The Mockmill and the KitchenAid Grain Mill attachment fundamentally differ in their design and intended user. The Mockmill is a dedicated, standalone electric mill with high-performance ceramic burrs for serious home bakers, while the KitchenAid Grain Mill is an all-metal attachment that leverages the motor of an existing KitchenAid stand mixer, making it a space-saving option for casual bakers.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which grain mill is the right investment for your home baking needs.
Mockmill Grain Mill
The Mockmill is a specialized appliance created for one purpose: to mill grain exceptionally well. It uses corundum-ceramic grinding stones for fine, consistent results and is built within a sleek, compact, standalone unit. Its modern design and focus on durability and user-friendly operation have made it a favorite among dedicated home bakers and health-conscious consumers who mill frequently.
- What it is: A dedicated, electric countertop grain mill.
- Key features: Corundum-ceramic milling burrs, fully adjustable grind settings from coarse to super-fine, quiet operation, and a powerful industrial motor.
- Price: Ranges from $239 for the Mockmill 100 to $349 for the Mockmill 200.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist design with a neutral-toned housing that fits cleanly into contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: High-grade housing made from renewable materials (Arboblend®), with durable die-cast metal components and long-lasting ceramic burrs.
- Pros: Produces extremely fine, high-quality flour. The ceramic stones run cool, preserving nutrients. Built for longevity and frequent use. Simple, plug-and-play operation.
- Cons: A dedicated appliance that requires its own storage space. Higher initial purchase price compared to an attachment. More limited in color and style options.
The Mockmill is the ideal choice for bakers who are serious about flour quality and expect to mill grains on a regular basis, demanding performance and durability from their equipment.
Shop this product: mockmill.us/product/mockmill-100-stone-grain-mill/
KitchenAid Grain Mill Attachment
The KitchenAid Grain Mill is a popular attachment designed to work exclusively with KitchenAid’s iconic stand mixers. It uses the mixer's powerful motor to operate its all-metal grinding mechanism. This makes it an incredibly convenient and space-saving solution for established KitchenAid users who want to explore home milling without buying another large appliance.
- What it is: An all-metal grain mill attachment powered by a KitchenAid stand mixer.
- Key features: Attaches directly to the power hub of any KitchenAid stand mixer. Multiple grind settings from "cracked" to "fine." All-metal construction ensures durability.
- Price: Around $159.99 for the attachment itself (requires ownership of a compatible stand mixer, which costs $300+).
- Style: Utilitarian, retro-modern design that matches the classic KitchenAid aesthetic. It's built for function but looks cohesive with the brand's other products.
- Materials/Construction: Durable all-metal housing with hardened steel grinding burrs.
- Pros: Cost-effective if you already own a KitchenAid mixer. Doesn't require storage for a separate motor. Easy to attach and operate. Trusted, well-known brand.
- Cons: Cannot achieve the super-fine flour texture of a Mockmill. Performance is dependent on the stand mixer's motor strength. Steel burrs can get warmer-than-ceramic counterparts during long grinds. Consistency may vary at the finest settings.
This grain mill attachment is perfect for casual or aspiring bakers who already have a KitchenAid on their counter and want the convenience of an integrated, reliable milling tool for occasional use.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/p.all-metal-grain-mill.kgm75.html/
Mockmill vs. KitchenAid Grain Mill Comparison
Grinding Mechanism & Flour Quality
This is the most critical difference. The Mockmill uses corundum-ceramic grinding stones, which are extremely hard and can be adjusted to a very fine setting. This produces silky, pastry-fine flour ideal for delicate bakes and whole grain breads with a light crumb. The stones also stay cooler, which helps preserve the nutrients in the wheat germ.
The KitchenAid Grain Mill uses hardened steel burrs. While sturdy and effective, steel burrs cannot achieve the same level of fineness as ceramic stones. The finest setting on the KitchenAid produces a meal that is great for rustic breads, cornmeal, or cracked grains, but it's noticeably coarser than what a Mockmill can produce. For bakers prioritizing texture, Mockmill has a distinct advantage.
Materials & Durability
Both devices are built to last, but for different levels of use. The Mockmill is designed as a workhorse, using its industrial motor and durable ceramic milling stones to handle heavy, frequent use for years. It's engineered specifically for the stresses of grain milling.
