Pepper and salt mills: types, brands, selection and operation

The mere sight of how grains of salt and pepper grains are ground, turning into a fragrant powder, can improve appetite. And if we add that the ground spices have a unique taste and aroma, then the need to buy a mill becomes obvious for them. How to choose a kitchen accessory, what to look for and how to use it correctly?

The Salt and Pepper Grinder is a kitchen accessory that allows you to get minced, fresh and flavorful salt and pepper. This is possible due to the fact that the spices are crumbled just before they are used in the dish. The description of the device usually comes down to mentioning the bodies and millstones, which grind spices and salt.

The main advantage of the mills is the ability to get a more aromatic, tasty seasoning and fine salt. Undoubtedly, this improves the taste of the prepared meals. As you know, pepper and other spices reveal their aroma best during grinding. Buying even the finest ready-made spices cannot get the same effect. Therefore, the mill is the choice of gourmets and people who care about their health.

Mills also protect pepper and salt from mixing with foreign odors and moisture.

It is these accessories of suitable size and design that look much more attractive on the table than the usual salt shakers and pepper shakers. By the way, there are household, serving and professional models. The mill will prevent spices and salt from spilling over the table - even if the device is dropped, they will not spill out.

Finally, grinding pepper and coarse salt is cheaper than purchasing a ready-made chopped product. In addition, freshly ground spices have a more pronounced flavor palette, they are more aromatic, which means that their consumption will be less.

Mills are disposable and reusable. The first is a plastic product with pepper, salt or other seasoning poured into it by the manufacturer. You can bring the accessory into working condition by twisting the lid. Usually the volume does not exceed 30-50 grams. Low price, ease of use and variety of spices determine the popularity of the product. But, when the salt or pepper runs out, the mill will have to be thrown away. It is impossible to reuse the container.

Reusable items are usually sold without spices inside. These models are disassembled and consist of a container where salt or pepper is poured, millstones, a container where the ground product accumulates, an outer body and a lid.

Salt and pepper mills can differ in body material, size and design, as well as the type of drive design.

The work of the mill is done manually by turning its movable part or a special handle. At the same time, the teeth of the device also rotate, grinding the contents.

Such an action is simple, and many even jokingly call it meditative. The only thing is that too dense grains (for example, Himalayan salt) are difficult to grind by hand. Some model equipped with the function of adjusting the degree of grind (by tightening or loosening the cover screw). The required amount of spices can be measured more accurately by hand.

A similar work is performed without any human effort by means of an electric drive. Just press the button to get the salt and pepper of the desired grind. These models are powered by a battery or rechargeable battery. They are recommended for grinding a large amount of spices, they cope with grinding even dense sea salt.

In electrical devices, it is possible to regulate the degree of grinding by setting the indicators on the scale as needed. Undoubtedly, the "pluses" of the electronic device - the ability to quickly and effortlessly grind more pepper and salt. However, the cost of such devices is higher than their mechanical counterparts.

However, there is also a professional hand mill. It is usually distinguished by a larger volume for pouring salt or pepper, a durable body and metal millstones.

Speaking of the varieties of this accessory, it is worth highlighting a model that allows you to grind 2 types of spices at once or spices and salt. Double-sided mill looks like an hourglass, a separate type of spice is poured into each of the hollow parts, they can be grinded without mixing.

The mill body is most often made of acrylic, stainless steel or wood.

Plastic Models usually made from clear food grade. Thanks to this, the case of the accessory is light and transparent. It is worth noting that plastic millstones are most often used in such models. This, of course, reduces the cost of the mill, but there can be no talk of strength and long-term operation.

Acrylic models can have a bright design, becoming a real decoration of the kitchen. They are easy to care for - they can be washed under running water or wiped with a damp cloth. Acrylic is harmless to humans and is approved for food storage.

The product is also easy to clean, but you should protect it from prolonged contact with water, wipe it dry after washing.

Wood is a pleasant tactile sensation, noble appearance. If you plan to use the accessory also as a decorative element of the kitchen, then it will best fit into the classic interior. The surface of the wood mill can be matt or varnished, in the first case it is important to protect it from dirt, the appearance of greasy marks, since it will not be easy to remove them.

However, analogues are more reliable and durable. from ceramics and stainless steel. Naturally, a mill with such millstones has a higher price. Ceramic millstones can last up to 5–7 years, metal ones - up to 10 years.

If you want to buy a mill that will last a long time, will delight you with the quality of grinding and stylish design, you should find out about the most popular brands that produce this accessory.

The main advantage of the products of this manufacturer is the presence of special millstones. They are made of stainless steel according to a patented formula and have a double-row gear mechanism.

Thanks to this, the accessory will cope even with dense salt and will serve for more than one year. However, some users do not like the fact that the case is made in wood and acrylic versions. The first absorbs odors, regarding the second, there is an opinion that acrylic is not very durable.

