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ZBQ
01-12-2008, 05:05 AM
I have been in search of a good pepper grinder that you won't wear your wrist out if you want 2 tsp. of fresh pepper.

You guys have any favorites?

I was thinking of one like this (http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/93860-atlas-pepper-mill.aspx) but I thought that maybe you guys might know of some others that aren't quite as expensive.

Has anyone tried one of these (http://www.unicornmills.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=4&categoryID=1)?

If so, how did you like it?

It's what I am leaning towards.

Dr_KY
01-12-2008, 05:19 AM
If you need 2 tsp. then get one of those magic bullets or a cheap coffee grinder.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Faberware-Chrome-Coffee-Grinder-NR_W0QQitemZ140195828777QQihZ004QQcategoryZ32882QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Grindmaster-Cafemill-Coffee-grinder_W0QQitemZ200189881449QQihZ010QQcategoryZ32 882QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Azinine
01-12-2008, 07:21 AM
If you need 2 tsp. then get one of those magic bullets or a cheap coffee grinder.

What I was going to suggest.

That magnum looks pretty sweet, though. I wonder how fast it really is?

The Pickled Pig
01-12-2008, 07:47 AM
Just like it does to coffee beans, an electric coffee grinder will heat the peppercorns up when grinding and they will lose some potency. If you do use an electric grinder, operate it in short bursts with a couple of seconds of cooling time between cycles.

Rick's Tropical Delight
01-12-2008, 07:53 AM
the unicorn magnum plus is on my list... i just need to get it in gear and make a few clicks!

(and change that avatar, man! that's gotta hurt)

Jeremiah
01-12-2008, 07:56 AM
Three cheers for the magnum plus!

2Fat
01-12-2008, 08:00 AM
Zassenhaus---think thats the right name---think ours came from Penzeys

Mitch
01-12-2008, 08:57 AM
Perfex. The whole thing is machiined metal, will lasta lifetime and grinds a lot real fast.

qman
01-12-2008, 09:31 AM
I have a brass one like the one in the first link. Works great for me, have been using it for about 15 years.

If I want serious amounts of freshly ground pepper, I do resort to a electric coffee grinder. As mentioned, just go slow, in short bursts.

boatnut
01-12-2008, 10:20 AM
this is what i use...but i bought mine direct from the guy that makes them..unfortunately, can't find the site. will post when i do though.
http://www.instawares.com/satin-supreme-model-2000.pms-03satin.0.7.htm?LID=NXTG&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=08-43121331-2
puts out a lot of pepper..rechargable...adjustable from fine to coarse.

ZILLA
01-12-2008, 11:16 AM
Look for a grinder that has ceramic grinding elements. They will out last steel and give a more consistant grind. The Trudeau brand is very nice and they have both steel and ceramic elements.

yelonutz
01-12-2008, 11:38 AM
I own the Unicorn Magnum and love it. I also carry the small one in my pocket for restraunt use. If you need 1 or 2 tsp or tbs, I keep a small bottle of Penzeys pre-ground in the freezer. Scoop and use! NUTZ

bbqbull
01-12-2008, 12:02 PM
I use a brass Turkish Coffee grinder. Same type as Jeff Smith an old chef who was on tv used. Bought it in 2003 for about $30 dollars at a store called World Market.

Thats after I went through several cheaper ones. This one has a crank like an old mechanical pencil sharpener. I can adjust the grind size by adjusting the screw on the bottom of the mill.

jtfisher63
01-12-2008, 12:18 PM
I also carry the small one in my pocket for restraunt use.

I knew I liked you! (NTTIAWWT) Sounds like something Alton Brown would do.

qman
01-12-2008, 03:40 PM
I use a brass Turkish Coffee grinder. Same type as Jeff Smith an old chef who was on tv used. Bought it in 2003 for about $30 dollars at a store called World Market.

Thats after I went through several cheaper ones. This one has a crank like an old mechanical pencil sharpener. I can adjust the grind size by adjusting the screw on the bottom of the mill.

That''s what I've got. Jeff Smith turned me on [to the brass Turkish Grinder:eek:] too.

