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Spice Mill or Grinder?

Spice Mill or Grinder?
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  • Spice Mill or Grinder?

    Post #1 - January 12th, 2023, 7:06 pm
    Post #1 - January 12th, 2023, 7:06 pm Post #1 - January 12th, 2023, 7:06 pm
    Hi all,

    I've been using a small Krups coffee grinder for a long time but it's not ideal. It can't really handle larger volumes, it heats up quickly and because the compartment cover is plastic, very hard spices -- like peppercorns and cinnamon sticks -- damage it and actually chip small pieces of it away . . . into the ground spices. Not good.

    Was considering upgrading but many of the larger units, which are mostly metal, are pricey and don't score well in reviews. Am also considering just using my Vitamix. I've seen this done online but I'm not sure if it's a great practice over the long haul. I'd really appreciate any seasoned guidance (see what I did there?) that anyone has to share. I have a large amount of peppers from the summer that are now fully dry and ready for processing, so if there's a better way, I love to know it before I begin the task.

    Thanks,

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #2 - January 12th, 2023, 8:41 pm
    Post #2 - January 12th, 2023, 8:41 pm Post #2 - January 12th, 2023, 8:41 pm
    I have used a Cuisinart MiniMate: https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/disc ... ors/mm-2m/ . It has 2 speeds and a reversible blade with a sharp side and a rectangular side that bashes rather than chops. Works well enough that I bought another one NIB at a thrift store in case it fails. The clear plastic jar shows some wear along with some discoloration but no broken bits. Probably about twice the capacity of a coffee grinder. Grinding very oily things does cause a bit of clumping along the bottom edge, considerably less than a Waring-style blender.

    This Xmas I was gifted a FinaMill set: https://www.finamill.com/ It's more like a battery powered pepper mill with ceramic burrs. Haven't played with it a lot so far, but it did a great job on cardamom seeds. I am hoping that it will do well with mixed spices including toasted seeds. For peppers, I think you'd want one of the grinding pods that are still in development: https://www.finamill.com/pages/max-and-gt-coming-soon
  • Post #3 - January 13th, 2023, 3:05 pm
    Post #3 - January 13th, 2023, 3:05 pm Post #3 - January 13th, 2023, 3:05 pm
    I have a Secura 7412 grinder that I’m very happy with. It looks similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Secura-Electric- ... 079PMWD1B/

    It has two grinding cups, one designed for totally dry items and the other for items with some moisture.
  • Post #4 - January 13th, 2023, 4:09 pm
    Post #4 - January 13th, 2023, 4:09 pm Post #4 - January 13th, 2023, 4:09 pm
    tjr wrote:I have used a Cuisinart MiniMate: https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/disc ... ors/mm-2m/ . It has 2 speeds and a reversible blade with a sharp side and a rectangular side that bashes rather than chops. Works well enough that I bought another one NIB at a thrift store in case it fails. The clear plastic jar shows some wear along with some discoloration but no broken bits. Probably about twice the capacity of a coffee grinder. Grinding very oily things does cause a bit of clumping along the bottom edge, considerably less than a Waring-style blender.

    This Xmas I was gifted a FinaMill set: https://www.finamill.com/ It's more like a battery powered pepper mill with ceramic burrs. Haven't played with it a lot so far, but it did a great job on cardamom seeds. I am hoping that it will do well with mixed spices including toasted seeds. For peppers, I think you'd want one of the grinding pods that are still in development: https://www.finamill.com/pages/max-and-gt-coming-soon

    Thanks. I have another cuisinart product that's very similar (compact, reversible blade, 2-speed, etc), so maybe I'll give it a try. The FinaMill looks cool but definitely not for this project, which is larger-volume. I'm trying to reduce the number of batches required in order to minimize the pepper dust exposure. That's why I like the idea of using the vitamix. With a 1-quart container, I think I could get this done in 1 or 2 batches per pepper type. Just not sure I can do it the standard canister, and the vitamix "dry" canister runs ~$150, which is at least twice as much as every dedicated grinder I'm considering.

    Darren72 wrote:I have a Secura 7412 grinder that I’m very happy with. It looks similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Secura-Electric- ... 079PMWD1B/

    It has two grinding cups, one designed for totally dry items and the other for items with some moisture.

