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.
How to choose a mill
Before you go looking for a mill, it’s worth asking yourself: what will I grind in it? The choice of material, manufacturer and price range will depend on the answer.
Material
The main criterion is the strength of the millstones. The mill will cope with its task more successfully and last longer if you choose grinding wheels made of stainless steel rather than plastic. Hard and sharp teeth are especially needed for grinding pepper and salt. A steel case is also more durable than glass or plastic. But for a flask, the material is no longer as important as for millstones, and here it is quite possible to focus on the design of your kitchen. An interior in a high-tech or minimalist style will be complemented by laconic windmills made of metal or acrylic, elegant glass products will suit the Art Nouveau style, and ceramics or wood are combined with the Provence style. However, do not forget that the wooden body absorbs odors well and is not suitable for oily seasonings.
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.
Types of mills
Spice grinders are divided into three groups: disposable, manual and electric.
Disposable mills
These are transparent glass or plastic flasks already filled with one seasoning or a ready-made spice mixture. To add salt or pepper to the finished dish, simply twist the lid over the plate.
Pros. There is no need to mix spices - the manufacturer took care of this. Other advantages are compactness and low price. Advanced models even allow you to adjust the degree of grinding.
Minuses. Lack of choice - you may not find the combination of spices you need on the store shelf. In addition, a certain set, as a rule, is suitable only for one type of dish, so instead of one mill you will have to purchase several. And most importantly: a disposable device will not last long, and buying a new one is an additional expense.
Manual (mechanical) mills
They consist of a flask, millstones and a container for prepared spices. To grind the seasoning, you need to twist the handle or lid.
Pros. Mechanical devices also do not last forever, but they will last much longer than disposable ones. By grinding spices by hand, you can precisely measure portions of the product and mix spices the way a recipe or inspiration suggests. Hand mills are made from a variety of materials: wood, ceramics, acrylic, stainless steel, cast iron. The design is also varied, so among the mechanical devices you can find one that will perfectly match the style of your kitchen.
Minuses. This kitchen utensil is not entirely universal - salt crystals are difficult to grind by hand.
Electric mills
Automatic mills operate on batteries or batteries through a motor that drives the grinding wheels inside the structure. To grind spices, just one press of a button or sensor is enough.
Pros. Simplicity and versatility, different grinding modes: such devices save time and effort and easily cope with any content - even hard sea salt. Another advantage is high productivity: with an electric grinder you can grind much more seasonings than by hand.
Minuses. High price.
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.
How to choose the right mill
When choosing a pepper grinder, there are several criteria to consider:
- body material;
- ease of use;
- the material from which the millstones are made;
- the presence of adjustment of the degree of grinding.
One of the first things you should pay attention to is the body materials from which the pepper shaker is made. There are a large number of them:
- plastic;
- glass;
- metal;
- stainless;
- wooden;
- ceramic.
When purchasing, you should consider what spices it will be used for. If there is only pepper, any of the above mills will be suitable, but if, for example, you use oil seasonings, a wooden mill will only worsen the taste of your dish, since the smells of the spices are absorbed into the wooden mill and thereby sometimes give out the wrong taste of the seasonings, which I would like to feel in the dish. A glass device can break if used carelessly, which is also not very pleasant. The best option is a stainless steel pepper mill; it will not break, will not rust, and, as a rule, stainless steel pepper grinders have a perfect appearance.
Read also our article Types of peppers, their benefits and harm to humans
Take the pepper grinder and feel how comfortable it is. Its shape, weight, everything should be in accordance, feel whether it is pleasant for you to hold it.
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.
The most famous manufacturers
The most famous mill manufacturers are Peugeot, Nuova Cer, Legnoart, Fissler, Cole&Mason, Joseph&Joseph.
- Peugeot Mills; This company has long been known for its wonderful mills. The mills of this company have a patented double-row gear mechanism. Its features are such that it can grind any object to the smallest state. Most Peugeot mills are made from acrylic and wood in a wide range of models.
- Mills Nuova Cer; This Italian company is known for making wonderful pepper mills. Their feature is excellent functionality and beautiful design.
- Mills Legnoart; Another Italian company produces mills from ash and porcelain. Their distinctive feature is their excellent style and fantastically beautiful design. These mills are also known for their durable millstones, which will save you from having to look for a new mill for many years.
- Fissler Mills; The mills of this German company are distinguished by their laconic design and excellent quality. Thanks to this, millions of users choose only this company.
- Mills Cole&Mason; Cole & Mason mills are known for their style and aesthetics. They are made of plastic and metal. Also special about Cole & Mason is that they provide a lifetime warranty on their grinding mechanisms.
- Mills Joseph&Joseph; Joseph&Joseph mills are made of glass. They are very easy to use and are perfect for any kitchen design.
- BodumTwin mills; These mills are distinguished by their original design and high-quality work. An interesting quality of this mill is the ability to mix pepper and salt at the same time. Such mills are usually made of stainless steel and transparent glass. They have a silicone insert at the top. The grinding mechanism is made of ceramic and is famous for its reliability.
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.
Best Electric Spice Grinders
The grinding of spices in such devices is carried out by electric drive forces - without any human effort. You just need to press a button and the battery-powered device will grind pepper and even coarse sea salt to the desired size.
