Without spices and herbs, our food would be bland and tasteless. They make dishes more appetizing, improve our digestion and lift our mood. You can buy it in stores now crushed spices or special jars with a built-in chopper. In such containers, the contents retain their taste and aroma for a long time; you just need to rotate the device over the dish, and the spices will be evenly distributed.
Unfortunately, the manufacturers did not plan for multiple uses spice grinders. Due to the small volume, the packaging is quickly used up, and many simply throw it away. Don’t rush to get rid of such a useful thing, because it can be easily opened, refilled with any spices and used for a very long time. The British believe that saving is another type of income. It's hard to disagree with this!
Editorial "With taste" I have prepared a simple life hack for you, how to disassemble the mill and prolong her life. Very convenient, cheap and practical!
How to open a pepper mill
Buying loose spices and arranging them at your own discretion is much cheaper than spending money on a new mill every time. 80% of the cost of a product is packaging, so why waste something that is good for reuse? Find out at.
Spices or herbs are different parts of plants. Their peculiarity is their specific taste and aroma. When added to food, the latter improves its taste and can be preserved longer.
The market today offers a very wide selection of spices in natural and ground states. The latter is convenient, but over time the spice loses some of its taste properties and does not fulfill the role for which it is intended.
The solution is to use natural spices and grind them before using them. required quantity. But for this you need to have a special mill in the kitchen. You can buy it at a hardware store, but it’s cheaper to make it yourself. Moreover, its main part - the core, which grinds the spices - can be purchased for any device design.
There are four types of such mechanisms on the market. Structurally, they are all similar, the difference is in the centrally located knitting needle, which comes in 12, 9 and 6 inches or 30.5, 22.9 and 15.2 cm.
In addition to the mill set with ceramic millstones, you need to stock up on blanks for the body. It must be made of strong and beautiful wood, for example, from cherries and well dried. The tools you will need to make a mill are: lathe; drill chuck; feather drills of different diameters.
The main work in making a homemade spice mill comes down to making a body from a cherry blank. It is performed mainly on a lathe.
The wooden blank is secured between the headstock and tailstock and processing begins. First, a solid cylinder is formed from it with a length and diameter suitable for the purchased mill mechanism. If the latter is 12 inches, then: the total length of the cylinder should be 31.8 cm. If it is 9 or 6 inches, then, respectively, 24.1 and 16.5 cm; diameter – 6.4 cm.
Then the cylinder obtained from the workpiece is divided into two parts, one of which will be rotary relative to the other. To do this, measure 26.7 (19.0, 11.4) cm from one end of the workpiece, 3.8 cm from the other. There should be a distance of 1.3 cm between the marks.
Place the workpiece on the machine, process it, reducing the diameter in the area between the marks (at a length of 1.3 cm) to 2.7 cm. Cut off a longer part of the resulting workpiece, leaving a smaller middle area with a reduced diameter.
A drill chuck is placed in the tailstock. Insert feather drill with a diameter of 27 mm and arrange a through axial hole in the larger cylinder. Replace the drill with another one - with a diameter of 3.8 cm - increase the diameter of the hole in the area of 1.3 cm.
Using a drill with a diameter of 7 mm, an axial through hole is made in the rotating part (a smaller cylinder with a cylindrical axial protrusion). Adjust its protrusion, which should fit tightly into the hole of the larger cylinder. At the end of the protrusion, a small recess is made for the crab, which ensures rotation of the mechanism core.
Spice grinders from the Kotanyi brand are extremely convenient and popular kitchen appliances among users. And although they are not intended for repeated use, a single-use jar can also extend its shelf life. Every housewife will need tips on how to open a Kotanyi pepper mill manually or using improvised objects. Thanks to the simple structure of the device from the Austrian manufacturer, you can use several methods to remove the plastic insert from the structure.
Any Kotanyi manual grinder is a glass container with a lid and a built-in mechanism for grinding spices. The jar contains from 30 to 50 g of spices. Used as a filler different types peppercorns, coriander, dried onions, fenugreek, basil, rosemary, thyme, coarse sea salt.
