Question 1

Are the grinders refillable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Our grinders are refillable by twisting off the grinder base to add more spice. Refills can be purchased on our website at a lower cost than the original pre-filled grinder you ordered. Click here to check out our refill video.

Question 2

Can I use the grinders for other spices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While designed for chili flakes, the grinders can also be used for spices like salt, pepper, or similar flakes. Feel free to test it with other spices and let us know what works best.

Question 3

What is in the No. 11 grinder? Why is it called No. 11?

Accepted Answer

The No. 11 grinder contains Reaper X chili, fortified with pure natural capsaicin extract, reaching over 3.5 million Scoville heat units. This grinder is designed for extreme heat lovers so use with caution! It's called "The No. 11" because our Pro Kit includes 10 spices, each one progressively hotter than the previous. The No. 10 is the Carolina Reaper, the hottest chili flakes available in the world (approximately 1.5-2.2 million SHUs). The No. 11 exceeds that heat level, hence the name.

Question 4

What is inside the grinder—flakes or powder?

Accepted Answer

Our grinders contain finely crushed flakes. We avoid powders whenever as possible, as they tend to cause overdosing the pepper on the food, and possible clogging. The fine flakes offer controlled dosing and smooth grinding, increasing control and chili freshness.

Question 5

How many doses or grinds does the grinder provide?

Accepted Answer

Each grinder provides approximately 300 to 500 grinds, depending on the pressure applied and how often it’s used. Regular users report several months of use before needing a refill.

Question 6

How much chili pepper is in the grinder?

Accepted Answer

Each grinder contains 4-5 grams of chili flakes, depending on the pepper type and its consistency.

Question 7

What are the size and weight specifications of the grinder?

Accepted Answer

The grinder is 10.5 cm tall, 2 cm in diameter, and weighs 85 grams when empty (around 90 grams filled). It’s about the height of a soda can and slightly wider than a typical lipstick. The grinder is made from rust-resistant 301 stainless steel.

Question 8

How do the grinders work? Are they electric?

Accepted Answer

Our grinders are mechanical, push-button devices. By pressing the button on top, a rod grinds the spice and releases it. There are no electrical components, making it simple and reliable. You can watch a video that showcases the grinders here.

Question 9

How do I clean the grinders?

Accepted Answer

To clean, take the grinders apart and rinse under warm water, using gentle soap. All parts are dishwasher safe, but make sure they’re completely dry before reassembling to avoid moisture affecting the spices.

Question 10

How long will it take to receive my order?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your shipping selection. If you order before 2 PM PST (Monday through Friday), we will strive to ship your product out the same day. If you have an urgent need to get a package sooner, please let us know by contact us at support@spicequestlabs.com.

Question 11

Can I track my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email. Orders placed before 2 PM PST typically ship the same day.

Question 12

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time.

Question 13

I never got my order, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Please double check the tracking number we provided you and reach out to the carrier first. If you are unable to track the package down, please contact us and we'll try and help you sort through it.

Question 14

Do you offer free shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes, free shipping is available for orders over $100. Free shipping typically takes 7-10 days.

Question 15

What happens if my product is defective?

Accepted Answer

If your product arrives defective, contact us immediately, and we will replace or refund it.

Question 16

Can I pre-order items?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pre-orders are available for select items. We aim to ship pre-orders as early as possible.

Question 17

Can I track the progress of my pre-order?

Accepted Answer

Currently, you can track pre-orders by contacting us directly at support@spicequestlabs.com. Please provide us with your order number. We'll update you with any changes in shipping or availability dates.

Question 18

Do you offer bulk buying discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer discounts for bulk or corporate orders. Please contact us at purchasing@spicequestlabs.com.

Question 19

I just received my spice kit, now what?

Accepted Answer

If your order contains a spice kit, click here for detailed unboxing instructions.

Question 20

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you do not need to return the item. Simply contact our customer service within 30 days of purchase, and we will issue a refund for the product (which will not include the shipping cost). This is our way of standing by our products while offering you a risk-free buying experience.

Question 21

Where do you get your peppers from?

Accepted Answer

We source our peppers from a network of farmers and growers, both large and small. We've tested and chosen the best for our kits.

