Indian cooking can be intimidating for the novice home cook. But once you get a couple of recipes down, your confidence can grow by leaps and bounds. It is easy to use pre-made spice mixes when you are first experimenting. But you will soon find out that fresh grinding whole spices make your dishes immensely more flavorful.
To help you get started, we have rounded up the top options for the best spice grinders for Indian spices.
Quick Summary
Best Indian Spice Grinder Reviews
Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder by KRUPS
Modern spice grinders can be used for both spices and coffee beans, moving away from mortar and pestles. You will see many models boast a combination of abilities. If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of blenders for Indian cuisine, check out our guide for the best blender for Indian cooking.
This particular model can grind spices in under ten seconds, so adding this to your Indian cooking routine will not add much time or effort at all.
While it is best to grind spices right before use to get the most aroma, this grinder has a large three-ounce capacity that will allow you to grind in bulk as well.
The magic lies in its stainless steel blades that are strong enough to take the toughest seeds and nuts. The blades boast the power to grind spices for even flavor uniformly.
Safety is not an issue with this spice grinder, as there is a lid-activated safety switch. The motor will not turn on, and the blades will not spin unless the lid is on and latched.
Pros
- Can grind spices and coffee beans.
- It grinds in less than ten seconds.
- The ability to grind in bulk in the three-ounce canister.
- The strong stainless steel blades that grind evenly.
- It is built with a lid safety latch.
Cons
- Some users report that it takes much longer than ten seconds to get an even grind.
- A few reported that the machine died after a few months of usage.
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Mueller Austria HyperGrind Precision Grinder
While a common complaint of many spice grinders is their inability to grind evenly, the HyperGrind Precision grinder takes that worry away.
This grinder was specifically designed and tested through three professional-grade inspections. It is guaranteed to outlast and outperform other similar models.
This compact model will not take up much space on countertops or in cabinets. Its Eurocentric design makes it a stylish piece to store on counters when not in use.
Pros
- It is guaranteed to grind spices evenly.
- It passed three professional-grade inspections.
- It comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Its small size will not take much space for storage.
- Eurocentric design is stylish enough to store on countertops.
Cons
- A few users reported that the seal was loose and grounds got into the motor, killing the machine.
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Brushed Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle by Bekith
If you are not up for an electric option, a traditional mortar and pestle may be the ticket for you. This particular model by Bekith is constructed of double 304 stainless steel making it heavy and durable. All materials are food safe, BPA-free, lead-free, and with no mercury.
Its stainless steel construction makes it easy to clean by popping right in the dishwasher. It can also boast no residual taste due to its non-porous nature.
A bonus non-skid base keeps the mortar in place. The pestle is designed with a heavy-duty press, making tough grinding seeds like coriander much easier.
The sleek design makes this a great piece to show off on countertops.
Its unique durable design is patent-pending and copyright protected, so you know you are getting a quality and one-of-a-kind advanced product.
Pros
- Traditional mortar and pestle are great for the technologically challenged.
- No electricity is necessary, so this can travel anywhere.
- It is made of heavy-duty 304 stainless steel, which makes it durable.
- Non-porous materials mean no residual food flavor.
- Entirely food safe, BPA free, lead-free, and no mercury.
- Easy to clean. Dishwasher safe.
- Non-skid base.
- The elegant design makes this a piece you can store on your countertops.
- Heavy-duty pestle press
- Patent-pending and copyright protected.
Cons
- Some report that the smooth bowl makes it difficult to grind round seeds that are easy to roll away.
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Bazaar Anatolia Terkish Pepper Mill
Well, this is a stunning showpiece in itself. We don’t even need to mention its decorative value for spicing up any kitchen design. It comes in three colors, but we love this antique copper.
The obvious discrepancy is that it is a Turkish pepper grinder and not an Indian spice grinder. But do not be tempted to pass this machine over so quickly. Many traditional Indian spices can safely and effectively be ground in this mill.
It is designed explicitly for peppercorns, making it great for coriander, cardamom, mustard seeds, cumin, sumac, and even rice. However, this is not a grinder that works well with large spices such as nutmeg and dried corn. This can also not be used for any wet spices.
The unique detachable design can be used to grind right over the included bowl, or you can take the top off and grind your selected spice right over a dish.
It is made with a high-quality cast body and blades that are highly durable with this mechanism. There are no plastic parts; it is entirely constructed out of metal.
If you desire a smaller grind or need a tighter fit, the grinder can be easily adjusted at the top by moving the screws.
Pros
- Beautiful design adds decorative value to any kitchen.
- It comes in three colors.
- Specifically designed for hard peppercorns, this grinder can effectively and evenly grind most hard seeds and spices.
- It comes with an instructional YouTube video.
- A detachable top allows you to grind over the provided bowl or directly over your meal.
- A high-quality caste body and metal blades.
- The adjustable mill for a smaller or larger grind.
Cons
- It cannot be used for wet spices or large spices like nutmeg or corn.
