Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Superior Quality Handcrafted Pepper Mills

By Myrtle Cash


If you are looking for a product that is stylish and highly functional, handcrafted pepper mills are your best option. You can select an item that enhances your decor, moving seamlessly from your kitchen to your dining table. At the same time, you can expect it to be constructed with the utmost care so that it is durable and easy to use.

The earliest mills were made of wood and used traditional meat grinders. Today they are made from steel, acrylic, ceramic and even marble but wood is still extensively used. Craftsmen working with wood usually select rare, exotic wood varieties prized for their grain colours, patterns, and general beauty. Multiple layers of lacquer are often applied to provide a lustrous finish.

Craftsmen often give free reign to their creativity in handcrafting these items, sometimes producing truly unusual pieces. There are sleek wood designs in different finishes for a modern kitchen. High-gloss lacquered finishes on painted wood are a bold look for a country table. Old fashioned designs are also produced, more suited to a vintage setting.

Much time and skill is required in construction of these items. All parts need to work perfectly together, creating fresh fine, medium or coarse grains consistently. You do not want to have to grind forever to produce an adequate amount of pepper or to strain your wrists in the process.

The flavor of just about any dish is improved by the simple addition of freshly ground pepper. This is why most chefs take the utmost care when choosing a mill. They want one that can put out a decent amount with every twist and not run out in the midst of a delicate cooking operation.

Some grinders are more difficult to fill than others. They may have narrow lips, making use of a funnel necessary to ensure that peppercorns are not spilled. Those that are filled by unscrewing the top are usually fairly easy to fill.

There are many different sizes of grinders. There are very large ones that are more appropriate for restaurant use. Small ones are available for putting on tables but they are not suitable for kitchen use. Buying one that can be used equally well in the kitchen or at the table is probably a sensible option. One with a decent capacity should be chosen if you do not want to have to refill it often.

It is worthwhile investing in a quality grinding mechanism if you are a serious cook. You should be able to adjust the coarseness of the grind to obtain a fine, even powder, medium size or coarser pieces. Some grinders are adjusted by turning finials on top while others have knobs or screws at the bottom, which are generally easier to maneuver.

Handcrafted pepper mills offer the opportunity of owning a functional piece in a style you love. Buying a specially designed and lovingly created piece can be more expensive. However, its beauty, durability and ease of use will make it well worth any extra cost.




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