The KitchenAid attachment is very robust, with an all-metal housing that reflects the brand's reputation for durability. However, its longevity is tied to the stand mixer's motor, which was not designed exclusively for the high-torque, long-running task of milling grain. For very frequent, high-volume milling, wearing out the mixer's motor is a distant but real possibility.
Price & Value
If you don't own a KitchenAid stand mixer, the Mockmill offers straightforward value. At $239, you get a complete, high-performance milling machine ready to go. The total investment for a KitchenAid mixer plus the grain mill attachment would be close to $500, making Mockmill the clear winner in this scenario.
However, if a KitchenAid mixer is already part of your kitchen, the value proposition shifts dramatically. At just $159 for the attachment, the KitchenAid mill provides an affordable entry into home milling. It's a perfect add-on that expands the functionality of a machine you already own.
Style & Footprint
The Mockmill has a contemporary, compact design. As a standalone unit, it requires its own counter or storage space, but its vertical design (around 8 x 6 inches) is quite efficient. The KitchenAid system is only one component - the mixer itself is a large, heavy appliance that occupies significant counter real estate. While the attachment itself is small, the complete setup is bulky and less portable.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Mockmill Grain Mill is built for the baking enthusiast. If you dream of bread with a perfect crumb structure, bake multiple times a week, or want to experiment with finely milled gluten-free flours, this is your machine. It's a specialized tool that excels at its one job and is worth the investment for those who prioritize flour quality above all else.
The KitchenAid Grain Mill attachment is for the practical multi-tasker. If you love your KitchenAid mixer and want to add fresh flour to your culinary skills without another appliance, this is an ideal choice. It's perfect for bakers who mill occasionally for hearty breads and value versatility and convenience in their kitchen tools.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Mockmill and KitchenAid units are excellent products that serve different home bakers very well.
Choose the Mockmill if:
- You prioritize the absolute finest flour quality for delicate pastries and breads.
- You plan on milling grain multiple times a week and need a heavy-duty, dedicated machine.
- You do not already own a KitchenAid stand mixer.
- You want a quiet, specialized appliance designed for optimal nutrient preservation.
Choose the KitchenAid Grain Mill if:
- You already own and love your KitchenAid stand mixer.
- You want to save counter space by using attachments instead of separate appliances.
- You are a casual home miller who bakes occasionally and doesn't need super-fine flour.
- You're looking for the most budget-friendly way to start milling grain (assuming you own the mixer).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Mockmill and KitchenAid Grain Mill?
The biggest difference is in mechanism and function. The Mockmill is a complete, standalone electric mill with fine-grinding ceramic stones. The KitchenAid mill is an attachment with steel burrs that uses the motor of a KitchenAid stand mixer to operate.
Which mill is better for sourdough and artisan bread?
For artisan bread requiring a fine, even flour for an open crumb, the Mockmill is superior. Its ceramic stones produce a consistently fine flour that is ideal for a light, airy texture. The KitchenAid works well for heartier, rustic-style loaves.
Do I need a KitchenAid stand mixer for the grain mill attachment?
Yes, absolutely. The KitchenAid Grain Mill attachment has no motor of its own and will not work without being connected to the power hub of a compatible KitchenAid stand mixer.
Which one is more durable for heavy use?
The Mockmill is purpose-built for the sole task of heavy, frequent milling. Its motor and grinding stones are engineered for that specific stress, making it more durable for long-term, high-volume use.
Can you grind oily grains or nuts in these mills?
No, neither mill is designed to handle oily items like nuts, seeds (such as flax or chia), or coffee beans. Attempting to do so can gum up and damage the grinding mechanism, particularly the Mockmill's porous ceramic stones.
How easy are they to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean. You can mill a small amount of "cleaning" grain like rice to push out residual flour. The Mockmill can be opened for deeper cleaning of the stones, while the KitchenAid attachment can be brushed out easily.
Which grain mill is quieter?
The Mockmill is generally considered quieter. It features an industrial motor designed for consistent, low-noise operation. The KitchenAid's noise level will depend on the age and model of the stand mixer powering it, which can often be quite loud.
Is the cost difference worth it?
If you don't own a mixer, the Mockmill is a better value. If you already do, the KitchenAid attachment offers fantastic value by expanding your current appliance's capabilities for a lower upfront cost.
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