Abstract: An electric spice mill comprising a power unit coupled to the motor of the mill, the power unit comprising: (i) first and second electric circuits; (ii) a switch in electrical contact with said first and said second electric circuits; and (iii) an actuator movable between first and second positions, wherein, in the first position, the actuator prevents current flow in the first electric circuit and, in the second position, the actuator allows a first current to flow in the first electric circuit and the switch is responsive to the first current in the first electric circuit to allow a second current to flow in the second electric circuit such that the grinding unit of the mill is driven by the motor.