Best Overall
Peugeot Paris u'Select 9-Inch Pepper Mill
- This pick is available in multiple sizes and has a durable construction.
This pick is available in multiple sizes and has a durable construction.
- Peppercorns larger than 6 millimeters will not fit in this grinder.
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 2.2x2.2x7.09 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
- The mini-sized grinder holds up to 1 cup of peppercorns.
The mini-sized grinder holds up to 1 cup of peppercorns.
- There are only two grind settings.
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: 4.75x2.75 inches | Shell Material: Nylon | Grinder: Ceramic | Grind Settings: Two | Capacity: 1 cup
Best Splurge
Peugeot Cast Iron Pepper Mill
- This grinder comes filled with Sichuan peppercorns.
This grinder comes filled with Sichuan peppercorns.
- It’s on the smaller side, so you may need to refill it more often.
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: 2.36x2.36x3.15 inches | Shell Material: Cast iron | Grinder: Not listed | Grind Settings: Various | Capacity: Not listed
Best Electric
FinaMill Battery Spice Grinder
- The set includes two pods, which you can fill with salt, pepper, and other spices.
The set includes two pods, which you can fill with salt, pepper, and other spices.
- It’s not rechargeable, so you’ll have to have batteries on hand.
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: 3.5x9 inches | Shell Material: BPA-free plastic | Grinder: Ceramic | Grind Settings: Various | Capacity: Not listed
Best Manual
Dreamfarm Ortwo
- The innovative shape can rest on a tabletop and has a crumb-catching lip.
The innovative shape can rest on a tabletop and has a crumb-catching lip.
- The set only comes with one spare jar.
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: 2.36x5.71 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
- The mini size is portable for work lunch boxes or picnic baskets.
The mini size is portable for work lunch boxes or picnic baskets.
- It does not include different grind settings.
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
- It comes filled, and refilling is easy.
It comes filled, and refilling is easy.
- They’re almost 2 pounds, which is heavier than some other options.
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 and 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: 2.25x2.25x5.5 inches | Shell Material: Stainless steel | Grinder: Ceramic | Grind Settings: Various | Capacity: 4.75 ounces
Best Settings
Fletchers' Mill Federal Pepper Mill
- This classic mill has 33 grind settings.
This classic mill has 33 grind settings.
- It’s more expensive than other options.
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: 2.75x2.75x9 inches | Shell Material: Maple wood | Grinder: Stainless steel | Grind Settings: 33 | Capacity: Not listed