Ground spices lose their flavour as they sit in the cupboard. Grinding whole spices just before you cook makes a big difference to curries, rubs and baking. The Cuisinart Spice & Nut Grinder SG21U comes with two stainless steel bowls that also seal for storage.
At a glance
- 200 W motor with one-touch pulse
- 2 stainless steel grinding bowls with sealed storage lids
- Holds about 90 g of spices or 75 g of nuts
- Safety lock: runs only with the lid locked
- Bowls, blades and lids are dishwasher safe
How to toast and grind whole spices
- Toast whole spices such as cumin, coriander seeds and black pepper in a dry pan over a medium heat for a minute or two, until fragrant.
- Let them cool completely.
- Add them to a grinding bowl, lock the lid and pulse until you have the texture you want.
- Use straight away, or seal the bowl with its storage lid.
What else it grinds
- Coffee beans: keep one bowl just for coffee so flavours don't mix.
- Nuts: pulse briefly for chopped nuts; keep going and they turn to nut butter, so watch closely.
- Seeds: flax and sesame for porridge and baking.
- Pastes: garlic, ginger and chilli with a splash of oil.
Why two bowls help
Use one for strong spices and one for coffee or sweet things. Garam masala-flavoured coffee is nobody's idea of a good morning.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop smells lingering?
Wash the bowl after each use. Many people also grind a little dry rice or bread to freshen it, but check the manual first.
Can it grind cinnamon sticks?
Break them into small pieces first and grind in short pulses.
Where to buy
The Cuisinart Spice & Nut Grinder SG21U is available from Clean Smile Home with UK delivery.
This guide is general information. Always read and follow the instructions and safety advice that come with your appliance.