With that long crank handle, you can crank our some serious pepper.

boatnut
01-13-2008, 10:39 AM
this is what i use...but i bought mine direct from the guy that makes them..unfortunately, can't find the site. will post when i do though.
http://www.instawares.com/satin-supreme-model-2000.pms-03satin.0.7.htm?LID=NXTG&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=08-43121331-2
puts out a lot of pepper..rechargable...adjustable from fine to coarse.

ok found the link to where i bought mine originally.
http://www.peppermills.com/

qman
01-13-2008, 06:34 PM
Them look like some mighty fine grinders, Boatnut. I would love to have a couple in my kitchen for spices.

Do you think one of them would grind whole cloves real fine. What about cinammon sticks [broken up]?
Thanks

Dr_KY
01-13-2008, 06:38 PM
Whatever you do get a good one as I just threw two away that wouldn't grind dust!

NotleyQue
01-13-2008, 06:42 PM
Best pepper grinder (and salt shaker) I have ever owned.

They can also repair my hyperdrive motivator, or front deflector shield if needed.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/2191197888_03544910ed_o.jpg

Dr_KY
01-13-2008, 06:44 PM
Is Shrek used for pounding basil? lol

KLLRBBQ
01-13-2008, 07:16 PM
OK, me three. Turkish grinders work very well and give a fine grind. You won't need to buy a Zassenhaus though - they are about $80 these days. A good Greek model should do just fine.

SP
01-13-2008, 07:55 PM
I have a stone motor and pestal. It works great for peppercorns and for making wet marinades.

yelonutz
01-13-2008, 09:26 PM
I knew I liked you! (NTTIAWWT) Sounds like something Alton Brown would do.

Just like Daddy and Baby!!

Brauma
01-13-2008, 09:53 PM
I remember an old thread from a year or two ago. Unicorn got rave reviews then too.

JamesB
01-13-2008, 09:58 PM
I use a brass Turkish Coffee grinder. Same type as Jeff Smith an old chef who was on tv used. Bought it in 2003 for about $30 dollars at a store called World Market.

I also use one of those grinders and also got it at World market. Great for a few tablespoons of pepper...
http://bennett-family.com/stuff/qstuff/turkish_pepper_mill.jpg

When I need a bunch of fresh ground pepper, like when making up rubs, I use a burr type coffee mill I picked up several years ago for like $15. This is the one I have.
http://bennett-family.com/stuff/qstuff/burr_coffee_grinder.jpg

For table use and stuff, we just use the regular old wooden pepper mill...

James.

butts a fire
01-14-2008, 08:12 AM
You could always go the Alton Brown method and hook up a crank one to the chuck of your cordless drill.

Smokin Gator
01-14-2008, 08:31 AM
I've had the magnum for about a year or so and love it. I bought it after going through several of the battery powered POSs.

NCGrimbo
01-14-2008, 09:28 AM
I've got the magnum and it's the best grinder I've ever used. Two quick turns and there's plenty of peper for most folks. On my fried eggs, three or four cranks and you can barely see the egg under the peper. If your looking for a grinder that works with little effort on your part, the Magnum is the one to buy.

Mark
01-14-2008, 10:06 AM
Got a blender? Assuming you're starting with dried whole peppers, just fill your blender up about half way and pulse it to the desired consistancy. I fill several coffee cans this way each year.

bbqbull
01-14-2008, 11:11 AM
I also use one of those grinders and also got it at World market. Great for a few tablespoons of pepper...
http://bennett-family.com/stuff/qstuff/turkish_pepper_mill.jpg

When I need a bunch of fresh ground pepper, like when making up rubs, I use a burr type coffee mill I picked up several years ago for like $15. This is the one I have.
http://bennett-family.com/stuff/qstuff/burr_coffee_grinder.jpg

For table use and stuff, we just use the regular old wooden pepper mill...

James.


Yep, thats the one I purchased also. Mine works great but isnt quite as shiney as yours. Awesome machine.

jsimonson0
01-14-2008, 11:32 AM
Look for a grinder that has ceramic grinding elements. They will out last steel and give a more consistant grind. The Trudeau brand is very nice and they have both steel and ceramic elements.