Question 22

Do you grow the peppers yourselves?

Accepted Answer

While we do grow peppers ourselves, these are only for personal use. The majority of the prefilled grinders contain peppers that come from our partners. This allows us to offer a wider variety and ensure the best quality.

Question 23

How does SpiceQuest determine the Scoville rating (SHU) for each pepper?

Accepted Answer

At SpiceQuest, we take heat measurement seriously. We use a two-step testing process to ensure accuracy:In-house testing using voltammetry—a technique that works well for peppers on the lower end of the heat spectrum. This method requires multiple runs (typically 5–7 per sample) to reduce variability and improve reliability. While it’s cost-effective, it does become less accurate at higher SHUs due to dilution requirements.Third-party lab testing using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), the gold standard for measuring capsaicin. We send all our varietals—especially limited editions and new batches—for HPLC verification to validate our results.This hybrid approach allows us to offer not only variety, but also a consistent and reliable heat scale across all our products.

Question 24

Why does one pepper sometimes feel hotter than another, even if it’s rated lower on the SpiceQuest scale?

Accepted Answer

Even with precise lab testing, heat perception is deeply personal. Factors like capsaicin receptor sensitivity, individual tolerance, recent meals, and even genetics can all affect how a pepper feels to you. So while we stand behind our lab-tested SHU ratings, we also recognize that your own experience may vary—and that’s part of what makes chili exploration so interesting. We’ve designed our numbered system to offer both guidance and discovery, knowing that heat, like taste, can be surprisingly subjective.

Question 25

Are SpiceQuest peppers kosher?

Accepted Answer

All of our peppers are pure plants processed on spice‑only equipment. That meets basic kosher requirements, but we do not yet hold an official certification.

Question 26

Do SpiceQuest grinders contain anything besides chili peppers?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: nearly every grinder we sell is only dried chili pepper—no anti‑caking agents, preservatives, or fillers. Below is the full breakdown, so you can see exactly what’s inside each line.• Core Kits (Pro, Classic, Junior) – pure, single‑varietal peppers and nothing else. • No. 10 – Carolina Reaper, occasionally fortified with 100 % plant‑derived capsaicin extract for an extra kick. • No. 11 – Carolina Reaper, always fortified with that same pure capsaicin extract. • “Chocolate” Kits – 100 % chili pepper; the “chocolate” name refers to the deep pod color, not cocoa. • Limited‑Edition & Ultra‑Rare Releases – just the pepper, no extras. • Asian Kit – all‑plant ingredients: 1. Red Silk (India, Kashmiri chili) – 100 % Kashmiri chili. 2. Seoul Flame (Korea, Gochugaru) – 100 % gochugaru. 3. Seven Samurai (Japan, Shichimi blend) – chili pepper, orange peel, paprika, poppy seed, salt, sesame, peppercorns. 4. Heaven’s Fury (China, Chao Tian Jiao) – chili pepper with rapeseed oil and sesame. 5. Prik Kee Noo (Thailand, bird’s‑eye chili) – 100 % Thai chili.All ingredients are plant‑based. Whole, plain chili peppers are intrinsically kosher; we process them on spice‑only equipment and inspect for insects. We don’t yet hold a formal hechsher, but certification is in progress. If you have more questions about allergens, heat levels, or anything else, just let us know—happy to help!

Question 27

Does your process of drying and grinding peppers reduce the heat level of the peppers?

Accepted Answer

Not significantly — not if done right. Capsaicin is a stable compound, and while improper drying or long-term exposure to heat, light, or oxygen can cause it to degrade over time, our process is designed to preserve potency. What really explains lower SHU numbers in some dried peppers is the actual starting heat of the raw pepper — which varies more than most people realize.

Question 28

Why do peppers from the same variety vary so much in heat?

Accepted Answer

Because they’re living things — not manufactured products. Pepper heat is influenced by genetics and environment: soil nutrients, sun exposure, drought stress, harvest timing, and even post-harvest storage. A Scotch Bonnet grown in Jamaica under intense sun might test at 300,000 SHU; one grown elsewhere with more water and cooler temps might be closer to 100,000 SHU. Both are “real” — but different.

Question 29

Why are the Scoville Heat Units (SHU) on your peppers different than what I’m accustomed to seeing?

