The Best Spice Grinder for your Favourite Whole Spices

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

Do you want to make your marinade from scratch or grind whole spices in your kitchen? A spice grinder is what you need. If you get the right spice grinder to grind your whole spices such as cumin, cloves, etc then you can benefit from spices in ways that predefined ground spices cannot offer. Despite the fact that most chefs recommended the regular mortar and pestle, it is more efficient to grind spices in an electric or manual grinder.

Below we have listed some of the best spice grinders on the market with their pros and cons and a detailed buying guide to guide you through the shopping process and make an informed decision.

1. Secura Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder

Sale
Secura Electric Coffee Grinder and Spice Grinder with 2...
  • Two removable Stainless Steel bowls, one grinder bowl and one...
  • Grind Coffee beans & spices; chops nuts and vegetables
  • Secura Coffee grinder comes with build-in smart Overheat...
  • Stainless Steel blades and Stainless Steel exterior
  • Safety-lock lid, on/off switch, cord wrap base. 2-Year...

Secura Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder is quickly becoming one of the most versatile items in the market because of the product’s design that comes with two different cups for the best grinding results. Of these, one cup is the two-blade cup for grinding the coffee beans or spices, nuts etc., the other is the four-blade chopper bowl where vegetables chilies, garlic or even herbs can be chopped.

The two bowls help in preventing flavors from mingling as they grind but the blade systems help in guaranteeing that you get the right grind for every whole spice or ingredient. The bowls also have graduations on the inside, where you can add what you need without using measuring spoons.

The lids in the Secura Electric Coffee Grinder act as chutes for ground spices which keeps your extras fresh and saves time when cleaning. Grinder also equipped with a 200-watt motor that can handle most spices and with large item such as coffee beans and nuts and with an added protection of overheat; it means it will take sometime to wear out.

Pros:

  • Features two removable bowls 
  • It features a motor that automatically shuts down
  • It can handle both moist and dry ingredients.
  • Two years limited warranty.

Cons:

  • The rubber shock-absorbing foot can fall off easily.

2. Cuisinart Electric Spice-and-Nut Grinder

Cuisinart SG-10 Electric Spice-and-Nut Grinder,...
  • Electric spice-and-nut grinder with durable stainless-steel...
  • Heavy-duty motor; push-top lid for simple on/off control
  • Bowl holds 90 grams; extra storage space in lid; nonslip rubber...
  • Dishwasher-safe lid and bowl; instruction manual with recipes...
  • Product Built to North American Electrical Standards

Cuisinart Electric Spice-and-Nut Grinder is one of the most stylish grinders as it has a metallic grey-blue base and transparent lid which will allow to grind many coffee beans, nuts, and spices. The bowl size for the grinder is larger by 90 grams than other electric spice grinders and the grinder is fitted with a 200-watt motor which is powerful enough for large spice grinding tasks, and has a stainless steel construction.

Cuisinart blade grinder can blend spices like whole nutmegs, cinnamon sticks, cardamons into a fine powder and in another bowl preparing a wet paste of fresh garlic ginger and chilies. It has its power cord also with a hole where it can be easily stored at the base and the grinder works when one places weight on the lid.

There is an ease in using the Cuisinart Spice push top lid there are additional compartments if they’re needed and the push top portion can be for extra spice storage if needed. Cleaning is easy because they are dishwasher safe both the lid and the bowl portions.

Pros:

  • It has dishwasher-safe bowls.
  • Compact unit.
  • Cuisinart does not require elbow grease.
  • Suitable for both dry and wet spices.

Cons:

  • Lacks extra accessories.

3. Krups Silent Vortex Electric Grinder

Sale
KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder for Spice, Dry...
  • POWERFUL, EFFICIENT AND SUPER SILENT: Grinds coffee beans for 12...
  • INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: Patent Pending Vortex Spin Technology...
  • VERSATILITY: 3-in-1 Grinder for coffee, spices, and dry herbs....
  • LARGE CAPACITY AND DISHWASHER SAFE: The removable dishwasher-safe...
  • MESS-FREE: The removable bowl comes with a dedicated storage lid...