I just picked up the Trudeau Graviti from Sur La Table myself. Haven't used it much, but it's been good to me so far...

Divemaster
01-14-2008, 04:21 PM
I use a brass Turkish Coffee grinder. Same type as Jeff Smith an old chef who was on tv used. Bought it in 2003 for about $30 dollars at a store called World Market.

Thats after I went through several cheaper ones. This one has a crank like an old mechanical pencil sharpener. I can adjust the grind size by adjusting the screw on the bottom of the mill.
Ditto on that... I bought mine back when he was still on the air (late 80's early 90's) :eek: and it works like a champ!!!

chinesebob
01-14-2008, 04:42 PM
Three cheers for the magnum plus!

I own the Unicorn Magnum and love it. I also carry the small one in my pocket for restraunt use. .......NUTZ

the unicorn magnum plus is on my list... i just need to get it in gear and make a few clicks!


Are you sure this is the right thread for you guys?

Kitchenaid Coffee grinder. We have several of them. One for coffee, one for mixing, and one for mixing individual. They all have the same blade and design but I like to keep them separate. And they were on sale at woot.com

ZBQ
01-14-2008, 10:48 PM
Thanks guys.

I'm leaning towards the Magnum for general cooking and maybe
getting a cheap burr grinder for rubs.

Just a thought.

Does anyone think that it is really necessary to use freshly ground pepper
in a rub that will not be completely used and have to be stored?

JamesB
01-15-2008, 12:01 AM
Yep, thats the one I purchased also. Mine works great but isnt quite as shiney as yours. Awesome machine.


That's just a stock pic... believe me, mine ain't shiney no mo...

James.

qman
01-15-2008, 05:44 AM
Thanks guys.

I'm leaning towards the Magnum for general cooking and maybe
getting a cheap burr grinder for rubs.

Just a thought.

Does anyone think that it is really necessary to use freshly ground pepper
in a rub that will not be completely used and have to be stored?


Short answer? No.

When I am making up bulk batches of rubs, etc. I almost always use purchased pre-ground. As long as it comes from a freshly opened container it works fine. I will grind pepper for small batches that are to be used at once, and/or for something special, like a big rib roast, or holiday meal.

Rick's Tropical Delight
01-15-2008, 05:58 AM
Are you sure this is the right thread for you guys?



i ordered the magnum plus on sunday. should be here today i hope. my sous chef betty is beside herself! :twisted:

i use a krups coffee grinder sometimes :biggrin:

boatnut
01-15-2008, 10:37 AM
i ordered the magnum plus on sunday. should be here today i hope. my sous chef betty is beside herself! :twisted:

i use a krups coffee grinder sometimes :biggrin:

i'd love to see a pic of good 'ol betty doing the grind :tongue:

kcpellethead
01-15-2008, 12:08 PM
I jumped ahead to post and didn't read all of the responses. I have both of the grinders you mention in your original post plus the Unicorn Pepper Gun. I highly recommend any of the Unicorn products, especially the Magnum plus for larger amounts of freshly ground pepper.

I'm going to go back and read all of the responses now.

Rod

Okay, read all of the posts now. Good thread. Yeah, Jeff Smith WAS on TV, right up until he molested a boy scout - allegedly, of course!

YankeeBBQ
01-15-2008, 12:58 PM
I have a wine bottle shaped pepper grinder I bought from restaurant depot about 4 years ago. I use it daily and it still Works great. looks like this
.http://www.kitchenemporium.com/kitchenemporium/images/cs16005.jpg

JamesB
01-15-2008, 11:30 PM
Does anyone think that it is really necessary to use freshly ground pepper in a rub that will not be completely used and have to be stored?

Necessary? Can't really answer that.... I do grind all of the stuff fresh each time I make up some rub... I usually do several pounds of rub at a time for convenience and then package them in quart mason jars and then vac pack the lids on. Then they are stored in a cool dark cabinet until used. I think it makes a big difference. Why bother with all the other fresh spices I buy to make my rubs and then cheap out on the pepper?

James.