The crushing mechanism is made of plastic and is tightly installed in the neck of the bottle. When the lid is turned, large components are ground into powder. The mill has two operating modes. The first produces larger particles, the second produces smaller particles. The closed container is airtight, which preserves the full range of aromas and flavors of the spices.
With these obvious advantages The device has several disadvantages. Firstly, a real Kotanyi mill is relatively expensive. Secondly, a disposable shredder is not designed to be reused. However, this technical feature With a skillful approach, you can fix it by pouring the pepper into the jar again.
Many manufacturers produce spices in hand mills
Disassembly methods
There are some working tips on how to open a Kotanyi pepper mill. Each of them is easy to use at home. It is possible to open the plastic insert without damage in a few minutes, using one of four proven disassembly methods:
- manually without tools;
- using a knife;
- two planks;
- by heating.
Designs without manufacturing defects and not damaged during operation are suitable for reuse.
Manually
If you don't have it at hand the right tool, it is quite possible to disassemble the mill manually. Moreover, this method is considered a male prerogative, since it requires the use of force:
- Remove the protective cap from the device.
- Set the coarse grinding mode.
- The jar itself is held tightly in one hand, and the built-in chopper in the other.
- While turning the mill, lift the base of the lid at the break.
- With the second movement, turn the lid again and lift it on one side.
Similar manipulations are repeated several times until the container is completely opened.
Using a knife
A sharp tool does not allow you to remove the entire mill device, but only the plastic membrane disk. But this is enough to refill the pepper in the jar:
- After removing the cap, the tip of the knife is placed between the core and the neck.
- The insert is carefully lifted from several sides, moving the knife around the circumference.
- After removing the plate, a funnel is placed in a narrow hole and spices are poured through it.
- To put the mill part in place, lightly press on it until it is completely sealed.
You can also use a knife to make vertical cuts on the plastic body of the lid. After this, it is removed with a slight upward movement. This one has simple way there is a drawback: a part cut and then fastened with a staple or adhesive tape does not look very aesthetically pleasing.
Using two planks
To disassemble the Kotanyi mill, you can use two small boards. Their width should be greater than the size of the lid, and their length should be sufficient to be grasped by hand. A semicircle equal to the diameter of the neck is cut out on each wooden block. Then they place the jar on the table and tightly support the built-in lid with one plank. On the other side, apply a second blank and use it to lift the edge of the plastic structure.
Heating the lid
When the pepper mixture in the grinder is finished, you can use thermal method opening. It is convenient because it does not require the use of force or sharp objects. In a small container, heat water to a boil and lower the plastic part of the mill into it. Leave for 4–5 minutes, then remove the structure from the boiling water. Grasping it with a towel or napkin, turn the lid and lift it. The enlarged plastic part can be removed without effort. After drying, it is installed in its original place.
Instead of boiling water, you can use a hair dryer: hot air also expands the plastic and makes the lid pliable.
To open a disposable mill, use any of four methods. Repeated use of the device allows you to independently compose spice compositions based on your gastronomic preferences. A pleasant bonus is also significant budget savings, since spices in bags are much cheaper than a complete mill.
Video
The manual pepper mill is a tribute to modernity, since each modern woman and even male chefs strive to use this thing on kitchen to achieve the spicy aroma and taste of every dish.
For more than 100 years, housewives and seasoned chefs have been using this. Indeed, it is indispensable in every kitchen. This causes the demand for it to grow day by day. What could be more aromatic and uplifting than a handful of allspice or crushed salt? All these elements are designed to give each prepared dish an incredible taste and aroma. In this regard, numerous products called “manual pepper mills” began to enjoy popularity.
Features of modern products
Pepper and salt mills are devices equipped with protection against harmful influence salt. They are created using specially developed technology. Often metal processing is carried out for all elements. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to several points that play important role in the general quality of this kitchen attribute.
