Choosing the right salt and pepper grinder for your needs
The humble salt and pepper grinder is a staple in many Australian households and is used to both season ingredients during the cooking process and to enhance the aroma and intensity of a finished meal when it is being eaten. We have a varied range of salt and pepper dispensers available in different types, colours, sizes and shapes to suit your kitchen space and personal style. Consider these factors:
Type. There are grinders, mills, shakers, manual and electric dispensers.
Material. You can find stainless steel grinders, wood, plastic, acrylic and more.
Size. This will depend on how many people intend to use the grinders.
Design. The right colour and shape of a salt and pepper grinder can elevate any dining table or countertop.
Salt and pepper mills to shakers - types of salt and pepper dispensers
You can find a variety of salt and pepper dispensers to suit your needs:
Grinders - A pepper and salt grinder is filled with whole peppercorns and salt rocks. It has an in-built grinding mechanism that crushes the salt and pepper when the top is turned or cranked for freshly ground seasoning with a stronger flavour and coarse texture.
Mills - A salt and pepper mill is another term for a grinder and functions in the same way.
Shaker - A salt and pepper shaker is filled with pre-ground salt and pepper so all you need to do is turn it over and shake it on to your food.
Electric - An electric salt and pepper shaker does all the work for you and is battery-operated with several settings available to choose your texture, from fine to course.
Salt pig - A salt pig is a container used to hold salt with an opening for easily pinching or spooning the salt onto food.
Manual - A manual salt and pepper dispenser is any dispenser that requires you to twist or crank the device to crush the seasoning inside. A manual grinder will have settings that allow you to crush, flake or grind the salt and pepper to your desired texture.
Manual vs. electric - what's right for you?
An electric salt and pepper grinder is ideal for those who don't want to put pressure on their hands and wrists. They use a battery-powered mechanism to grind the seasoning for you at the press of a button and can be used one-handed. A manual salt and pepper grinder is great for those who enjoy the twist and crack of grinding their own spices and add a flair to the act of seasoning your food at the dining table.
Variety of material options to choose from
You can find salt and pepper grinders made out of these common materials:
Wood - Wooden grinders are commonly made of beech wood and are sturdy with a traditional appearance.
Plastic - Plastic grinders are strong, durable and come in a huge range of classic and vibrant colours and designs.
Metal - Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, highly durable and has a sleek and shiny finish that complements modern kitchens.
Acrylic - Acrylic is a moisture-resistant, shatter-proof alternative to glass and its transparency allows you to easily see when you need to refill your grinder.
Features to consider and look out for
These features will help you to choose the right salt and pepper grinder for you:
Freshness - A manual salt and pepper grinder will provide freshly ground salt and pepper while a shaker holds pre-ground salt.
Noise level - Manual grinders are typically noisier than electric ones.
Speed - An electric grinder will provide fast, consistent results at the press of a button.
Refilling mechanism type - Most grinders come apart at the top for easy refilling.
Size - Consider the size of your dining table, pantry or countertop space.
Transparency - An acrylic salt and pepper grinder will allow you to see when it needs refilling.
Mess-free stand - Avoid crumbs and flakes by placing grinders on a tidy, such as the Salisbury & Co Hudson Acacia Salt and Pepper Tidy crafted from quality acacia wood.
Price - We have grinders to suit every budget.
Coarseness adjustments/settings - Set your level and choose from course textures to flakes and fine powders.
Battery-operated - Electric salt and pepper grinders run by battery.
Capacity - How many people will be using the dispensers?
Design and style - From bold and ornate for seasoning in style to small and discreet, grinders can be as prominent as you want them to be. The Le Creuset Classic Salt Mill is both elegant and simple to dress up any dining table.
Salt and pepper grinder sets available
For many, salt and pepper are the ultimate duo and you can't have one without the other. You can save some money by buying a salt and pepper mill set. Shop the Menu Salt & Pepper Bottle Grinder with Walnut Lid Nudes, Peugeot Paris Salt & Pepper Mill 18cm in classic black and white or the gorgeous Cole & Mason Salt & Pepper Mill Bobbi Gift Set which makes for a lovely housewarming present!
Storing or displaying your salt and pepper grinders
Salt and pepper grinders can be placed in the pantry with the other spices, on the countertop for easy access while cooking or displayed permanently on the dining table as an attractive feature when not in use.
Other kitchenware to consider when purchasing salt and pepper grinders
These kitchen gadgets, accessories and appliances will make quick work of food preparation and cooking:
Brands we know and trust
Discover respected brands at stunning prices below RRP when you shop with Kitchen Warehouse, including favourites like Le Creuset, Joseph Joseph, Peugeot, Maxwell & Williams, Cole & Mason and Oxo.
Buying online with Kitchen Warehouse
From our quality cookware to our bakeware and tableware, you can find everything you need to complete the heart of your home at Kitchen Warehouse. Shop online and add your favourites to a wishlist for later, surprise a loved one with a gift card or checkout now with free delivery when you spend over $100 Australia-wide.
FAQs:
What are salt and pepper grinders?
Salt and pepper grinders are common kitchen gadgets that allow you to freshly season your food during and after cooking. Manual grinders have in-built wheels that crush whole peppercorns and salt rocks into smaller pieces when you twist or crank the top of the device. You can set the dispenser to different levels for adjusting texture, from fine and flaky to coarse and chunky. There are also electric grinders that grind spices automatically when you press a button.
What is the difference between a salt and pepper grinder?
Salt and pepper grinders use different mechanisms to operate. A pepper grinder can use a carbon steel mechanism as it is very sharp and able to grind hard peppercorns. A salt grinder has a ceramic mechanism which is resistant to corrosion. While pepper grinders can also use a ceramic mechanism, salt mills cannot use a metal mechanism as the salt will cause the metal to rust over time.
