5 Best Salt and Pepper Grinders to OWN

You’ve been looking for the best salt and pepper grinders, but are you sure about what to look for? 

See our list of the 5 best pepper and salt grinders available online. Whether you are looking for a shaker that is electric, manual, or battery-free, we have something here just for you. 

We review features like durability, ease of use, weight, size, price, and much more. We hope this helps you find the perfect salt and pepper grinder for your kitchen needs!

The Importance of a Good Salt and Pepper Mill Set

Salt and pepper is a staple that everyone needs in their homes. No kitchen should be without these two staples that go a long way to adding flavor to just about any dish you can cook up. 

A salt and pepper grinder, also known as a mill, gives you the ability to grind your salt, pepper, or other spices freshly. It’s one of the essential tools in your kitchen.

A pepper grinder helps you grind peppercorns. Peppercorns are the fruit of the pepper plant and look like large round berries with a thin, smooth skin that turns bright red when ripe but starts green or white while unripe.

A salt grinder helps you grind different varieties of rock salt. Some common types of salt used for grinding include:

• Table Salt (fine, medium, and coarse grain): This type of salt comes from large beds where it was buried for thousands or millions of years. It comes in fine and large grain sizes and is used in most households.
• Sea Salt: This salt is harvested from evaporated seawater through a large-scale, industrial process that typically uses large pans over heat sources. The salt often has larger particles than you’d see with a table or kosher salt.
• Kosher Salt: This salt originates from the sea but is harvested differently. It does not undergo the same refining process as table salt and is typically coarser.

Kosher salt has larger crystals than table salt because it is refined, but it is still pure sodium chloride like all salts. Its larger granules make it a good choice for brining and curing, but also make it easy for over-salting your dish.

Sea salts and kosher salts are typically preferred to table salt by chefs and serious home cooks because they offer different flavor profiles. However, you may want to try out several different types to see which one you like best.

Our Top Pick This Year for the Best Salt and Pepper Grinders

The HOME EC Salt & Pepper Mill Set is our best salt and pepper grinder. This salt and pepper mill set uses ceramic burrs to give you fresh salt and pepper each time you use it.

Read on to learn more about this set and the 4 other fantastic salt and pepper grinders that made our list.

The Pepper and Salt Grinders – an Overview

1. HOME EC Salt & Pepper Mill Set (Best Pepper and Salt Grinders Overall).
2. Beautiful Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Grinders Refillable Set (Best User-Friendly Pepper and Salt Grinders).
3. Electric Gravity Pepper Grinder Set of 2 (Best Portable Pepper and Salt Grinders).
4. XQXQ Wood Salt and Pepper Mill Set (Best Wooden Pepper and Salt Grinders).
5. Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set (Best Value for Money Pepper and Salt Grinders).

The Best Salt and Pepper Grinders Reviewed

HOME EC Salt & Pepper Mill Set (Best Overall Salt and Pepper Grinders) Amazon Choice Award: #1 Best-Seller in Salt Mills

Key Features

• Brand: HOME EC
• Weight: 1.4 pounds (1.81 kilograms)
• Dimensions: 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) x 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) x 7.5 inches (19.05 centimeters)
• Available colors: Silver on top and clear at the bottom
• Material: Stainless steel
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• Warranties and money-back guarantees: 100% money-back guarantee

Salt is a necessity for most dishes, and if you’re tired of the salt shaker, it’s time to step up your game with this HOME EC salt and pepper grinder set. 

The design of this grinder set includes a large heavy-duty ceramic rotor that is adjustable with an easy knob set. The glass bottle has a capacity of 6 ounces (170.1 grams), and there are stainless steel lid caps included.

This HOME EC salt and pepper grinder set are perfect for any countertop, plus it comes with a collapsible silicone funnel.

The grinder operates manually, so you can control how much salt or pepper comes out at any given time. This premium quality product will have you feeling like a chef in no time!

The salt and pepper shakers have a grinding mechanism on top that ensures the salt and pepper end up only on your dish, not all over your table or counter.

