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The Best Salt and Pepper Mills of 2024
Salt and pepper mills are the unsung heroes of the culinary world, effortlessly elevating dishes with their freshly ground seasonings. These essential kitchen tools not only add flavor but also allow for precision in seasoning, enabling chefs and home cooks alike to achieve the perfect balance of taste and aroma. From coarse to fine grinds, salt and pepper mills offer versatility, catering to diverse culinary preferences and recipes. With their ergonomic designs and intuitive mechanisms, they make the process of seasoning both efficient and enjoyable. Whether you're enhancing a savory entrée or adding a finishing touch to a delicate dessert, salt and pepper mills are indispensable companions in the pursuit of culinary excellence. Check out our top choice, the PepperMate Salt and Pepper Mill, for a great seasoning experience.
Our Top Picks For Salt and Pepper Mills
View all Contents- Salt and Pepper Mills Buying Guide
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People Also Asked
- What's the difference between a salt mill and a pepper mill?
- Does the size of the mill matter?
- Are electric mills or manual mills better?
- How often do I need to refill the mills?
- How easy is it to clean salt and pepper mills?
- Do salt and pepper mills come with any type of warranty?
- What types of materials are used to make salt and pepper mill bodies?
- Related Articles
The Best Salt and Pepper Mills
Best Overall
The Refillable Sea Salt and Pepper Grinder by PepperMate is a ceramic grinder that looks great on your table while also being easy to use. With its clear acrylic panel, you can easily tell when it’s time for a refill. The grinder has a generous 1.7-ounce capacity for peppercorns or a 4.8-ounce capacity for salt crystals. This impact-resistant salt and pepper mill comes with a clear base that gives you the perfect amount of spice with every twist.
This multi-purpose grinder is versatile, meaning it can be used for salt and pepper as well as other common spices. It is non-corrosive, so it won’t absorb flavors or odors from the substances you fill it with. Overall, this ceramic salt and pepper mill is an attractive, reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly option for those looking to add personality to their tablescape, making it the top pick on our list.
Pros
- Easier to fill than older mills
- Effortless grinding performance
- Self-contained design to prevent messes
Cons
- Unsturdy plastic tray
Stylish Design
The HOME EC Salt and Pepper Mills are a high-quality and stylish addition to your kitchen. Crafted from the finest non-corrosive brushed stainless steel and BPA-free glass, these mills are easy to grip and built to last. The set is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your gourmet meals or dinner parties. It also makes a great gift or party favor. Please note that salt and pepper are not included. Featuring easily adjustable ceramic grinders, these salt and pepper shakers allow you to customize the coarseness of your seasonings effortlessly. The set includes an authentic Home EC mill pair, complete with a branded package and protective foam tray.
As for the stainless steel lid caps, they keep your spices fresh by sealing out moisture and preventing any spills or messes on your counters or table. With a generous 6-ounce capacity, these mills require fewer refills. The 7.5-inch tall design accommodates up to 3/4 cup of salt, pepper, or any spice of your choice. The mills are manually cranked, eliminating the need for batteries and promoting an environmentally friendly approach to grinding fresh ingredients.
Pros
- Easy to grip design for comfortable use.
- High-grade non-corrosive materials ensure durability.
- Sleek and stylish appearance adds elegance to your kitchen.
Cons
- Not as convenient as an electric grinder
Most User-Friendly
This innovative electric salt and pepper mill from CHEW FUN is made of corrosion-resistant, brushed stainless steel. It has a ceramic blade grinder that comes with adjustable coarseness levels. Its unique design ensures that you won’t have any trouble filling it up. Just unscrew the stainless steel top and easily fill it to your heart’s content. Not only is this option stylish and modern, but it is also very convenient.
Thanks to its automatic operations, you won’t need to use both hands to grind your spices. Instead, just flip the grinder over and you’ll have freshly ground spices. The adjustable mill also means you can choose how coarse or fine the grind will be each time. With its blue LED light, this option not only makes things more visible but it’s gentle, too. Plus, the blue light is activated by a simple twist of the wrist.
Pros
- Attractive and effective design
- Easy to refill
- Detects movement of the shaker
Cons
- May be prone to mechanical failure
Coarse Grind
The Gravity Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set by AmuseWit offers the convenience of one-handed operations, making it easy to quickly add salt or pepper to your food. The white LED light comes on automatically when the salt and pepper mill is in use, which eliminates any guesswork as to how much seasoning is being dispensed. The modern design of the grinder is appealing in a way that makes this device stand out from other options.
Its matte black finish and acrylic window elevate it to an undeniable level of chicness. Plus, the refillable container holds a large amount of salt or pepper, so frequent refills aren’t needed. The product is made with premium materials for maximum quality. Its non-corrosive ceramic mechanism helps it grind spices of various sizes and textures into evenly distributed batches. It also has strong antioxidative qualities, keeping the spices fresh for extended periods.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Functional and grinds efficiently
- Comes with white light for easy visibility
Cons
- May malfunction after use
Everyday Use
The Latent Epicure Battery Operated Salt and Pepper Grinder Set is incredibly easy to use. With just the touch of a button, you’ll start automatically grinding your spices in no time. The adjustable coarseness settings let you customize the size of the ground spices. Plus, this battery-operated mill set helps keep kitchen surfaces cleaner and tidier.
It includes an additional tray that is perfect for collecting spices. This set is an excellent choice for those looking for a convenient and reliable way to grind spices as well. While this mill set is designed to make grinding spices quick and easy, it also prevents you from over-flavoring with its visibility thanks to its bright light. Its adjustable coarseness settings give you the flexibility you need to customize your grinds while its complimentary tray keeps kitchen surfaces clean and organized.
