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Old 11-07-2009, 14:16
surreyfrog
 
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Over the years we have got through who-knows-how-many pepper & salt grinders. They always seem to start out OK then after a while the grinding mechanism seems to stop grinding fine, and we end up with huge chunks coming out.

Can anyone recommend a decent make that will give a decent length of service?
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Old 11-07-2009, 14:32
indianwells
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I only use Maldon sea salt in my kitchen. I keep it in a salt pig next to my cooker and just grab a pinch as and when I need it. I buy whole peppercorns and grind about an eggcup full at a time. I keep this next to the salt in a little bamboo lidded container. Same thing as the salt, just grab a pinch when I need it.
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Old 11-07-2009, 17:44
Sallysally
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I use Maldon sea salt as well and as it crumbles in your fingers, you don't really need a grinder for it.

As for pepper, I do use a grinder - a Cole and Mason one which I have had for donkeys, and used everyday so must be OK.
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Old 11-07-2009, 19:03
whoever,hey
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i use a grinder for pepper, not a special brand though, and like the others, use maldon sea salt, and yes crumbles nicely between your fingers
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Old 12-07-2009, 15:00
degsyhufc
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I only use Maldon sea salt in my kitchen. I keep it in a salt pig next to my cooker and just grab a pinch as and when I need it. I buy whole peppercorns and grind about an eggcup full at a time. I keep this next to the salt in a little bamboo lidded container. Same thing as the salt, just grab a pinch when I need it.
I do the same. Only a recent convery to Malden Sea Salt. It is very good and nice just to get a pinch and spinkle it into your food.

As for pepper I use a small pestle & mortar and crushup a little batch every week or so.

There are 2 or 3 grinders in the back of the cupboard and non of them work anymore.
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Old 13-07-2009, 22:16
urbanmiffed
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I've had a pair of T & G Woodware table grinders for years, they've always done the job on sea salt and pepper corns. (They're stainless steel, despite the name).
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Old 26-10-2011, 17:30
Ignazio
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I only use Maldon sea salt in my kitchen. I keep it in a salt pig next to my cooker and just grab a pinch as and when I need it. I buy whole peppercorns and grind about an eggcup full at a time. I keep this next to the salt in a little bamboo lidded container. Same thing as the salt, just grab a pinch when I need it.
Just googled salt pig and came up with this;
http://www.procook.co.uk/shop/Kitche...d237?code=4348

The pig isn't airtight - so doesn't the salt get damp?

What grinder do you use for the peppercorns?

Can you recommend a chopper/grinder for herbs?

I've just had a new kitchen installed - long story but had some pretty horrendous problems (some still ongoing.)

I've ordered a number of kitchen accessories and maybe, once they are in place, I'll view the kitchen in a whole different light.

In the meantime, kitchen accessories advice will be much appreciated.
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Old 26-10-2011, 17:40
degsyhufc
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I just use maldon sea salt out of the box
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Old 26-10-2011, 17:55
indianwells
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Just googled salt pig and came up with this;
http://www.procook.co.uk/shop/Kitche...d237?code=4348

The pig isn't airtight - so doesn't the salt get damp?

What grinder do you use for the peppercorns?

Can you recommend a chopper/grinder for herbs?

I've just had a new kitchen installed - long story but had some pretty horrendous problems (some still ongoing.)

I've ordered a number of kitchen accessories and maybe, once they are in place, I'll view the kitchen in a whole different light.

In the meantime, kitchen accessories advice will be much appreciated.
I have a large salt pig (Nigella Lawson range) but I only put one box of Maldon in at a time even though it holds more. I have had no problem with the salt drying out.

I used to use a Revel grinder for doing the peppercorns and it was very cheap IIRC. I now use it for grinding spices and it's brilliant.

Since this thread I have bought a Unicorn Magnum grinder for pepper and hand on heart it is the best grinder i've ever bought. I cannot recommend it enough (google for reviews). I bought it in the US and I haven't seen them over here. As it happens I fly out to the US for 7 weeks on Sunday and if you want I will pick one up for you. I don't come back until the week before Xmas so I probably won't be able to get it to you before the new year. No problem if you don't want one, just so you know the offer is there.

Just noticed you asked about a chopper/grinder for herbs. A decent chefs knife is all you need, I personally use a 7" santoku as they fit my hands and are great for me, Knives are personal and you need to handle them and go for whatever feels good in your hand

Actually the salt pig you googled looks fantastic value!
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Old 26-10-2011, 18:01
habby
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Ive got a pepper grinder that works with 4 batteries in it & you fill a little container with peppercorns.. You press a button on the top & it grinds the peppercorns which makes the pepper come out of the bottom of it. A light also comes on so you can see where the pepper is going.

