A spice grinder is a necessary and colorful tool in any kitchen. Fresh essential compounds, acids, and other elements from ground spices better nourish meat, fish or side dishes, making the products softer and tastier. For this reason, many housewives try to purchase entire sets of spice mills.
Expert's choice:
| Model | Price |
| 1. Legnoart Dining | from 3000 rub. |
| 2. Gefu Aromatico | from 3500 rub. |
| 3. Peugeot Paris electric | from 5000 rub. |
| 4. Bodum Twin | from 5500 rub. |
| 5. Cole & Mason Richmond Buzz | from 5000 rub. |
Mini rating
The principle of operation of the mill: description and adjustment of the degree of grinding
The principle of operation of the mill was invented many centuries ago. It is very simple and uses only mechanical force. Two circles are fixed inside the mill, one of which is stationary, and the second, on the contrary, rotates from the driving force of a hand or a rotary lever.
Falling between the circles, solids - spices, nuts, egg shells, dry herbs, grains, berries - are ground and ground into powder.
The lower part of the mill can consist of either a flask with holes from which the ground powder is poured directly onto food or drinks, or a closed container where the powder accumulates.
Product body
A modern pepper or spice grinder can be made from a variety of materials. The most commonly used materials are plastic, glass, chromed metal, stainless steel, wood, and acrylic. There are combined models on sale. There is no fundamental difference in their work, so you can safely focus on your own aesthetic preferences and kitchen style. It is also important that the grinder fits comfortably in your hand.
If you are a real cook and plan to cook a lot, there are certain requirements for the product body:
- it must withstand moisture well;
- do not collapse under the influence of hot steam;
- be resistant to oily seasonings such as garlic, star anise (in this case it is not recommended to use mills with a wooden body);
- the surface of the case should not slip in wet and greasy hands;
- the product should not deteriorate as a result of care;
- easy to clean and maintain.
The best in operation is an acrylic spice grinder , which you can buy at a kitchenware store, or a model made of chrome-plated steel. Wooden products also have a solid resource, but the quality of processing of the material and its additional protection from water play an important role.
Wooden models will appeal to connoisseurs of natural surfaces. The devices look expensive and status-worthy and decorate the interior. Such salt and pepper grinders are much more expensive, but it makes sense to pay more for naturalness.
Types of mills
Types of spice mills
Mills are divided into different types according to type of use, wheel rotation drive, and millstone materials. These devices range from the simplest, disposable ones to the complex, innovative, illuminated and electrically driven models.
Disposable mills
These are the simplest and most primitive products. They are designed not so much for high-quality grinding of substances , but for beauty in the kitchen. These products are more of a marketing ploy that makes people buy salt or spices more expensive. Disposable mills are often sold in sets with different contents. These options can be purchased at any supermarket.
Many people purchase spice grinders in the hope that they will have a device left to grind after the spices run out. However, in reality this is not the case. The millstones here are made of unreliable materials and the devices stop grinding efficiently after the contents run out. Or the products themselves are designed in such a way that it is impossible to open them and add a new portion of spices or salt.
Manual spice mill
manual spice grinders in the kitchen for many centuries. They are launched using a rotary lever or cap. The quality of grinding and the durability of the device depend on several factors:
- millstone material;
- body material;
- rotary knob or lid devices.
The entire device consists of a container for unground spices, a container for powder, and a mill mechanism. These options are quite reliable and will last for several decades. Some have a stylish design in the form of an antique mill or box. Their only drawback is that most cannot handle coarse salt no. 3 or granules of 2-2.5 mm. These devices will appeal to housewives who use mills 2-4 times a month.
Electric mills
electric mill
Salt is better handled by an electric spice mill, where the movement of the millstones depends on a small electric motor. Such devices are more suitable for those who use them every week for peppercorns, salt, and nuts. Expensive and advanced designs provide several degrees of grinding, which is very convenient when preparing different dishes.
Important! Inexpensive electric spice mills can often break down due to an unreliable drive. When purchasing such devices, it is important to choose a reliable and well-established manufacturer.
Electrical devices can be powered by mains power or batteries. As a rule, larger units with large millstones operate from the network. Miniature devices usually run on batteries.
In order not to spend money on batteries every time, they can be replaced with conventional batteries.
Among electric mills there are very unusual models that look beautiful and surprise with their work:
- With backlight . They have an LED circle that glows romantically in the dark. It looks fascinating, but this backlit electric spice grinder uses more batteries. In addition, the backlight looks impressive precisely in dim or subdued light, in which people usually do not cook.
