Understanding the Difference Between a Pepper Mill and a Salt Grinder
Both pepper mills and salt grinders are used to help you add spices to your dishes, but they are not interchangeable. Here’s everything you need to know to understand the difference between the two.
Composition of Salt and Pepper
Both salt and pepper have different structures and can affect the tools used to grind them. Salt is a mineral that is naturally occurring and is typically hard and brittle. Pepper, in comparison, is a berry that is much softer than salt. As a result, salt requires a grinder that has ceramic or synthetic blades, while pepper can be ground with metal or ceramic mechanisms.
Design of Pepper Mills vs. Salt Grinders
Pepper mills and salt grinders both come in a variety of designs, but there are some notable differences. Salt grinders often have clear acrylic or glass bodies so you can see how much salt is left, while pepper mills may have wooden, metal, or ceramic bodies. Additionally, pepper mills typically have a long arm on the side that you turn to grind the pepper, while salt grinders may have a simple twist top or a more complicated grinding mechanism.
The Size of Grains
The structure of salt and pepper means they have different grinding needs. Salt should be ground into fine grains so that it can dissolve quickly and evenly, while pepper can be ground into larger pieces based on your personal preference. To achieve this, salt grinders often have multiple settings on their grinding mechanism to allow you to choose fine or coarse grains.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
Ultimately, the difference between a pepper mill and a salt grinder comes down to the specific task you need them for. Salt grinders are ideal for seasoning dishes in the moment, while pepper mills are well-suited for grinding larger amounts of pepper, which can then be added to dishes as needed. By having both on hand, you can easily enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes.