Only true gourmets can appreciate the extraordinary taste of spices ground before serving the dish. This result is obtained when using home manual or electric mills.
They are miniature representatives of flour plants. Mills were first used to grind coffee beans, and later they were used to grind lumps of salt and sugar.
This happened more than 200 years ago, and since then these convenient devices have changed in appearance and functionality: you can adjust the degree of grinding, some models are battery powered, others are manual, mills are available with backlighting and an unusual design.
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.
Product Features
Any Kotanyi manual grinder is a glass container with a lid and a built-in mechanism for grinding spices. The jar contains from 30 to 50 g of spices. Various types of peppercorns, coriander, dried onions, fenugreek, basil, rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt are used as fillers.
The crushing mechanism is made of plastic and is tightly installed in the neck of the bottle. When the lid is turned, large components are ground into powder. The mill has two operating modes. The first produces larger particles, the second produces smaller particles. The closed container is airtight, which preserves the full range of aromas and flavors of the spices.
What material is used
Acrylic or ABS plastic has a bright color. This material does not absorb aromas and does not allow moisture to pass through. The latter is a negative point, since wet spices caught in such a container can spoil. Acrylic is harmless and can be washed with water or wiped with a damp sponge. It is not advisable to leave a mill made of such material in the sun - the acrylic may fade.
Glass has properties similar to plastic, but this material is more fragile.
A wooden device has a noble appearance, but the spices inside such a container absorb odors well, so wooden models can only be used for one spice.
Wood is not recommended for oily seasonings. The surface of a wooden mill can be varnished. It is also advisable to avoid greasy stains.
Ceramic and stainless steel appliances are more reliable. There are also very elegant and beautiful specimens made of earthenware and porcelain. Steel mills are chosen by lovers of high-tech style.
Popular manufacturers
Peugeot
It is the oldest manufacturer of spice mills. The company has patented a special formula for the production of double-row, toothed millstones. The essence of the method is the spraying of metal vapors in a vacuum, which makes the teeth especially strong and sharp. This mill can easily handle hard crystals and grains and is also very durable.
Nuova Cer
The Italian company produces stylish and functional pepper mills. Ceramic models look especially elegant.
Legnoart
Another company from Italy, known for producing kitchen utensils of excellent quality with an elegant appearance. The body of the spice mill is made of ash or porcelain. The wood is preliminarily subjected to heat treatment in the form of heating in the range of 180-230̊ C. As a result, the material becomes resistant to temperature changes and moisture.
In the mill, metal millstones are arranged in two rows.
Cole&Mason
If you want to purchase a mill with a lifetime guarantee, then you should pay attention to the British company Cole&Mason.
The body of the product is made of metal or plastic, easy to use and has a modern look. The grinder provides six grinding modes.
The popularity of the brand is evidenced by the fact that the Walt Disney Company offered a license to use images of its characters.
BodumTwin
The Swiss company BodumTwin, famous for creating a French press for brewing tea, has in its collection a mill capable of grinding salt and pepper at the same time. At the same time, the lid also serves as a switch between spices. The mill body is made of glass or steel, and the millstones are made of ceramics.
Bisetti
Mills from the Italian manufacturer Bisetti are elegant models with a vintage touch. The body can be made of acrylic or wood: beech or olive. This material is able to preserve the smell of herbs and spices. If each type of spice has its own grinder, then you can enjoy the smell without foreign impurities.
Salt in a wooden case will always be dry, while acrylic as a material is ideal for aromatic spices. It does not absorb odors and does not react with essential oils.
The transparent surface allows you to control the amount of spices.
Types of grinders for pepper and other spices
Such devices are represented by several basic design and functional options. Mills are single-use and reusable, mechanical or electric. Each type has its own advantages, operating features and technical characteristics. The design of reusable kitchen mills is collapsible.
They consist of several parts:
- container for granular, grain or powder spices;
- grinding mechanism - teeth, round millstones, worm knives and others;
- removable handle;
- covers.
