Pepper Mills/Grinders

[rosen]

I'm in the market for a Pepper Mill...any sugestions on a brand?? They are out there in every price range! Is this a case of "you get what you pay for"...or would I just be wasting $$ if all we need is a simple mill. I do like the acrylic ones for the simple reason that you can see when you are low (we use a lot of pepper). Thanks for your help (ahead of time)!

[kwormann]

We bought a stainless steel set from Target and have been happy so far!

Kim

[Grace]

I like the "Chefn" one that's a round plastic ball (clear) with the two black "handles" on the top (that look like rabbit ears). You grasp the handles with one hand and squeeze. I like it because it works well (have had a whole bunch of mills that didn't), and it can be operated with one hand (most others you need to grasp with one hand and twist with the other). I also liked it because it was relatively inexpensive, so if I drop it or break it somehow, I won't be heartbroken. But mostly because it works well!

[Cathy]

I posted this same question last year. I ended up buying a Chef Specialties grinder. All they sell are pepper mills since 1940. I figured if they stayed in business that long, their mills must be some of the best you can buy. They are a little pricey, but I went for quality so I don't have to buy again. They have a website at www.chefspecialties.com (http://www.chefspecialties.com) if you would like to take a look. I bought their professional grade wooden mill and have been very happy with it.

[sneezles]

Have to agree with Grace! Have both the pepper and salt grinders from Chefn' and they work great!

[Leslie w]

I absolutely loooove my large Banton pepper grinder! I've had the acrylic, the automatic, the one handled grinders, and yet my Banton is the one I always reach for when cooking. I highly recommend it.

[kwormann]

Along those same lines,are there different grind sizes??? My only complaint about the new one I have is it seems like such a fine grind and Id like to have coarser pepper sometimes. Is there another kind I can buy for this purpose?

Kim

[gertdog]

The chefn one does a great coarse grind. I also like it for use while cooking b/c I can grab it w/one hand and it cleans up great b/c it's plastic.

[Grace]

Yes, Kim, on the bottom, where the pepper comes out, there should be like a "dial" of some sort, (or sometimes it's a screw - usually the instructions that came with it will tell you how to adjust), and you turn the dial (or turn the screw) to adjust the size grind you want. The Chefn one is indeed easy, and it doesn't change grind "all by itself" like several I've had before (i.e., I adjust the grind to medium, but as I use it, it readjusts itself to coarse, etc.).

[doggerham]

I'm going through the same search. Here is an article a friend shared with me.

http://www.cooksillustrated.com/sr.asp?ID=830&ID2=9960

This link isn't working for me on this browser for some reason. If someone else tries it, please let me know if it works or not.

[This message has been edited by doggerham (edited 04-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by doggerham (edited 04-24-2001).]

[SusanMac]

I used to have a clear acrylic one, and found that the inside got kind of messy looking. When you first fill it up, it looks pretty, but as you go through a batch of the pepper, it looks hazy and not as nice. I now have a wooden one. I guess it's not a big deal if it's not out on your countertop, but just a word of warning.

[doggerham]

Another attempt:

Cook's Ill. reviewed peppermills in 96. The top three they came up with were by:

Unicorn Magnum Plus (peppergun.com)
Chef Specialties 10" Natural Maple Peppermill and
Olde Thompson Manor Peppermill and Salt set

Unicorn is at http://www.peppergun.com

The magazine looked at a variety of things including ease and versatility of grinds and capacity. The first one is acrylic and the second two are wooden. Personally, I am going to try the Unicorn Magnum (a bit smaller and less expensive) and see how it goes.

Amy

[Wienie]

I received a Zassenhaus Peppermill from the Spice House as a gift nearly 10 years ago and I love it. You can adjust the grind easily and it doesn't re-adjust itself.
The finish is starting to come off a bit in areas where it got wet, but I use it constantly, so a little wear and tear is normal.
If you're interested, I will attempt to add the link; http://www.thespicehouse.com/peppermills.htm
Hope it takes.
Jeanne

[foodiedelite]

We also have a Zassenhaus and love it. It's at least 20 years old. It takes a lot of abuse. Easy to adjust grind and it still looks pretty decent.

[funnybone]

I have the 24" "Chef Specialties" that I received as a gift a few years ago. It is great, although more of a conversation piece as it is large (I use it at the table when guests are over more than for cooking). I also have a small, cheap acrylic (not sure of brand) that I use mostly, but I really need a better one. The quality of the the Chef Specialties one is far more superior. I agree that you should invest in a good one - you won't be cursing at it when you use it, and you won't need to replace it in the near future.

[Jewel]

Originally posted by funnybone:
I agree that you should invest in a good one - you won't be cursing at it when you use it, and you won't need to replace it in the near future.

Oh Funnybone, you talk to your kitchen gadgets and appliances too?? Dogs must think I'm crazy half the time when I'm threatening my rice cooker that it better make fluffy rice or I'm cursing a dull knife... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[funnybone]

Originally posted by Jewel:
Oh Funnybone, you talk to your kitchen gadgets and appliances too?? Dogs must think I'm crazy half the time when I'm threatening my rice cooker that it better make fluffy rice or I'm cursing a dull knife... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif



Jewel, if I don't keep them in line, nobody else around here will!!


http://www.harrythecat.com/graphics/k/toaster2.gif

[This message has been edited by funnybone (edited 05-10-2001).]

[mudpuppy]

Pampered Chef offers a salt and pepper mill that is all one unit. The salt comes out the top and you squeeze the "handle" for the pepper (you can select the grind you want too). It is about $18. I have one and every time someone new comes for dinner they ask for the salt and pepper and comment on how cool it is, so it is a conversation piece also!