- Gravitational . New models that turn on when turned over. This option also looks impressive, but again consumes more batteries. The convenience of the mill is that it does not need to be turned on separately, but simply turned over.
Electric and manual mills can also be single-sided or double-sided. Single-sided ones are equipped with millstones only on one edge. The containers for new and ground products in these mills are quite large. The double-sided devices are shaped like an hourglass and have separate containers on both sides. With the help of such products you can grind spices and salt almost simultaneously. Often the design of such mills assumes that the ground contents are poured directly onto the products.
Device history
Humanity has been using classic grain mills for many centuries. However, compact analogues of these mechanisms settled in the house only 200 years ago. The first models were designed for grinding coffee beans, later they were adapted for sugar and salt. Such accessories were especially relevant in the 19th century, when these products were sold in large lumps and required grinding, for example, in a mortar.
The hand mill became the device that made the flavoring additives familiar to us today more accessible. Convenient and compact, it has firmly established itself in the kitchens of different peoples of the world. Over time, its mechanism has undergone more than one metamorphosis.
Modern devices are made from different materials; they can have several stages of grinding and can be powered by manual force or electricity. Some advanced salt and pepper grinders are additionally equipped with a backlight to clearly see the amount of seasonings that go into the dish.
Materials for the body and millstones: wood, metal, glass, plastic. What to choose?
Materials for the body
The quality of grinding of products and the durability of the mill depend on the materials of the millstones. The stronger and stronger the circles, the more different products the device can grind.
The following materials are used to make millstones:
- Tree . The cheapest and simplest material. Such millstones are not suitable for coarse salt and will not cope with all nuts. They are quite suitable for herbs, peppers and berries. Moreover, wooden wheels add extra flavor to spices, especially if they are made from softwood. However, wooden circles also absorb odors well and themselves, which will be mixed in during the next grinding of other products. The products look very colorful, some resemble a coffee grinder for spices and nuts. Such models usually have an authentic design, stylized as an antique. Wooden spice grinders make great gifts.
- Metal . Such mills are the most expensive, but this price is quite justified. Metal can be used only for the millstones or also for the body. All-metal models often come in a shell or hourglass shape, where the circle is driven by turning the cap. Metal millstones will last for years or even decades. Such parts will easily cope with coarse salt, nuts, coffee and other hard products.
- Glass or ceramics. Also an inexpensive option, but it wears out very quickly. Especially if the mill is used for salt. Glass has its own advantages - it does not absorb odors and does not add its own aroma to the contents, and everything is clearly visible through it. All glass mills look very picturesque in the kitchen. They are also good to use in spice kits so you can immediately identify the contents.
- Plastic. The cheapest material that is not durable. Plastic is most often used in disposable products. Plastic mills are often made in different colors; such models will look good in a modern or high-tech kitchen. But bright design is perhaps the only advantage of plastic products.
Principle of operation
Home mills, like their ancestors, have millstones inside - grinding circles. One is fixedly fixed, and the second, rotating, grinds spices, which are poured into the upper container. Mills can be divided into several types.
Disposable
A container filled with one of the spices or a mixture. It is made of glass or plastic. To grind, you need to twist the top cover. The advantages of this model include compactness and low cost. But such a mill has a ready-made set, so when it runs out, you will have to buy a new device.
Manual and mechanical
The devices consist of a flask, millstones and a container for ground spices. To start the mechanism, a handle or a movable upper part may be located on top. There are specimens specifically designed for pepper: the millstones have two rows of teeth that collect all the peas and grind them thoroughly.
For hard salt crystals, the millstones in the mill must be made of particularly strong material. Such a device has an advantage over a disposable one, since you can make the mixture yourself and adjust the dosage for grinding.
A mechanical mill is selected to match the design of kitchen utensils. The body of the device can be made of wood, stainless steel, ceramics or acrylic. There are different models, for example, “Molinero”, consists of 4 containers with spices. The lower part is used for grinding.
Rechargeable and battery-powered
A battery- or battery-powered mill can easily handle any solid particles. The engine is started using a button. There is a double-sided model made in the shape of an hourglass. A different type of spice is poured into each container. Such devices have a high price.
You need to know that the wooden body absorbs odors and is not recommended for oily seasonings.
When choosing a mill, you should pay attention to what material the millstones are made of. For hard spices, they should be made of steel or ceramic. It is worth noting that millstones with two rows of cutters are more reliable, and ceramics are suitable for spicy and dry herbs.