- detachable compartments for storing various types of food additives.
Such devices are made from various materials that determine the durability and operational reliability of the mill.
On sale there are reusable devices made from:
- food grade polymer of increased strength;
- of stainless steel;
- clear or frosted glass;
- ceramics;
- wood.
Expensive electric models run on miniature flat or AA batteries. There are types of kitchen mills with a built-in battery. They are practical because they do not require periodic replacement of batteries and are charged from a socket with a standard voltage of 220 V. The design features of electric models are practically no different from mechanical reusable devices.
Due to the high speed of the knives, such mills quickly and efficiently grind any spices, including hard crystals of table salt. They significantly save the owner’s time and physical strength, since there is no need to rotate the handle for a long time and tediously.
Electric mills are common in catering establishments where large volumes of flavoring additives need to be ground in a short time. The cheapest and most popular variety in home kitchens is disposable mills.
Such models already contain the desired food ingredient inside. They are airtight, so they retain the taste and rich aroma of the contents during long-term storage. Grinding while simultaneously extracting a portion of spices is accomplished by simply twisting the lid. Using a disposable device allows you to evenly distribute the food ingredient over the entire surface of the dish.
Mills of this type have the only drawback - the limited period of operation provided for by the design. They are suitable for long-term storage of pepper, but after the contents are completely consumed they must be disposed of. The need to disassemble the device arises if you want to extend its service life.
The best spice grinders
Paris Laque Blanc – stylish for salt
An elegant lacquered white accessory for salt is offered by the French company Peugeot. Steel grinders will help you deal with hard sea salt crystals and peppercorns. The mill is equipped with a U'Select grinding system: by turning the upper part of the body, you can select the required degree of grinding.
The height of the product is 12 cm, but there are taller models.
- Country: France
- Cost: 3570 rub.
mill Paris Laque Blanc
Advantages:
- beautiful;
- comfortable;
- 100% guarantee.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Peugeot Paris electric – expensive chic
The elegant and recognizable silhouette of a wooden mill hides a powerful electric motor inside. The mechanism runs on lithium-ion batteries. The kit includes a charger. The charging connector is located in the upper (closed) part of the product, and the indicator is also located there. The mill is equipped with a 6-stage grinding system. Height – 34 cm.
Cost – 9900 rub.
mill Peugeot Paris electric
Advantages:
- innovation model;
- lifetime warranty;
- high-quality case material: black lacquer, light wood;
- 20 g of pepper as a gift from the company.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
Gefu Aromatico – German quality
The mill from the German company Gefu is distinguished by its quality and durability. The body is made of plastic, and the millstones are ceramic, which are launched using a curved handle. The mill comes with 6 stickers with the names of spices. Height 9 cm. Country – Germany. Price – 3600 rub.
mill Gefu Aromatico
Advantages:
- high quality;
- convenient to use;
- a lid covering the bottom;
- transparent body.
Flaws:
- high price
Legnoart – the embodiment of Italian taste
The mill of the Italian company is an elegant, convenient and functional kitchen utensil. The body is made of ash, and the surface is processed manually using biomaterials. Wood does not absorb odors and moisture, and also does not dry out. The accessory is available in light shades and wenge colors. Ceramic millstones are capable of grinding solid particles, adjustable grinding. Country – Italy. Price – about 3000 rubles.
mill Legnoart
Advantages:
- interesting design;
- handmade;
- grinding adjustment.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Wesco - new product from the German brand
The mill is equipped with a CrushGrind mechanism, allowing for a grinding range from fine to coarse. To set the degree of grinding, there is a rotating metal wheel on the body. Ceramic millstones ensure durability of the product. The mill is easy to clean, the spice container is made of acrylic. Height – 10 cm. Country – Germany. Price – 3750 rub.
Wesco mill
Advantages:
- functional;
- elegant design;
- durable;
- easy care.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Bodum Twin – salt and pepper at the same time
The mill has not only an interesting design, but also unusual functionality. The glass container contains pepper and salt, and by pressing a button you can pepper and salt your food at the same time. For convenience, the upper part is made of colored silicone. The device is sold with spices inside. Country: Switzerland.
