Spice Mills

Spice mills - add freshly ground seasoning to your food

When it comes to taste, you can very quickly tell the difference between freshly ground and pre-ground herbs and spices. That’s why spice mills are a firm staple in any table setting. Below you’ll find a summary of what to be aware of when making your purchase and what makes good salt and pepper grinders.

How should I use salt and pepper grinders?

You’ll pick it up in no time. First you fill the mills with salt and pepper corns. It makes no difference whether you use traditional black peppercorns or opt for red peppercorns instead, or whether you choose larger or smaller grains of sea salt. What does make a difference is the direction you turn your mill in: spice grinders should always be twisted in a clockwise direction.

Tips on how to use spice mills correctly 

1. Never twist your grinder when it’s empty

You should never twist a spice mill when it’s empty, but only when it has peppercorns inside. Some pepper grinders are equipped with fine teeth and the pepper acts as a protective barrier between them. If there’s no pepper inside, the teeth can simply snap. 

2. Do not use your spice mills above hot steam 

Do you often season your food whilst it’s cooking in the pan? Many people do, but using a pepper grinder directly above hot steam can cause the peppercorns inside to stick together. The mill itself can also become damaged if moisture gets inside. 

Spice mills and shakers: there’s a difference 

On the ZWILLING online store, you can find both salt and pepper mills, as well as salt and pepper shakers. The difference is that shakers are filled with pre-ground salt and pepper, whereas with mills, you freshly grind the seasoning yourself. 

Adjust your grinder settings

Most salt and pepper mills allow you to choose your grind setting depending on whether you want your salt and pepper ground very finely or whether you’d prefer coarser seasoning.

Top tip for finding the right grinder setting 

Seasoning for steaks, carpaccio and salads can remain coarse, whereas soups and sauces should be seasoned with salt and pepper that has been ground as finely as possible. 

Which material is best for spice mills? 

Salt and pepper mills are available in different materials and each has its advantages. The following types of spice mills are available on the ZWILLING online store. 

• Wooden salt and pepper grinders 
• Plastic spice mills 
• Stainless steel salt and pepper grinders 
• Ceramic salt and pepper shakers 
• Glass spice mills

Wooden spice mills are very sophisticated in design and their natural, pure style gives them a high-quality look. Wood is a natural material which is not only durable, but also sits well in your hand. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is resistant to corrosion and its appeal does not age. Spice grinders made from this material will go well in any kitchen stocked with other stainless steel utensils. Plastic grinders are a fusion of functionality and design, whilst grinders made from glass let you see how much salt and pepper is left inside without having to take them apart.

Freshly ground salt and pepper make your meals taste a world apart from food seasoned with pre-ground spices. Find the perfect salt and pepper grinders on our online store now.