A corn grinder is an essential tool for anyone looking to grind their own cornmeal at home. Freshly ground cornmeal leads to better-tasting cornbread, polenta, tortillas, and more. Having your own corn grinder saves money compared to buying cornmeal and allows you to control the texture and freshness of your meal.

When choosing the right time to invest in a corn grinder, consider factors like upcoming baking projects, harvest and sale seasons, and anticipated frequency of use. This guide covers tips on when and why to buy a corn grinder to help you make the most informed purchasing decision.

Why Buy a Corn Grinder?

Purchasing your own corn grinder provides many benefits over buying pre-ground cornmeal:

Freshness

As soon as corn is ground, it starts losing flavor and nutrients. Grinding your own cornmeal right before cooking locks in maximum freshness and taste. Store-bought cornmeal can be months old by the time you use it.

Control Texture

With your own grinder, you can customize the coarseness of your meal. Grind to a fine powder for cornbread or leave some grit for hearty polenta. Match the texture you need for any recipe.

Save Money

While a good corn grinder represents an upfront investment, it pays for itself over time through savings on buying cornmeal. Plus you can grind other grains like wheat and rice. Expect a full return on investment after 10-20 uses.

Enjoy Better Taste

The freshness and tailored texture of homemade cornmeal leads to improved flavor in all your recipes. You’ll notice the difference in your first batch of cornbread or tortillas!

When to Buy a Corn Grinder

The right time to purchase a corn grinder depends on when you anticipate using it and if you can take advantage of seasonal deals.

Harvest Season Savings

Harvest season in the fall brings deals on corn grinders, as manufacturers release new models. Keep an eye out for sales over Labor Day and Thanksgiving weekends. Retailers also tend to clear inventory with discounts before the holidays.

In addition, freshly harvested corn is abundant in the fall. Take advantage of peak corn season to stock up on kernels for grinding all winter. You’ll get the best prices and selection.

Before Baking Season

Late spring is another good opportunity if you do a lot of baking with cornmeal. Buy a grinder in advance of summer cornbread, muffin, and pancake projects. Install it in time to grind fresh meal for upcoming recipes.

When Storage Space Opens Up

A major appliance like a corn grinder takes up prime real estate in the kitchen. If space just opened up after a move or remodel, seize the opportunity to add a grinder. Choose a model sized appropriately for your available storage.

When You Plan to Use It Frequently

If you love cornbread, tortillas, polenta, or other cornmeal recipes, a grinder can make frequent appearances in your kitchen. Buy when you resolve to incorporate more homemade dishes into your cooking routine. It takes 10-20 uses to recoup the cost, so factor in your anticipated frequency.

When Cornmeal Expenses Add Up

Track what you currently spend per month on cornmeal. If it exceeds $5-10/month, a grinder will pay for itself within a year through savings. Crunch the numbers to determine if your usage justifies the expense.

What to Look for in a Corn Grinder

Keep the following features in mind when shopping for the best corn grinder for your needs:

Grinding Mechanism

• Burr grinders use two abrasive plates that shear and crush kernels. They produce very uniform, fine-grained meal best for baking.
• Impact mills rely on high-speed metal blades to pulverize the kernels. Better for coarse textures like polenta.
• Stone grinders slowly crush between carved stones for super flavorful meal. Ideal for masa harina.

Power and Capacity

Higher wattage motors and hopper capacity allow you to grind faster and in bigger batches. Consider your anticipated frequency of use and quantity needs. Bigger family = bigger grinder.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Look for simple controls and hoppers that latch into place. Removable, dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning much easier. Grinding creates friction heat and dust that can stick.

Durability and Construction

Long-lasting grinders feature metal grinding plates and thick plastic housing. Watch for weak points like plastic gears. Better models have warranties of 1-5 years.

Special Features

Added functionality like a flour sifter, kernel degerminator, or corn kernel oil extractor increase the utility. But they also raise the price, so only splurge if you’ll use the features.

Price Point

Basic impact and burr grinders start around $100, while heavy-duty commercial grinders approach $500. Set a budget based on your needs and buy-in cost. Remember you’ll save over time on cornmeal.

Top 5 Corn Grinder Models

1. WonderMill Electric Grain Grinder

With a 1250-watt motor and large-capacity hopper, this burr grinder is fast and perfect for large families. It produces uniform, fine-textured meal thanks to precision steel burrs. The WonderMill handles up to 100 pounds per hour.

