The Best Pepper Mills In 2023
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Even the most well-prepared dish can be underwhelming without a sprinkle of pepper — after all, there's a good reason why so many recipes end with the words "season to taste." Also called the "King of Spices," according to the International Pepper Community, pepper was in use in India some 4,000 years ago. The earthy spice was brought to Egypt by the Romans about 2,000 years later, eventually becoming an important trade commodity across Europe.
Not all pepper is created equal. Firstly, pepper comes in different varieties, each with its own flavor profile. Aside from black pepper, which arguably is the most popular type on the market, we also have white pepper, green pepper, pink pepper, and Szechuan pepper. There are also peppercorn blends that combine all the different colored peppercorns together.
While getting ahold of pre-ground pepper at your local grocery store is easy enough, many believe that pepper in this form is vastly inferior to its freshly ground counterpart. And this isn't just because grinding pepper over a dish at the dinner table may look suave. Once ground and packaged, pepper oxidizes, gradually losing its bold and spicy flavor. So, whether you're grilling a turkey or preparing a simple salad, this is precisely why grinding pepper at home can make such a huge difference to your final dish.
How we selected products
There's little doubt that pepper mills are perfect for extracting the aromas and flavors of peppercorns. Unfortunately, many pepper mills out there are a hassle to use — and we aren't just talking about the disposable kind. Many pepper grinders are tricky to fill and can be a pain to crank. Plus, some produce only minuscule amounts of pepper. This is where a quality pepper mill can help.
From classic-style manual pepper grinders to modern battery-operated and rechargeable mills, the options out there can seem overwhelming. Not to worry, however, because we have done the research for you. To select the best pepper mills in 2023, we looked at a huge range of products from various brands — both popular and lesser-known. We then consulted countless community and expert reviews to ensure that the products we selected for our list are worthy of both your money and a spot on your kitchen countertop.
Ready to elevate your cooking to the next level? Check out our roundup of the best pepper mills in 2023.
Best overall pepper mill
The Unicorn Magnum Plus 9-inch pepper mill is perfect for those who use a lot of pepper in their culinary endeavors. More specifically, the elegant gadget can accommodate up to 1¼ cups of peppercorns and comes with a large steel grinder. Made from ABS plastic, the mill also features a sliding side opening for convenient filling. In addition, the gadget comes with a handy thumb screw that lets you customize pepper grind size, although, according to Chris Gonzales from Tools & Toys, this mill doesn't produce finely powdered pepper.
Mike Vrobel from Dad Cooks Dinner goes as far as calling the Unicorn Magnum Plus 9-inch pepper mill the "best pepper grinder around." According to Vrobel, the gadget can grind a lot of pepper with very little effort — a teaspoon of pepper for every 15 twists of the mill, to be precise. Gonzales agrees, saying, "This beast is one of the most aggressive pepper mills I've ever seen, with nigh-unsurpassed pepper production per turn." The Unicorn Magnum Plus 9-inch pepper mill has received an outstanding 4.8 out of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers, indicating that it's more than adequate for its intended purpose. One satisfied customer says, "Just a single crank and I'm looking at more pepper than a good 10 seconds of effort got me out of my old one."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Unicorn Magnum Plus 9-inch pepper mill from Amazon starting at $59.
Best budget pepper mill
The Kitchen-Go pepper grinder is proof that a high-quality pepper mill need not cost a fortune. User-friendly and stylish, the glass mill comes with a copper-plated brushed stainless steel top and a ceramic grinder that can be adjusted to produce fine, medium, or coarse pepper. What makes the Kitchen-Go pepper grinder stand out from the pack, however, is the fact that it lets you grind pepper without taking the cap off. You open the cap when you want to access the ground pepper. This, in turn, keeps any leftover spice fresh for use at a later date. The Kitchen-Go pepper grinder measures 5.3 inches tall and has a ¾-cup capacity.
The Kitchen-Go pepper grinder has been awarded 4.4 out of 5 stars by Amazon shoppers, which indicates that it's a great value for the money. One reviewer says that the mill is "very comfortable in the hand," adding, "I got the bronze finish. It is very pretty and very expensive looking. I am replacing a plastic pepper grinder that cracked, so with the body of this being glass I will not have this problem again." On the downside, some shoppers point out that the mill has some durability issues.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Kitchen-Go pepper grinder from Amazon starting at $11.95.
