What is the real difference between a pepper mill and salt grinder?

1. The grinding mechanism: A pepper mill typically has a burr grinder, which consists of two rough surfaces that grind the peppercorns as they pass through. This produces a more consistent grind and releases the pepper's essential oils and flavors. A salt grinder, on the other hand, usually has a crush mechanism that crushes the salt crystals into smaller pieces. This can result in a less uniform grind and may not release the salt's flavor as effectively.

2. The coarseness of the grind: Pepper mills generally offer a wider range of grind settings, allowing you to adjust the coarseness of the pepper from fine to coarse. This allows you to customize the texture of the pepper to suit your taste. Salt grinders, on the other hand, typically have a more limited range of grind settings, and may not provide the same level of customization.

In summary, the main differences between a pepper mill and a salt grinder lie in the grinding mechanism and the range of grind settings. Pepper mills use a burr grinder for a more consistent and flavorful grind, while salt grinders usually have a crush mechanism. Pepper mills offer a wider range of grind settings to adjust the coarseness of the pepper, while salt grinders may have more limited settings.