Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.

Last Updated: May 28, 2024, 6:01 a.m.

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.

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.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Peppermate Salt And Pepper Mill
Stylish Design: Home Ec Salt And Pepper Mills
Most User-Friendly: Chew Fun Salt And Pepper Mill
Coarse Grind: Amusewit Salt And Pepper Mill
Everyday Use: Latent Epicure Salt And Pepper Mill
Efficient Refills: Benicci Salt And Pepper Mill

Reviews

Best Overall

Peppermate Salt And Pepper Mill

Pros	Cons
Easier to fill than older mills Effortless grinding performance Self-contained design to prevent messes	Unsturdy plastic tray

Check on Amazon

Stylish Design

Home Ec Salt And Pepper Mills

Pros	Cons
Easy to grip design for comfortable use. High-grade non-corrosive materials ensure durability. Sleek and stylish appearance adds elegance to your kitchen.	Not as convenient as an electric grinder

Check on Amazon

Most User-Friendly

Chew Fun Salt And Pepper Mill

Pros	Cons
Attractive and effective design Easy to refill Detects movement of the shaker	May be prone to mechanical failure

Check on Amazon

Coarse Grind

Amusewit Salt And Pepper Mill

Pros	Cons
Easy to use Functional and grinds efficiently Comes with white light for easy visibility	May malfunction after use

Check on Amazon

Everyday Use

Latent Epicure Salt And Pepper Mill

Pros	Cons
Easy to adjust grind size Prevents spills via its rubber cover Looks nice and takes up minimal space	Grinder may be inconsistent at times

Check on Amazon

Efficient Refills

Benicci Salt And Pepper Mill

Pros	Cons
Smooth and defined grinding abilities Attractive yet intuitive design	Glass material can be fragile

Check on Amazon Check Price on Walmart

FAQs

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.