Salt and pepper mills

The taste of seasonings is more intense if you grind them immediately before use. Special accessories help you quickly cope with this task - salt and pepper mills . They differ in design and materials of manufacture. To choose the right model for your kitchen, you need to get acquainted with the features of this practical appliance.

How a spice mill works and how it works

Manual salt and pepper grinders operate on the principle of a meat grinder . The mechanism consists of two discs with serrated edges. When they rotate, they are set in motion, grinding solid particles of food. The method of adding seasonings to the mill depends on its design. Some models are equipped with a screw-on lid, while others have a retractable chute that slides out to the side, allowing you to refill the device without completely separating the top from the body.

Although salt and pepper grinders do the same job, they are not always completely interchangeable. Peppercorns are larger and harder than salt crystals, so they are ground using a mechanism made of materials with high rigidity - stainless steel, zinc alloy, ceramics. Some models of pepper mills allow you to adjust the grinding fineness, so they can process peppercorns of different sizes.

Because salt has a more brittle texture, it grinds faster than pepper. The internal mechanism can be nylon or ceramic. Metals are not used for salt grinders, as salt corrodes them over time.

Varieties

In the Middle Ages, seasonings were pounded with a pestle and mortar, which was a rather labor-intensive process. The first hand mill was developed by the French company Peugeot in 1842 . Its design is still used in most mechanical shredders. Later, devices with rotary handles appeared, as well as electric models powered by a rechargeable battery or batteries.

Disposable mills

The most common option that can be bought at any supermarket. The accessory is a plastic tube, inside of which there is a set of spices and a grinding mechanism. The product is used until the pepper inside runs out.

Disposable devices are small in size and attractive in design. But the composition of seasonings and the degree of grinding cannot be changed to suit your taste. The holes in the device quickly become clogged, and it is impossible to clean it.

Hand mills

The tool is operated manually by turning the lid or rotating the handle. There are many variations of this model - cylindrical, square, hourglass-shaped. The materials for the mechanism are ceramics, stainless and carbon steel, and nylon. The cases are made of plastic, glass, wood.

A manual grinder is a universal device suitable for processing salt, various varieties of pepper, cardamom grains, and dried herbs. Many devices are equipped with attachments for different degrees of grinding. Combination models grind both salt and pepper.

The only drawback of this type of shredder is the need to clean and wash it by hand. Most models are not dishwasher compatible.

Electric mills

The grinding mechanism is powered by batteries or a built-in battery. This product grinds spices in a matter of seconds. Mills usually come complete with replaceable attachments, so they are suitable for grinding salt, different types of pepper, including black, allspice, green and white, and other spices. Expensive models are equipped with a grinding degree control and backlight.

The main advantage of an electric device is its high speed of operation, due to which they are in demand in the restaurant business. But such products are more expensive than mechanical ones. Batteries are not included, although operation may require 3 to 8 AA cells.

Gravity mills

The mechanism of this device is based on the principle of gravity. To turn on the device, simply rotate it 180 degrees. The force of gravity starts the motor, powered by batteries.

You can load several different spices into the gravity grinder at the same time. They are ground in separate containers without mixing. A special switch allows you to select the degree of grinding.

Gravity mills feature a convenient coneshaped, compact. Raw materials are ground quickly, without the expense of physical effort.

The device is suitable for grinding pepper, coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves.

The disadvantage is the need for regular cleaning, for which you have to disassemble the product into parts.

Rules of care and use

The mill is filled with fresh spices immediately before grinding. Do not store leftovers inside as they will lose flavor. It is important to keep grinders away from moisture, which can ruin both the seasonings and the mechanism of the device.

Here are four more important rules of application:

• Choose products that are compatible with your shredder model. A device with a nylon mechanism is not suitable for pepper, and pink Himalayan salt can damage a mill with steel knives.
• Fill containers only halfway. This ensures optimal air circulation and prevents moisture accumulation inside.
• Do not use the pepper grinder directly over hot food. Steam penetrating into the holes of the device sticks the seasonings into lumps, causing the mechanism to become clogged.
• Do not tighten the adjustment knob too tightly as this will slow down the movement of the blades.

The device needs to be cleaned from time to time. First, wipe the outer part of the case. For ceramics and plastic, use a damp cloth; wooden mills are cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth. Then remove the lid and turn the product upside down to remove any remaining spices.

If the mechanism is very dirty, clean it with a water-vinegar solution. Mix four parts water in a spray bottle with one part white vinegar. The mill knives are sprayed with the resulting solution, then wiped with a soft cloth.

Wash containers with hot water and non-abrasive dishwashing detergent. An old toothbrush or cotton swab will help remove dried spice residues. After washing, the containers are dried by placing them upside down on a board.

Features of choice

The first thing to consider when purchasing is the material from which the internal mechanism of the chopper is made. The most suitable option for pepper is carbon steel or ceramic. Acrylic knives used in disposable shredders are much weaker. Salt requires a mechanism with ceramic millstones. It stays sharp 10 times longer than stainless steel blades and produces a more even grind.

Consider four more criteria:

body material - the taste and aroma of spices are preserved longer inside a wooden or ceramic device. In a glass or transparent plastic case, you can see when the contents are empty, but exposure to light degrades the properties of the seasonings;

size - the height of the mill varies from 8 to 60 cm. Choose the size depending on the place in the kitchen where you plan to store the accessory. The larger the product, the more raw materials it can accommodate. But if spices are kept in the grinder for too long, they lose their freshness;

grinding adjustment - many models are equipped with a scale that allows you to set how coarsely you want to grind the seasonings. If this option is not available, you will have to grind the product longer;

style - a beautiful mill becomes a decorative element, so choose the product to match the overall design of the kitchen. Wooden models look harmonious in the Provence and Scandi styles; chrome or copper finishes are suitable for a minimalist interior.