Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Superior Quality Handcrafted Pepper Mills

By Myrtle Cash


When choosing a mill there are so many variables that you will need to pick one based on your particular tastes and requirements. Your choice will obviously be affected by appearance. However, appearance is not the only consideration and if you want one that not only makes a statement but is well made and offers high performance too, you will probably need to look at handcrafted pepper mills.

The reason that a handcrafted item is often preferred is because of attention to the finest detail. Superior quality materials are chosen, the best mechanisms are used and all the components are assembled carefully. This means that you can expect it to perform perfectly every time.

Craftsmen draw the inspirations for their designs from many sources. Some have a charmingly old fashioned look and design, adding a vintage touch to a table setting. Others may be sophisticated and elegant such as a combination of wood and stainless steel or those with a high gloss finish. These can make a dramatic statement in a modern setting.

A handcrafted item will always be expensive to purchase due to the time and skill required to produce it. If you are considering purchasing one, you want to be sure that the utmost care has been taken in its construction. If not, ease of use will be affected and it will not last. Some craftsmen offer limited lifetime warranties.

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.

It is important that a mill is easy to fill. The opening must be large enough so you do not end up with peppercorns all over the kitchen. Some have to be opened by sliding a cover to reveal an aperture. In other cases it has to be popped open. Many require you to unscrew the top to fill the chamber.

When considering size, remember that the larger the item, the heavier it will be to handle. A very large item may be more suited for use in a restaurant than a home kitchen. However, you will want one with good capacity as you do not want to be constantly refilling it.

The quality of the grinding mechanism is an important consideration when purchasing such an item. A serious cook needs to be able to use both fine and coarse grinds depending on what a recipe requires. It should be able to be adjusted, either by turning a knob at the top or adjusting a dial or screw on the bottom.

When buying handcrafted pepper mills you may pay more for these highly functional works of art. However, the purchase is sure to be worth the extra expense. You will not only have an item of beauty that is easy to use but one that lasts for years.




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