Price – 4200 rub.
mill Bodum Twin
Advantages:
- compact;
- ceramic millstones;
- different types of colors.
Flaws:
- weight 350 g – a bit heavy;
- high price.
Mallony Piccante – a model accessible to everyone
The mill has a clear acrylic body with a simple design. The millstones are ceramic. This model is suitable for any design - simple and compact. The degree of grinding is regulated by the lid on top.
The cost of the model is 460 rubles.
mill Mallony Piccante
Advantages:
- simple design;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- no cover for the bottom
Richmond Buzz - convenient, modern, reliable
The English company Cole & Mason was the first to produce a plastic pepper grinder in 1975. The Richmond Buzz mill is made of steel with acrylic inserts. Millstones made of steel will last forever. The mechanism is started by pressing a button, because it is an electric device. The grinding mode switch and the power button are conveniently located. Runs on regular batteries.
Country: Great Britain. Price – 4650 rubles.
Richmond Buzz Mill
Advantages:
- modern design;
- convenient inclusion;
- several grinding modes.
Flaws:
- high price;
- 6 batteries required.
Hotter KDL-546 – just tilt it
This Russian-made mill will surprise you with the way it works: when tilted at 45°, the grinding process automatically starts. The spices are located at the top of the device, which prevents dust from getting on the table. You can change the grind size using the button. When the mill is turned on, the backlight lights up. The millstones are made of ceramic and can grind large particles. Country of origin: Russia.
Cost – 900-1400 rubles.
mill Hotter KDL-546
Advantages:
- durable body made of glass and plastic;
- ceramic millstones;
- interesting design.
Flaws:
- runs on 6 batteries, which are not included.
Tescoma President 2 in 1 – compact and stylish
The Czech manufacturer's spice grinder is small in size, but despite this it has two containers - for pepper and salt. To collect leftovers, the kit includes a lid that can be used to fill the container with spices. Ceramic millstones and a powerful motor powered by 6 batteries help to quickly grind any crystals.
Country: Czech Republic. Cost – 3200 rubles.
mill Tescoma President
Advantages:
- housing made of stainless steel and durable plastic;
- grinding degree adjustment;
- warranty – 5 years.
Flaws:
- Spices cannot be crushed;
- no batteries included
AIHOME – stylish simplicity
An innovative hand mill made in China will decorate any table. The gadget is made of high quality stainless steel. Grinding is started by pressing a button located at the top of the housing.
Country – China. Price – from 770 rubles.
mill AIHOME
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- ease of use;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Varieties
There are three types of mills.
- Reusable models from well-known manufacturers. Such products have a design that includes several parts: a container for spices, knives (teeth or millstones) and a container for storing prepared mixtures. Models of reusable mills are produced without a handle and with a handle made of various materials. Cast iron, glass, wood, metal, and ceramic mills can last for many years.
- Electric models can be powered by batteries or battery charge. In terms of the type of construction, they do not differ from reusable models. Electric mills work quickly, save time and effort, and are capable of grinding the hardest granules of spices and salt.
- Disposable products made of plastic or glass with a device adapted for grinding seeds. The tool can hardly be called a mill, but it copes with the main task perfectly. A plus is the low cost. A variety of seasonings, salt, sugar, herbs, and peas can be stored in such jars. Disposable models are about 10 cm high, take up little space and are very popular.
This article will talk about the latter type. Using them is a pleasure. Spice granules do not need to be crushed, and thanks to the sealed packaging, the smell and taste of spices is preserved for a long time.
To use the product, you just need to twist the cap. The aromatic seasoning in powder form is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
The disadvantage of such tools is that the packaging is designed for one use. When the spices run out, the container is thrown away.
Once the contents are finally used, the question arises as to whether the pepper mill can be opened and whether it can be reused. It turns out that it is possible to disassemble it, but to do this you will have to perform a number of simple steps.
