Best Salt Mills
We cook with a lot of seasonings, but perhaps the most ubiquitous of them all is salt. This simple but vital micronutrient magically brings out the essential flavors of many foods, making almost anything delightfully palatable. While some of us use a saltshaker, a salt mill opens up a whole new world of epicurean delights.
For example, with a salt mill, you can experiment with different kinds of salt, from course sea salt and chunks of kosher salt to the healthy pink Himalayan variety. What’s more, you won’t get salt clumping – no need to add rice to absorb moisture. Plus, instead of accidently over-salting your food, with just a few quick twists, you use only the amount you desire.
A salt mill is an attractive addition to a table and how it works, the kinds of grinding blades it has and the design are factors to think about when choosing one.
We’ve curated a list of salt mills you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that most appeals to you.
1. Editor’s Choice: Kaiciuss Acrylic Salt Mill
If you’re looking for a sleek salt 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 course salt, makes a beautiful visual statement. But this salt mill is not just about looks – it’s equipped with a quality ceramic grinding mechanism. Instead of crushing course salt, 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 mill is pretty versatile, too, so while you can use it for all kinds of salt, it will also grind peppercorns and whole seasoning, as well as spices like cumin, fennel and cloves.
And when it comes to moisture getting at the salt, there’s no need to worry. Its top-sealing design keeps out moisture and dust so all you get is a fresh dash of salt every time.
Pros:
- Attractive look
- Made from refined acrylic materials
- Has a ceramic grinder
- Clear body allows you to see the contents
- Adjustable rotor provides choice of fine to coarse grind
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Creates dust that can end up on the table
2. Runner Up: COLE & MASON Derwent Stainless Steel Salt Mill
For a more modern look, this clear acrylic salt mill from Cole & Mason has stainless steel accents that highlight the “wow” factor of this handy kitchen tool while hitting all the high notes for style and functionality. You’ll spend more money to purchase this salt mill, but its classic good looks and durability will give you years’ of dependable use.
The mill allows you to conveniently select between three precise grinding levels for fine or coarse granules and the new top design creates a smooth and even turning motion when grinding. It’s easy to refill, too; simply pull up on the salt mill’s top and put in your favorite coarse sea salt. The professional gourmet precision mechanism doesn’t crush the salt but instead, strips the granules down so you get the maximum flavor of whatever salt you use.
The design also keeps moisture and dust away from whatever you have stored in the grinder. Also available in copper, gunmetal and wood, this salt mill would make a very special housewarming gift.
Pros:
- Modern style of acrylic and stainless steel
- Three precise grinding levels
- Easy to fill
- Diamond-sharp ceramic salt grinding mechanism
Cons:
- Leaves salt powder residue on table
- More expensive than other models
3. Best Grip: OXO Good Grips Contoured Mess-Free Salt Mill
Preparing food can make your hands wet, oily or dirty so when you grab the salt 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. So annoying, right? We like this salt mill from Oxo because of its non-slip grip. Easy to hold, it will stay in your wet or oily hand. And with its airtight lid, no matter what’s on your hands, what’s in the salt mil stays dry and fresh.
Constructed from acrylic with stainless steel accents, the clear body lets you keep track of how much salt you have used and when you need a refill. And speaking of refilling, this mill comes pre-filled with coarse salt and when it’s all used up, all you have to do is turn the mill upside down, unscrew the cap and refill with your favorite salt granules.
Another interesting feature is that it doesn’t leave salt dust powder or residue on your table. With this model, you turn it over, slide the tab to adjust the setting from fine to coarse and use the bottom as the grinder. The top is where the salt exits. When you’re done, you turn it back onto the bottom and voila, no dust!
Pros:
- Comes pre-filled with coarse salt
- Non-slip grip
- Doesn’t leave salt powder
- Can adjust grinder setting from fine to coarse
Cons:
- Hand wash only
4. Best Portable: McCormick Grinders Sea Salt Mill, 6.1 oz.
Great for a picnic, the cottage or camping, this sea salt mill is the perfect portable solution for when you’ll be cooking or eating outside your home, but you don’t want to cart around the good salt mill that you use in your kitchen.
This salt mill from McCormick is filled with naturally harvested salt from the French Mediterranean. Sea salt tends to be coarser and has a higher concentration of minerals than table salt, with a comparable level of sodium, so you know you’re getting a quality product. The downside is that when it’s empty, you can’t reuse it or fill it with a salt of your choice. Nonetheless, there’s no reason to forgo flavor when you’re out of the comfort of your kitchen. Lightweight and compact, just pop this salt mill into your food hamper and you’re good to go.
Pros:
- Portable to take on a picnic, camping and to the cottage
- Salt mill filled with naturally harvested salt from the French Mediterranean
- Can adjust the size of the grind from the center dial
Cons:
- Not reusable
- Cannot fill it with the salt of your choice
5. Best Electric: LP Electric Rechargeable Salt Mill
You used to love your salt mill but as arthritis has crept into your hands, grasping the mill and twisting the top has become increasingly difficult. To save you the pain and aggravation of grinding salt by hand, we recommend this electric salt mill that uses advanced USB charging technology. Now you can easily and painlessly grind salt any time you want, and you won’t be wasting money on batteries.