Popular Spice Mill Manufacturers
To choose a mill for several decades, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer. Trusted manufacturers of kitchen equipment produce reliable mills, with high-quality millstones and strong mechanisms. There is no doubt about the durability of such devices.
Nuova Cer
Italian Nuova Cer
Italian company founded in 1992. Specializes in the production of ceramic kitchen utensils. It is famous for its stylish and durable ceramic mills, which have an exquisite design and elegant painting.
Cole&Mason
English brand Cole&Mason
An English brand whose history goes back a little less than a century. It is famous for the production of reliable and high-quality mills made of ceramics, metal and wood. Most devices have metal millstones that will last for decades. The mechanisms of these products are very reliable, which can be confirmed by the lifetime warranty of the mills.
Peugeot
Peugeot French brand
A famous French brand that has been producing mills for more than a century and a half. Initially they were mechanical. But with the development of technology, an electric motor was attached to the products. The mills are also distinguished by a special mechanism, where in addition to the millstones, the outer circle contains helicoidal teeth that direct the products to the center of the circle. Most products from this brand have a lifetime warranty.
Bodum
Bodum Swiss brand
The Swiss brand Bodum is famous for its original solutions in the production of kitchen utensils. The Twin salt and spice mill of this brand consists of two compartments in which salt and spices are hidden. The millstones are activated by turning the lid, which is also a switch between products. The body of the product is usually made of steel, plastic or glass, and the millstones are made of ceramic.
Legnoart
Italian brand Legnoart
An Italian brand that was founded in 1946. This brand began producing kitchen utensils with mills. Since then, more than one generation has grown up with their products in the kitchen. The body of the mills is made of valuable wood or porcelain. The wood is heated at 180-230 degrees, as a result of which it becomes very durable. In the production process of all products, craftsmen do not use chemicals, and all work is carried out using special technologies or manually.
Bisetti
Wooden mills Bisetti
Wooden mills of this brand look like real antiques. The body is made of beech, olive or oak. Millstones can be made of wood or ceramic. Such products will become a real decoration of the kitchen. If you assemble a whole set of spice grinders, the smells of herbs and peppers will not mix with each other.
Main types
This technique allows you to prepare a mixture of aromatic spices in a few minutes with a minimum of effort. In order not to get confused among the varied assortment, you need to know their main characteristics. Mechanisms are divided into two types: manual and electric. Below we will describe each of them in detail.
Manual
Mechanical ones are very popular. They have a very aesthetic design and the grinding process is soothing. The millstone inside the product is driven by rotating the handle or pressing the lid. Some mechanisms can even regulate the coarseness of the grind, and the dosage is also very easy to control when using. They do not need electricity to operate, which means they do not require additional cash expenses. Wooden models are also environmentally friendly and safe for health. Hand mills are divided into two types - disposable and reusable:
- Disposable ones are often found in regular supermarkets and, as a rule, already contain certain spices inside. They are made of plastic or glass, the material is unreliable, so such mills quickly break down. When the spices inside run out, you can safely throw the empty jar in the trash. One of the disadvantages is that the contents of such mills cannot be changed.
- Refillable ones are sold without pre-made spices, but can easily be filled with spices. The cook will be able to load not only a ready-made combination of spices, but also create his own individual composition. The design consists of 3 elements: a container for filling, grinding knives or millstones and a reservoir for crushed seasonings. Equipment can be made from different materials, but the most popular are wood and metal. The main advantage of such mills is their long service life, but the main disadvantage is the need to thoroughly wash the container after previous use.
Electrical
This is the most modern type of mill and it is very easy to work with them. When using electric models, you practically do not need to make any effort; just press a button or sensor. Most models have grinding adjustment. Their main advantage over manual ones is the possibility of backlighting, which helps regulate the dosage. Powered by battery or batteries. The only disadvantages include a higher price than mechanical ones and the need to wash them after each use.
Rating of the best mechanical spice grinders
Since mills with manual or electric drive are used by different housewives and with different loads, their ratings were divided by type. The best mechanical spice grinders are presented first.
Legnoart Dining
Legnoart Dining stylish mill
An elegant and stylish mill of the Italian brand, which is made entirely by hand. The body is made of ash treated at high temperatures. Thanks to special oil treatment, the wood does not absorb spice odors or moisture. The tool is equipped with reliable ceramic millstones. Available in light wood and wenge versions.
According to reviews from housewives, a mill from this manufacturer lasts a long time and complements the style of the kitchen.
