Cider Presses and Grinders
- Thread starter sandbur
- Start date
rocksnstumps
5 year old buck +
Can't help much but one guy I met used a sink garbage disposal for his grinder. Bought new and did not use for anything else over a 5 gal bucket. His press was a homemade wood version. Got his plans online or something. He was a woodworker type so probably enjoyed the challenge.
CrazyEd
5 year old buck +
I like this idea.
Dan Wombles
5 year old buck +
This is the grinder I use. Its fantastic, will grind a 5 fallon bucket of apples in 3 seconds! Very easy to clean.
https://morewinemaking.com/products/speidel-motorized-apple-pear-crusher.html
https://morewinemaking.com/products/speidel-motorized-apple-pear-crusher.html
So many options from garbage disposal grinder to old fashioned double tub presses. Large variability in price and efficiency. You can buy the double tub presses new but they are a bit pricey. Aero has one, it is slick and looks nice too. If you buy the grinder above you still need a press.
I do a lot of woodworking so I bought and rebuilt an old double tub press, I love using it. Not the most efficient press. But it's cool and fun and old school.
I also bought an old wine press last year off Craigslist for $100. I'm rebuilding that as well (see pic). I also built a few new baskets w black walnut and stainless bands. Tons of work but I enjoy it and I'm hoping they last a lifetime.
For more info on your query, check out the "the new cider maker's handbook" by Claude jolicoeur.
I do a lot of woodworking so I bought and rebuilt an old double tub press, I love using it. Not the most efficient press. But it's cool and fun and old school.
I also bought an old wine press last year off Craigslist for $100. I'm rebuilding that as well (see pic). I also built a few new baskets w black walnut and stainless bands. Tons of work but I enjoy it and I'm hoping they last a lifetime.
For more info on your query, check out the "the new cider maker's handbook" by Claude jolicoeur.
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Don'tWorryIHuggedItFirst
5 year old buck +
I have an American Harvester by Happy Valley Ranch. It's a two tub version. Last year we pressed 50 gallons in about a day, working at a relaxed pace. I bought mine used off Craigslist with optional tires for about $150 less than new.
I believe Aero has the single tub version, and recommended them to me when I was looking.
I believe Aero has the single tub version, and recommended them to me when I was looking.
sandbur
5 year old buck +
That looks great, but out of my price range.
Should I be looking at a motorized grinder instead of hand operated crank model?
sandbur
5 year old buck +
I have read of those being used. Evidently someone had trouble with the motor burning out as they are not made for use of times more than a few seconds. Would it work if one could find the correct motor, or just run it somehwat intermittently?
sandbur
5 year old buck +
I see they have Pioneer and Homesteader in addition. Does anyone have experience with these other two? Different manufacturers, or any substantial difference?
Has anyone used the $600 Pioneer or Pioneer Junior?
Dan Wombles
5 year old buck +
You will get very tired turning a crank.
rocksnstumps
5 year old buck +
Was at his place for a landowner field day and cider was only an incidental topic so not discussed in any depth. Just was there in his shop and he had not replaced with something else...yet. A higher end unit gets better reviews for doing the job like the Waste King 8000. Without water running like using a sink, overheating can be a problem on some models
Dan Wombles
5 year old buck +
With a disposal grinder, you need to make sure all of the inner parts are stainless, as the acid juice will react with other metals, tainting the juice.
Don'tWorryIHuggedItFirst
5 year old buck +
I believe Aero has the Homesteader. I don't think I'd go any smaller than that. The flywheel really helps.
CrazyEd
5 year old buck +
That grinder looks awesome. What do you press with?
sandbur
5 year old buck +
It looks like the Homesteader has some decided advantages over the Pioneer.
Don'tWorryIHuggedItFirst
5 year old buck +
How much are you looking to spend? I'd watch Craigslist the next two months. I wouldn't go too cheap otherwise you'll just be getting a toy. How much do you plan on making is another question that will narrow down your options.
Dan Wombles
5 year old buck +
I use this manual press: https://pleasanthillgrain.com/g-36-20-apple-cider-fruit-press
sandbur
5 year old buck +
What do you use for a grinder?
