Using a salt or pepper mill may seem inconvenient at first, especially since most households and restaurants utilize pre-ground salt and pepper shaker sets. Spices were freshly pounded in a mortar and pestle until spice mills became widely accessible for home use, allowing the user to crush them by hand.
Of course, this is still a possibility today. However, unless you have your own prep cook or sous chef at home, a manually operated pepper or salt grinder may be a better option, as it can produce outstanding results faster and with less mess.
Different colors of peppercorns, such as this red v, can be purchased, albeit they are sometimes rare. Looking for the best spice grinders? We have a list you can check.
Choosing a Salt or Pepper Mill
While selecting a certain model may not appear to require much thought or deliberation, it is recommended not to grab the first one you see on the supermarket or department shop shelf. This is especially true for pre-filled devices because you have no idea how old and stale the peppercorns inside are, not alone because the unit may be substandard. It is critical to choose a product that is perfect for your intended purpose and preferences as a kitchen item that you will use on a daily basis.
Choosing certain salt and pepper mill models isn’t as simple as it appears, because some models grind considerably better than others.
There are a lot more possibilities than you might believe. And not all models are created equal. Investing in a decent set of salt and pepper mills for your kitchen will be a long-term investment that you can enjoy every day for years to come.
Grinders are straightforward machines with minimal moving parts. The receptacle that carries the entire peppercorns or coarse salt is the most important portion. On the outside, the unit’s top will have a hand crank that connects to a spindle that turns the device’s grinding mechanism.
The peppercorns are dragged onto a burr with teeth that rub together as the crank is spun, forcing the spice to crush into little pieces. This can also be set up as a rotating head that grinds peppercorns or salt granules against a stationary ring. The fineness or coarseness of the spice after it is ground is determined by the space between the burrs or the head and ring.
Grind Mechanism
A high-quality burr mechanism is required to ensure that the device grinds consistently throughout time. Acrylic mechanisms are used in some of the lower-quality grinders, which are much inferior to a stainless steel gear system. To be honest, the low-cost acrylic mechanics aren’t worth bothering with.
Acrylic just lacks the durability and consistency of grind that better high-carbon steel or ceramic versions provide, leaving you with a lower-quality device that is far more prone to shatter (as well as mess with the rate at which you add salt to a dish). Why would you buy a sub-par salt or pepper mill if you’re going to spend money on one? It is certainly preferable to spend a few extra dollars up front on a high-quality machine that will likely become a long-term companion. While stainless steel mechanisms are used in many superior models, ceramic has a reputation for being a product that is typically quite easy to clean, despite the fact that it is admittedly more delicate.
Coarseness Settings
A truly high-quality salt or pepper mill allows the user to adjust the grind fineness or coarseness based on the recipe’s requirements and the cook’s preferences. The Peugeot Paris U’Select, for example, has six coarseness options ranging from very fine to roughly cracked. The easiest mills to use are those with clear indicators.
Other devices enable you to change the grind size as well, but without stated settings, they may not be as consistent. This is especially useful for a pepper mill, although it can also be used to grind salt.
Ease of Use
Cooks who spend any amount of time with a sticky grinder in their hands are at risk of developing carpel tunnel syndrome. Choosing pepper and salt grinders that are easy to turn or crank will benefit your wrists while also giving convenience and quickness in the kitchen. In selecting a new grinder, a comfortable grip and a smoothly twisting top or crank are crucial considerations.
Was this helpful?
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