    Thanks, Darren. This one was recommended to me by some other folks and it looks good. At the very least, it'd be no-brainer replacement for the ill-designed, deteriorate-as-you-use-it Krups. And for that price, I could buy about 4 of them before I'd equal the price of the vitamix dry canister.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #5 - January 16th, 2023, 12:40 pm
    Post #5 - January 16th, 2023, 12:40 pm Post #5 - January 16th, 2023, 12:40 pm
    Darren72 wrote:I have a Secura 7412 grinder that I’m very happy with. It looks similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Secura-Electric- ... 079PMWD1B/

    It has two grinding cups, one designed for totally dry items and the other for items with some moisture.

    Thanks again, Darren. To replace my Krups, I'm going to try the Secura, which has been recommended here and elsewhere (and is current available for under $40 at Amazon).

    As for the higher volume jobs I have pending, a friend saw my inquiry and offered to lend me his 1-quart Vitamix dry canister. So, there's ~$150 I won't have to plunk down, at least for now. If I like it, maybe I'll pick one up. But with the exception of this once-a-year task, being a home cook, my volumes aren't typically too big. Thanks again, for all the intel. I really appreciate it.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #6 - January 17th, 2023, 5:52 pm
    Post #6 - January 17th, 2023, 5:52 pm Post #6 - January 17th, 2023, 5:52 pm
    FWIW, Secura's warranty service is excellent for this type of small no-name appliances. Also FWIW, there are knockoff dry containers for just over $50.
  • Post #7 - January 23rd, 2023, 11:47 pm
    Post #7 - January 23rd, 2023, 11:47 pm Post #7 - January 23rd, 2023, 11:47 pm
    tjr wrote:FWIW, Secura's warranty service is excellent for this type of small no-name appliances. Also FWIW, there are knockoff dry containers for just over $50.

    I'm not sure I understand. The entire Secura unit -- base, cup, lid and 2 grinder canisters -- were less than $40.

    I think I posted on another thread that my first (and so far, only) use of the Secura was a little disappointing. It seemed to grind slower than the Krups, producing much bigger particles. For coffee, slower (i.e. less heat) is probably more crucial than for other items, like spices. Having only used it once, this result doesn't mean much. There could be a lot of reasons for it -- so many that I don't even want to guess. I'm going to give it some real use later this week and hopefully, get a better sense of its performance and capabilities. As I wrote on that other thread, it's still a better result than tiny bits of plastic ending up in my grind but hopefully, there won't be a steep trade-off for that peace of mind.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #8 - January 24th, 2023, 7:52 am
    Post #8 - January 24th, 2023, 7:52 am Post #8 - January 24th, 2023, 7:52 am
    ronnie_suburban wrote:I'm not sure I understand. The entire Secura unit -- base, cup, lid and 2 grinder canisters -- were less than $40.


    From context, I thought the poster was referring to the pricier Vitamix dry goods canister you mentioned. But not sure.
  • Post #9 - January 24th, 2023, 9:11 am
    Post #9 - January 24th, 2023, 9:11 am Post #9 - January 24th, 2023, 9:11 am
    ronnie_suburban wrote:I'm not sure I understand...
    Just thought that if you want the higher capacity of the Vitamix you wouldn't necessarily have to spend $150.
  • Post #10 - January 24th, 2023, 10:23 am
    Post #10 - January 24th, 2023, 10:23 am Post #10 - January 24th, 2023, 10:23 am
    tjr wrote:
    ronnie_suburban wrote:I'm not sure I understand...
    Just thought that if you want the higher capacity of the Vitamix you wouldn't necessarily have to spend $150.

    Ah, okay. I have the standard Vitamix canister (that came with the unit) and as it turned out, I was able to borrow the smaller, dry canister from a friend. I haven't deployed it yet.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #11 - January 28th, 2023, 11:31 am
    Post #11 - January 28th, 2023, 11:31 am Post #11 - January 28th, 2023, 11:31 am
    Not entirely on topic, I have yet to buy a pepper mill that works well and for a long while. How much do I have to spend to get a quality one, thank you.
  • Post #12 - January 28th, 2023, 11:56 am
    Post #12 - January 28th, 2023, 11:56 am Post #12 - January 28th, 2023, 11:56 am
    jilter wrote:Not entirely on topic, I have yet to buy a pepper mill that works well and for a long while. How much do I have to spend to get a quality one, thank you.

