What Is the Difference Between Salt Grinders and Salt Mills?

Salt grinders and mills are used for several types of salt, from coarse sea salt to kosher salt. The grinder and mill, while producing much the same result, are slightly different.

Spice Grinders and Mills

Several spices, such as cardamom or cumin, come whole and require grinding or milling before use. Pepper often comes in a mill or grinder to increase the fresh taste of the pepper.

Salt Mills

Salt mills work by crushing the salt through one of several crushing chambers. The result is a finely crushed salt, with the size depending on the setting determined by the user.

Salt Grinders

Salt grinders, while similar to mills, finely grind the salt by running it through one grinding mechanism.

Materials for Salt Grinders and Mills

Salt can easily corrode metal, so many salt grinders and mills are made of plastic. However, these do not hold up over long use. Higher quality models use ceramic or a corrosion-free metal.

Differences

Salt mills are best if you want more control over the chopping process; they use more sophisticated mechanisms and produce higher quality results. Grinders, however, still achieve a finely ground salt, and these are useful for most household needs.

References

• William Bounds Limited; Salt Mill and Salt Grinder
• Fantes.com; Peugeot Mills
• Serious Eats; Salt Mill/Pepper Grinder