Tips and Tricks for using Salt and Pepper Mills

The biggest difference between salt and pepper mills and salt and pepper shakers is a grinding mechanism. Pepper mills and salt mills have a grinding mechanism that allows the user to grind fresh pepper and sea salt over food for seasoning. Pepper mills and salt mills are seen as beneficial because they typical produce more flavor when compared to salt and pepper shakers that have pre-ground spices. Some people may choose to use a traditional salt and pepper shakers for a number of reasons. Mills primarily are often associated with problems throughout their lifetime, however, most of these common problems are easily solved without needing to replace the mill. Public Kitchen Supply supplies Chef Specialties Salt and Pepper Mills and Shakers, the leader in pepper mills and salt mills. While working with this manufacturer, Chef Specialties shared with Public Kitchen Supply the three most common pepper mill and salt mill issues they hear and the tips for easy fixes.
One problem salt and pepper mills seem to face is the grinding process itself and that it "doesn't work." Ironically, this is one of the biggest advantages of pepper and salt mills but the also the most misunderstood. First, remember that the mill's body should always be turned clockwise and not back and forth or counter clockwise. The body itself can be turned both directions (counter and clockwise), but when grinding, it should ONLY be turned clockwise for the longest life and the best performance. For a fine grind, turn the top metal mechanism to the right or to the left for a coarse grind. When you go to try to grind your spice and it does not move, your top knob may be screwed down too tight. Simply loosen the top knob and try again until you get the perfect grind. Pepper and salt mills are important for professional chefs and waiters, many recipes call for a specific grind to achieve the right flavor or presentation. If you’re looking for a quality commercial pepper mill that would work well in a restaurant kitchen, choose Chef Specialties' 18” Walnut Monarch Pepper Mill. This Pepper Mill is 18” in length with a large grinder, allowing it to both dispense heavy amounts of pepper at a time as well as look the part in a waiter's hands.
It’s important to use the highest of quality salt crystals and peppercorns with your salt and pepper mills. Poor spices often contain impurities that can clog a mill’s grinding mechanism. Chef Specialties knows that inferior spices can cause issues so they sell the very best peppercorns and salt crystals to accompany their tools. Chef Specialties supplies a large variety of peppercorns and peppercorn blends including Malabar Black Pepper, Chef Bouquet Blend Pepper, and Solar Sea Salt Crystals. The peppercorns you choose will depend on the recipe and taste you’re looking for. One of their bestsellers is Chef’s Specialties' Muntok White Peppercorns. Muntok white peppercorns are very popular in Europe but originate from Indonesia. This white peppercorn provides a unique appearance and fabulous taste stemming from perfectly ripened berries that are sun dried and soaked in water. They provide a light, creamy taste that pairs perfectly with rich foods. When you buy salt crystals and peppercorns from Chef Specialties you can trust that your mill won't quickly clog from impurities and instead may have a long-lasting lifetime with proper care.
Another common pepper mill problem that people come across is that the mill has been filled too high with too many peppercorns. Remember peppercorns should only be filled to about 1/2 to 3/4 full, leaving room for the peppercorns to move freely while grinding. The grinding mechanism won't be able to work properly without the proper amount of room. Yes, you may have to fill it more often, but this is the fill capacity that pepper mills are designed to have. In addition, when filled, pepper mills need to be stored in a dry, room-temperature environment. If pepper mills are stored in humid climates, the peppercorns can swell, making your mills capacity larger than what it was initially, potentially causing it to jam next time it's used. If your mill does become jammed simply turn the mill upside down and give the bottom several light taps. This should knock the peppercorn loose and out of the grinder. If it fails to come loose, you’re peppercorns have likely swelled due to poor location. To fix this issue, you must open the mill and remove some of the peppercorns. Make sure you always leave some space in the spice chamber to allow for some forgiveness of swelling of peppercorns.
Chef Specialties is an excellent provider of quality residential and commercial salt and pepper mills. From unique designs to classic table staples, you'll find a mill that will fit your decor and needs. When you shop Chef Specialties products at Public Kitchen Supply, you will find the salt and pepper mill you're looking for. To view more Chef Specialties' products than just those listed in today’s blog visit our website at Chef Specialties @ PublicKitchenSupply.com.