope that someone on here has experience of this brand...? Thanks!
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No I don't have a SAMAP hand Mill. I did see a picture of the SAMAP hand mill and my thoughts are that it will take a long time to grind any amount of grain in it for bread flour. Have you seen my blog on my pedal powered grain mill? http://sourdough.com/blog/leaddog/pedal-powered-grain-mill The flour I get out of it is very nice. I started with a steel burr mill and the results were like yours. Seems to me that the stone mills make a much better flour.
I thought the same, but according the the manufacturer's spec it does come with clamps to secure it to a bench. Most online retailers don't seem to illustrate this but I did find one image showing the clamps in place (http://www.goldenfields.co.nz/hand_mill.php if you're interested). Looks like maybe there's some kind of slot or hook out of sight underneath for the clamps to attach, though admittedly it doesn't give that good a view.
Yes, undoubtedly manufacturers' speed claims need to be taken with a pinch of salt and it's going to be hard work. I like my exercise but within reason! However while this mill isn't cheap, it is as far as I know substantially cheaper than most electric stone mills which would be the other option for a decent quality of flour. All stuff to think about anyway.
Dear LV,
I'm looking into buying the SAMAP hand mill. Did you ever end up getting one?
If yes, how do you like it? Is the flour nice and fine?
How long does it take to get a cup of flour?
I'm wanting to grind organic rice to make organic white rice flour, I can't find it anywhere.
I'm not sure if I should get a hand mill or splurge for electric one to save time, but I don't bake/cook that often.
Cheers,
Oli
Hi, yes I did. I would say the mill has its pros and its cons. It is capable of making very fine flour (quite a lot finer than store-bought wholewheat flour); however, the problem is that the finer the flour, the more work it is to grind it. I haven't timed it exactly but I would estimate that it takes at least 20-30 minutes to grind enough fine flour for a small to medium loaf - say 500-600 grams - and that is 20-30 minutes of quite hard work. I am quite fit and active, but I find it quite hard going. I feel like I have had a good workout at the end of it, put it like that. That may or may not be a problem for you of course but it is something to be aware of.
I haven't tried milling rice in it, only wheat and rye. It seems to go through rye more easily than wheat, if that is any help.
As far as the mill itself goes, it is well made and attractive looking and appears to be built to last, and it produces good flour. My sole reservation about it is the hard labour. If you don't bake all that often and are prepared for the physical effort I would definitely recommend it, but as I bake bread at least a couple of times a week I may well end up upgrading to an electric model in time as bread from fresh-milled flour is wonderful. Or, if you are technically and/or athletically minded you could do as LeadDog did (see posts above) and investigate pedal power. The output certainly sounds greater with that setup than with the SAMAP, but it is a further investement in space and time...
Hope this helps!
Hi LV,
It's been a while, and I'm wondering what's been your experience with the SAMAP after this post? Did you end up buying a electric mill? One thing I'm concerned about is the heat of electric mills.
The manual mill from SAMAP does look very good.
Hi all,
A friend suggested I try your site---I feel like I have struck gold. I had almost given up. I was given a SAMAP hand mill
after someone gave up trying to make it work. Sadly, there was no instruction manual, I don't know if i am missing parts, or just not doing something right. I don't know its model number, but I am guessing it is an early model, given the labelling on the box.
If someone has a manual I would be greatful for a copy, if that can be sent on- line, brilliant. If not, I would happily send a stamped self-adressed envelop- I enjoy the snail.
I am in Melbourne Australia still using Window 98---why not I say--it isn't broken yet.
The idea of grinding my own locally grown wheat and making my own bread, gives me a certain satisfaction
that can't ever be bought. And that is the way i like it.
I will keep my fingers crossed.
best wishes all
Dianne
Hello Dianne,
http://www.saltoftheearth.com.au/millinstructions.html
Not sure if this will be of any use but worth a try.
Good luck with it.
Farinam
Link to a video instructions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukc_BLolCHk
Thanks everyone, especially Farinam, for finding me the printed instructions Re: the SAMAP Hand-mill .
I also appreciate that you took the time and energy to find me that video Hoecake
but this machine is too old to play it.
I have ground my first flour. It is very fine and it takes about ten rotations
to produce a level desert spoon.
Apparently, I am missing a washer,so emailed Brad, at Salt-of- the-earth, who got back to me quickly and provided the info.I needed. No drama.
One other benefit of hand-milling:upper-arm and belly toning!
I made my first loaf using some of my home grown flour and shared it with my fellow gardeners
at Northcote community gardens, which is where I acquired the mill--you could say it has gone full circle.
Got to love that!
best to all
Dianne
Glad to be of help.
Farinam
Hi LV and others,
I am keen on one of these SAMAP mills also, I think I could do with the exercise ;-). I am in New Zealand but I am wondering whether it might be cheaper for me to buy one overseas and have it shipped here, only problem is I can't seem to find many places online to buy them. If anyone knows any websites where I can buy one of these could let me know I would really appreciate it.ThanksAddieOk, this post has been dormant for a long time. I get that but perhaps there is still interest out there.
I'm wanting a set of stones for a Samap F50 mill. Any ideas about where to get these?
Thanks