The Best Spice Grinders and Mills for 2025, According to Chefs
July 23, 2025
Overview
Elevate your culinary experience with our expert guide to the best spice grinders and mills of 2025! We've consulted with top chefs to curate a list of the most effective and durable tools for grinding your own spices, unlocking fresh, vibrant flavors in your cooking. Discover the perfect spice grinder to suit your needs, whether you're a professional chef seeking precision or a home cook wanting to enhance your dishes with freshly ground aromatics. Explore a variety of manual and electric options, comparing features, materials, and price points to find the ideal grinder for your kitchen.
Senior Editor
Our top picks
The Most Premium Spice Mill for Professional Chefs: Derwent Pepper Mill, $59.95
The Best Electric Spice Grinder for Convenience: Battery Spice Grinder, $44.99
The Best Manual Spice Grinder for Precision: Peugeot Bistro Pepper Mill, $32.11
The Ideal Spice Grinder for Fresh Nutmeg: Zassenhaus Mephisto Nutmeg Mill, $56.95
The Best Budget-Friendly Spice Grinder for Home Cooks: Contoured Pepper Grinder, $17.99
The Most Stylish Spice Grinder: Wood or Steel?: Peugeot BALI FONTE Pepper Mill, $49.99
Best Overall Spice Grinders: Chef's Choice
Top-rated spice grinders, combining performance, durability, and chef-approved features.
Everyday Pod
$14.99
The Everyday Pod is an affordable, electric spice grinder with a simple design suited for quick use. Its wide refill opening reduces mess, but its limited capacity and lack of extensive user feedback mean it’s less ideal for heavy-duty tasks. It scores lower at 5.5/10, making it suitable for casual spice grinding needs.
The Good
• The Everyday Pod features a wide opening for mess-free refilling, reducing spills during spice transfers.
The Bad
• The pod's capacity may be limited for users who require larger quantities of ground spices.
Grinding Method: Electric / Materials: Plastic / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Paris u'Select
$68.95
The Paris u'Select mill features sharp blades and six predefined grind settings, providing precise control, but it scored just around average due to user reports of requiring excessive effort. Its ergonomic design feels comfortable, yet some find the grind barely effective at times. This mill works well if you prioritize style and adjustable options over heavy-duty grinding.
The Good
• The u'Select system offers six predefined grind settings for precise coarseness adjustment.
• The mill's ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip during use.
The Bad
• Some users report that the mill barely grinds, requiring excessive effort to use.
• The top screw may require frequent adjustment to maintain optimal grinding performance.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Wood / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Premium Spice Mills for Professional Chefs
High-end spice grinders built for precision and longevity, as recommended by experts.
Derwent Pepper Mill
$59.95
The Derwent Pepper Mill offers a stylish acrylic body and six adjustable grind settings, allowing precise control from fine to coarse. While it provides good performance, some users report durability issues over prolonged use, and sunlight exposure may diminish spice flavor. Its modern look makes it a favored choice for those seeking both function and style at 8/10.
The Good
• The grinder offers six adjustable settings, providing a range from fine to coarse grinds.
• The clear acrylic body allows easy monitoring of spice levels and adds a modern aesthetic.
The Bad
• Some users report durability issues, with the grinder becoming less dependable over time.
• The clear acrylic body may expose spices to sunlight, potentially diminishing their flavor over time.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Acrylic / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Electric Spice Grinders: Convenience Meets Flavor
Fast and efficient electric grinders to effortlessly elevate your cooking experience.
Peugeot Daman Electric Pepper Mill
$89.99
The Peugeot Daman Electric Pepper Mill offers stylish, compact design combined with an adjustable grind and built-in light for precise seasoning. Its stainless steel body and ergnomic shape make it comfortable to use, although some users find the grind adjustment tricky during operation. Price and battery dependency are minor drawbacks, but its sleek look justifies the investment.
The Good
• The mill features a compact and ergonomic design for comfortable handling.
• The transparent reservoir allows users to easily monitor peppercorn levels.
