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What Is a Machine That Grinds Pepper Called and How Does It Work?
Pepper is one of the most common spices used in many dishes globally. No wonder, many kitchens cannot do without a machine that grinds pepper. This machine makes the process easy and fast and eliminates the risks of arm strain that come with manual grinding.
But, what is a machine that grinds pepper called, and how does it work? Well, in this article, we will dive deeper into these questions and equip you with everything you need to know about this machine.
What is a Machine That Grinds Pepper Called?
A machine that grinds pepper is called a pepper mill or pepper grinder. It is a kitchen tool that grinds peppercorns into a fine or coarse form required for cooking. Pepper mills come in different sizes, shapes, and types, and they all employ different mechanisms to grind the peppercorns.
Pepper mills are operated manually or electrically. Manual pepper mills are the most common, and they rely on hand cranking to grind peppercorns. Some manual models come with adjustable grinders to allow the adjustment of the coarseness of the ground pepper.
Electric mills, on the other hand, use a motor to grind peppercorns. They come with different grinding settings to enable users to control the texture of the ground pepper.
How Does a Pepper Mill Work?
Pepper mills work by grinding peppercorns, releasing their flavor and aroma. The process starts by loading peppercorns into the mill. The grinding mechanism then crushes the peppercorns, producing a coarse texture. The coarseness of the texture depends on the gap between the millstones or burrs.
As you turn the crank or press the button, the ground pepper is released through the bottom or side of the mill. The quantity of pepper that comes out of the mill depends on the amount of pressure applied and the grind setting of the mill.
Five Types of Pepper Mills
There are five types of pepper mills, each with its unique features and grinding mechanisms. These include:
1. Manual mills
Manual mills, as mentioned earlier, are the most common types of pepper mills. They come in different designs, from traditional to modern, and are suitable for people who prefer a hands-on approach to cooking.
Manual mills feature a grinding mechanism that crushes the peppercorns between two burrs. The burrs are adjustable, and you can set them to produce fine or coarse ground pepper.
2. Electric mills
Electric mills are the second type of pepper mills. They use a motor to grind peppercorns, and they are suitable for people who prefer a more effortless and efficient way of grinding pepper. Electric mills are battery-powered or come with an AC adapter.
Some electric mills feature a one-touch operation, while others come with a switch or button to start and stop the grinding process. Electric mills have different grinding settings, and you can adjust the coarseness of the ground pepper to suit your preference.
3. Grinders
Grinders are another type of pepper mills that use a different grinding mechanism than manual and electric mills. They crush peppercorns between two metal plates or grindstones, producing a powdery texture. Grinders are suitable for people who want to achieve a fine powder or dust form of ground pepper.
4. CrushGrind mills
CrushGrind mills are relatively new types of pepper mills that feature a ceramic grinding mechanism. This grinding mechanism is different from other mechanisms, as it relies on the crushing and breaking of the peppercorns, rather than grinding them.
CrushGrind mills produce a consistent grind and are suitable for people who want to achieve a finely ground pepper.
5. Salt and pepper mills
Salt and pepper mills are another type of pepper mills that combine a salt shaker and a pepper mill in one unit. They come in different designs and are suitable for people who want to save space in their kitchen.
Salt and pepper mills employ different mechanisms to achieve the different textures required for salt and pepper.
Conclusion
A machine that grinds pepper comes in various designs, types, and mechanisms. Manual mills are the most common and employ a burr mechanism to crush peppercorns. Electric mills use a motor to grind peppercorns, while grinders produce a powdery texture. CrushGrind mills and salt and pepper mills are other types of pepper mills with different grinding mechanisms.
Investing in a machine that grinds pepper is an excellent idea for anyone who loves cooking and wants to achieve a perfect balance of flavor and aroma in their dishes. Choose the type that suits your needs and preferences, and enjoy freshly ground pepper every time you cook.