The grinder is made of high-quality, non-corrosive brushed stainless steel and the glass has a protective, BPA-free coating. The shakers have a fantastic design and look amazing on any kitchen countertop.

Pros

• This salt and pepper grinder set is easy to refill.
• The grinder set comes with a collapsible funnel that fits into the opening on the salt shaker, so you don’t have to worry about spills.

Cons

• It may be challenging for some people to adjust the grinder knob.

Beautiful Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Grinders Refillable Set (Best User-Friendly Salt and Pepper Grinders)

Key Features

• Brand: Benicci
• Weight: 1.04 pounds (0.47 kilograms)
• Dimensions: 5.79 Inches (14.70 centimeters) x 5.71 inches (14.50 centimeters) x 2.87 inches (7.28 centimeters)
• Available colors: Silver
• Material: Ceramic

Many people have trouble with the mess that comes from using a pre-packaged salt or pepper blend in a shaker or mill because it leaves residue on your hands and countertop. This makes cooking more difficult because you have messy hands when you need them the least! 

The solution?

A stainless steel salt and pepper grinder set with refillable containers, so you never run out of the flavorings again! These grinders are stylish, durable, easy to use, and even come with a cleaning brush, so they’re always spotless (or as close to pristine as possible).

No more salt and pepper shakers! This set comes equipped with two glass grinders that hold up to 5 ounces (141.7 grams). That’s enough for around 25 uses, depending on how much you like your food.

Cleaning is easy with the brush it comes with; simply wipe out the grinder after use (or rinse if you’re in a hurry!), and you’re ready to go again.

The Benicci grinder is made of thick and durable glass that can easily handle daily use, and the stainless steel lid caps resist smudge and fingerprints.

Better yet, the set comes with a wooden spoon, so there’s no need to worry about finding a dish or carving off a chunk of wood from your cutting board.

Pros

• The grinder set comes with a beautiful wooden spoon that not only looks good but is also super practical.
• This salt and pepper grinder set can be used for more than salt and pepper! Add whole spices, crushed pepper, Italian seasonings, or whatever you want to your dishes for a unique flavor.

Electric Gravity Pepper Grinder Set of 2 (Best Portable Salt and Pepper Grinders)

Key Features

• Brand: JOBKIM&
• Weight: 1.61 pounds (0.73 kilograms)
• Dimensions: 8.39 Inches (21.31 centimeters) x 5.43 inches (13.46 centimeters) x 2.83 inches (7.18 centimeters)
• Available colors: Silver on top and clear at the bottom
• Material: Stainless steel
• Dishwasher safe: Yes

Electric Gravity pepper grinder is a high-quality salt and pepper grinder. It is one of the best automatic salt and pepper grinders available in the market. This product has an adjustable mill to select different grinding levels according to the spices you want to grind.

It features a blue LED light that illuminates the food, which helps to prevent the food from being over-seasoned. This product requires 6 AAA batteries (not included).

The JOBKIM& Electric Gravity pepper grinder is made of high-quality stainless steel, durable, and anti-corrosion. It is easy to clean with a simple wipe. This gravity salt and pepper grinder is an excellent gift for anyone.

This electric salt and pepper grinder is easy to operate and carry. The size is very small so that you can use it anywhere easily. In addition, this grinder has an adjustable mill knob at the top, so you can select different grinding levels according to the spices and grind the spices you want.

When cleaning the grinder, it’s important to note that you should not place the grinding mechanism in a dishwasher. Also, if you don’t use the grinder for a long time, it is recommended that you remove the battery to avoid leakage.

Pros

• It is easy to use.
• It doesn’t leave large pepper bits and ground it to perfection.

Cons

• It’s pretty expensive.

