This beneficial kitchen gadget helps home cooks add a kick of seasoning to any dish.
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Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa
If you cook at home, you know the importance of having seasonings for your dishes. While you may have several that you use often, pepper is likely one of the most commonly reached for. That being said, a reliable pepper grinder is an important kitchen tool to have on your countertop.
When looking for a pepper mill, aim to find one that is easy to fill and refill and has several grind settings. “The purpose of grind settings is to allow for variation in granule size of the crushed pepper,” says Claire Cheney, founder of Curio Spice Co. “For a dish with a smooth consistency, like a cream sauce, you may want a fine setting to produce powder-like pepper. For a dish where you want to feature the crunchy texture of pepper, such as for grilled salmon, you’d use the coarse setting.”
To find the best pepper grinders, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind their material, power source, coarseness settings, and capacity. In addition to Cheney, we also consulted Alex Liu, founder of FinaMill spice grinder, for insight on what to look for when shopping for a pepper grinder.
What We Researched
We researched eight pepper grinders and evaluated them based on their material, whether they were manual or electric, adjustable coarseness settings, and capacity.
Best Overall: Peugeot Paris u’Select Manual Pepper Mill, 9-Inch
Why You Should Get It
This pick is available in multiple sizes and has a durable construction.
Keep in Mind
Peppercorns larger than 6 millimeters will not fit in this grinder.
Overall, our favorite pepper grinder is the Peugeot Paris Pepper Mill. This pick is easy to use, simple to fill, and yields precise and even grinds.
This pepper grinder is crafted of all-natural wood and the grinding mechanism is made from stainless steel. It’s also offered in three sizes and a few colors, so you can choose which suits your needs best.
We appreciate the two-step grinding system in this pepper mill—the first step cracks the peppercorns, and the second does the grinding. There are six grind levels available—choose coarsely ground pepper for dishes where you want to see the pepper flakes and then move to super finely ground pepper when you just want the pepper flavor in your food.
To refill it, all you have to do is unscrew the top knob, remove the top, and pour the peppercorns in. Peppercorns larger than 6 millimeters will not fit in the grinder, but that shouldn’t be an issue for most common types of peppercorns.
Product Details: Dimensions: From 2.2×2.2×7.09 inches | Shell Material: Wood | Grinder: Stainless steel | Grind Settings: Six | Capacity: Not listed
Key Terms to Know
- Pepper Mill: A pepper mill is another term for pepper grinder.
Best Budget: Kuhn Rikon Mini Pepper Grinder
Why You Should Get It
The mini-sized grinder holds up to 1 cup of peppercorns.
Keep in Mind
There are only two grind settings.
The Kuhn Rikon Vase Grider is a great pepper grinder that’s less expensive than other options. The small size means it’s perfect to add to a picnic basket or store in a drawer, making it a cinch to add spice wherever you are.
Don’t be fooled by the small size—this grinder holds up to 1 cup of peppercorns. The base is made of clear, BPA-free nylon, and the grinding mechanism is crafted from ceramic materials.
To refill the grinder, simply unscrew the top and refill. This pick only has two settings: course and fine. Swapping between the two settings is easy—just turn the bottom knob clockwise or counterclockwise.
This pepper grinder may not provide enough variation if you want more precision or grind options. However, we like that when not in use, the mill rests with the grinding mechanism facing up, so you won’t end up with stray grounds left on your countertop.
Product Details: Dimensions: 4.75×2.75 inches | Shell Material: Nylon | Grinder: Ceramic | Grind Settings: Two | Capacity: 1 cup
Best Splurge: Peugeot Cast Iron Pepper Mill
Why You Should Get It
This grinder comes filled with Sichuan peppercorns.
Keep in Mind
It’s on the smaller side, so you may need to refill it more often.
Small but sturdy, the Peugeot Cast Iron Pepper Mill looks almost like an oversized chess piece, creating a standout style in your kitchen.
The metal pepper mill is 3 inches high but weighs over 1 pound. The grinder comes filled with Sichuan peppercorns, and refilling the well is easy. Note that this grinder is on the smaller side, so you may need to replenish it more frequently than larger options.