Case device as main criterion selection
Typically the body is made from of stainless steel, wood and acrylic. Each material is interesting in its own way and is characterized by some features:
- If it is colored or ordinary acrylic, appearance will be bright, and your product will turn from a functional attribute into a real one kitchen interior decoration. It is easy to clean with a damp cloth and also has the ability to control the spices inside the mill.
- A win-win option is also. The mill in a steel casing is durable, strong and practical. You can also note its ease of use.
- Wood is a material that is pleasant to the touch. This is a classic choice for those who prefer traditional, conservative materials for accessories. You can choose products enclosed in a case made of varnished or matte material.
A manual pepper grinder, which is easy to buy, can be purchased at many stores. It will become a real lifesaver when preparing various dishes.
Drive type of product design
This is another criterion that plays an important role in the selection process. Traditionally popular handmade product, equipped with a special mechanism. By turning the entire mechanism you will be able to force the teeth to grind spices, as well as control the portions of seasonings and their grinding mixtures. But thanks electrical device you don't have to spend a lot of time preparing dishes. The products are usually started with a light touch of the hand, and during operation they do not take up much space.
Functioning of the mill mechanism
There are two traditional varieties of this type of product, and you need to pay special attention to them.
- Models equipped with plastic millstones or knives are popular. They are easy to use and easy to clean.
- The most popular recently are mills with a stainless steel mechanism. They are durable and 100% safe to use.
A manual salt and pepper mill is a special structure, the selection of which requires special attention.
Benefits of Using a Pepper Mill
Previously, this kitchen accessory was more in demand in restaurants, but today it is often used in household, serves an indispensable assistant for preparing aromatic dishes with a unique taste. Home-ground spices are so fresh they have best scents, unlike those purchased in stores. Therefore, it will not be difficult for you to choose a whole bouquet of spices for the dishes that you put on the table. There are several positive aspects of using this accessory:
- 100% confidence in the quality of the product. When buying a product in a store, you cannot be sure of its decent quality and taste;
- Always fresh and natural product on your table, so the product is suitable for people who care about the quality of their food;
- Cooking peppers is an enjoyable process that makes you feel like a real creator;
- Cooking pepper by hand is always cheaper than purchasing a ready-made product, because unground pepper has a better price.
A manual pepper mill can be purchased freely at an affordable price.
Varieties of products according to different criteria
There are several types of options for home use on sale today:
- Disposable Mill with spices inside. The advantages are their low price, which is why such mills are in demand and popular. These products may contain peas, herbs, salt and sugar. Traditionally, a disposable mill is a small container, not exceeding 10 cm in size. To put it into operation, just twist the lid a little.
- Reusable product. Traditionally, all such models are equipped with the same design. It includes several basic elements in the form of a container for storing spices, a millstone, a container in which cooked foods are placed. This can be a universal type model with or without a handle. Manufacturing materials are offered in a wide range - ceramics, metal, wood, glass.
A manual wooden pepper mill or a product made from another material is always stylish, interesting and prestigious. You just need to ensure a competent approach to its selection and use - and the aromatic spices will certainly delight you. A competent approach to preparing dishes with such spices is the key to their good taste and aroma qualities. Your choice should be based strictly on personal preference.
This toy consists of a pepper grinder attached to the end of a gun that looks like a silencer.
The trigger, when pressed, turns on the electric mill, and next to the fuse there is a switch responsible for light, sound and vibration.
Are you ready to bring pepper justice to this world? Then let's start assembling the electric pepper grinder!
Consumables:
- toy electric gun (mine cost about 200 rubles)
- new SPDT switch
- stranded thin wire
- heat-shrink tubing
- clip
- plastic funnel
- wooden rod (I used a wooden spoon)
- black paper
Tool:
- dremel
- soldering iron
- wire scissors
- pliers
- hot glue gun
- sharp knife
- sandpaper
- square
It is obvious that this mill has absolutely unusual look and it’s better not to take it out of the house.
Step 1: Disassembling the Pepper Shaker
I bought the mill from the DX website. Top part The case can be easily unscrewed so that you can easily replace the battery. Once you unscrew the top of the mill, you will have access to the battery compartment and motor. The compartment for loading spices will also be accessible for unscrewing.