Advantages and disadvantages
original design
strong millstones
after a few decades, the millstones will still begin to grind down
Cost - about 3000 rubles .
Gefu Aromatico 9 cm
Original Gefu Aromatico mill
The original mill, made of plastic, has an unusual handle design. The millstones are made of ceramic. The device easily grinds spices, nuts and salt. Thanks to the special handle, this process becomes very easy.
According to user reviews, many people like the transparent plastic case and the good functioning of the mechanism.
Advantages and disadvantages
light body weight
convenient work
Can grind many spices
high price
Cost - about 3500 rubles .
Peugeot Paris electric
Peugeot Paris electric model
The model combines a mechanical and electric mill. The degree of grinding is divided into six levels. The body is made of stylish and noble beech in two colors: light and dark.
According to customer reviews, the device is suitable for those who cook a lot, often and exquisitely. Perhaps that is why the set comes with a gift - 20 grams of elite French pepper.
Advantages and disadvantages
reliable mechanism with a lifetime warranty
high price
Cost – about 5,000 rubles.
Bodum Twin
“double” mill Bodum Twin
The famous “double” mill of a famous Swiss brand. Allows you to grind salt and pepper at the same time. Sold already filled, but can be refilled. The body is made partly of transparent plastic, partly of colored one. The millstones are made of ceramic.
In reviews, users note the convenience of the small case, which fits comfortably in the hand.
Advantages and disadvantages
ability to grind two types of products at once
heavy body weight
high price
Price – about 5500 rubles .
Mallony Piccante
Inexpensive mill Mallony Piccante
This inexpensive mill has a simple transparent plastic body and looks very stylish. The filling level of the container is easily visible through the walls. The millstones are made of durable ceramics and will last a long time. The mechanism provides mechanical adjustment of the grinding level.
Users note the low cost and simplicity of the product.
Advantages and disadvantages
beautiful and functional design
low cost
products are poured into a container without a lid, so they must be completely ground
Price – about 500 rubles.
Recommendations for choosing a product
- Wooden products are light in weight, easy to use, environmentally friendly, and also have a relatively low price on the market. However, you cannot grind spices with an oily consistency or strong aroma in them, as this is unhygienic.
- Knives or millstones made of plastic break quickly, so it is better to give preference to ceramics or steel.
- Not all mills are capable of adjusting the coarseness of grinding; pay attention to this when purchasing.
- According to numerous customer reviews, ceramics and stainless steel are considered the best materials, but they are quite heavy.
- If the mill is not disposable, then the product must be cleaned and ventilated after each use.
- The most important thing is that the tool for grinding spices should be convenient.
What to consider when choosing a spice grinder?
Each housewife chooses a mill primarily for herself and her needs. The choice of mill depends on how often and what products it will grind.
If you intend to grind different herbs and spices, then it is better to choose the option with metal or ceramic millstones, since wood absorbs odors.
If you intend to use spices in a variety of recipes, then it is better to choose an option with adjustable grinding degree.
You can also make pepper powder and grind the cloves into medium-sized pieces and chop the herbs. As a result, such a mill will help you prepare delicious, unusual and fragrant dishes that the whole family will definitely appreciate. Spice mill video
Working mechanisms
If you are interested in a grinder, it is better to buy such an accessory for pepper and salt separately, since these products require different types of millstones. Today in the assortment of stores you can find models with ceramic, steel, zinc and plastic working mechanisms. They differ in functional range, service life, and care features.
- Ceramic millstones.
The most expensive models are equipped with such knives, since modern ceramics are stronger than carbon steel. The Rockwell strength of such millstones varies from 55 to 60 units. Since the material does not contain metal, it does not rust or corrode. Such mills can be used directly above the stove, in food that steams. Another advantage of the ceramic mechanism is its sharpness. The cutting edges do not become dull even after prolonged use and when working with hard materials. Similar mechanisms are recommended for grinding salt; they are also suitable for grinding pepper, spices and dry herbs.
- Carbon steel millstones.
A spice grinder with this mechanism will last a long time. Recommended for grinding peppers and herbs only. The Rockwell strength of the material varies from 50 to 55, due to this, such mechanisms last a very long time while remaining effective. Despite the fact that the material has a protective layer against rust, the device requires careful handling. It is worth minimizing its contact with water and other aggressive media. Not suitable for grinding salt as it destroys the millstones.
- Stainless steel mechanism.