    There are countless ways to go on this but the Kuhn Rikon Vase Grinders run ~$22-30 depending on the size you want. I like them for a number of reasons: the adjustable, ceramic grinding stones, they're glass, so they clean up well and you can see what's inside them (and how much of it). Since, I have a few and keep them stocked with black pepper, white pepper, cumin seed, etc., it's great that you can easily see what's inside them. In their resting position, the grinding mechanism faces up, so you don't constantly have ground spice residue on your countertops, tables, etc. They're the best ones I've used for under $30. I bought my first one back in the day at Spice House when Patty and Tom still owned it. It's still going strong.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #13 - January 28th, 2023, 12:57 pm
    Post #13 - January 28th, 2023, 12:57 pm Post #13 - January 28th, 2023, 12:57 pm
    I've had a Peugeot pepper mill for probably five years now. Looks like they start at around $50, though i think mine was cheaper. Easy to load up, easy to adjust grind size with clear marks for fineness. I'm very happy with it.
  • Post #14 - January 28th, 2023, 2:29 pm
    Post #14 - January 28th, 2023, 2:29 pm Post #14 - January 28th, 2023, 2:29 pm
    ronnie_suburban wrote:Hi all,

    I've been using a small Krups coffee grinder for a long time but it's not ideal. It can't really handle larger volumes, it heats up quickly and because the compartment cover is plastic, very hard spices -- like peppercorns and cinnamon sticks -- damage it and actually chip small pieces of it away . . . into the ground spices. Not good.

    Was considering upgrading but many of the larger units, which are mostly metal, are pricey and don't score well in reviews. Am also considering just using my Vitamix. I've seen this done online but I'm not sure if it's a great practice over the long haul. I'd really appreciate any seasoned guidance (see what I did there?) that anyone has to share. I have a large amount of peppers from the summer that are now fully dry and ready for processing, so if there's a better way, I love to know it before I begin the task.

    Thanks,

    =R=

    Hi Ronnie,
    Both of my Krups work extremely well with no deterioration of the lid, although I did lose one designated for coffee by repeatedly yanking the cord from the socket rather than properly removing the plug. For a cinnamon stick or three, I place the spice in a folded kitchen towel and bash a few times with a mallet before grinding, easing the load. Confession: I occasionally used the 1 qt Vitamix for bloomed spices at work, like Pâté spice. Donna gifted me with the 2 qt version which I use mostly for soups before passing through my cherished Chinoise.
    Just my $0.02 worth.
    Happy cooking
    If you aren't tasting, you aren't cooking.
  • Post #15 - January 28th, 2023, 5:18 pm
    Post #15 - January 28th, 2023, 5:18 pm Post #15 - January 28th, 2023, 5:18 pm
    I've used a knockoff Perfex mill for over 30 years. It's pretty heavy and old, so I don't know how it compares to the current crop of knockoffs like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-712-Peppe ... B00B5WTRY2
    Mine adjusts at the bottom like a genuine Perfex. I really like the crank handle for grinding quantities of pepper vs. a knob style handle. I have a wood grinder for white pepper, far more tiring to grind a teaspoon of pepper.
  • Post #16 - February 10th, 2023, 9:32 am
    Post #16 - February 10th, 2023, 9:32 am Post #16 - February 10th, 2023, 9:32 am
    I eat/make a lot of hummus. (Hummus, A Love Story: Recipe and Pictures) All different ways over the years, from dried beans to can, from sardine as accompaniment to raw beets incorporated in the mix. I've spent a half-hour de-skinning chickpeas and, conversely, just dumped a can in the blender. Machine wise, I've used Cuisinart, Hobart, Robot-Coupe, Vita-Prep, Oster blender, mortar/pestle and molcajete. Even tried an immersion blender.

    Fast forward to Ronnie S's mention of 1-quart Vitamix dry canister, I have one that has seen little use and dusted it off to lend to Ronnie. In the interim a different friend loaned him theirs so I was looking at my shiny clean 1-quart Vitamix dry canister and thought to use it for a small batch of hummus. Just a quicky, one 14oz can of chickpeas. No simmering with baking soda and de-skinning, just rough and ready dump it in.

