Where things get a little less convenient is the refill process. I hated trying to refill this thing. The small opening requires precision; you have to twist the collar which reveals a hole, then pour the peppercorns into said hole—which have a habit of bouncing everywhere if you’re not careful. A small funnel makes it much easier, but if you prefer a grinder that’s effortless to refill without any extra tools, that’s something to keep in mind.
HexClad HexMill Pepper Grinder
As soon as I opened HexClad’s HexMill Pepper Grinder in its box, I let out an audible “wow.” It is gorgeous, like something you would find behind glass in the Met. Crafted from solid aluminum, the geometric design (hexagonal, how fitting!) catches light from every angle, and the grip feels satisfyingly sculptural in hand. It’s definitely a precision tool, designed with a burr-style mill that grinds smoothly and evenly over food. To adjust it, you flip it over and turn the dial; there are 10 adjustments ranging from micro-fine to thick and coarse, allowing you to get custom with textures.
Its minimalist design is elevated with a handful of thoughtful touches, like the push-button removable top that makes refilling a breeze. I also appreciate the cap on the bottom to help catch any stray dust from getting on my counter. Is it a bit much for everyday seasoning? 100 percent. But for passionate home chefs or, say, a food-loving couple you need a wedding gift for, this will deliver.
It is a blunt object that is heavy and tall. It weighs over a pound and it’s nearly 10 inches tall, so you’ll need room to leave it out. It’s expensive too. As I said, it’s overkill for folks who just want a casual sprinkle of salt and pepper. Save it for the foodies.
Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Pepper Mill
Zwilling
Enfinigy Electric Pepper Mill
This is my ideal electric pepper grinder—it’s sleek, efficient, and does exactly what it’s marketed to do. One press of the button activates the ceramic grinder, producing a consistent flow of fresh pepper without wrist strain. The adjustable dial lets you switch from coarse to fine with ease, and one full charge lasts up to six months—impressive for an electric mill. Downsides? The hopper is small, and the grind adjustment knob can be stiff for those with limited dexterity.
I love how elegant this pepper grinder looks, like I’m grinding pepper in a café in some French village and not in suburban New Jersey. It’s beautifully made from beechwood, with a comfortable, curvy shape and a reliable grinding mechanism that’s easy to adjust. It’s a lovely grinder—and that’s really all I have to say about it. It wasn’t the best mill I tested, but definitely wasn’t the worst, either.
Kuhn Rikon Essential Ratchet Grinder
Kuhn Rikon
Essential Ratchet Grinder
The Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder takes a different approach with a ratchet-style mechanism that’s surprisingly satisfying to use. It grinds pepper quickly and evenly with a few back-and-forth motions, and its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens or tabletops. The only downside is refilling can be a little fussy—the hole is small and peppercorns tend to escape if you’re not careful. Still, it’s light, portable, and works well for anyone who prefers a non-twisting motion.
Pepper mills we don’t recommend
The Kitchen Mama Fliptastic Gravity Grinder is for anyone who wants seasoning with zero effort, or frankly, kids who want to get into cooking without the mess. There are no buttons, twisting knobs, or hand-cramps—just tilt it over your dish and the built-in gravity sensor automatically starts grinding. The wide mouth makes refilling easy, it holds a generous amount of peppercorns, and the rechargeable design (via USB-C) is convenient. That said, the gravity sensor can be temperamental and sometimes takes a few flips to kick in, especially if under-charged or low on peppercorns. It’s also slower than most manual mills I tested.
OXO’s Radial Pepper Grinder has the brand’s signature ergonomic touch: a grippy handle that feels secure in hand and a compact body that’s easy to stash away. The side-mounted crank makes grinding simple in theory, and it produces a nice, even texture. In practice, though, it can be awkward to hold steady while turning, especially if your hands are small or slick from cooking. Still, for $17, it’s a budget-friendly option that has that classic restaurant feel from a rotary grinder.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I put salt or other spices in my pepper grinder?
It depends. Some models, particularly those with ceramic grinders, can be used for salt and other spices. But salt can corrode stainless steel and metal, so if your pepper grinder is made with those materials, use it exclusively for peppercorns. If you’re not sure, read the grinder’s instruction manual or check its website—it should say whether or not it’s compatible with other seasonings.
How do I clean my pepper grinder?
Most pepper mills should only be wiped down with a dry cloth. Don’t wash them with water unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s safe to do so (this can cause the grind mechanism to rust). And absolutely do not put them in the dishwasher.