XQXQ Wood Salt and Pepper Mill Set (Best Wooden Salt and Pepper Grinders)

Key Features

• Brand: XQXQ
• Weight: 0.99 pounds (0.45 kilograms)
• Dimensions: 8.7 Inches (22.09 centimeters) x 4.29 inches (10.89 centimeters) x 2.4 inches (6.09 centimeters)
• Available colors: Brown (wood)
• Material: Wood, oak, ceramic, plastic
• Amazon choice of award: In Salt & Pepper Mill Sets by XQXQ

XQXQ’s wood salt and pepper mill set is one of the best wood salt and pepper grinders available in the market today. Wooden salt and pepper mills are the perfect addition to any kitchen. They not only look classy but can be adjusted so you can get the texture of salt or pepper just right.

This XQXQ set includes two mills with a large capacity for refills. The refillable design means no mess when you need to fill up your mill! In addition, these mills make it easy to get exactly what you want with an adjustable ceramic rotor. The pepper mill is labeled “P,” while the salt mill is labeled “S,” so you can quickly tell them apart. 

To clean it, use a dry brush or cloth to clean the mills before refilling them fully. You’ll never go back once you’ve tried this beautiful set made of natural oak wood. With no electricity required, the only thing you’ll see is your food getting tastier!

Pros

• Easy to operate.
• It is durable.
• Easy to clean. 

Cons

• Does not hold much salt and pepper.

Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set (Best Value For Money Salt and Pepper Grinders)

Key Features

• Brand: Urban Noon
• Weight: 1.45 pounds (0.66 kilograms) 
• Dimensions: 2.17 Inches (5.51 centimeters) x 2.17 inches (5.51 centimeters) x 9.06 inches (23.01 centimeters)
• Available colors: Silver
• Material: Stainless steel

If you are looking for a stainless steel electric salt and pepper grinder set, look no further! This battery-operated Urban Noon set has many benefits that will make your cooking life easier.

First of all, these battery salt and pepper grinder mills are made of the highest grade stainless steel, which means this set is solid and durable. This manual grinder comes with a rustproof ceramic core to provide a steady and simple grind with the press of a button.

To add the right amount of pepper or salt to your dish, the mills come with a built-in light that will provide the exact measurement for your dish. In addition, the transparent window lets you see if you need to refill the mills with pepper or salt.

Also, the bottom caps help keep your kitchen surfaces clean and create a humid environment that will keep your spices fresh.

Pros

• It is durable.
• Easy to use.
• It has a rustproof ceramic core that ensures a consistent and easy grind.

Cons

• The compartment for holding peppercorns is small and has to be frequently refilled.

Your Pepper and Salt Mill Buying Guide

If you’re looking for a great salt and pepper grinder for your kitchen, there are many different factors that you might want to take into consideration. The following are some of the more essential elements to consider:

Type of Grinders Available

Salt and pepper mills come in many different types. Some of the most common include manual, electric, and gravity mills. Among these options, manual mills are the most economical.

Electric salt and pepper shakers are the most common option on the market today. They have a powerful motor that is turned with a simple touch of a button. Electric mills can typically be found in most department stores and are the best option for anyone looking for ease of use.

A few words of caution about electric mills: they tend to be more expensive, can sometimes have a cheap look and feel, and the batteries tend to run down quickly.

Gravity mills are somewhat of an anomaly in that they do not grind the spices. Instead, they rely on the force of gravity to do all of the work for you. Gravity mills are great options for anyone with issues with their wrists since you do not need to apply any pressure.

Grind Size

Salt and pepper mills come in a variety of grind sizes. While most people assume that all salt and pepper mills have the same grind size, they are often wrong. For the ultimate control over your cooking, look for a salt or pepper mill that allows you to adjust its grind size!

The best way to do this is to use a rotating collar. This allows you to choose from any of your pepper or salt mill’s many settings. In addition, the grind size is commonly enhanced in electric mills and is often adjusted with an adjustable collar to improve its ease of use.

However, if you are using a manual mill, you will need to move the grinding machine with your hands. Therefore you must find one that has easy-grip handles to make the process as easy as possible.

Electric mills typically come with a single setting adjusted with an adjustable collar. Generally, these collars are very easy to use, requiring you to simply turn them until you get the grind size you want.

