Is keeping it simple the spice of life? Not for the IXO spice grinder attachment
I tested Bosch’s IXO attachment but it left me feeling a bit salty.
We haven’t heard much from romcom directors in Hollywood since Bosch released this stroke of genius:
An awkward young man moves into a new flat and falls in love with his neighbour when she helps him hang up a coat rack. Following this encounter, he finds countless reasons to ring her doorbell. She has every tool that he doesn’t. And evidently, they’re getting on well, as she’s more excited every time the doorbell rings. Finding love at first sight like this is a minor miracle in the age of Tinder – a bit like the Bosch IXO attachments?
Carolin Teufelberger tested the IXO 7 mini cordless screwdriver and three accompanying attachments. She’s already covered the bottle opener that features in the video – you can read her verdict on it in her article.
All that remains to put to the test are the four other Cupid’s attachments from this romantic ad. So, I decided to check the pepper grinder for potential red flags and test whether it was suitable for a long-term relationship.
Green flags: adaptable and not overly complicated
From the off, I give the pepper grinder its first star for adaptability. I try putting the attachment on another cordless screwdriver and lo and behold, the pepper grinder fits well on the bit holder, albeit rather loosely. Then I remove the lid, fill the rather small spice grinder with mixed pepper, put the lid back on and switch on the cordless screwdriver. Here we go.
I have to hold the grinder so it doesn’t fall, but that apart, it does exactly what it’s supposed to, namely grind pepper. And it’s surprisingly entertaining at doing so. My concern that I’ll only be able to use it with the cordless screwdriver is allayed when I discover the manual attachment in the box. So it’s definitely turning my head – or am I turning it?
Red flag: keeping it simple isn’t always the spice of life
Unfortunately, in every bad relationship, a low comes after a high, and the rose-tinted glasses suddenly transform into endless disappointment. And that’s what I’m feeling right about now. I shouldn’t have ignored user BBSWISS’s cautionary comments.
When I put it to the test, I discover that the grinder isn’t interested in any spices of other shapes and sizes. The cloves are too big and get stuck. At most they’re shredded, but never ground. A large part of the cumin also remains whole and looks as if it’s only been hulled. The result is only good for garlic. After all, it does have a similar shape to pepper.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Mostly a novelty item
If you think this spice grinder will be a handy kitchen aid, you’re likely to be disappointed. It’ll certainly provide entertainment at the outset and offer you a few moments of joy. And of course, you’ll proudly brandish it at neighbourhood barbecues. But if you’re honest with yourself, after a short time, you won’t be using it the way it was intended, as a cordless screwdriver-top spice grinder.
In a nutshell
I didn’t fall in love with this spice grinder
Pro
- attachment not limited to use with IXO cordless screwdriver
- can also be used manually
- grinds dried garlic
- grinds pepper
Contra
- clogs quickly
- on the small side
- doesn’t grind anything larger than pepper (e.g. cloves)
- doesn’t grind anything narrower than pepper (e.g. cumin)
Painting the walls just before handing over the flat? Making your own kimchi? Soldering a broken raclette oven? There's nothing you can't do yourself. Well, perhaps sometimes, but I'll definitely give it a try.