Best pepper mill for a splurge
At close to $80, the Peugeot Olivier Roellinger pepper mill isn't cheap. However, if you're after a high-end retro-style gadget to add to your kitchen decor, the Peugeot Olivier Roellinger has you covered. Unlike most other pepper mills, the Peugeot Olivier Roellinger is meant to be used on a flat surface, such as a tabletop, rather than for sprinkling pepper on dishes from above.
Co-designed by the famous Michelin-starred French chef Olivier Roellinger, the square-shaped mill features a crank and a drawer that holds the ground peppercorns. The chocolate-colored wooden mill also comes with a notched, stainless steel wheel for grind size adjustments. The Peugeot Olivier Roellinger pepper mill carries a lifetime warranty on its grinding mechanism, so you can rest assured that you are buying a quality product.
The Peugeot Olivier Roellinger pepper mill has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 900 Amazon shoppers, 79% of whom have given the gadget 5 out of 5 stars. One customer says they love the product, elaborating, "This little box is wonderful! It's easy to add the peppercorns, and just give the handle a crank. The little drawer comes right out, ready to add to your recipe. [...] It is a bit pricey, but the quality is first rate. Your arms will thank you."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Peugeot Olivier Roellinger pepper mill from Amazon starting at $76.59.
Best one-handed pepper mill
The Dreamfarm Ortwo one-handed pepper mill definitely stands out from the pack and not just in terms of aesthetics. Most significantly, the mill lets you grind peppercorns with just one hand, making it ideal for those with dexterity issues. All you have to do is repeatedly squeeze the gadget's handles. The wide tempered-glass pepper jar is also very easy to fill and can be tossed in the dishwasher after use for easy cleaning. This, however, isn't the case for the detachable wooden handle, which should be cleaned by hand. Last but not least, the gadget's ceramic grinding mechanism features six different grind settings, from very fine to coarse.
Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon, the Dreamfarm Ortwo one-handed pepper mill hasn't done as well with shoppers as some other spice mills. Nevertheless, we believe that it deserves a spot on our list due to its unique design. One buyer sums this up, saying, "I have gone through many pepper grinders In my life, most were just a little better than useless. Finally I found this one. Just squeeze the wooden handles for a little bit or open the handles up, grab one in each hand and go to town!" This being said, some reviewers complain that the mill is actually quite hard to use with one hand.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Dreamfarm Ortwo one-handed pepper mill from Amazon starting at $38.15.
Best pepper mill combo
Perfect for compact kitchens, the Cole & Mason Lincoln duo grinder is designed to hold both salt and pepper. To elaborate, the 7.5-inch mill comes with two ceramic grinder stones, which can be tightened or loosened depending on your desired pepper and salt consistency. To season your meal, simply hold the mill at the bottom and twist its midsection. The Cole & Mason Lincoln duo grinder is made from acrylic and comes with a 10-year mechanism guarantee for peace of mind.
Overall, Amazon shoppers have given the Cole & Mason Lincoln duo grinder the green light, rating it 4.4 out of 5 stars. One buyer calls the gadget a "great grinder," adding, "I have explored many combined salt and pepper grinders and find this one the easiest to use. It holds well, is sturdy, and the grinder on both ends is easy to operate." On the downside, some shoppers say that customizing the grind size to your exact specifications with the gadget can be tricky.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Cole & Mason Lincoln duo grinder from Amazon starting at $23.89.
Best pepper mill for the style-conscious
Available in black and walnut, the Fletchers' Mill Newport pepper mill is more than just a kitchen gadget — it's a fashion statement. Tall and slender, the 17-inch mill comes with a unique lock and grind system that crushes the peppercorn before grinding it to maximize flavor. In addition, the grinder can be customized to one of 33 grind settings, which can then be locked in place for future use — something most other pepper mills don't offer. Significantly, the Fletchers' Mill Newport pepper mill is made in America from sustainable wood, so you can feel good about your purchase.
