Okay, confession time: I’m a spice obsessive. My kitchen shelves are practically groaning under the weight of countless jars filled with everything from fiery ghost peppers to fragrant star anise. I’m talking a full-blown spice situation here. But all those amazing flavors are totally wasted if you can’t actually grind the darn stuff, right? I’ve wrestled with cheapo grinders that churn out inconsistent dust, temperamental electric ones that threaten to incinerate my precious spices, and enough elbow grease-requiring mortar and pestles to give Popeye a run for his money. So, yeah, when the Cole & Mason Stadhamptom Chili & Spice Mill landed on my doorstep, I was intrigued, but also a little… skeptical. Could this finally be the one?
First Glance:
Right away, the Stadhamptom mill looks the part. It’s got that sleek, modern vibe going on with the clear acrylic and brushed stainless steel. Honestly, it’s nice enough to leave out on the counter – and trust me, that’s saying something in my perpetually cluttered kitchen. It feels solid in your hand, too, a definite upgrade from those flimsy plastic grinders that feel like they’re about to fall apart after a week.
The Moment of Truth: The Grind!
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks: how does it grind? The Stadhamptom mill lets you adjust the grind size, which is a huge plus. I started with some dried chili flakes. My mission? A medium-fine consistency for my famous (well, famous in my house, anyway) spicy pasta sauce. And you know what? The mill nailed it. It sliced through those flakes like a champ, no annoying jams or hiccups. Seriously, none of that frustrating “spin the handle and pray” nonsense I’ve dealt with before. That two-step shred-then-grind thing? It seems to work wonders, really unlocking the aroma of the chilies.
Next up, I decided to throw it a curveball: cardamom pods. I’ve always found cardamom a pain to grind, but this mill just shrugged and got on with it. I switched to a coarser setting – perfect for adding a warm, exotic twist to my morning coffee. Mmm, delicious!
A Few Little Quirks:
Okay, let’s keep it real: nothing’s perfect, right? I did notice a couple of minor things. Like some other folks have mentioned, the grinder can get a little squeaky after a while. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s there. Also, while refilling is a breeze, cleaning can be a bit of a…project. That removable mechanism is a clever idea, but getting into all those little crevices takes a bit of elbow grease (though not nearly as much as that darn mortar and pestle!).
The Final Word:
Even with those small quirks, the Cole & Mason Stadhamptom Chili & Spice Mill is a winner in my book. It grinds like a boss, gives you control over the grind size, and looks good doing it. Plus, that 10-year warranty on the mechanism? That tells me they’re confident this thing is built to last.
The Good Stuff:
- Grinds consistently and you can adjust it!
- Looks snazzy on the counter
- Feels solid and well-made
- Refilling is easy-peasy
- Handles all sorts of dry spices like a pro
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Can get a bit squeaky
- Cleaning takes a little effort
Bottom Line:
If you’re a spice lover who’s tired of fighting with frustrating grinders, seriously, give the Cole & Mason Stadhamptom mill a look. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but sometimes you’ve gotta invest in quality, right? I’m definitely happy to have it in my kitchen. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to grind some more spices! My pasta sauce isn’t going to make itself!