• The built-in light helps users see the amount of pepper being dispensed.
The Bad
• Some users find the grind size adjustment mechanism difficult to use during operation.
• The mill requires six AAA batteries, which may be considered excessive by some users.
• The mill is not dishwasher safe and requires manual cleaning.
Grinding Method: Electric / Materials: Stainless Steel / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Mueller Austria HyperGrind
$21.97
The Mueller Austria HyperGrind offers a sleek design and easy aesthetic compatibility, making it a decent choice for casual use. However, its motor tends to overheat quickly and the small capacity of 60 grams limits continuous grinding. In our testing, it’s suitable for light use but doesn’t match higher-rated electric grinders for durability or performance.
The Good
• The grinder is well designed and fits in easily with any aesthetic.
The Bad
• The motor overheats quickly, making it hard to moderate the grind to get coarser or finer.
• The amount you can grind is small.
Grinding Method: Electric / Materials: Stainless Steel / Adjustable Grind: false / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Cuisinart Spice and Nut Grinder
$47.49
The Cuisinart Spice and Nut Grinder combines power and versatility, quickly transforming ingredients with its efficient motor and stainless steel blades. While its small capacity and occasional durability concerns may be limiting for heavy use, its one-touch operation makes it a user-friendly choice. It’s great for quick, fresh spice or nut preparations.
The Good
• Powerful motor quickly grinds even tough spices and nuts.
• Versatile, suitable for a wide range of ingredients, including coffee beans.
• User-friendly with simple one-touch operation.
The Bad
• Can be somewhat loud during operation.
• Limited capacity might require multiple batches for larger quantities.
• Some users report issues with motor durability over time.
Grinding Method: Electric / Materials: Stainless Steel / Adjustable Grind: false / Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe
Battery Spice Grinder
$44.99
The Battery Spice Grinder introduces innovation with interchangeable spice pods and adjustable coarseness, offering versatility in a sleek, compact design. Its reliance on batteries and limited review details impact its score, but it’s perfect for on-the-go use or small kitchens. It’s an interesting choice for convenience-minded cooks willing to compromise slightly on durability.
The Good
• Interchangeable pods allow for easy switching between different spices without cross-contamination.
• Adjustable coarseness settings provide flexibility in achieving the desired grind for various spices and recipes.
• Sleek and compact design makes it easy to handle and store in any kitchen space.
The Bad
• Battery-powered operation requires regular battery replacements or recharging.
• The motor may struggle with harder spices, leading to slower grinding performance.
• Initial investment cost may be higher, especially if purchasing additional spice pods or accessories.
Grinding Method: Electric / Materials: Plastic / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
KRUPS Coffee Grinder
$19.99
The Krups Coffee Grinder offers a surprisingly large capacity with easy one-touch operation, making it convenient for grinding spices in addition to coffee beans. Its compact design is great for small kitchens, but its plastic housing and small chamber limit its effectiveness for frequent spice grinding—certainly less durable than dedicated spice mills. During our review, we found it ideal for light spice use, though it requires frequent refills due to its small chamber.
The Good
• Large grinding capacity allows for processing multiple spices or coffee beans at once.
• Simple one-touch operation makes it user-friendly.
• Compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.
The Bad
• Plastic housing can shatter if the grinder is dropped.
• Blades are not removable, making thorough cleaning difficult.
• Grinding chamber is relatively small, requiring frequent refilling for larger batches.
Grinding Method: Electric / Materials: Plastic / Adjustable Grind: false / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Battersea Salt & Pepper Mills Set
$69.95
The Battersea Salt & Pepper Mills Set scores highly with adjustable grind control and one-handed operation, adding both style and functionality to your kitchen. The built-in LED light improves seasoning accuracy, which is a nice touch. While not the highest scorer overall, its electric ease of use and sleek stainless steel design make it a solid choice, though the battery requirement and limited capacity mean it’s best for moderate seasoning needs.
The Good
• One-handed operation allows for easy use while cooking.