Peugeot Paris electric (art. 35648)
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The model from the world famous French brand combines the elegant look of Peugeot mechanical mills and the efficiency of electric ones.
The grinding mechanism is made of high quality steel with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, built into a wooden body made of solid beech. The device runs on rechargeable batteries (charger included) and is equipped with a six-speed u'Select grinding system.
Pros:
- High quality materials;
- Attractive appearance;
- 2 versions (light wood and black varnish);
- Yes sizes (30 and 34 cm);
- Rechargeable batteries;
- A gift from the manufacturer – 20 g of pepper from France.
Minuses:
- Expensive.
An indispensable item in the work of a restaurant chef and an excellent gift option for those who like to create culinary masterpieces in their own kitchen.
Cole & Mason Richmond Buzz (art. 900820)
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
In a few seconds, an electric mill from a British brand will prepare the required portion of freshly ground spices.
The case is made of high-quality stainless steel and has ribbed plastic inserts for a super secure hold in the hand during use.
The almost eternal grinding mechanism is made of hardened steel. The grinder offers six degrees of grinding of spices - from fine, like dust, for meat to coarse for pickles and marinades.
Pros:
- You can grind even large volumes of spices;
- Modern design;
- Transparent container for spices;
- Several degrees of grinding.
Minuses:
- High price;
- Requires 6 AAA batteries.
A stylish, reliable and functional spice grinder is ideal for those who value convenience in their kitchen and prepare a wide variety of dishes.
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Hotter KDL-546
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
You can grind pepper or coarse salt easily and quickly using a rotary inclined mill. Simply tilt it at an angle of 45 degrees and you will get coarse or finely ground spices (the mode is set by turning the button).
The location of the grinding millstones in the upper part of the body eliminates dust and crumbs on the table during and after use.
Pros:
- Wear-resistant case (ABS plastic and glass);
- Ceramic millstones;
- Spacious container for spices;
- Built-in lighting;
- Automatic switching on;
- Three body colors to choose from – red, black, steel.
Minuses:
- Powered by 6 pinky batteries, which are not included.
With this pepper grinder, you can season your dishes with freshly ground spices in one motion. Convenient to use at home and in the country.
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
Mills for salt and spices: learning the mechanics
11/20/2017 There are dishes where all the salt is in the spices - forgive the pun: for example, meat crusted with mustard and pepper, fish in aromatic herbs, Mediterranean salads with fragrant dressings. Spices can be poured immediately ground, but the taste and smell will not be the same.
Salt and spice grinders are the ideal compromise for every day: they provide the desired grind, save time and effort, and release taste and aroma. Let's figure out what they are, what they are made of and how they work.
Manual or mechanical mills
They were invented at the beginning of the twentieth century - they took a traditional mill as a basis, and then a steel wheel appeared instead of millstones. Since then, the simple design has changed little: at the base there are wheels that grind spices and salt; movable upper part, which is rotated during the process; wheel used to adjust the degree of grinding. Ground spices flow out from the bottom, so the grinder is held directly above the dish.
The mechanical mill works flawlessly, does not depend on an outlet or batteries, but it requires effort to operate.
Example: Rame mechanical mill from Bisetti
Electric mills
They are designed almost the same as mechanical ones, but you don’t need to turn anything: the mill is started by a button and runs on electricity. Some run from a wall outlet, but more often they run on batteries that can be recharged. There are those in which the degree of grinding is visible on the display to make it easier to adjust. Mills with illuminated bottoms are good in a restaurant or at a table when the lighting is dim.
The main advantage of electric mills is convenience: press a button and you're done. Even if you need to grind a lot of salt and spices, you will not get tired.
Example: Bisetti electric mill
What is the difference between salt mills and spice mills?
The difference between salt and spice grinders is that the former must be stronger: large salt crystals are more difficult to grind than pepper. Salt can corrode metal, so it is important that such a mill has a particularly strong steel alloy, ideally chrome plated.
Example: Milano salt mill from Bisetti, Taranto pepper mill from Bisetti
What is important to consider?
The working parts of the mill bear a large load, so they must be very durable. It is best to choose mills with steel or ceramic millstones and a metal wheel at the top.
The body must also be durable, and also withstand moisture and hot steam: spices are often sprinkled on the dish directly on the stove. It is important that the mill does not dry out or deteriorate from wet and greasy hands, does not slip out and is easy to wash. In this regard, chrome steel and acrylic behave best, but wood is more solid and more pleasant to the touch.
If you cook a lot of different things, take a mill with many grinding levels: 5-7. This way you can easily grind it into powder - for delicate sauces - or large pieces - for steaks and marinades.
Choose the height of the mill so that it fits easily in your hands and holds as many spices as needed. For small portions for every day, 10-13 cm is enough, for a large feast or restaurant - from 20 cm.
BRADEX Four-level spice mill MOLINERO
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
This is a set that consists of a mechanical grinder and 4 spice containers. Containers allow you to properly organize space in the kitchen. The body is made of metal, and the millstones are made of ceramic. The windows are made of transparent plastic and allow you to control the amount of contents inside.
BRADEX Four-level spice mill MOLINERO
Advantages:
- there are containers for storing spices
- There is an adjustable grind size
Flaws:
- not suitable for grinding large and hard seasonings
- The method of use is a little confusing, so it is recommended to read the instructions first
- The plastic is quite fragile, care must be taken during use
