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.
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.
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.
Mallony Pepper Grinder PICCANTE 003934
Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
Its attractive appearance, transparent walls and simple design allow you to use this pepper grinder in a kitchen with any design, as well as for serving a holiday table. Through the acrylic body you can clearly see how many spices are left inside. Ceramic millstones easily cope with grinding all types of pepper and coarse salt.
Mallony Pepper Grinder PICCANTE 003934
Advantages:
- easy adjustment of grinding degree (thumb on top)
- design fits any kitchen interior
- ease of use
- affordable price
Flaws:
- no lid for storing leftovers
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.
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.
Electric salt and spice grinder
Electric kitchen mills, unlike the two previous options, ideally cope with the most difficult tasks of thoroughly grinding and grinding all kinds of spices, and most importantly, hard crystals of rock sea salt.
An electric salt and pepper mill can operate either from a standard electrical outlet or from batteries. The choice of a mobile or stationary model depends on the needs and preferences of the owner.
Most electric models can be conveniently placed on a table in a fixed position. Well, thanks to the variety of design solutions, such an irreplaceable device can become an integral element of the kitchen interior. The only drawback that an electric pepper mill may have is its cost. Most modern devices in this category are really overpriced, which is a repulsive factor for some consumers.
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
Subtleties of choice
How to choose a grinder for pepper and other spices? First you need to decide which model is preferable for you - manual (mechanical) or electric. The first ones are more affordable, easy to use, and delight the eye with a variety of materials and design solutions. The second ones are more expensive, but they significantly save effort and time and effortlessly cope with large volumes and the hardest spices. Pay attention to the material of the case. Wooden mills are considered one of the best, because although they absorb moisture from the outside, they do not allow the spices to become soggy inside. Glass, porcelain and ceramics carefully preserve the valuable properties of spices, but if handled carelessly they develop cracks and chips. Plastic is practical and convenient, but not very durable. But stainless steel is famous for its highest margin of strength and performance. The material of the grinding mechanism plays a key role. It determines how long and efficiently the mill will serve. And what is important is what quality the spices will be ground. A win-win solution is stainless steel millstones. They do not dull for a long time, are not afraid of corrosion, and are easy to maintain. Ceramic millstones also cope flawlessly with grinding. However, improper handling can significantly shorten its service life.