Cant remember where I got it though.
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Old 26-10-2011, 18:32
queenshaks
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I've got this one, Cole and Mason. I've been using it for years and it's still going strong Cole and Mason pepper mill

I've had an electric one but it was so much bother.

For salt, I always use Saxa.
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Old 26-10-2011, 19:27
Ignazio
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I have a large salt pig (Nigella Lawson range) but I only put one box of Maldon in at a time even though it holds more. I have had no problem with the salt drying out.

I used to use a Revel grinder for doing the peppercorns and it was very cheap IIRC. I now use it for grinding spices and it's brilliant.

Since this thread I have bought a Unicorn Magnum grinder for pepper and hand on heart it is the best grinder i've ever bought. I cannot recommend it enough (google for reviews). I bought it in the US and I haven't seen them over here. As it happens I fly out to the US for 7 weeks on Sunday and if you want I will pick one up for you. I don't come back until the week before Xmas so I probably won't be able to get it to you before the new year. No problem if you don't want one, just so you know the offer is there.

Just noticed you asked about a chopper/grinder for herbs. A decent chefs knife is all you need, I personally use a 7" santoku as they fit my hands and are great for me, Knives are personal and you need to handle them and go for whatever feels good in your hand

Actually the salt pig you googled looks fantastic value!
Thanks so much - I didn't expect such a generous offer.

I have friends coming over from the US at the beginning of December. They'll be spending around 6 weeks with me - so they might be able to bring one over. If not I'll come back to you if that's OK



btw do you use a pestle and mortar for grinding seeds (mustard, coriander, fennel, etc.)
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Old 26-10-2011, 19:50
degsyhufc
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I bought the big pestle and mortar from procook. It's a beast of a thing but it is a good price.
If I was to recommend it i'd go for the medium.

It's great for grinding spices and making spice pastes but it's difficult, even for a big bloke, to get the stuff out. I've now resorted to standing it on it's side and scraping everything onto a plate.
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Old 27-10-2011, 07:09
indianwells
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Thanks so much - I didn't expect such a generous offer.

I have friends coming over from the US at the beginning of December. They'll be spending around 6 weeks with me - so they might be able to bring one over. If not I'll come back to you if that's OK



btw do you use a pestle and mortar for grinding seeds (mustard, coriander, fennel, etc.)
No worries, just give me a shout if you want one. I do use a pestle & mortar, a big 'ol granite one with a rough interior.
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Old 05-02-2012, 23:40
Ignazio
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No worries, just give me a shout if you want one. I do use a pestle & mortar, a big 'ol granite one with a rough interior.
Friends brough the Unicorn Magnum grinder when they visited from the US.

Just one word - fantastic!

Great recommendation and sorry for the delay in saying 'thanks.'

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Old 06-02-2012, 19:20
Color of Night
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I buy sea salt & peppercorns in glass grinders from the £1 shop, they are great. You can refill them or just buy another full grinder. I have seen them in other shops too for not much more.
http://www.poundland.co.uk/product-r...corn-grinders/
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Old 06-02-2012, 20:13
whoever,hey
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I just use maldon sea salt out of the box
Same here!
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Old 06-02-2012, 21:58
fickrick
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I got mine in Marks and Spencer they were only a fiver 3 years ago and are pretty good!
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Old 06-02-2012, 22:12
whoever,hey
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I use maldon salt out of the box, then my mum bought a present a few years ago which was a massive pepper grinder which actually takes 1 exact box of pepper corns. It looks like a giant, its a foot tall. No idea where she got it, but were on the 3rd foot of pepper corns and its still good Gets used practically every day mind.
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Old 07-02-2012, 07:10
norbitonite
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I buy sea salt & peppercorns in glass grinders from the £1 shop, they are great. You can refill them or just buy another full grinder. I have seen them in other shops too for not much more.
http://www.poundland.co.uk/product-r...corn-grinders/
Me, too, for the kitchen. I have some Cole & Mason perspex ones for the table that I've had for decades that are still going strong.
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Old 07-02-2012, 15:43
degsyhufc
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I use maldon salt out of the box, then my mum bought a present a few years ago which was a massive pepper grinder which actually takes 1 exact box of pepper corns. It looks like a giant, its a foot tall. No idea where she got it, but were on the 3rd foot of pepper corns and its still good Gets used practically every day mind.
Check that it wasn't half inched from the local Italian restaurant
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Old 08-02-2012, 10:45
indianwells
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Friends brough the Unicorn Magnum grinder when they visited from the US.

Just one word - fantastic!

Great recommendation and sorry for the delay in saying 'thanks.'

Excellent! Mine is still going strong and I like the fact they are so easy to fill. The only thing you have to worry about is the filling hole accidentally opening and having thousands of peppercorns bouncing all over the kitchen. Been there done that...
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