Salzburger Grain Mill Max 2020 - Just got it (USA user)
I figured I would try to contribute somewhat to this great website....
The below will read like a diary entry so apologies if that is not the norm around here. I noticed very little information on Salzburger mills and thought I would get something going to help out folks interested in their product.
--------------------------
Just bought a Grain Mill Max from Salzburger Mills. I even took it to the next level and got the "no plastics" option (link below). This model has the natural granite stones and beechwood body. I figured I would share my ordering experience for those of you wondering what it is like since the company is in Austria. I'll even describe the first use experience.
https://natural-grainmills.com/shop/salzburger-grain-mill-max-containing-no-plastics/ [1]
Ordering:
I ordered direct from their website which has plenty of English to follow along in the process. I used the Paypal option which did a great job converting into US Dollars. Since this was a European company my credit card denied the charge initially and I had to approve it. I then tried again and it worked. Because of this little hiccup the website didn't track my charge and the Salzburger customer service team emailed me letting me know they don't see the charge. I sent them the credit card authorization details and it helped them link it all together.
Salzburger emailed me a day later and recommended I use a more premium shipping method to help expedite and limit the rolling and tumbling the mill will experience on a ship borne journey. I accepted it for a slightly nominal extra charge. Not sure if this is a common situation.
Shipping and Customs:
I received a tracking number a few days after ordering. This is all via email and I was in contact with customer service team on the process. Salzburger used TNT which is a FedEx company. After two days I received a call from Fedex that customs required "commercial paperwork". Salzburger probably didn't know that packages going into the USA requires English paperwork to be attached.I called FedEx and explained the situation and sent them my e-receipt. Luckily the item cost was just under the dollar threshold and they released it.
I received the mill the next day. FedEx had it in a plastic bag and it was wet. I opened the bag and it smelled like fish juice. I assume the customs area is full of fresh seafood and whatnot. I opened the box and thank goodness the mill was in perfect condition and not wet. The Salzburger packers did a great job and ensured an air gap around the mill existed. The box contained the mill, instructions in English and a screwdriver to ensure you have a tool to option the cover for cleaning.
First use:
After inspection I threw some Einkorn berries in it and tried a fairly aggressive fine setting. I backed off slightly just when I heard the stones touching. The flour came out very fine and looked really good. Being this is my first electric mill I was a little taken aback by a slight smokey smell. I assume the process of grinding wheat on fine can have a friction level that would cause this. The flour was also warm but not what I would call hot. (I would love some comments on this observation to confirm it is not a big deal).
I then threw in some rice on the same setting to see how that goes and the smokey smell did not happen and the flour was fine. Seemed successful. I have not baked yet using the flour and will update on the results.
Conclusion:
I think the mill is built very well and was worth the trouble. Not the cheapest option but it should last a very long time. I semi-equate it to a Vitamix in robustness. The motor inside feels hefty like a Vitamix. I'll try to answer questions if anyone has any.