When it comes to finishing a dish, freshly cracked black pepper can pull the whole meal together. But not all pepper mills are created equal. Some jam mid-turn. Others scatter pepper dust like confetti and leave a mess on your counter. The worst ones require a full upper-body workout just to season your eggs.
Our top picks
- Best pepper grinder overall: Männkitchen Pepper Canon
- Best electric pepper mill: Black Rain Pepper Mill
- Best budget: OXO Good Grip Mess-Free Pepper Grinder
- Most stylish: Le Creuset Pepper Mill
- Most versatile: FinnaMill Spice Mill
- Best salt and pepper grinder set: Cole & Mason Bromley Salt & Pepper Set
If you've ever found yourself furiously twisting a cheap mill while your pasta gets cold, you’re not alone. I tested the internet’s favorite pepper grinders to find the ones that made seasoning my food easy, and I chatted with professional chefs for their tips on what to look for in one. Whether you’re in the market for a sleek electric model or an old-fashioned grinder that gets the job done, these are the best pepper mills worth buying.
New in this update: We tested an additional eight pepper mills for this update, three of which earned spots in our top picks: Black Rain Pepper Mill, which unseated our previous pick for the best electric mill from Zwilling; the FinnaMill, an electric grinder that comes with refillable spice pods you can use to grind different spices; and a salt and pepper set from Cole & Mason.
- Best overall: Männkitchen
- Best electric: Black Rain
- Best budget: Oxo Mess-Free
- Most stylish: Le Creuset
- Most versatile: FinnaMill
- Best set: Cole & Mason Bromley Set
- How we tested pepper grinders
- What to consider when shopping for a pepper mill
- Other grinders we tested and liked
- Pepper mills we don’t recommend
- FAQs
Best overall: Männkitchen Pepper Canon
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 40-plus customizable grind settings
- Easy to fill
- Large capacity
- Extremely aesthetic
Cons:
- Really expensive
- Heavy
Specs
Size: 2.2" x 2.2" x 7.25"
Grind settings: 46
What we love: I didn’t want to love this pepper mill because I cannot justify spending $200 on a kitchen gadget; however, it’s the real deal. The packaging alone—a sleek matte black box—feels luxe straight out the gate. That high-end feel carries over to the Pepper Canon itself, which looks like something you’d see in a Michelin-star kitchen.
Designed with precision and performance in mind, it cranks out pepper at an absurd rate—up to 10 times faster than a typical mill—thanks to its high-carbon stainless-steel burrs and generous internal capacity. You’ll feel the difference the moment you pick it up: This thing is hefty, crafted from a solid block of aerospace-grade aluminum and finished with a hard anodized coating that resists corrosion and wear. It’s also incredibly versatile and has more than 40 grind settings, ranging from chunky cracked pepper to dust.
I particularly liked the top, which just pops off with the press of a button for quick refills. Many of the other grinders I tested require a twisting mechanism to refill the mills, but this one pops on and off with ease. As I said, I didn’t want to like this thing based on the price tag alone, but alas, I love it. It’s an investment, sure, but if you use pepper every day (which most of us do), it’ll pay for itself. And it’ll get you tons of compliments when your friends come over for dinner.
What we'd leave: It’s $200, which is, well, exorbitant. Unless you go through pepper like a professional, or are a professional, the cost is hard to stomach. It’s also heavy compared to other mills I tested (just over 1 lb.), which makes sense given the high-end materials used.
Best electric: Black Rain Pepper Mill
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy one-hand, push-button operation
- Adjustable grind settings
- Sleek and aesthetic
- Rechargeable
- Quiet
Cons:
- Requires regular charging
- Expensive
- Closing it after you refill it can be a bit clunky
Specs
- Size: 2.62"W x 7"
- Grind settings: 5
What we love: I’m such a luddite when it comes to kitchen gadgets because I don’t want another thing I have to remember to recharge. That said, if I had to buy an electric pepper mill, it would definitely be this one. The Black Rain Pepper Mill is the pepper grinder for anyone who wants perfectly ground pepper with minimal effort. A simple push of a button activates its powerful ceramic grinder, releasing a steady “rain” (lol) of freshly cracked pepper right where you want it. There’s no twisting or cranking required (unless you want to change the grind setting, in which you twist a collar), you just press and go. It’s sleek, rechargeable via USB-C, and surprisingly quiet for an electric model. The LED light at the base helps you see exactly where you’re seasoning (a genuinely useful detail), and the minimalist black matte design looks sharp.
