Best Salt and Pepper Mills
We cook with a lot of seasonings but perhaps the two most popular spices are salt and pepper. This dynamic duo can be found on the tables in most restaurants and as standards in almost every kitchen. While some people prefer to use simple shakers to add the seasonings to their food, using a salt or pepper mill brings seasoning food to a whole new level, allowing you to customize the size of the grind of your salt and pepper.
A salt or pepper mill gives you the freedom to experiment with different kinds of salt and pepper, from course sea salt and a pink Himalayan variety to whole black, white or dry green peppercorns. Instead of accidently over-seasoning your food, with just a few quick twists, you use only the amount you desire, freshly ground for optimum flavor.
While most salt and pepper mills will do the job, they don’t all operate in the same way. Some are manual, some electric and some operate using gravity. There are salt and pepper mills that have a mechanism you can adjust to choose a specific grind, while others aren’t as specialized. You can find salt and pepper mills made from acrylic, stainless steel, wood and a combination of materials, as single units or as a set.
To help you weed through the salt and pepper mill jungle, we’ve curated a list of different models you can purchase online. Read on to find the one – or ones — that best suit your culinary tastes.
1. Editor’s Choice: Latent Epicure Battery Operated Salt and Pepper Mills
An electric salt and pepper mill takes all the hard work out of grinding these popular seasonings. There’s no twisting or turning, just smooth ease of use.
This attractive-looking set of battery-operated salt and pepper mills from Latent Epicure are made from durable stainless steel with a clear acrylic spice container so you can see the contents and easily know how much you are using and when it’s time for a refill. Both grinders work with a simple one-touch action that automatically grinds the salt or pepper to your desired coarseness. A knob under the grinder offers up various degrees of coarseness that you can choose, from fine to coarse, with variables in between.
These mills also have a convenient light that comes on as you are grinding to help you see exactly how much – or how little – seasoning you are adding to your food. The salt and pepper mills have caps on the bottom to collect residue and the set comes with a handy mill tray for them to sit in.
For optimal performance, use brand name alkaline non-rechargeable AA LR6 batteries, dry coarse salt, and peppercorns no bigger than 5mm in diameter.
Pros:
- Has a light when in operation
- Set of two with holder
- One-touch operation
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Do not submerge in water to clean
2. Runner Up: Hearth & Stone Wooden Salt and Pepper Mill w/ Rose Gold Scoop
Many people love to add natural wood elements too their home, be it furniture, kitchen cabinetry or solid wood floors. Other ways to bring this beautiful aesthetic inside is through accessories such as salad bowls, salad servers, cutting boards and yes, salt and pepper mills.
This beautifully crafted set of salt and pepper mills is sourced from sustainable, chemical-free Acacia wood farms that creates a superb, luxurious surface that feels naturally comfortable in your hands. Each mill is equipped with a ceramic grinder head that is designed to stop sediment and particles from getting into food while letting the salt and pepper flow through.
The only materials used in these manual mills are Acacia wood, ceramic parts, and food grade stainless steel, making them naturally PBA-free and rust proof. The set also comes with a bonus copper spoon that you can use as a scoop to fill your salt and pepper mills. The only thing missing that may or may not be an issue, is there is no way to adjust the coarseness of the grind.
This salt and pepper mill set would make a thoughtful housewarming or birthday gift for the foodie in your life.
Pros:
- Sourced from sustainable, chemical-free Acacia wood
- Comes in a gift box with a bonus spoon
- Equipped with a ceramic grinder head
Cons:
- Does not have different coarseness levels
3. Best Rechargeable: LP Rechargeable Salt or Pepper Mill
Any electric salt and pepper mill is a super convenient way to add these great seasonings to your food, especially if you have issues with your hands and using a manually operated one is painful or difficult. And while batteries are great, if you are concerned about the environment, you may not be comfortable with one-type use options. That’s why a rechargeable salt and pepper mill is such a great alternative.
This electric salt and pepper mill uses advanced USB charging technology, so there is less money spent om batteries and fewer batteries going into landfill. You can use this mill to grind either salt or pepper. It is made of high-quality 304 stainless steel and glass, which is non-corrosive and with its one-button action, it’s super easy to operate. Press the button and tilt the mill and it will automatically start grinding. When you’re done, press the switch to turn it off.
The large capacity is easy to fill and clean plus, by rotating the knob on the top of the grinder, you can adjust the coarseness settings, accommodating any spice and thickness you want, including coriander and mustard seeds, black pepper, peppercorns, Himalayan pink salt, coarse salt, and sea salt.
Pros:
- Rechargeable USB technology
- Large capacity
- Five levels of grind
Cons:
- More expensive than a manual model
- No directional light when in operation
4. Best Budget Pick: Kaiciuss Salt Pepper Mill
If you’re looking for a sleek salt and pepper mill with a simple yet effective design, this acrylic salt mill is the way to go. Its transparent body matches any décor and when filled with white or pink coarse salt, peppercorns or other whole seasonings and spices, it makes a beautiful visual statement. But this salt and pepper mill is not just about looks – it’s equipped with a quality ceramic grinding mechanism. Instead of crushing the salt or pepper, it strips it down by its individual layers to release maximum flavor into your food.
The adjustable rotor allows you to choose between a fine or coarse setting and the size, measuring 8.75 x 2.25 inches, makes it lightweight with an easy and comfortable grip. This salt and pepper mill is pretty versatile, too, and you can use it for spices like cumin, fennel and cloves.
And when it comes to moisture getting at the salt or pepper, there’s no need to worry. Its top-sealing design keeps out moisture and dust and helps maintain the freshness of the spices for maximum flavor.
