Because not much is written on the internet about the original wooden Magic Mill stone grinder, I thought I would do some research. I purchased a used Magic Mill about 15 years ago for $75 from a friend in my ward who didn’t want a heavy, loud mill anymore. And yes, it is heavy and loud. But at the time, price and performance were more important to me. I have never had a problem with it, and just put it on a lazy susan which helps me spin it from front to back easily. My feeling is that even if something is old, if it works, continue to use it. For those of you that own a newer grinder, you don’t need to read more of this post. However, some of you may have inherited a Magic Mill, or found one at a garage sale, and will want to read further.
The original Magic Mill grinder was manufactured starting in the 60’s in Filer, Idaho. I talked to the original owner’s daughter (now Kuest Enterprise) and she said they sold Magic Mill, Inc. to another buyer about 1976, and then it was manufactured in Salt Lake City, Utah. So, some of you have different labels on your grinders. Kuest Enterprise still makes commercial grinders and the Golden Grain Grinder which is similar to the original Magic Mill. You can use the instruction booklet for the Golden Grain Grinder for your Magic Mill.
Description:
Pros: If used correctly, the motor and stones can last for years. Has a manual lever for power outages. Grinds quickly.
Cons: More difficult to clean than newer mills. Heavy. Loud (consider using ear plugs.) Weevils can hide in stone crevices. Important to run grain through often, so don’t let it sit for years. If you have any concerns, Kuest can replace your grinder stones.
Tips for Purchase:
How to Clean a Magic Mill
1. Remove the metal funnel and the metal drawer.
2. Wash the steel flour bin and the funnel in the dishwasher (or with soapy water) and dry completely. Do not return to the mill unless they are dry. DO NOT get the grinding stones or motor wet.
3. After each use, brush out the dust with a clean paintbrush.
4. Wipe the outside of the mill with a damp cloth.
To get rid of weevils, try some of the following:
1. Grind a few cups of corn on the fine setting, then a few cups on the coarse setting. Throw away the cornmeal.
2. Put the grinder in a large garbage bag with a small amount of dry ice on the side of the box for a few days.
3. Scatter bay leaves inside on the sides of the steel flour bin as they keep bugs away.
4. It’s best not to let your grinder sit for years, but to use it regularly.
5. If you have an air compressor hose, just blow it thoroughly outside
See how I grind the wheat at this post
Replacement Parts and Repair:
Bosch Kitchen Center
8940 S. 700 E.
Sandy, Utah
801-562-1212
Sell Bosch products, mills, and kitchen products. Can also repair the Magic Mill. MyKitchenCenter.com
Sorry, Moonprysm. What was your question?
Just wanted to let you know that I called the Golden Grain place and they had no idea what I'm talking about or how to fix it, so you might want to take them off 😉
I inherited my mother's very old Bosch mixer and Magic Mill about 17 years ago. I know she had them for at least 10 years before that. The Bosch is just now starting to leak a bit of oil from the center spindle area – need to find a place to get it serviced. The Magic Mill is still kicking. I don't have the owner's manual and have been wondering if I can mill beans in it. I understand soy beans are a no no, but what about other beans? Anyone know?
I happened to be checking grain mills on Ebay within minutes of its listing & I knew it would sell within the first few hours. Heck, if I had the $$$, I would have bought it. I did recently end up with a set of NOS (New Old Stock- from late 1970's) mill stones. Just for comparison, could you tell me how thick your Magic Mill stones are & what their diameter (or circumference, if its easier)- it would help me in making the plans for my grain mill. Any suggestion on things you would make different on your MM, if you could design it yourself?
I acquired one off of "freecycle". I was very excited! It also has a bowl with a dough hook attached to it. I made three loaves of bread with it last weekend. Absolutely love it!
Hd: Wow! I've never seen such a clean Magic Mill. Can you believe it has never been used? I would love a copy of the owner's manual.
Just a few days ago a brand new in box Magic Mill, from 1976, sold on Ebay for $399. Maybe if you ask the seller, you might be able to borrow the pictures. It sure is a thing of beauty, in pristine original condition with the protective card from the factory still between stones. Its item #190320945189, in case the link doesn't work. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=190320945189
Larry: I don't think there is a special plate for corn. You could try putting the corn through a funnel that will direct them into the hole. Contact Dela 208-326-4084 at Golden Grain Grinders and tell her you have questions about your Magic Mill.
I find that when I run dried corn through it, I have to keep nudging the kernels along–else they sort of "dam-up" and stop dropping into the hole in the steel plate. Is there supposed to be a special plate just for corn–maybe with a larger hole size?–Larry F.
I have a Golden Grain Grinder that looks very much like yours. Mine has a wooden front on the metal catch pan though. The pan is stainless steel like yours. On the plate that goes over the stones with the hole in it, it has a knob with the same design as yours. Mine seems bigger than yours but its hard to tell with pictures.I keep mine in the garage and I use the air on it before I use it and then again after.I found your site a few weeks ago and have been enjoying it. Keep up the good work.Mrs. Olson
Thanks for sharing all that wonderful information!!! I was excited to hear that they were made in Filer!!! I grew up in Buhl, ID (which is the next town to the west of Filer) and my parents live in Filer now. 🙂 I just love how GREAT things come from SMALL towns. p.s. Filer is so small they STILL don't even have one stop light in town!!!thanks again for sharing