This pick doesn’t include distinct grind settings. Instead, you can move from coarse to fine ground simply by adjusting the tightness of the top knob.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.36×2.36×3.15 inches | Shell Material: Cast iron | Grinder: Not listed | Grind Settings: Various | Capacity: Not listed
Best Electric: FinaMill Battery Spice Grinder
Why You Should Get It
The set includes two pods, which you can fill with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Keep in Mind
It’s not rechargeable, so you’ll have to have batteries on hand.
An electric pepper mill may seem frivolous, but you’ll be hooked once you try the one-touch, pod-based FinaMill Battery Spice Grinder. User-friendly and convenient, the set comes with the FinaMill base and two dedicated spice pods.
While you may opt to make one pod for salt, and the other for pepper, the pods can work for any dried spice. Simply push the FinaMill base down on a pod—it’ll lock in place. To grind your spice, press the button on top. A light comes on, and the spices rain down.
Switching between textures is easy—a knob at the bottom of the spice pod moves from coarse to fine ground. Since the pod is wide, refilling it is also a cinch.
We love that this gadget has a nice design and is offered in a few color options. Plus, additional pods are available for purchase if you want to add to your arsenal of commonly used spices. We only wish this had a charging feature, but thankfully, the three AA batteries (not included) last a long time.
Product Details: Dimensions: 3.5×9 inches | Shell Material: BPA-free plastic | Grinder: Ceramic | Grind Settings: Various | Capacity: Not listed
Best Manual: Dreamfarm Ortwo Pepper Mill
Why You Should Get It
The innovative shape can rest on a tabletop and has a crumb-catching lip.
Keep in Mind
The set only comes with one spare jar.
This innovative bunny-eared Dreamfarm Ortwo One-Handed Pepper Grinder features a tempered-glass spice jar that snaps into place. Press together the two bunny-eared shaped handles to grind your spices manually.
There are six settings on this pepper grinder, so it’s a cinch to move from fine to coarse and anywhere in between. Plus, the innovative shape means the grinder can rest on a tabletop without dropping crumbs, thanks to a crumb-catching lip.
Note that the set only comes with two tempered-glass spice containers, so you’ll need to purchase additional ones if they break or if you want to use this pick for additional spices and seasonings.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.36×5.71 inches | Shell Material: Wood, tempered glass | Grinder: Ceramic | Grind Settings: Six | Capacity: 2 ounces
Best One-Handed: Fletchers’ Mill Stainless Steel One-Handed Pepper Grinder
Why You Should Get It
The mini size is portable for work lunch boxes or picnic baskets.
Keep in Mind
It does not include different grind settings.
Measuring just 6 inches tall, the Fletchers’ Mill Stainless Steel One-Handed petite pepper grinder is the ideal size for one-handed pepper grinding. While it may be too small for constant use at the stovetop or kitchen table, it’s a great accessory for a picnic or deskside lunch at your office.
The one-finger pump mechanism efficiently distributes freshly ground pepper over your dish. Note that there are no grind settings, and the small size means you’ll need to refill it often. However, this is a handy kitchen gadget for the right person.
Product Details: Dimensions: 1x1x6 inches | Shell Materials: Stainless steel | Grinder: Stainless steel | Grind Settings: Not listed | Capacity: Not listed
Best Set: Oxo Good Grips Salt and Pepper Grinder Set, Stainless Steel
Why You Should Get It
It comes filled, and refilling is easy.
Keep in Mind
They’re almost 2 pounds, which is heavier than some other options.
A coordinated salt and pepper grinder set like the OXO Good Grips Salt & Pepper Grinders brings some style to your kitchen. We love that this stainless steel and ceramic duo comes filled with sea salt and peppercorns, and refilling is easy.
The grinders both measure 5.5 inches tall. They’re sturdy and include soft, nonslip turning handles, making spice grinding easy and efficient. The upside-down style means any stray grounds don’t end up on your table. Instead, the grinder is stored upright.