The Fletchers' Mill Newport pepper mill rates a solid 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon, which indicates that most shoppers are happy with the product. One customer calls the mill awesome, commenting, "This thing is GIANT. A great statement piece for your kitchen, but also very functional. I love it." Another reviewer concurs, saying, "I love this pepper mill. It is beautifully made, and works effortlessly. A purchase I am very pleased with. Expensive, but if you grind as much pepper as me, it is well worth it."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Fletchers' Mill Newport pepper mill from the brand's website starting at $71.45.
Best oversized pepper mill
At 20 inches, the Airchr wood pepper mill is a giant in all senses of the word. Available in light wood, brown, and black, the natural oak grinder is both aesthetically pleasing and sturdy. More specifically, the large-capacity mill features a stainless steel grinding mechanism for maximum durability.
Having received very few Amazon reviews, the Airchr wood pepper mill is clearly flying under the radar. Nevertheless, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, the gadget is clearly doing relatively well with shoppers. One buyer calls the mill a "great statement piece," elaborating, "I love this pepper mill. [...] It looks great and is easy to use. This would make a fabulous gift for any chef or foodie!" Another shopper agrees, saying, "The ridiculous size of this for my home kitchen brings me great joy. Good quality, sturdy design, looks great. [...] 10/10 would buy again."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Airchr wood pepper mill from Amazon starting at $35.99.
Best battery-operated pepper mill
Unlike some manual pepper mills, the Latent Epicure salt and pepper grinder set doesn't require any muscle power. On the contrary, the battery-operated mills grind salt and pepper at the touch of a button. Some of the gadgets' other features include a sturdy ceramic grinder, different coarseness settings, and a light for seasoning dishes in dimly lit spaces. The mill set also comes with an acrylic rest to catch any stray salt and pepper after use.
The Latent Epicure salt and pepper grinder set has received positive ratings on different platforms, including 9.1 out of 10 on Don't Waste Your Money and 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon. Most shoppers praise the gadgets, with one saying, "Finally, a pepper mill that's easy to use, and the adjustments work great." Another shopper echoes this sentiment, commenting, "My hubs loves to grind his own black pepper and salt, but he has arthritis in [his] hands, which makes it hard to turn manually. I saw this set on TikTok and had high hopes [the mills] would work good. So far, so good and he is loving them." On the downside, some reviewers note that the grinders have a low capacity, which means that they need to be refilled more frequently than other spice mills.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Latent Epicure salt and pepper grinder set from Amazon starting at $32.97.
Best wooden pepper mill
Made from chocolate-colored beech wood harvested from sustainably managed forests, the Peugeot Paris u'Select pepper mill features the iconic grinder design we have all grown to know and love. Plus, the 9-inch pepper mill comes with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel grinder that first crushes and then grinds the peppercorns to best extract their flavors and aromas. It also features six different grind settings. To start grinding, all you have to do is set the gadget to your desired coarseness level and twist its top clockwise. The Peugeot Paris u'Select pepper mill comes partially filled with Tan Hoi black pepper from Vietnam, so you can start using it right after it arrives on your doorstep.
The New York Times calls the Peugeot Paris u'Select pepper mill a "true design icon," pointing to its "ergonomic nipped waist; smooth, warm wood; and voluptuous, turned lines reminiscent of the bishop piece on a chess set." Meanwhile, Foodal comments on the mill's performance, highlighting that it's very easy to turn and that it grinds peppercorns faster than many of its competitors. This being said, the platform also points out that the grinder's wooden body can be affected by moisture, making it less than ideal for humid environments.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Peugeot Paris u'Select pepper mill from Amazon starting at $49.95.
Best rechargeable pepper mill
The Cuisinart rechargeable mill comes with a compact base that keeps the gadget continually charged. The nifty charging base features a light that lets you know when the device is charging or ready to use as well as a convenient removable tray. Made from plastic or stainless steel depending on the model you select, the mill boasts two grinding containers — one for salt and one for pepper. It can also be customized to switch between fine and coarse grinds. The Cuisinart rechargeable mill is backed by a three-year limited warranty.
Amazon shoppers have rated the Cuisinart rechargeable mill 4.4 out of 5 stars, with many appreciating how easy the grinder is to use. One shopper, who says they have been searching high and low for this type of gadget, highlights, "First and foremost, I love that I can charge it on a docking stand. [...] There's no fuss with cords and remembering to charge or deal with batteries." Another buyer agrees, saying, "Incredibly convenient. The salt and pepper come out smoothly and quickly."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Cuisinart rechargeable mill from Amazon starting at $49.95.