Refilling

One of the major downsides to salt and pepper mills is that they are time-consuming to refill. This is why it is important to choose a model that is easy to refill.

One option is to choose a mill with transparent bodies. These mills allow you to see how much salt or pepper is left inside of them at all times, making the process of refilling much easier.

Another option is to choose mills that use gravity as a refilling mechanism. This type of mill does not require any effort on your part to refill it, as gravity takes care of all the hard work for you.

Capacity

Most salt and pepper grinders typically come with a capacity of around 6 ounces (170.1 grams). If you need to grind more than this at one time, look for a model that can hold a large quantity of salt or pepper. You should also look for mills with transparent bodies, as they will allow you to see how much salt or pepper is in the mill at any given time.

Versatility

One of the great things about salt and pepper mills is that you can use them for a wide variety of spices. Look for a salt or pepper mill that comes with a wide range of grind settings, as this will allow you to use it for all kinds of spices.

A good rule of thumb when choosing a salt or pepper mill is that it should come with at least five different settings. This will allow you to use it for virtually any spice you want.

Coarseness Settings

One of the more advanced features that some salt and pepper grinders come with is the ability to adjust the coarseness of your grind. These settings typically consist of three different adjustments:

• Coarse: The standard setting works best for seasoning your food. You will find that most salt and pepper grinders come with coarse settings.
• Medium: This setting is used for cooking; it works well for dishes that require a consistent texture.
• Fine: While it is not typically included in salt and pepper mills, this setting is used for baking bread or cakes. You can experiment with it to find out if you like the result of your food.

Style

Salt and pepper grinders come in a variety of styles. These styles are often determined by the shape of their bodies (round, rectangular, etc.), the material they are made from, and the number of settings that come with them.

A good general rule of thumb when choosing a salt or pepper mill is to select one with a body that you find aesthetically appealing. After all, you will be looking at it every day, so it should be pleasing to the eye.

Materials

While there are many materials that salt and pepper grinders are made from, the most commonly used materials are wood (often imported), acrylic, ceramic, and stainless steel.

Wood is a preferred material because it is aesthetically appealing, lightweight, and often comes in various grains that allow you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Acrylic is an excellent material because it is durable and easy to clean; although it tends to chip and crack easily, it is best used by those who take good care of their kitchen appliances.

Ceramic is a material that is becoming very popular because it has the same benefits as acrylic, except that it does not crack or chip.

Stainless steel is a material that is often used to create salt and pepper mills, although it is becoming less common. However, it tends to be heavy and bulky, so it may not be what you are looking for if your goal is to have a salt or pepper mill that is easy to use.

Durability

When choosing a salt and pepper mill set, remember that you get what you pay for. Cheaper mills will last only a few months before they begin to break, so if you want a salt and pepper mill that will last a lifetime, be prepared to pay a little extra for it.

FAQs on the Best Salt and Pepper Grinders

What Is the Difference Between a Salt and Pepper Mill?

A salt mill and a pepper mill are the same things. They are both kitchen appliances that you can use to grind salt, pepper, or any other spice that you would like.

How Do I Clean My Pepper and Salt Mill Set?

It is straightforward to clean your salt and pepper mill set. However, before washing them, make sure that they are empty.

To begin, you will need to take them apart by unscrewing the bottom of each grinder. Once they are separated, remove any food that may be stuck inside them (for stubborn pieces, use a toothpick).

Once you have emptied them, soak the grinder bodies in warm water. Next, fill them with salt and leave them overnight. The next day, dump out the salt and wipe down the insides of the grinder bodies.

In your final step, all you have to do is reassemble your salt and pepper mill set and give it a try. Remember to refill them when needed.

Final Thoughts on Our Our Top Pick

If you are looking for something that will last you a lifetime, the HOME EC Salt & Pepper Grinder is a great purchase. It is made from stainless steel, which guarantees that it will be durable and long-lasting. Plus, it comes at a very affordable price.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, save yourself the trouble and take advantage of HOME EC’s 100% money-back guarantee.