- The instructional video states this is dishwasher safe; however, many users caution not to put it in the dishwasher or even in water. Many say to only wipe out with a dry cloth.
One-Touch Electric Grinder by Quiseen
Quiseen has made a simple and very effective one-touch electric grinder. Its simple operation makes grinding Indian spices a breeze. This is a great model for beginners as there is no room for error. Load to cup, latch the safety lock, and press the only button. Your whole spices are ground, aromatic, and ready for cooking in seconds.
The motor is strong and durable, with stainless steel blades making this grinder long-lasting. It has a bonus grippable surface and a compact design, easy to handle for all wrist strengths.
This is also a great model for those wishing to grind in bulk instead of a little at a time. Its grinding cup holds up to two and a half ounces of spice at a time.
Along with its small size, there is a built-in power cord storage space which means this grinder takes up very little space in kitchen cupboards or countertops.
Pros
- Simple one-touch operation makes this grinder beginner-friendly.
- Safety latch means the motor will not turn on until the lid is completely closed.
- Strong motor for durability.
- Stainless steel blades.
- Grippable surface for easy pouring.
- Able to grind spices in bulk.
- Compact size and built-in power cord storage save space in cabinets.
Cons
- No part of this grinder is dishwasher compatible.
- A few users report rough grinding.
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What to Consider When Buying A Spice Grinder For Indian Spices
Durability
You will need to consider how often you will be using the grinder firsthand. If just once in a while, durability is probably not a feature you need to look too far into. However, if you plan to do a lot of Indian spice grinding, durability is a must.
Most dried spices and seeds are very hard. You won’t want your grinder to get clogged and break right after purchasing. If you choose to go with an electric model, stainless steel blades are the best. They have been proven to be scratch-resistant and bend-proof. For tough seeds, these are the best choice.
For a manual method, like mortar and pestle, choose a set with a heavy bottom pestle. Look for a set coated in scratch-resistant material that will not chip as you grind. Stainless steel seems to be a good option. However, it is smooth, which can make nailing down round spices tough. You may want to consider a heavy-duty construction with a texture in the bowl that will keep rolling spices still.
Capacity
It is a fact of cooking all word cuisine that grinding spices directly before use provides the most flavor and aroma. A general rule of thumb most chefs go by is to grind what you need when using it. A small electric grinder is great for this or a small mortar and pestle set. This way, you can grind up what you need without the utensils taking up a lot of kitchen space.
But if you need to grind in batches or just do not have time to grind spices every time you want to cook your favorite Indian dish, a larger set is probably best. Check the capacity of the bowl before purchasing it. Generally, a three-ounce bowl will grind enough to last a very long time. Even though three ounces seem very small, it is huge in the world of spice grinding.
Method
As you peruse grinders for Indian spices, you will notice that there are generally two options: manual and electric.
Most electric spice grinder options boast powerful motors and stainless steel blades. These are great for grinding in bulk as they take away the majority of the manual labor. Another benefit of electric spice grinders is their ability to grind evenly. This way, flavor profiles blend better with a smoother finish.
A drawback to electric spice grinders is that they will not last forever. Sooner or later, the mortar will die, or an electrical piece will short. Further, cleaning can sometimes be a problem. Some models allow some parts to go in the dishwasher, but that is not the case for all. You will be hand washing most electric models.
Then there are the traditional manual methods of spice grinding. These will come in a manual crank or a mortar and pestle set. These are great options for grinding small amounts at a time right before cooking. Also, they are just more fun. Need to get a child in the kitchen with you? Here is an entertaining option for them.
With a manual grinder, you will choose how small or large you would like your grind. You can stop whenever you feel it is appropriate, and you can see what is going on in the bowl in real-time. However, the drawback is that sometimes an even grind is difficult to achieve.
Cleaning
Cleaning is everyone’s least favorite part of buying new kitchen gadgets. The gadgets can be fun, but when it comes time to clean out all the small parts, most people lose interest. The new toy will then sit in a drawer, forgotten, never to be used again.
Spice grinders are no different. They can add worlds of a new dimension to your cooking that you won’t want to live without. If you know cleaning is an obstacle for you, choose a model that can be loaded right into the dishwasher after use.
Wrap Up
It’s time. It’s time to add intensity and depth to your Indian cooking. The simple step of grinding up a few spices before cooking makes a world a difference to using store-bought pre-ground spice mixes. The aroma will fill your home in ways you never imagined, and the flavor will have a professional finish. And by purchasing a spice grinder for Indian spices, you have nothing to lose.
Most spice grinders are inexpensive and easy to operate. Consider durability and cleaning when you choose your grinder so that you will be sure to use it again and again.
Electric grinders are fast and efficient and can easily hide away in kitchen cabinets. Manual grinders help you connect to your meal and look beautiful when displayed on countertops.
Our favorite pick from the roundup is the Bazaar Anatolia Turkish Pepper Mill, mainly for its stunning ability to be a kitchen statement piece. But we also love its versatility for grinding many different Indian spices and its ability to adjust the grinding coarseness.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!