The battery compartment is connected by leads to the chopper motor using two small clips. By pressing on the clips you can disconnect the motor and battery compartment. Next, using a soldering iron, you can unsolder the wires from the motor.
Flip the battery compartment housing over and you will see two copper strands that form the original mill's switch. Since we will be using a different type of switch, and it will be located in a different location, these wires can be soldered together for further use.
The battery compartment at this stage should be a simple case for 4 AA batteries with two wires and no switch. Now let's put the mill aside and return to it after we modify the toy gun.
Step 2: Gun Analysis
I found my gun at a cheap store. When you pull the trigger, the diodes on the gun light up and it makes a very pleasant “bang bang bang” sound. And it also vibrates. The toy was assembled with 15 small screws, after unscrewing which the gun can be disassembled in half, revealing the internal electronics. A simple spring on the trigger acts as a switch, and the battery sits snugly in the grip.
The idea is to use the gun's existing electronics and incorporate a pepper grinder into it. Below is the finished diagram.
Step 3: Embed a mode switch
I wanted the mill to work both with and without the gun's built-in effects, so I decided to add a switch to the circuit in the form of a gun safety that would allow easy selection of one of the modes. The pistol was designed in the likeness of the MP5 and, like most pistols, its safety is located near thumb. The fuse for this toy is static and nothing can be done with it.
I added my fuse in place of the toy's fuse. I cut the wires from the toy gun battery and soldered a 6 inch wire to each end. Every new output was attached to the SPDT/SPST switch, then I insulated everything with heat shrink tubing.
With help sharp knife and with the dremel I made a small hole under the safety of the toy gun, placed the switch there and secured it with hot glue.
Step 4: Second contact
Since I wanted the trigger to control both the gun and the mill, I decided to modify the existing trigger by adding an additional contact spring on the other side. The original design of the toy was that when the trigger spring was pressed, it would contact a contact and complete the circuit. Using the existing trigger as a guide, I bent a new trigger spring from a paper clip.
Where the end of the spring closes on the contact when the trigger is pulled, there is a post on which the wire coil is located. My coil was larger than needed, so I cut it down to half the size and made a new connection. A spacer was installed between the two coils, allowing each circuit to be closed simultaneously and separately. The new coil was connected to battery mills.
Step 5: Shelf for the second trigger
After I got both circuits to close when the trigger was pulled, I enlarged the spring shelf on the trigger so that I could fit another spring on the other side.
Once the glue had set, I used pliers to form plastic shelf so that it mirrors the existing spring shelf on the other side.
Step 6: Support for the mill
The mill doesn't weigh very much, but it does require support to use it in the gun. The wooden kitchen spoon I found was the perfect shape - thin body, a tight fit to the barrel of the toy gun and a curved end that can be connected to the mill will provide good stability. I added a black funnel to the design; it will create a smooth transition between the body of the mill and the barrel of the toy gun, and will also hide the wooden spoon.
The funnel should be pulled onto the spoon until the wide part of the spoon completely rests against it. The handle of the spoon must be measured according to the depth of the gun. Using a marker I marked where the handle should be split and where the wide part of the spoon meets the edges of the funnel, I used a Dremel to make two clean cuts.
I then cut a cutout in the wide part of the spoon to hold the mill firmly in place and I also cut a channel for the wires in the handle of the spoon. I used hot glue to attach the spoon and mill motor and placed the wires into the cut channel.
I then reattached the funnel to the spoon and pushed it all the way to the junction of the spoon and the mill, made a mark on the inside of the funnel where the mill body meets the spoon, and then trimmed the funnel with a Dremel to the right size. To secure the funnel, spoon and mill, I glued everything with a layer of hot glue.
Step 7: Decorating the “muffler”
To give the device a finished look, I decided to wrap the muffler in a decorative black cardboard cover. This cardboard will hide the transition between the funnel and the mill and give the suppressor a neat appearance, making the whole device look like a real firearm.