Key Features:

• Powerful 1250-watt motor
• Steel burr plates for uniform texture
• Large capacity and fast speeds
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

2. Victoria Cast Iron Manual Grain Grinder

This classic hand-crank style sits countertop-ready to grind small batches anytime. The cast iron construction gives it a 50+ year lifespan. It has a simple, rustic appeal. The porcelain hopper detaches easily for cleaning.

Key Features:

• Durable cast iron and wood construction
• Low-tech, manually operated
• Easy to disassemble and clean
• Made in Colombia

3. Blendtec Electric Grain Mill

Known for quality blenders and mills, Blendtec delivers commercial-grade impact grinding. The 1560-watt motor and stainless steel blades make quick work of corn. Octave controls allow customized texture. All parts clean up easily in the dishwasher.

Key Features:

• Commercial 1560-watt motor
• Eight texture settings
• Large hopper capacity
• Stainless steel milling head
• 3-year warranty

4. Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Attachment

If you already own Kitchenaid’s versatile stand mixer, this attachment saves space and cost over a standalone unit. It handles up to 3 cups per minute, powered by the mixer. The coarseness depends on the mixer speed. Easy to store when not in use.

Key Features:

• Works with popular Kitchenaid stand mixers
• Compact storage
• Coarseness adjusts with mixer speed
• Made of corrosion-resistant zinc

5. Back to Basics Hand Crank Grain Mill

This compact hand-powered mill provides a simple, low-cost option. It has a classic retro look but requires some physical effort. The hopper holds over 5 cups of grain. Reviewers report reliably grinding multiple cups in under 5 minutes by hand.

Key Features:

• Manual hand crank operation
• Classic retro styling
• Low price point
• 5-cup grain hopper
• Limited manufacturer warranty

No matter your budget or needs, a quality corn grinder makes it easy to unlock the flavor and texture benefits of freshly ground cornmeal. Consider upcoming baking plans, anticipated usage, and seasonal deals to determine the smartest time to add this versatile appliance to your kitchen. Let the savory smells of sweet cornbread, hearty polenta, and zesty tamales made with your custom-ground cornmeal convince you it was a wise investment!

Frequently Asked Questions About Corn Grinders

Q: How much does a good corn grinder cost?

A: Expect to spend $100-500. Basic impact and burr grinders start around $100. Powerful commercial grinders approach $500. Set a budget based on frequency of use and desired features.

Q: Can a grain mill grind corn?

A: Yes, most grain mills and flour grinders can also grind dried corn. Look for a model that specifically mentions corn capabilities for the best results. Hard corn kernels require more power.

Q: What is the difference between an impact mill and burr grinder?

A: Impact mills use high speed metal blades that pulverize kernels. Better for a coarse texture. Burr grinders slowly shear kernels between plates for fine, uniform texture preferred for baking.

Q: How long does a corn grinder last?

A: With proper maintenance like keeping it clean and replacing worn parts, a quality corn grinder lasts 5-10 years. Commercial models may last decades. Avoid cheap plastic models that break easily.

Q: Can you grind cornmeal by hand?

A: Yes, manual hand-crank or lever-operated corn grinders effectively grind corn but require physical effort. Electrics are much faster and easier for frequent use. Hand mills work well for small batches.

Q: Should corn be soaked before grinding?

A: Dry corn kernels grind more easily than soaked. But soaking softens the hulls and leads to more tender meal. Try both ways and see what texture you prefer. Soak at least 12 hours.

Q: What RPM is best for grinding corn?

A: Shoot for 300-500 RPM for an impact mill and 150-250 RPM for a burr style. Faster speeds increase friction and heat which affects flavor. Slower RPMs gently crush kernels.

Q: Can I grind popcorn into cornmeal?

A: Technically yes, but flavor and texture will not match cornmeal from dried field corn. Popcorn kernels are smaller. Stick to dried dent or flint corn for traditional cornmeal.

Q: How do I grind corn kernels into masa?

A: For masa, soak corn in limewater to nixtamalize it before grinding. This unlocks nutrition and gives authentic tamale masa texture. Use a stone grinder for best masa results.

Q: Can I grind wheat berries in a corn grinder?

A: Absolutely. Wheat and other grains grind well in a corn grinder. Look for a model rated for multipurpose grinding. Adjust settings to match the texture you need.