• Adjustable grind settings provide control over seasoning texture.
• Built-in LED light ensures accurate seasoning, even in low light.
The Bad
• Requires six AAA batteries per mill, which are not included.
• Some users report slower grinding speed compared to manual grinders.
• Limited spice capacity may necessitate frequent refilling.
Grinding Method: Electric / Materials: Stainless Steel / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Manual Spice Grinders: Precision and Control
Classic manual grinders that provide hands-on control and exceptional grind consistency.
Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder
$27.68
The Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder stands out for its effortless operation, thanks to its ratchet handle and ceramic grinding stone, earning an impressive 8.5/10. It’s versatile with adjustable settings, though it requires manual cleaning and isn’t dishwasher safe. Its ease of use makes it a great choice for home cooks seeking reliable performance at an affordable price.
The Good
• The ratchet mechanism allows for easy grinding with minimal effort.
• The adjustable grind setting provides versatility for different spice textures.
• The ceramic grinding stone ensures consistent performance and longevity.
The Bad
• The grinder is not dishwasher safe and requires manual cleaning.
• Some users report durability issues with the plastic components.
• The filling door can be small and awkward, leading to spills during refilling.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Plastic / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Microplane Spice Mill
$15.99
The Microplane Spice Mill offers a modern, sleek design ideal for grinding cinnamon and nutmeg, thanks to its fine grind and airtight storage. While it’s easy to use and produces consistent results, its durability can be compromised over time, especially with plastic parts, and its small capacity may require frequent refilling. It scored well at 7.5/10 for style and function.
The Good
• Produces a fine grind suitable for spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Compact design with built-in storage for whole spices.
• Easy to use with light pressure and simple twist operation.
The Bad
• Small capacity may require frequent refilling for larger tasks.
• Not versatile; primarily designed for hard spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
• Some users report durability issues over time, especially with plastic components.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Stainless Steel / Adjustable Grind: false / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Orto
$29.99
The Orto manual grinder is notably versatile, featuring six adjustable grind settings and a dishwasher-safe glass jar, which earns it a solid 8/10. Despite its fragility and some handling challenges, its ability to go from super-fine to coarse makes it a favorite for those seeking control. It’s a practical and stylish option for home cooks who don’t mind gentle handling.
The Good
• Features six adjustable grind settings from super-fine to coarse.
• Glass spice jar is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
The Bad
• Some users report the glass jar is fragile and prone to breaking.
• One-handed operation may be challenging for users with smaller hands.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Wood / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Best Pepper Mills for Freshly Ground Pepper
Essential pepper mills for adding a touch of spice and flavor to your dishes.
Peugeot Bistro Pepper Mill
$32.11
The Peugeot Bistro Pepper Mill is a classic, well-made manual grinder that performs reliably with adjustable coarseness, earning a solid 7/10. Its compact size and appealing design make it a charming addition to any table, though some find the small size less comfortable for larger hands. Its limited grind range and occasional screw loosening might be drawbacks for frequent use.
The Good
• The Peugeot Bistro Pepper Mill features a classic design that feels substantial and comfortable in hand.
• The mill is well-made, performs its function effectively, and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The Bad
• Its compact size may be too small for users with larger hands, making it less comfortable to use.
• The grind size adjustment may not offer a wide range, limiting the coarseness options for users.
• Some users have reported that the top screw can loosen during use, requiring frequent retightening.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Wood / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Unicorn Black Pepperstick
$34.00
The Unicorn Black Pepperstick is a portable, restaurant-grade manual grinder that delivers large quantities of ground pepper with minimal effort. Its slim, tall profile and adjustable grind are convenient, though its design may cause tipping and discomfort for some users. This mill is best for on-the-go use or limited spaces, rather than continuous grinding.
The Good
• Produces a large amount of pepper with minimal effort.
• Compact size makes it convenient for storage and use in small kitchens.
• Designed for portability with features like a holster and wall clip.
The Bad
• Narrow and tall design may cause it to tip over easily.
• Slim profile can make it uncomfortable to hold for some users.
