Best Overall
Home Ec Salt And Pepper Grinder
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There's a reason why professional chefs love to use spice mills for seasoning their dishes. When ground on the spot, many spices like pepper taste better. No amount of pre-ground pepper can deliver the same flavor because it loses its potency because of exposure to air. If you also want to improve the way your food tastes, a good set of salt and pepper grinders is a must-have in your kitchen. We've tested the best salt and pepper grinders on the market to bring you these top-rated recommendations. The HOME EC Salt and Pepper Grinder is our top pick, but the other items included in this curated list are just as impressive!
Buying Guide: Salt and Pepper Grinders
With so many salt and pepper grinders available online, it can be overwhelming to filter out all the options. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you get a handle on things. From electric grinders to manual grinders, salt and pepper grinders come in all shapes and sizes, and we're here to help you make sense of it all. Here's everything you need to know when buying a salt and pepper grinder.
Type
The type of salt and pepper mills is the first thing you should consider. You can choose between manual, electric, one-handed, two-handed, and two-in-one grinders.
Manual grinders
These are the types of spice salt and pepper grinders that you commonly find around restaurants and stores. You twist salt and pepper mills to grind the spices which are dispensed from the bottom.
Electric grinders
These types are a far more convenient, albeit expensive, kind of salt and pepper dispenser. Electric salt and pepper grinders are great because they do all the grinding at the press of a button — you don’t need to do any twisting or turning.
One-handed grinders
One-handed grinders come as a convenient and more flexible counterpart to a traditional two-handed spice grinder. They offer more mobility and help you save some valuable time.
Two-handed grinders
Two-handed spice mills are the regular spice grinders that you already know about. These mills have proved their worth over the long period of time they have been around.
Two-in-one grinders
These spice mills are gadgets that combine the two different types of mechanisms. They’ll have one on either side or will dispense salt when you twist in one direction and pepper when you twist in the opposite direction.
Grinder Material
Salt and pepper grinders are available in a vast range of materials, from simple to fancy and light to heavy. Some are crafted using natural materials; others are made with synthetic materials. Common examples of the materials used are:
Wood
Wood is a sturdy and durable material for spice mills because it does not break when dropped or banged around the kitchen. That said, wooden salt and pepper grinders are a bit difficult to maintain when compared to other materials.
Acrylic or plastic
Both these materials are synthetic yet very durable and easy to clean. They are lightweight and come in a wide range of colors — some even boast stainless steel accents for a stylish, more modern look.
Metal
Metallic spice mills are the sturdiest when it comes to durability, but their weight makes them trickier to use. Copper, aluminum, and steel grinders definitely add some shine to your kitchen, but they are also susceptible to rust.
Burr Material
You also have to think about the material of the burr used for grinding the spices. Nylon, steel, and ceramic are the most commonly used materials for the grinding mechanism.
Nylon
These grinding mechanisms are generally used for salt because of the material’s corrosion resistance. Unfortunately, it does lack in terms of durability when compared to other materials.
Steel
Steel burrs are ideal for grinding peppercorns. They are durable and efficient, and they grind the driest of spices with the slightest twist. That said, they may corrode when used for grinding salt.
Ceramic
You may call ceramic the best of all three materials because it is sharp, durable, and corrosion-resistant. Spice mills with ceramic grinding mechanisms can be used for both salt and pepper.
Size and Shape
Some users love the tall, wooden style of classic spice grinders. Others prefer them to be small and more modern. You should look at both options and choose the one that best meets your personal preferences.
Capacity
The capacity of salt and pepper grinders may not be a big concern for most home chefs. But if you are purchasing the set for a restaurant or catering setup, you’ll have to prioritize something with a bigger capacity.
These mills start from ⅛ cup and go up all the way to 1½ cup in terms of capacity. Think about how much you use these spices and choose accordingly. After all, you don’t want to end up with a large unit with spices losing flavor as they sit inside it for a long time.
Coarseness Setting
This is an important consideration when you want to control how fine or coarse the seasonings should be. Most salt and pepper grinders allow you to switch between coarse and fine settings, while some also have a medium setting. Then, there are a few models that let you choose between different levels of coarseness so you can season everything from steaks to stews and French fries. You should consider the type of dishes you create before settling on a particular option.
Care and Maintenance: Salt and Pepper Grinders
The care and maintenance of these grinders involve a good amount of attention, especially when you are cleaning their grinding mechanism.
You should never dunk your salt and pepper mills in water or place them in a dishwasher. Instead, you should carefully clean each component with a clean, wet towel and dry them with another cloth. Additionally, never use harsh detergents, alcohol, or any abrasives while cleaning these grinders, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Home Ec Salt And Pepper Grinder
- Most Essential: Modetro Salt And Pepper Grinder
- Easiest To Use: Xwxo Salt And Pepper Grinder
- Iconic Wooden Design: Uppwell Salt And Pepper Grinder
- Great Electric Option: Sweet Alice Salt And Pepper Grinder
- A Classic Look: Bill.F Salt And Pepper Grinder
Reviews
Most Essential
Modetro Salt And Pepper Grinder
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Easiest to Use
Xwxo Salt And Pepper Grinder
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Iconic Wooden Design
Uppwell Salt And Pepper Grinder
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Great Electric Option
Sweet Alice Salt And Pepper Grinder
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A Classic Look
Bill.F Salt And Pepper Grinder
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FAQs
Are salt and pepper grinders worth it?
Yes, salt and pepper grinders are definitely worth it. They can do wonders when it comes to enhancing the flavor of your foods. Freshly ground pepper releases aromatic oils that give you a superior taste and aroma. Similarly, when you grind coarse salt, it gives your foods a pure salty kick. This is something no pre-ground product can achieve.
Should I get grinders or shakers for salt and pepper?
While it really depends on your personal choice, grinding these seasonings on the spot makes your foods more flavorful. With shakers, you have to purchase pre-ground spices that are not as strong or flavorful as the ones you have freshly ground. Plus, salt and pepper grinders also give you more control over the grind size.
Why do chefs use grinders for dispensing salt and pepper?
Chefs like to use salt and pepper grinders to dispense freshly ground spices in their dishes. Pre-ground spices are exposed to air which oxidizes them, lowering their potency. Professional chefs realize this problem and usually prefer using freshly ground seasonings over store-bought, pre-ground variations.
How do I fix a jammed salt or pepper mill?
Your salt or pepper grinder can become jammed when it is overfilled or exposed to moisture. You can fix the jam by flipping the spice mill upside down and shaking it to move the spice toward the top. If it does not become loose, give the bottom several light taps. If this does not work, remove all the seasoning from the grinder and refill it to three-quarters full.
Is there a difference between a salt and pepper grinder?
Yes, there is a difference between a salt and pepper grinder. Because of its corrosive nature, a salt grinder typically contains a nylon or ceramic grinding mechanism. A pepper grinder, on the other hand, works well with a stainless steel or carbon grinding mechanism. These materials are sturdy enough to cut through tough peppercorns without getting damaged.