The Best Pepper Grinders

Kitchen-Go Stainless Steel Pepper and Spice Grinder

The daily grind

Snag this high-quality pepper grinder for an amazing price.

Best Overall

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Kitchen gadgets don’t need to cost an arm and a leg. It is entirely possible to spend very little without sacrificing quality or style, especially when it comes to basics like herb mills and grinders. That is the thinking behind Kitchen-Go’s stainless steel pepper and spice grinder.

This pepper grinder is perfect for daily use. The brushed stainless steel and well-made glass body house the adjustable ceramic blades that let you decide how finely or coarsely the peppercorns are ground. It’s the perfect size for hands of any size, and it is so easy to use that your kids will have no problem getting it on their own. When all is said and done, this is truly an excellent choice.

Pros:

• The simple design matches any aesthetic
• It is very affordable
• The stainless steel is non-corrosive and durable
• Use it with any type of pepper or other herbs
• The cap helps keep everything inside fresh and ready for grinding

Cons:

• We wish there were coarser grinding options

Willow and Everett Stainless Steel Grinder Set

Twice as nice

Cover all your bases with one simple set.

Best Set

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When you are decorating your dining room and getting your table settings just right, you’ll want your salt and pepper shakers to match. To be sure they match perfectly, it makes the most sense to get them in a set. That is why we adore Willow and Everett’s stainless steel grinder set.

This set comes with two grinders, including one for pepper and another for salt. The pepper grinder is made using glass and brushed steel for maximum durability, while the inner ceramic grinding mechanism does an excellent job of getting your pepper right where it needs to go: on your food. It will even ensure the perfect level of coarseness with the handy plastic knob set conveniently right on top. Overall, this is a great choice when you are searching for a matching set for your table.

Pros:

• It is affordably priced
• This set comes with a steel stand that makes taking it from the kitchen to the table super simple
• Refills are easy and effortless
• The ceramic grinder mechanism is very durable and never absorbs smells or colors from whatever you grind in it
• Because it is a set, the two grinders match each other perfectly

Cons:

• It is hard to clean the grinder mechanisms

Cole & Mason Ardingly Wood Pepper Grinder

Flavor fundamentals

This simple wooden grinder sports a classically elegant style.

Best Traditional

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We really love the classics — especially when it comes to the kitchen and table decor. Now you can get a classically styled pepper grinder that’ll be both functional and gorgeous when you choose Cole & Mason’s Ardingly wood pepper grinder.

We love the craftsmanship and smooth grinding that this pepper mill provides. While the outside is made of high-quality wood and brushed steel, the inside grinding mechanism is made of durable, machine-cut carbon steel that makes quick work of grinding up your pepper. Choose from any of the six coarseness options for the perfect finish to your dish every time.

Pros:

• It looks beautiful and fits in well with any kitchen or dining room decor
• The six coarseness settings give you a wider variety of options when grinding your pepper for your recipe or dishes
• A carbon steel grinding mechanism ensures durability
• It is easy to fill and close back up again without spilling any of your pepper
• Use it for any type of pepper

Cons:

• This grinder is pricey

OXO Good Grips Radial Pepper Grinder

Get a grip

Anyone can use this easy-grip grinder comfortably.

Easiest To Use

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If you’re frustrated by the lack of truly ergonomic pepper mills out there, your search is over. Just choose this radial pepper grinder from OXO Good Grips.

This large pepper grinder comes equipped with a large, easy-to-turn knob that gives you a much better grip than traditional pepper mills do. In addition, this grinder has a built-in window so you can always see what’s left and can refill it when necessary. The ceramic grinding mechanism is easily adjusted for your ideal level of coarseness, making it a fantastic choice for families with multiple preferences.

Pros:

• The handle is super easy to turn and can be used by people of any age
• It is very affordable
• This grinder includes a base that you can set it on to avoid dropping any pepper on your counters
• The actual grinding mechanism is made of ceramic for maximum durability
• You can easily see when it needs to be refilled through the window

Cons:

• It needs to be refilled often

Chew Fun Electric Gravity Pepper Grinder

Effortless grinding

This electric option provides maximum convenience and style.

Best Electric

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One thing we love about modern technology is the convenience it offers. That often extends to many facets of your home and kitchen. Now that convenience can apply to your pepper grinder, as well, when you choose Chew Fun’s electric gravity pepper grinder.

This high-tech pepper mill uses six batteries to keep it working as intended. You fill it up with your favorite pepper and set the coarseness to the right level. Then, all you need to do is tip it over with the tapered side facing your food, and the pepper will coat your food perfectly — no twisting, turning, or manual labor required. This grinder truly is a modern and convenient twist on the traditional pepper shaker.

Pros:

• It looks sleek and elegant with the high-quality glass and BPA-free acrylic
• The coarseness is easily adjusted to fit your taste
• All you need to do to operate it is add batteries and flip it upside down
• It is affordable
• Filling it is as easy as unscrewing the base

Cons:

• Because it is battery powered, you will need to replace the batteries occasionally, and there are no low-battery indicators

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word “coarseness” refer to?

Coarseness refers to the size of the grind. For example, if you choose fine coarseness, the pepper will be ground to a fine powder; on the other hand, you end up with large flakes and chunks when you choose heavy coarseness. Most pepper grinders allow you to adjust the coarseness so that you get exactly what you are looking for every time.

Why would I want to adjust the coarseness? 

Coarseness affects flavor in an impactful way. The larger the pieces of pepper, the bigger the flavor. So, when you want to add a little pepper to your cooked food at the dining table, you would probably choose to set it to “fine” since you probably just want to enhance the flavors there. However, while cooking, you may want to use a heavier option to really get the flavor into your dish.