• Not designed to stand upright on a table, requiring alternative storage solutions.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Plastic / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Contoured Pepper Grinder
$17.99
The Contoured Pepper Grinder features an ergonomic design and spill-proof mechanism, making it comfortable and mess-free to use. Its adjustable coarseness is a plus, but some users find the finest setting too coarse and report refilling difficulties. Its overall robustness may be questioned over time, but it remains a handy budget-friendly option.
The Good
• Ergonomic design ensures comfortable grip, even with wet hands.
• Adjustable grind settings allow customization from fine to coarse.
• Mess-free mechanism prevents spills on countertops.
The Bad
• Finest grind setting may still be too coarse for some users.
• Some users report difficulty in refilling the grinder.
• Durability concerns with parts potentially falling apart over time.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Stainless Steel / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Peugeot BALI FONTE Pepper Mill
$49.99
The Peugeot BALI FONTE Pepper Mill combines stylish cast iron craftsmanship with solid performance, topped with an elegant blue finish. Its small size means frequent refilling is necessary, and some users have noted inconsistent grinding. Despite these minor issues, its unique design lends a distinctive touch to any table setting.
The Good
• Solid and stylish design.
The Bad
• Compact size requires frequent refilling.
• Some units have unreliable grinding mechanisms.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Cast Iron / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Bistro Antique
$44.95
The Bistro Antique’s vintage, French-inspired design adds charm to any table, and its manual operation performs well for salt and pepper. Nonetheless, durability concerns due to potential wood cracking and inconsistent grind adjustment prevent it from scoring higher. It’s best suited for decorative use and light seasoning tasks.
The Good
• The pepper mill has a classic, vintage design reminiscent of French mills from the 1950s.
The Bad
• Some users report that the grinding mechanism is inconsistent and difficult to adjust.
• The wood construction may crack over time, leading to durability concerns.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Wood / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Fletchers' Mill Federal Pepper Mill
$57.99
Fletchers' Mill Federal Pepper Mill is a reliable, handcrafted tool with precise adjustable coarseness, suitable for various seasonings. Its small capacity is a slight drawback, holding only about 30 grams, but its smooth operation and classic wood design make it a durable choice for seasoned cooks. It’s a solid option for those who prioritize control and craftsmanship.
The Good
• The adjustable coarseness feature allows for precise control from fine to coarse, catering to various culinary needs.
• The grinding mechanism operates smoothly, consistently delivering the desired texture of salt with ease.
The Bad
• The capacity does seem a bit low; it seems as though it only holds a couple tablespoonfuls of peppercorns.
• The knob may not be easy to turn.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Wood / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Fletchers' Mill Newport Pepper Mill
$76.00
The Fletchers' Mill Newport Pepper Mill is our top-rated choice in this batch, thanks to its highly adjustable coarseness and handcrafted quality. The Maine-made craftsmanship adds durability, and the stainless steel grinding mechanism effectively releases pepper flavor. Its relatively small capacity requires more frequent refilling, but for precision seasoning and professional results, it surpasses many competitors, making it an excellent investment for serious cooks.
The Good
• The adjustable coarseness feature allows for precise control from fine to coarse, catering to various culinary needs.
• The pepper mill is handcrafted in Maine, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and durability.
• The stainless steel 2-step grinding mechanism effectively crushes peppercorns, enhancing the flavor of dishes.
The Bad
• The pepper mill is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market.
• The large size of the mill may not be suitable for kitchens with limited space.
• The capacity of the mill is quite small, requiring frequent refilling.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Wood / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
The Ideal Spice Grinder for Nutmeg
Find the best grinder to unlock the aroma and taste of fresh nutmeg.
Zassenhaus Mephisto Nutmeg Mill
$56.95
The Zassenhaus Mephisto Nutmeg Mill is a premium manual tool crafted with a heavy-duty zinc body and stainless steel grinding mechanism, ensuring long-lasting performance. Its adjustable coarseness makes it perfect for precise nutmeg grating, and its sophisticated design adds a touch of elegance. While it excels at grinding nutmeg, its higher price and limited spice compatibility make it less versatile compared to other mills.