Best compact pepper mill
With a capacity of just ⅓ cup, the Kuhn Rikon mini vase grinder is one of the smallest mills on the market. And while it may not be the best option for big families, the compact grinder is perfect for traveling chefs and those on the go. Available in black, red, and white, the 5-inch mill features a ceramic grinding mechanism that can be adjusted to produce fine or coarse pepper.
Overall Amazon shoppers have been pleased with the Kuhn Rikon mini vase grinder, awarding it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Among the comments from the mill's fans: "Grinds very efficiently," "Grinds a lot of pepper very fast," and "A lot of control with the coarseness of the grind." However, there are two sides to every story. And this is definitely the case for the Kuhn Rikon mini vase grinder. Some reviewers point out that the mill has some durability issues and isn't ideal for grinding small seeds such as flaxseeds.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Kuhn Rikon mini vase grinder from Amazon starting at $21.60.
Best pepper mill for color variety
Available in a range of striking colors including cerise, oyster, and sea salt, the Le Creuset pepper mill is bound to make a splash in your kitchen. Better still, the mill blends a classic design with a modern ceramic grinding mechanism that can be customized to produce finer or coarse grinds. The acrylic ABS-finished mill is also very easy to clean — simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.
While the Le Creuset pepper mill comes from a reputable brand and is bound to look fabulous on your dining table, thus far it has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from reviewers on Amazon. One satisfied shopper writes, "A perfect companion to my salt mill. Works great, looks great, and appears durable." On the other hand, quite a number of consumers seem disappointed with the fact that the grinder is made from plastic. This, however, is clearly stated in the product description, so it shouldn't come as a surprise.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Le Creuset pepper mill from Amazon starting at $45.95.
Best designed pepper mill
Ideal for grinding large peppercorns, the FinaMill battery-operated pepper mill is composed of a grinding machine and two plastic spice pods. To use the mill, simply fill each pod with a spice, attach it to the battery-operated body, decide on your desired grind size, and press the button on the top of the device. A LED light will activate during the grinding process. Just like most other pepper mills, the FinaMill battery-operated pepper mill comes with a sturdy ceramic grinder.
As noted by Best Products, one of the best features of the FinaMill battery-operated pepper mill is that it lets you grind multiple seasonings — for example, you can store your pepper in one pod and salt in the other. The platform also points out that you can easily buy add-on pods if you wish to grind a greater variety of spices.
The FinaMill battery-operated pepper mill has been awarded 4.6 out of 5 stars by more than 1,700 Amazon shoppers, with 77% of customers rating the gadget 5 out of 5 stars. One happy reviewer calls the mill a "game changer," elaborating, "This device is so handy and has made cooking and meal prep all the more fun and enjoyable; easy to use; light function is convenient; and fool proof. Switching the pods is simple and can use the whole thing with one hand without a problem."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the FinaMill battery-operated pepper mill from Amazon starting at $44.99.
Best manual pepper mill for ease of use
Unlike other manual pepper mills that require twisting, the Kuhn Rikon adjustable ratchet grinder comes with a lever. To grind pepper, all you need to do is fill the gadget with peppercorns and move the handle back and forth. This simple action makes the device perfect for those suffering from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other dexterity issues.
The BPA-free plastic mill features a ceramic grinder, which can be adjusted to produce coarse to fine pepper. Plus, the 8.5-inch grinder comes with a large opening at the front for stress-free filling. This being said, please note that the Kuhn Rikon adjustable ratchet grinder isn't dishwasher-safe.
Standing testament to its ease of use and quality, the Kuhn Rikon adjustable ratchet grinder has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 2,700 Amazon buyers. One shopper awards the mill top marks, saying, "The traditional twist pepper grinders/mills are great for the table, but for cooking they just don't cut it. [You] spend ages just twisting and twisting to get a few tablespoons for a recipe. The ratchet grinder changes everything. Very efficient and easy to use."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Kuhn Rikon adjustable ratchet grinder from Amazon starting at $23.95.