When in search of the grinder most silent when grinding spices, Krups Silent Vortex electric grinder should be your option. It has been used it is considered to be among the most quiet electric spice grinders with the patent-pending features named as Vortex Spin where through the spinning action each contents is pulled to the blade for a one-touched fast and consistent grinding of all spices of different size and hardness including the nut, coffee beans or any dry spices.

Krups electric grinder is easy to use as it has a one touch button which holds you down as you grind the spices or you tap the button to pulse grind the spices. Krups is a stainless steel grinding bowl that is one of the best functional and fast machines in the market that won’t cost a lot but certainly has a practical and additional accessories like lids for storage of extra freshly ground spices.

Pros:

  • Uses a patent-pending Vortex Spin technology.
  • Easy to clean
  • Very quiet operation.
  • Compact unit.

Cons:

  • Made of plastic parts.

4. Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Manual Spice Grinder

Sale
Kuhn Rikon Adjustable Ratchet Grinder with Ceramic...
  • Features a high-performance ratchet operating system and...
  • Simply move the ratchet handle back and forth to grind - easy on...
  • Delivers a highly consistent grind - can be adjusted from fine to...
  • Quick and hassle-free filling via the door on the front and...
  • Wipe clean as necessary or wash by hand (not dishwasher safe)....

Kuhn Rikon's manual spice machine is the best manual choice for the best results when grinding your spices. So that you can easily open from the front of the body of the unit to fill your chamber with either one or the combination of spices to come up with the right blend. These spice grinders are small and therefore easy to store in the kitchen, and besides, they have a modern century modern outlook with the body being silver.

Unlike most other manual grinders, this Kuhn Rikon features a ratchet handle which means you simply twist and turn in opposite directions instead of a circular motion. Kuhn Rikon grinder is constructed using a ceramic stone which is not easily corroded thus it does not degrade after several uses. Besides, this spice grinder unit has a bottom dial to control between fine and coarse.

Pros:

  • The spice grinder features an ergonomic ratchet handle design.
  • It won't rust or break down easily.
  • .Easy to clean

Cons:

  • It can be hectic because of the back and forth motions.

5. KitchenAid Blade Coffee and Spice Grinder

Sale
KitchenAid Blade Coffee and Spice Grinder Combo Pack -...
  • One-touch control for easy grinding - push down on cover to begin...
  • The stainless steel blade performs powerfully, quickly grinding...
  • The 4 oz. stainless steel bowl features markings to measure beans...
  • Add fresh flavor to any dish with the stainless steel spice...
  • Model BCG211 includes (1) Burr grinder, (1) Coffee grind bowl,...

KitchenAid is one of the best brands that deal in kitchen gadgets, and it is a versatile appliance with a two in one coffee spice grinder. It’s special because it is shipped with three individual stainless steel grinding bowls, the bowls allow you to grind three spices at once while preventing intermingling of flavors as is normally the case when using one cup.

KitchenAid spice and coffee grinder are very strong and can survive any raggedness while in use on a daily basis without tear and wear. It also has two storage lids in order to grind more than you need, then you can take one of the two bowls of the spice grinder to keep it in your pantry for later use. Additionally, the grinder comes with a one year warranty: something that will offer you the confidence to use the grinder.

Pros:

  • Clear lid that helps you see how you are grinding.
  • Not difficult to clean1-year warranty.
  • Two removable storage lids.

Cons:

  • Opaque lid.

What to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Spice Grinders

1. Speed

The first thing that you need to consider when buying the spice grinder is speed since a slow grinder might be a headache and might produce ‘’junk’’ ground spices. When considering which spice grinders to buy, grab the ones that can serve up your fresh spices within a short span of time and those who should supply you with coarse grains that help alter your texture.