The most popular models that combine good performance characteristics and a solid service life. Such devices are inferior in strength to carbon steel millstones. Their Rockwell scores range from 35 to 40. Already from the name of the material it is clear that it is not subject to rust. Suitable for grinding spices, peppers and dry herbs.
- Zinc alloy mechanisms.
The most budget models. These mills are not very durable and provide less quality grinding. Since the metal is quite soft, they lose their effectiveness over time. If exposed to water or aggressive environments, the millstones may rust, so these models are intended only for grinding pepper.
- Plastic mechanism.
Its undoubted advantage is corrosion resistance and low cost. Millstones made of nylon do not rust and are not destroyed by salt. But plastic is a very soft material, it is the least effective and wears out quite quickly. In addition, with such devices it is difficult to guarantee the uniformity and quality of grinding. As a rule, this version of “internals” is installed on disposable mills, where a short service life is provided.
The second option is for pragmatists. Electric mill, powered by batteries or accumulators.
This mill, like all the others, consists of millstones and a container for spices. Its main difference from its centuries-old counterparts is the current strength. Most often, the device is produced in a distinctly futuristic style.
pros
Due to the fact that the millstones rotate from electricity, such a mill significantly saves the energy of its owner. It quickly, efficiently and independently grinds the required amount of spices. In addition, it has different operating modes for individual spices and can easily cope with even the hardest sea salt (in fact, this device is largely purchased for this reason). Many people will like its modern design, and in combination with an electronic corkscrew (which is sometimes sold as a set for some reason), it will brand you as a progressive person.
Design and sizes
Mini mill , standard or larger size – many users face this dilemma. Culinary experts recommend first of all focusing on the size of your hand: the accessory should fit easily in the palm of your hand. If this is a mechanical model, consider the planned grinding volume. So, for home use and a small number of servings, options with a height of 10-13 cm are suitable. If you cook for feasts or work in a restaurant, we advise you to take a closer look at mills from 20 cm and above.
Mill design is another important parameter. If electronic models are often laconic and made in high-tech style, then mechanical models delight with a variety of materials, shapes and shades. Functionality determines the cylindrical geometry of the device, but many manufacturers add relief, stylize the design, and work on the silhouette. Today you can buy massive wooden models, copper versions made in country style, classic ceramic models, minimalist plastic ones, and brass mills
Many well-known manufacturers offer entire collections that will not only make your food delicious, but will also become a real decoration for your kitchen shelves.
If you are thinking that a salt grinder must be in your culinary arsenal, you should not settle for a single copy - pay attention to the sets.
If you only have one mill, it will need to be cleaned after each grinding cycle to load another product. This is inconvenient and time-consuming, which is why most experienced cooks prefer to have several devices in their kitchen, storing their own type of spices in each. A convenient solution would be models with lids of different colors. This will allow you to quickly identify the spice and select the right one.
Why is a mill convenient?
Some users do not fully understand why a grinder . Why can’t you buy a ready-made product and not grind it?
6 reasons why the device should be in your kitchen.
- If you really love to cook, you will have noticed that professional cooks use only freshly ground spices, pepper and salt. This way they retain their taste and aroma as much as possible.
- The mill allows you to adjust the degree of grinding of the product. To prepare different dishes, you often need different seasoning fractions. Many models have settings for up to 10 degrees of grinding - this allows you to follow a complex recipe and most fully reveals the taste of the products.
- Having your own mill means saving money on purchasing spices. It is known that an already ground product is more expensive than a whole product, since the cost includes the cost of grinding. Having your own accessory at home, you will not only receive a fresh product of the required dispersion, but also will not overpay for industrial grinding.
- Many users receive aesthetic pleasure not only from beautiful kitchen utensils in their kitchen, but also from the cooking process. The mill attachment plays an important role in this matter.
- The device allows you to strictly dose spices and create your own combinations from rare or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Guaranteed seasoning composition. When buying ready-made ground spices or mixtures, you cannot be completely sure what exactly is included in the composition. The ratio of these ingredients is also unclear. The presence of a mill allows you to create precise compositions with a guaranteed set of quality components.
Operational resource
It is impossible to answer the question about the “life” of this kitchen utensil with any certainty. The period of functionality will depend on the following factors:
- the type of material from which the millstones are made;
- operating mode;
- how often the mill will be washed with water (if the millstones are susceptible to corrosion);
- what exactly do you plan to grind on it?
It is also important to understand that even in electric models there are rubbing parts that naturally break down due to mechanical wear. That is why many experts recommend viewing mills as consumables that need to be updated periodically. Such devices cannot be repaired or serviced and require regular replacement.