Pros
- Easy to adjust grind size
- Prevents spills via its rubber cover
- Looks nice and takes up minimal space
Cons
- Grinder may be inconsistent at times
Efficient Refills
The Benicci Salt and Pepper Mill is a great addition to any home kitchen. The modern brushed stainless steel design matches well with many types of decor. Plus, the salt and pepper mill resists smudges and fingerprints, resulting in a sleek and stylish look. The grinder features a high-quality adjustable ceramic rotor, allowing you to easily change the coarseness or fineness of the spices you want to grind. It can handle nearly everything, from peppercorns and exotic spices to sea salt and fine herbs.
Most importantly, the set comes with two thick and durable glass shakers. You’ll never run out of salt or pepper so you can easily tell how much remains in each one. And don’t forget about the spoon or the cleaning brush that comes with the set! They’re perfect for adding an elegant display to any kitchen. This grinder set bridges elegance and practicality.
Pros
- Smooth and defined grinding abilities
- Attractive yet intuitive design
Cons
- Glass material can be fragile
Salt and Pepper Mills Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the right salt and pepper mills, there are numerous features that you should consider. In this guide, we will discuss each of these features in great detail so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing your set of mills.
Things To Consider Before Buying Salt and Pepper Mills
Material
You’ll want to choose mills made out of either ceramic or stainless steel material to ensure optimal results. Ceramic materials are known to be rust-resistant and long-lasting, but they are also more expensive than stainless steel materials. While stainless steel materials are less expensive, they may require more frequent cleaning due to the potential for rusting over time.
Grinder
You should consider whether you want to purchase a manual grinder or an electric grinder for your salt and pepper mills. Manual grinders are best for those who want to gain more control over the grinding process. However, they take longer to grind spices than electric mills. Electric grinders provide a quick and consistent grind but can be more expensive than manual models.
Capacity
You should also pay attention to the size of the mills before purchasing them as this will determine how much salt and pepper they can hold at any given time. Make sure they are big enough to grind enough salt and pepper without requiring you to refill them constantly.
Quality
Quality is essential when making any purchase, so make sure you look for high-quality salt and pepper mills that receive good reviews from other customers. Reading customer reviews can give you an idea about how well-made a product is before you make your purchasing decision.
Cleaning
Cleaning is crucial when it comes to maintaining the longevity of any kitchen tool or appliance. Make sure you select salt and pepper mills that are easy to clean without requiring too much effort on your part.
The Cost of Salt and Pepper Mills
The cost of salt and pepper mills will vary widely depending on several factors, such as their size, material, brand, and various features. The price will typically range from $10 to $100 or more. Ultimately, the cost of a salt and pepper mill depends mostly on your personal preferences and budget. Even so, whether you’re looking for a simple and affordable model or a high-end option with all the bells and whistles, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.
Types of Salt and Pepper Mills
Manual mills require the user to turn a crank or twist a knob to grind the salt or pepper. Electric mills use batteries or electricity to grind the salt or pepper automatically with the push of a button. Combination mills have separate compartments for salt and pepper with the option to grind either manually or electrically.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Salt and Pepper Mills
Take the mill apart so you can remove any residual salt or pepper. Then, wash the separate parts with soap and water. From there, dry the mill thoroughly before reassembling it to prevent corrosion. Store your salt and pepper mills in a dry place to prevent moisture from damaging the mills between uses.
People Also Asked
What's the difference between a salt mill and a pepper mill?
A salt mill and a pepper mill are essentially the same thing, but a salt mill typically uses ceramic gears to grind salt while a pepper mill often uses metal gears to grind peppercorns. Pepper mills tend to be larger than salt mills because they have to be able to handle larger pieces of peppercorns.
Does the size of the mill matter?
The size of the mill typically matters. Larger mills will grind more quickly than smaller ones, so when choosing a mill, it is important to consider how often you plan to use it. If you only plan on using it occasionally, then a smaller mill may be sufficient. However, if you plan to use the mill more often, then a larger model may be more practical for your needs.
Are electric mills or manual mills better?
The answer to this question fully depends on your needs and personal preference. Electric mills are more convenient and they offer faster grinding times. However, they also require a power source, and they can be more expensive than manual mills. Speaking of manual mills, these usually require upper body strength to operate them, but they are generally cheaper and do not require an external power source.
How often do I need to refill the mills?
The frequency of your refills will depend on how often you use the mills and how much you are grinding at any given time. However, it is usually recommended that you refill the mills at least once per month or when they begin to run low.
How easy is it to clean salt and pepper mills?
Most salt and pepper mills can be easily cleaned with hot water and mild detergent or soap. Electric models can also be wiped down with an antiseptic spray. Make sure you read all instructions provided by the manufacturer before you use cleaning products because some materials may not be suitable for use on certain types of mills.
Do salt and pepper mills come with any type of warranty?
Most salt and pepper mills come with some form of warranty that covers manufacturing defects, but it’s important to read the warranty details carefully before you purchase because warranties can vary from one manufacturer to the next. Some manufacturers also offer extended warranties that can be purchased separately if desired.
What types of materials are used to make salt and pepper mill bodies?
The most common materials used to make salt and pepper mill bodies include stainless steel, wood, plastic, ceramic, glass, acrylic, and other synthetic materials, such as ABS plastic or resin composites, like fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). Different manufacturers will choose different materials depending on their preferences and cost considerations. However, stainless steel is often regarded as a premium option due to its durability and rust-proof properties.