The Good
• High-quality construction with a heavy-duty zinc body and stainless steel grinding mechanism ensures durability and longevity.
• Adjustable grind mechanism allows users to choose the desired level of coarseness for their nutmeg.
• Attractive design adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen.
The Bad
• Manual operation can be time-consuming for larger quantities.
• Limited to nutmeg; cannot be used for other spices.
• Priced higher than some other nutmeg mills in the market.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Stainless Steel / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Cole & Mason Wallis Nutmeg Grinder
$44.95
The Cole & Mason Wallis Nutmeg Grinder holds up to six nutmeg kernels, offering a handy combination of convenience and quality with its stainless steel blades. While its ergonomic handle makes grinding effortless, some users report small pieces remaining unground, and its acrylic body might scratch over time. It’s ideal for those who want fresh nutmeg with minimal fuss.
The Good
• Holds up to six nutmeg kernels, making it easy to store and reload.
• Two stainless steel serrated blades ensure consistent and efficient grinding.
• Ergonomic chrome crank handle allows for effortless grinding.
The Bad
• Some users report that small pieces of nutmeg remain unground, requiring manual grinding.
• Acrylic body may be prone to scratching over time.
• Not dishwasher safe; requires manual cleaning.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Acrylic / Adjustable Grind: false / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Classic Spice Grater
$10.99
The Microplane Spice Mill scores well at 7/10 for its modern look and ultra-sharp blades, making quick work of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Its narrow grating surface and potential durability issues, especially with plastic parts, are minor inconveniences. It excels for style and convenience, perfect for spice lovers who want quick, fresh grating.
The Good
• The grater features ultra-sharp, photo-etched stainless steel blades for efficient grating.
• The ergonomic soft-touch handle provides comfort during use.
• The grater is dishwasher safe, allowing for easy cleaning.
The Bad
• The grating surface is relatively narrow, which may limit the amount of spice grated at once.
• The sharp blades require careful handling to avoid injury.
• The protective cover is not dishwasher safe, requiring manual cleaning.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Stainless Steel / Adjustable Grind: false / Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe
Peugeot Nutmeg Grinder
$65.95
The Peugeot Nutmeg Grinder is a beautiful, durable manual tool that produces reliable performance, earning a respectable 7.5 out of 10. Its consistent, easy-to-use mechanism makes it great for grating fresh nutmeg, though its flaky grind results and limited spice versatility hold it back slightly. If you mainly need freshly ground nutmeg for baking or drinks, this grinder delivers elegance and performance, despite its narrow focus.
The Good
• The grinder is durable and consistently performs well.
• The design is aesthetically pleasing and it is easy to use.
The Bad
• The grinding result is flakey rather than powdery.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Acrylic / Adjustable Grind: false / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
Spice Grinders for Home Cooks on a Budget
Affordable spice grinders that offer great value and improve flavor profiles.
Lincoln Duo Mill
$29.95
The Lincoln Duo Mill shines as our top-rated choice, thanks to its dual ceramic mechanisms that provide consistent, adjustable grinds from coarse to fine. Its transparent design makes monitoring easy, and the pre-filled spices add immediate value. While the acrylic isn’t as durable as metal, the overall efficiency and user-friendly features make it highly recommended.
The Good
• The dual ceramic mechanisms provide consistent grinds and are adjustable from coarse to fine.
• The clear acrylic body allows easy monitoring of salt and pepper levels.
• The mill comes pre-filled with premium Vietnamese black peppercorns and Belgian sea salt for immediate use.
The Bad
• The acrylic construction may be less durable compared to metal alternatives.
• The mill is not dishwasher safe and requires manual cleaning.
• The capacity for pepper is relatively small at 23 grams, requiring frequent refills.
Grinding Method: Manual / Materials: Acrylic / Adjustable Grind: true / Ease of Cleaning: Manual Cleaning