This stylish salt mill that can also be used to grind pepper is made of high-quality 304 stainless steel and glass, which is non-corrosive and anti-oxidant, keeping your salt fresh and free of toxins. With its one-button action, it’s really easy to use, too. A switch button controls the entire salt mill. Just press the button and tilt the grinder to start automatically grinding. When you’re done, press the switch to turn off the grinder, which will prevent accidental grinding.
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 being able to grind coriander and mustard seeds, black pepper, Himalayan pink salt, coarse salt, and sea salt.
Pros:
- Electric salt mill with rechargeable USB technology
- Large capacity
- Easy one-button control
- Can grind other spices and seeds
- Has coarseness settings
Cons:
- More expensive than a manual model
6. Best Set: Hearth & Stone Wooden Salt and Pepper Mill w/ Rose Gold Scoop
Salt and pepper go together like mustard and ketchup, so it doesn’t make sense to have a salt mill without having a pepper mill as well, right? If you are looking for a truly unique and beautiful salt and pepper mill set, then you may want to consider this one made from wood.
These grinders are sourced from sustainable, chemical-free Acacia wood farms and create a superb luxurious surface that feels naturally comfortable in your hands. They are equipped with a ceramic grinder head that is designed to stop sediment and particles from getting into food while letting the salt and pepper enhance its flavor.
The only materials used in these 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.
These two beauties will enhance your table, or the table of a good friend or loved one as a thoughtful anniversary or housewarming gift.
Pros:
- Sourced from sustainable, chemical-free Acacia wood
- Comes in a set of salt mill and pepper grinder
- Comes in a gift box with a bonus spoon
- Equipped with a ceramic grinder head
Cons:
- Does not have different coarseness levels
- More expensive than other sets
- Not indicated which one is for salt and which one is for pepper
7. Best Budget Buy: Mincham Manual Salt Mill
Equipping a kitchen can be expensive, especially if you are just starting out or are on a tight budget. When every penny counts and you want an attractive and functional salt mill to grace your table, then consider this affordable option from Mincham.
A low price doesn’t always mean low quality, especially in this case with this cute little salt mill with a 60-ounce capacity (about ¾ of a cup). Whether you fill the mill with salt or other spices like black pepper or peppercorns, the airtight lid of the salt grinder keeps out moisture and helps to keep everything inside fresh to retain maximum flavor.
The salt mill measures 5.3 inches tall and 2,6 inches wide, so it fits nicely into your hands, and has a brushed stainless-steel top, a clear, thick glass body and non-corrosive ceramic blades. Although it’s small, it is designed with a wide opening glass body, which makes it easy to fill. An adjustable grinder gives you control over how fine or how coarse you want your salt to be.
This little budget-friendly salt mill would be a great addition to any kitchen.
Pros:
- Low price
- Airtight lid keeps moisture out
- Easy to fill
Cons:
- Glass body can break if dropped
8. Also Consider: Peugeot Paris u’Select Salt Mill
This elegant salt mill from Peugeot is the most expensive option on our recommendation list but this ultra-lux manual salt mill has a level of quality and workmanship that makes it worth considering for yourself, or as a special gift for your favorite foodie or Francophile.
The mill is made in France at the Peugeot site in Franche Comté, and the body carved from PEFC certified beech wood from local sustainably managed French forests. In terms of the internal mechanism, it is constructed from virtually indestructible case-hardened steel, with a unique coating to prevent corrosion from salt.
Using a unique two-stage mechanism, the mill first shatters and then grinds the salt to your desired texture with the patented u’Select precision grind system. Fully adjustable for six pre-defined levels of grind or any point in between, you can produce salt ranging from very coarse to powdery, depending on your need and taste.
The salt mill is available in three different sizes – nine-inch, 10-inch and 2-inch – and three colors – natural, red and chocolate. Easy to clean, just wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
Pros:
- Adjustable grinding settings
- Range of sizes and colors
- Made in France of sustainable sourced beech wood
Cons:
- Pricey
- Use only 4mm salt size coarse sea salt
Things to look out for when choosing a salt mill:
Grinding mechanism material:
Salt on its own is a corrosive mineral – think of how it can melt the ice you sprinkle it on in the winter, not to mention what it can do to the metal on your car. Salt can corrode or oxidize steel and even stainless steel. That’s why the best salt mills have a grinder constructed from a material that won’t rust or corrode, like ceramic. Ceramic is naturally oxidized. It doesn’t rust or deteriorate even in warm environments like a kitchen.
That doesn’t mean you should not choose a salt mill with a grinder made from carbon steel or stainless steel. A good quality stainless is more corrosion-resistant than carbon steel, plus some manufacturers coat the stainless steel to make it more anti-corrosive.
Manual versus electric:
Most salt mills are manual and work by twisting either the top or the bottom to grind the larger particles into smaller ones. This is 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 good 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 mills work in the same way, 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 mill that gives you the option of different levels of grind. If you are looking for versatility, some salt mills are also suitable to be used as a pepper mill and can also grind other spices such as fennel and mustard seeds.
Photo credit: Marek Mnich/Shutterstock