Choosing between settings is easy—an adjustable tab on both grinders moves from coarse to fine grind with intuitive markings on the gadget. Note that they’re almost 2 pounds each, which is heavier than some other styles.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.25×2.25×5.5 inches | Shell Material: Stainless steel | Grinder: Ceramic | Grind Settings: Various | Capacity: 4.75 ounces
Best Settings: Fletchers’ Mill Federal Pepper Mill
Why You Should Get It
This classic mill has 33 grind settings.
Keep in Mind
It’s more expensive than other options.
The classic Fletchers’ Mill Federal Pepper Mill will look equally at home on a kitchen table or fine dining restaurant. The workhorse grinder has 33 grind settings, and the unique “lock and grind” system ensures the grinds stay precise and consistent while in use.
When not in use, the grinder is easy to refill and clean. A pop-out mechanism means all the stainless steel grinding parts are removable for cleaning, and this kitchen gadget comes with a lifetime warranty on the mill’s grinding mechanism.
While this option is more expensive than some other pepper grinders, it comes highly recommended by Cheney, of Curio Spice Co. “My favorite pepper mill is the Federal Mill by Fletchers’ Mill out of Maine. They are workhorses and pretty indestructible. I’ve busted a lot of pepper mills, let me tell you! But not yet one of these,” she says.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.75×2.75×9 inches | Shell Material: Maple wood | Grinder: Stainless steel | Grind Settings: 33 | Capacity: Not listed
The Bottom Line
Overall, our favorite pepper grinder is the Peugeot Paris Pepper Mill. The classic style is offered in multiple sizes and has a durable construction that’ll last you for years to come.
What to Know About Pepper Mills Before Shopping
Material
The best pepper grinders are offered in a variety of materials, like wood, metal, glass, or plastic. For classic wood styles, we recommend the Peugeot Paris Pepper Mill, our best overall pick, or the Fletchers’ Mill Federal Pepper Mill, which is recommended by Curio. Each of these picks is a classic style that has a durable construction.
Our best splurge pick, the Peugeot Cast Iron Pepper Mill, is made of cast iron and has a stylish look that’ll look decorative on your kitchen counter. The FinaMill Battery Spice Grinder is made of plastic and while less expensive than some other options, it’s a versatile option that makes cooking easy.
Manual vs. Electric
Pepper grinders are made in both manual and electric styles. The best option, however, comes down to personal preferences and needs.
“An electric version is much easier on the arms and wrists, so those with limited hand mobility, especially the elderly and those with arthritis, will find milling fresh pepper and other spices much easier. And when something is easier to use, it gets used more often,” says Liu.
However, keep in mind that an electric grinder requires batteries or a power source, whereas a manual grinder can work anywhere and anytime.
Adjustable Coarseness Settings
The grind settings you choose will depend on personal taste and how you use the ground pepper. Some pepper grinders only have one or two settings, while the Fletchers’ Mill Federal Pepper Mill has 33 options.
“Sometimes a finer grind is requested so it seamlessly blends into the recipe, while a coarse grind will add an instant punch of flavor to each bite,” says Liu.
Traditional pepper grinders include a steel grinding mechanism that is durable and effective but typically does not offer adjustable coarseness settings. If you prefer more control over the grind coarseness, a pepper mill with a ceramic grinding mechanism may be best.
Grinding Mechanism
When choosing a pepper grinder, it’s also important to consider the grinding mechanism as well. Liu recommends ceramic because “it’s non-corrosive, designed for longevity, and, most importantly, it’s non-reactive, so won’t affect flavor.” Other materials like metal are also long-lasting and can withstand much use.
Your Questions, Answered
How much can I expect to spend on a pepper grinder?
The price of a pepper grinder depends on the material, size, and brand. Typically, you can expect to spend around $40. Our best overall pick, the Peugeot Paris Pepper Mill, is a classic style that costs just over $60. However, our best splurge pick, the Peugeot Cast Iron Pepper Mill, costs about $80.
Who We Are
Maya Polton is an experienced freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens who has written for various publications. She is a frequent home cook, responsible for the family meals that keep her three kids and husband well-fed. Polton loves the convenience of an electric pepper mill (and it’s fun for her kids to use). In addition to research, she spoke with Claire Cheney, founder of Curio Spice Co., and Alex Liu, founder of FinaMill spice grinder, for their insights and recommendations.
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