What we don’t love: It’s bulky and refilling it can be a bit clunky. You have to press the button on the front and twist off the top to refill the body with peppercorns, then line the top back up and twist it back to lock it in. Not the worst thing, but also not the most convenient for folks who may have mobility issues. Also, it’s rechargeable—a blessing and a curse for analog home chefs like me. The charge lasts a long time, but just remember to plug it in every once in a while otherwise you might wind up with a dead mill.
Best budget: Oxo Mess-Free Pepper Grinder
Pros and cons
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- Relatively affordable
- Pre-filled and easy to refill
- Relatively mess-free
Cons
- Limited grind settings
- Adjusting the setting can be finicky
Specs
Size: 2.2" x 2.2" x 5.5"
Grind settings/type: Ceramic mill
What we love: This is a fairly priced pepper mill I can get behind. And, true to most of Oxo’s products, it feels great to use. The soft, nonslip grip makes it easy to twist, even with damp or greasy hands, and the clear acrylic body means you’ll never forget when it’s time to refill (bonus: it comes prefilled so you can use it directly out of the box). It grinds from the top, which helps avoid pepper from spraying everywhere.
While it doesn’t offer the ultra-precise grind settings of a premium mill, it does feature an adjustable dial at the top so you can toggle between fine and coarse grinds depending on what you’re making. For under $30, it punches above its weight in durability and design—and it’s one of the few options that actually considers cleanup as part of the user experience.
What we'd leave: It’s not the prettiest grinder on the market. What it lacks in looks, it makes up in functionality. It’s also on the smaller side, so if you’re someone who goes through a lot of pepper, be prepared to refill it more often than others. Finally, the grind dial can be a bit finicky—sometimes it feels a little jammed and it takes a bit of extra muscle to get it to slide.
Most stylish: Le Creuset Pepper Mill
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very aesthetic and available in a wide range of colors
- Extremely intuitive and easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Adjusting the grind setting can be finicky
Specs
Size: 2.4" x 2.4" x 8.1"
Grind settings/type: Acrylic mills
What we love: I’m a sucker for Le Creuset’s candy-colored enamel cookware, and now, its pepper mills. With its glossy finish, curvy silhouette, and signature Le Creuset colorways, it feels more like a statement piece than a utilitarian tool. Of all the pepper mills I tried, this was the one I wanted to leave out on my counter the most.
Fortunately, it grinds as good as it looks. Is it as technical as the Männkitchen or Zwilling models? Definitely not. But it is straightforward, so if you’re someone who wants to get the peppery job done, it won’t disappoint. The grind size is adjustable via the metal knob at the top; just twist it for finer or coarser results. If you're someone who loves to match your Dutch oven to your kitchen towels (no judgment), this is your mill.
What we'd leave: That top knob can loosen over time, which can affect the grind settings. Not a deal breaker, but keep an eye on it.
Most versatile: FinnaMill Spice Mill
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-purpose—can be used with herbs, salt, pepper, spices, etc.
- Easy-to-use, modular system
- Convenient
- Available in rechargeable or battery-powered options
- Affordable
Cons:
- More complex than your standard pepper mill
- Requires charging/batteries
- Technically requires FinnaMill-branded spices
Specs
- Size: 3.5” x 3.5” x 9”
- Grind settings: Adjustable dial
What we love: As I mentioned, I’m a bit old-fashioned when it comes to kitchen appliances—I don’t want fancy tools that require a huge learning curve to do simple tasks. Needless to say, I was very skeptical about trying out the FinnaMill, because it seemed like just another gimmicky gadget I would use once before getting annoyed and throwing it into a drawer to collect dust. Plot twist: I love the FinnaMill!! It’s SO handy and genuinely fun to use—it makes me smile every time I grind with it.