Traditionally, the rating of such accessories is led by manufacturers from Italy. The combination of high quality and stylish design is the hallmark of this brand's pepper mill.

Another product of the Italian manufacturer, an accessory that can be called a work of art. The mill body is made of ash and porcelain. However, visual appeal is not the only "plus". The device is equipped with durable metal millstones arranged in 2 rows. This minimizes grinding waste and guarantees long-term operation of the accessory.

The products of this brand are worth paying attention to if you want to purchase a salt and pepper mill once and for a lifetime. The manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty for the grinding accessory. The body of the product is made of plastic and metal, the design is impressive: stylish, modern, ergonomic.

The brand's collection includes models that allow you to grind salt and pepper at the same time. The body is made of transparent glass and steel, the millstones are ceramic.

The electric home mill is housed in a beech wood casing impregnated with vegetable wax. This enhances the natural grain of the wood and protects the cabinet from adverse impacts. Powered by a network, demonstrating a grinding speed of up to 100 gr. / minute.

Electric salt and pepper mill in stainless steel with metal grinders, sharpened by a laser method. The model demonstrates strength, reliability and durability.

There is a backlight for use in the evening. The device is powered by 4 batteries.

Hand mill made of glass and with metal top. Comfortable to hold, looks stylish in the kitchen. Allows you to load up to 100 grams at a time. spices.Metal millstones and the ability to adjust the degree of grind - a few more points in favor of this model. Not a bad option at an affordable price.

Another type of mechanical accessory in the mid-price range. The body is made in 2 versions. Made of steel, it has a small glass insert, which gives the design of the device an elegant appearance. In addition, there is a wooden counterpart. In addition to the material of manufacture, they differ in shape and size. The millstones are the same in both models - ceramic. There is an adjustment of the degree of grinding.

When buying, you should be guided by several criteria.

The choice of a specific product depends on the operating conditions. Metal models can rust if placed in humid locations. The wooden counterpart will quickly lose its attractiveness and functionality in such conditions. In addition, wood absorbs odors, so products with such a body cannot become universal, that is, in the same mill it will be possible to grind only the same type of pepper, for example.

Glass and ceramic accessories are fragile and can break if dropped or dropped. Besides, they should not be washed in too hot water or exposed to contrasting temperatures.

The main mechanism of the mill is millstones. It is better to immediately abandon the purchase of products with plastic elements due to their fragility. However, if the accessory is disposable, then there is no point in overpaying for stronger teeth.

For reusable products, ceramic or metal burrs are preferred.... The latter are the best option. Pay attention to the features of the millstones - ideally they should have 2 rows of teeth. Only with this approach it is possible to achieve high-quality and waste-free grinding.

For grinding large volumes of salt and pepper, grinding dense sea or Himalayan salt, it is wiser to purchase the electronic version. Its use will save time and effort. The best variant of the case is metal, plastic will crack from vibrations arising during operation.

If there is no need to grind such products, then a manual model is sufficient.

Such a mill should fit comfortably in the hand, not be heavy, not jump out. The millstones should move easily and evenly. If you need to grind a fairly large amount of spices at a time, then it is better to choose models with a handle.

For home use do not purchase an overly bulky device. Hands will quickly and unnecessarily get tired, it is much more convenient, if necessary, to fill in a new batch of peppercorns or grains of salt. Optimum height - 30 cm or capacity 80–100 gr.

The fineness is an additional feature available in expensive handheld and almost all electronic models. You can change this indicator, by setting the value on a special scale (electronic version) or by tightening / loosening the screw on the accessory cover (hand mill).

They may have unreliable plastic millstones or even be without them at all. This could be a double mill, which in fact has only one set of millstones. It is logical that you will not be able to use it for 2 types of spices.

Before buying, you should try the mill in action: a high-quality accessory will not jam or scroll.

The mill is easy to use. If this is a disposable model, just open the accessory and turn the wheel. Sprinkle spices or salt from the mill. As soon as they are in sufficient quantities in the dish, it is necessary to stop turning the wheel, turn over and close the mill.

On the internet, you can find tips on how to open and refill a disposable mill. In principle, it is possible, but do not delude yourself - after 2–3 times of repeated “unauthorized” use, the millstones of the mill grind down, the device starts to jam.

After that, you need to start turning the handle or start the electrical mechanism. When there is enough ground pepper and salt, stop these actions.

It is important to use the mill only for its intended purpose, without trying to grind coffee, cereals, and oily ingredients (seeds, nuts) in it.

Reusable power mills should be washed after each emptying. Rinse the millstones with cool water and dry thoroughly. Metal, plastic and acrylic cases can be washed safely under running water. The main thing is then to wipe dry. Wash wooden counterparts only if absolutely necessary.

In addition, such a mill cannot be universal, since the material absorbs odors, that is, if one type of pepper is ground in it, it should not be used for another spice, even after it is completely empty.

See below for an overview of the pepper and salt mill.