I usually cook simple meals during the week - rice, roasted vegetables, eggs, soups, grilled chicken, and sometimes Indian-inspired dishes. I like experimenting with different flavors, but I also do not want something that becomes another kitchen gadget that I use twice and then forget about.

One reason I am considering a spice mill is freshness. I have noticed that whole spices seem to have a stronger smell when I crush or grind them right before cooking. But I am not sure how much difference that actually makes once the spice is mixed into a full recipe.

For people who already use a spice mill, what do you normally put in it? Is it mostly peppercorns, or do you use things like cumin seeds, coriander, allspice, or other whole spices? I would also like to know whether you prefer a fine grind or a coarse grind for different types of food.

Another thing I am curious about is using a mill alongside spice blends. I really like blends because they make cooking faster. For example, instead of measuring five or six spices separately, I can just use one blend and move on. Would a mill still be useful if I already rely on blends?

I recently came across Zaica Life while looking at natural teas and spices, and their approach to spices and mills made me think more about using whole spices at home. I am not specifically looking for a particular brand, though. I mainly want to understand whether a mill is genuinely useful for a normal home cook.

I also wonder about cleaning. If you use a mill for a strong spice, does the smell stay inside? I would hate to grind something like a strongly flavored seasoning and then have everything taste like it afterward.

For anyone who has used one for a while:

What spices do you use most often?

Is fresh grinding noticeably better than pre-ground spices?

Are adjustable grind settings actually useful?
Do you use a mill every day or only for certain recipes?

Would you recommend getting one if you already own several spice blends?

I am especially interested in honest opinions from people who cook regularly. Is the spice mill one of those small tools that genuinely improves cooking, or is it mostly useful for people who are really into spices?

Would love to hear what has worked for you and whether you think it is worth buying one.