Is keeping it simple the spice of life? Not for the IXO spice grinder attachment
Product test

Is keeping it simple the spice of life? Not for the IXO spice grinder attachment

Stefanie Lechthaler
31.5.2024
Translation: Julia Graham

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.

  • Product test

    IXO 7 from Bosch in the test: The cordless screwdriver for gadget fans

    by Carolin Teufelberger

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?

The right-hand cover is for the cordless screwdriver, while the left-hand one is for manual use.
The right-hand cover is for the cordless screwdriver, while the left-hand one is for manual use.
This is what it’s like when used manually. Just grinding pepper normally.
This is what it’s like when used manually. Just grinding pepper normally.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler

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.

Dried garlic and…
Dried garlic and…
pepper are finely ground.
pepper are finely ground.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
It’s a different story when it comes to cloves…
It’s a different story when it comes to cloves…
and cumin.
and cumin.
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

If this attachment could grind anything other than pepper and dried garlic, it’d certainly come in handy. But as this isn’t the case, it only makes for a few laughs at the barbecue. While it’s a fun gift for gadget fans, is it really worth it just for a joke?

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)
Bosch Home & Garden Ixo accessories (Various spices)
EUR24,54

Bosch Home & Garden Ixo accessories

Various spices

Bosch Home & Garden Ixo accessories (Various spices)
Spice mills
EUR24,54

Bosch Home & Garden Ixo accessories

Various spices

Header image: Stefanie Lechthaler

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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.


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