Pros:
- Attractive look
- Made from refined acrylic materials
- Has a ceramic grinder
- Adjustable rotor provides choice of fine to coarse grind
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Creates dust that can end up on the table
5. Best Pre-Filled: OXO Good Grips Salt and Pepper Grinder Set
Preparing food can make your hands wet, oily or dirty so when you grab the salt or pepper mill, it can slip out of your hand, fall to the floor or become covered in whatever you happen to be cooking at the time. Having a salt and pepper mill with a non-slip grip would make it easier to season your food while cooking.
This set of salt and pepper mills from have a non-slip grip and are easy to hold. And with its airtight lid, no matter what’s on your hands, what’s in the salt grinder stays dry and fresh.
Constructed with clear acrylic bodies and stainless steel accents, it’s easy to keep track of how much salt or pepper you have used and when you need a refill. And speaking of refilling, these mills come pre-filled with coarse salt and whole peppercorns. Both mills have wide openings and a level top, so they rest flat when refilling. Smooth rotating tabs allow you to choose the coarseness of your grind and the strong ceramic grinders are great for multi-purpose use – you can also grind cumin, coriander and cloves in these mills.
Pros:
- Comes pre-filled with coarse salt and peppercorns
- Non-slip grip
- Can adjust grinder setting from fine to coarse
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Pricey
6. Best 2-in-1: Cuisinart SG-3 Stainless Steel Rechargeable Salt, Pepper and Spice Mill
Why have separate salt and pepper mills taking up space in your kitchen when you can have one that holds both salt and pepper?
This rechargeable model from Cuisinart has a unique design with two grinding containers in one mill, letting you grind salt and pepper from one unit. Talk about cool convenience.
With a grinding container on the top and bottom, you simply turn the unit over to unleash the flavor and freshly grind what you need. A button located in the center of the mill makes for easy one-hand operation; whether you are grinding salt or pepper, just hold it down for the duration of the grind.
This versatile mill adjusts from fine to coarse grinds easily, giving you ultimate control over your dishes. Underneath there is a knob; turn clockwise to choose from five settings of fine, turn the other way to choose from five coarseness settings.
The rechargeable stainless-steel mill nestles into the sleek charging base, keeping it fully charged and ready to grind. The charging base has a charge/ready light, so you know it’s fully charged and ready to use. A removable crumb tray on the bottom makes it easy to clean any spice residue or dust due to grinding.
Pros:
- Two-in-one mill holds salt and pepper
- Rechargeable
- Sleek design
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- A bit noisy
- No light to show how much you are grinding
7. Best Unique Design: GreenLife Salt and Pepper Ratchet Mill
Some salt and pepper mills are manual and require a few twists to grind and release the seasonings while other models are battery operated and work with a simple touch of a button. When it comes to filling the body, you usually have to remove the top or bottom of the unit, which can be cumbersome and messy. If you’re not sure which style you prefer, check out this model from GreenLife and you may never look at a standard salt and pepper mill in the same way again.
This plastic salt and pepper mill has a really great design with unique way to grind salt and pepper. The rachet style means you hold the mill in one hand and pump down on the rachet handle, which engages the powerful grinding mechanism to make quick work of your coarse salt or whole peppercorns. A dial on the bottom allows you to easily adjust the grind from coarse to fine. And the really cool part is when it comes to filling the mill, the front-loading pull-down flap makes it all simple and mess-free. No struggling to untwist the top or bottom for awkward refills.
This salt and pepper mill is available in four colors: black, white, red, and turquoise.
Pros:
- Rachet design
- Front loading refill
- Can adjust coarseness level
- Affordable
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- A bit noisy
8. Also Consider: Grind Gourmet Salt and Pepper Grinder Set
And now for something completely different! If you’re looking for a highly functional set of salt and pepper mills with a beautiful aesthetic, no plastic content and a genuinely unique way of grinding, then consider this set from Grind Gourmet.
These mills are made of 100 percent stainless steel with no inner plastic tube and are built to last. Only five inches tall, the slim salt and pepper mills fit easily into the palm of your hand. Nestled in your fingers to keep it steady, the top pump is exposed and in the perfect position for your thumb. Just hold your hand over your food and press on the pump once or twice and voila, your food is seasoned. Mix your soup or salad with one hand, and grind salt or pepper into it at the same time with the other hand. It’s super convenient.
The set is available silver, black, and red, and comes with a mess-free stand. Treat yourself or gift it to the foodie in your life.
Pros:
- 100 percent stainless steel
- No plastic content
- Thumb operated pump
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Small opening makes it tricky to fill
Things to look out for when choosing salt and pepper mills:
Manual versus electric:
Most salt and pepper mills are manual and work by twisting either the top or the bottom to grind the larger particles into smaller ones. There are other models that have a rachet, pull-down mechanism for grinding and a few that have a one-handed thumb-operated pump grinder. Using the manual method can be convenient because you direct how much, or how little, you want. If you have problems with arthritis or with gripping, then it’s probably a better idea to choose an electric or battery-operated model. These work well and make the whole process easy and pain-free. Many have rechargeable batteries, making them more environmentally friendly.
Features:
While most salt and pepper mills work in the same way – they will grind coarse salt and whole peppercorns — some have added features that may be convenient for you. For example, some have an easy-grip base, which makes it easier to hold onto the mill if your hands are wet or oily from cooking and chopping food as you prepare. If you want a choice in the coarseness of the grind, look for a salt and pepper mill with a dial that lets you choose different levels of grind. If you are looking for versatility, some salt mills and pepper mills can also grind other spices such as fennel, nutmeg and mustard seeds.
Photo credit: Nataliia Zhekova/Shutterstock