Accepted Answer

Because we test every batch ourselves — and report what we actually find. Many websites and seed companies publish the maximum potential SHU a pepper can reach, often from a single, ideal specimen. But in the real world, pepper heat varies a lot based on growing conditions, handling, and even the testing method. We use lab-grade methods like HPLC and voltammetry to measure actual capsaicin content, which gives us a more accurate (and sometimes more conservative) number than legacy taste-based Scoville estimates.

Question 30

Does each kit come with some kind of tray to hold the spices?

Accepted Answer

Each kit comes with a custom acrylic holder, designed for displaying the grinders, storage, and preventing spillage. This is different than the I.S.S., which is a display station explicitly designed to help showcase the 10 spices in your Pro Kit while providing additional information about the peppers.  Learn more about the display station here:Small Display Station (12")Large Display Station (35")

Question 31

What is the difference between the included holder and the display station sold separately?

Accepted Answer

The acrylic holder is a simple stand for use at home, while the ISS is a more elaborate display ideal for events or presenting your spices.

Question 32

Can I choose which peppers come in my kit?

Accepted Answer

Most of our kits come pre-configured to provide an ideal balance of flavors and heat. If you have specific preferences, please free to reach out to us and we will do our best to accommodate.

Question 33

What if I have a specific spice preference or allergy?

Accepted Answer

Customization is limited, but we will do our best to accommodate known allergies. Any products containing known allergens will be clearly labeled.

Question 34

Are there any discount codes or coupons available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, first-time customers often receive a discount code. We also share special offers via our newsletter.

Question 35

Do you offer military or first responder discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we proudly offer a 20% discount to military personnel, first responders, and teachers through our partnership with GovX. Once verified through GovX’s simple process, you’ll receive a unique code to use at checkout on our site. It’s our way of giving back to those who serve our communities. Learn more here.

Question 36

Can I place a corporate order or customize the kits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer corporate gifting and customization, including co-branded grinders and packaging.

Question 37

Do you sell gift certificates or gift cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer both digital and physical gift cards starting at $20. These can be scheduled for delivery on a specific date. Learn more here.

Question 38

Do you offer gift wrapping services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gift wrapping is available. You can also include a personalized message with your order. When you are ordering a product please check the box next to "Is this a Gift" and you will see the gift wrapping and card options.

Question 39

Are there plans to release more international spice kits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our vision is to bring a wide array of international flavors to your kitchen. Our Asian Spice Kit is currently available, and we are also working on an African Spice Kit.

Question 40

Will you expand beyond chili peppers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are exploring expanding our range to include non-chili spices in the future.

Question 41

Do you sell any SpiceQuest merchandise?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we currently selling tshirts and hoodies and plan to sell more merchandise in the future. Check out our merch here.

Question 42

How can I stay updated on new releases?

Accepted Answer

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on new products, special promotions, and more.

Question 43

How should I store my SpiceQuest grinders?

Accepted Answer

Store your grinders in a cool, dry place. Our grinders are designed to block light and reduce oxygen exposure, which helps preserve the freshness of the spices.

Question 44

Are your chili peppers organic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our peppers are 100% organic, gluten-free, and carefully sourced.

Question 45

Should I be concerned about allergies?

Accepted Answer

If you have a known sensitivity to capsaicin or certain spices, use caution. Handle grinders carefully and avoid contact with eyes.

Question 46

Can I send this as a gift directly to someone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can send our kits as gifts. Select the gift option during checkout, and you can include a personalized message. Gift wrapping is also available for a small fee.

Question 47

Do you offer samples before purchasing a full kit?

Accepted Answer

We offer samples at in-person events and occasionally include free samples in online orders.

Question 48

Do you have a physical store or are your products available in retail stores?

Accepted Answer

Not yet, but we are open to partnering with retail stores. Contact us if interested at purchasing@spicequestlabs.com.

Question 49

What is your response time for customer inquiries?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond within 24 hours on weekdays. If you contact us on the weekend, we will typically get back to you by the next business day.

Question 50

How Do I Contact Someone Directly?

Accepted Answer

You can either fill out a form, send us an email at support@spicequestlabs.com, or call us at 949-806-5979.

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