2. Electric or Manual Grinder

Choosing between the best manual grinder or the best electric grinder is one of the most important decisions you will make because while they both effective they are different in many ways. Those differences are ease of use, the best grinding performance, and the kind of blades used. Electric grinders are easy to use, but there are fewer variations in how well the grinders actually grind depending on the blade types fitted on the grinder. They are also hard to store and are noisy and clunk, but they are ideal for grinding large amounts of spices, seeds or nuts.

On the other hand, the manual grinders can be subdivided into mill-type and ratchet grinders that may suit the other people who may not want the nuisances of the electric models.

3. Blade or Burr

When checking the spice grinding feature for effective grinding, there are two designs for the optimal internal structure of the spice grinders. The first design is the effective blade, and what it does is the blade spins and chops your spices, seeds, or beans and the spice is jumping around the bowl and you get large and small bits.

The other design is the burr style which uses two abrasive surfaces and has the spices in between them so as to achieve uniform grind each time this is done. There are those who like the burr grinders and those who do not, although the later is quite hard to come by.

Stainless steel blade grinders are sturdy, and finely ground and easily grind powder spices; they are also protected from rust and, therefore not available for residues after grinding. We believe that these blades are among the most significant components of any spice grinder, and they usually make sure you have the best powder at every grind.

4. Capacity

When choosing your spice grinder, it's crucial to ensure that the grinder you select can at one time grind the amount you need without having to refill more than once. Nevertheless, a small capacity will also do for a single dish because if you select the big capacity, it is then a necessity to fill it no matter how a little is needed – even merely a teaspoonful of spice. Its size should therefore depend on your needs while in the kitchen it should not occupy much of the countertop space.

5. Power

Some Motors become hot when used for a few seconds of operation, in this regard, you should ensure that the spice grinder has an overheat protection mechanism to avoid any accidents occurring.  The power on home use grinder ranges from 150-200W motor level, while the industrial ones are at 500W for large portions of spices.

6. Fixed Or Removable Bowl

A spice grinder with a fixed grinding bowl is one of the most difficult spice grinders to clean as it does not come apart. Some of these types are dishwasher safe, while others are only supposed to be washed with a wipe or a brush. On the other hand, a removable grinder bowl is as a good purchase because it is ·easy to clean and can be used most often.

7. Type of Grinder Top

a). Adjustable grinders

These lid types typically make both coarse and fine grind with a single lid and are ideal for pepper, salt, or other varieties of coarse spices that require a second grind. They are made out of fine materials to ensure efficiency especially when grinding large volumes of food stuff and are not recommendable for fine spices.

b). Fixed grinders

This lid gives a consistent grind and the grinder type is ideal for those selling spices that require a fine grinding such as finely ground salt or pepper. These fixed lids can be retained by the customers for a greater ideal use after endangering and then the users can get their spice packs refilled at lowest possible cost.

c). Sprinkler Tops

These are the best tops for people selling pre-ground spices and herbs, and sprinkler tops currently come in different kinds, so you must determine which type of sprinkler top to use given the characteristic of the herbs spices in terms of its weight. Big rosemary or garlic flakes must be packed with single or large hole sprinkler tops while fine particles require closures that have few small holes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better and cheaper to grind your spices?

Yes, it is better to grind your spices  because with all the freshness and a nice aroma can be achieved, and also sometimes, it is cheaper to ground your whole spices that buying your finely grounded spices.

2. What is the difference between a spice grinder and a coffee grinder?

The major difference between the two is how the grinding process is approached. Spice grinders usually come with blades while the coffee grinders sometimes have burrs and this little difference makes all the difference.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Related Articles
best slow cooker

Best Slow Cooker-How I Tested Them + Tips

Having the best slow cooker is a convenience I never knew I needed till I got one. A slow cooker ...

Best Small Electric Tea Kettle

5 Best Small Electric Tea Kettle (2024 Reviews & Buying Guide)

In the last few decades, the tendency for kettles has changed from conventional stovetops to electrical kettles. The very best ...

How to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive

How to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive

Your home kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals—it's the heart of your home, a space where ...