    There seems to be something about the blade position/construction that lends itself to really pulverizing product, maybe that's why they use this for grain, but with no additional steps I got a smooth as silk batch of hummus, really nice consistency, better/different that when I simply use the larger day-today canister or even a Cuisinart, which I think makes better hummus that the Vita-Prep, though just by a slight amount.

    So, all these words to say, the 1-quart Vitamix dry canister works great for small quick batches of hummus. If you have one give it a try.


    Hummus, count me a Fan!
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #17 - February 10th, 2023, 10:58 am
    Post #17 - February 10th, 2023, 10:58 am Post #17 - February 10th, 2023, 10:58 am
    G Wiv wrote:I eat/make a lot of hummus. (Hummus, A Love Story: Recipe and Pictures) All different ways over the years, from dried beans to can, from sardine as accompaniment to raw beets incorporated in the mix. I've spent a half-hour de-skinning chickpeas and, conversely, just dumped a can in the blender. Machine wise, I've used Cuisinart, Hobart, Robot-Coupe, Vita-Prep, Oster blender, mortar/pestle and molcajete. Even tried an immersion blender.

    Fast forward to Ronnie S's mention of 1-quart Vitamix dry canister, I have one that has seen little use and dusted it off to lend to Ronnie. In the interim a different friend loaned him theirs so I was looking at my shiny clean 1-quart Vitamix dry canister and thought to use it for a small batch of hummus. Just a quicky, one 14oz can of chickpeas. No simmering with baking soda and de-skinning, just rough and ready dump it in.

    There seems to be something about the blade position/construction that lends itself to really pulverizing product, maybe that's why they use this for grain, but with no additional steps I got a smooth as silk batch of hummus, really nice consistency, better/different that when I simply use the larger day-today canister or even a Cuisinart, which I think makes better hummus that the Vita-Prep, though just by a slight amount.

    So, all these words to say, the 1-quart Vitamix dry canister works great for small quick batches of hummus. If you have one give it a try.


    Hummus, count me a Fan!

    This is really out there, and I’m not recommending this improv, but here goes:
    At the Club in FL, I’d help in the employee cafeteria at season’s end. The special visa folks from Romania, Africa, Puerto Rico, etc, left and replacement hands were needed to feed the remaining staff before 3 month Summer break
    (We used high end banquet remnants and over production almost every day, so the staff ate pretty well…)
    I was helping the salad lady get set up for the day, and she asked if I would make some hummus. I couldn’t find the tahini, so I improvised. Peanut butter! It wasn’t great, but it turned out to be just barely acceptable!
    If you aren't tasting, you aren't cooking.
  • Post #18 - February 10th, 2023, 11:42 am
    Post #18 - February 10th, 2023, 11:42 am Post #18 - February 10th, 2023, 11:42 am
    Evil Ronnie wrote:she asked if I would make some hummus. I couldn’t find the tahini, so I improvised. Peanut butter!

    Great minds think alike. :) I did the same thing, posted about it in the hummus thread a while ago. Turned out pretty ok.
    viewtopic.php?p=562114#p562114
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #19 - January 18th, 2025, 11:36 am
    Post #19 - January 18th, 2025, 11:36 am Post #19 - January 18th, 2025, 11:36 am
    Anyone have any experience with these extremely expensive Pepper Cannons? A chum on another board endorsed them heartily.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #20 - January 18th, 2025, 1:34 pm
    Post #20 - January 18th, 2025, 1:34 pm Post #20 - January 18th, 2025, 1:34 pm
    No, but I want one.
  • Post #21 - January 18th, 2025, 1:55 pm
    Post #21 - January 18th, 2025, 1:55 pm Post #21 - January 18th, 2025, 1:55 pm
    lougord99 wrote:No, but I want one.

    LOL - yeah but really hard to justify. :)

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #22 - January 19th, 2025, 5:12 pm
    Post #22 - January 19th, 2025, 5:12 pm Post #22 - January 19th, 2025, 5:12 pm
    Gadget-averse wife bought one of these for the kids and another for us. Works very well and has different modules for hard and for oily spices. Pods have adjustment for grind. Works really well.

    https://www.finamill.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorzQxlhAGByk7nhHTunwUcilYms4YLR9Fs4DI_nqSBRpZp96ivu

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