Here’s how it works: you start by filling small, modular pods with different spices—black pepper, sea salt, dried herbs, chili flakes, whatever you want. The main body of the FinnaMill grinder sits on top of whichever pod you’re using; it magnetically locks in place when you push down on it, and with a single press of a button on the handle, you get a smooth, consistent grind. When you’re done, you simply pop out the pod and swap in another—no mess, no flavor transfer, no extra grinders cluttering the counter. It’s surprisingly satisfying to pop in pods and season food.
It’s convenient and saves on space. The brand also sells trays and stands for you to keep your pods ready on your countertop. They’re easy to fill and dishwasher safe, so you can skip handwashing when the time comes. And the whole system is relatively affordable—the Salt & Pepper Trio starts at $70 for the mill, a tray, and two pods.
What we’d leave: If you just want a simple pepper mill and never swap out specialties, the pod system might feel like overkill. Also, the FinnaMill system is technically designed to be used with FinnaMill-branded spices—this can be inconvenient if you run out of spices and don’t have backup. Now, I tested mine with plain old grocery store peppercorns, and it worked fine. Will it randomly jam in a few months? Time will tell. Just something to keep in mind when shopping.
Best set: Cole & Mason Bromley Salt & Pepper Set
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable, especially for a set
- Premium quality
- Clear body shows you exactly when you need a refill
- Mess-free
- Versatile
Cons:
- Feels
Specs
- Size: 2.36” x 2.36” x 5.91”
- Grind settings: acrylic mills
What we love: There is something satisfying about buying an S&P set that looks good on your counter and consistently performs, and for that, I love Cole & Mason’s Bromley Salt & Pepper Set. The silver-and-acrylic grinders feel substantial in hand, with a smooth, adjustable mechanism that produces even, consistent seasoning. Since this is a pepper grinder round-up, I focused primarily on testing the pepper mill and can confirm that it can grind peppercorns seamlessly, whether it’s fine pepper for mixing into sauce or finishing main courses.
I appreciate the clear acrylic body that makes it easy to see when it’s time for a refill, and the wide removable top keeps stray granules from bouncing all over the floor. For the price, the Bromley set feels surprisingly premium and makes an elegant, low-maintenance addition to your table or kitchen. FWIW, my mom actually complimented these when I was testing them—the only grinders she complimented throughout my whole testing journey. I gifted them to her, which I feel like is a testament to their aesthetic and convenience as a set.
What we’d leave: Compared to other, more expensive mills, they feel a bit underpowered. Some shoppers claim that the mill wears down and gets stuck over time; however, that hasn’t happened to me yet.
How we tested pepper grinders
I tested nearly a dozen pepper grinders over several weeks. Each one was evaluated for grind consistency, ease of use, messiness (especially when refilling), and design quality. I paid attention to how comfortable they were to hold in hand, how easily they adjusted—or if they could be adjusted at all—from fine to coarse, and how much pepper they actually produced with each twist. I also spoke with chefs and kitchen pros about their go-to grinders and the features they rely on in a working kitchen.
What to consider when shopping for a pepper mill
Grind type
Similar to a coffee grinder, pepper grinders use burrs to grind up the peppercorns. The material of these burrs can affect how well they grind, the grind settings, even the flavor of your spices. Justin Harry, executive chef at TradeWinds Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida, swears by stainless steel because it’s the most durable.
“Ceramic mills are more prone to chipping and breaking faster than steel,” he says.“Carbon-steel mills have a tendency to rust over time.” Consider the materials on the outside too. Stainless steel and wood tend to last longer and feel more substantial, while plastic models can quickly wear down.
Adjustability
Some mills have five settings, others have more than 40. Of course, the more settings you have, the more you can customize your grind. But at the very least, Harry says a good mill should have three main settings: fine, medium, and coarse.
“Each setting impacts flavor by the size of the grind,” he says. “A fine grind can be spread more evenly in a recipe to maximize the pepper compounds. A coarse grind is more for sharper flavor bursts.”
Electric vs manual
This comes down to personal preference, but most chefs actually prefer a simple manual grinder over a fancy electric one. “The old-fashioned manual mills are the best,” says Doug Paine, head chef at Juniper Bar and Restaurant at the Hotel Vermont. “You don't really have to worry about them breaking, and they never run out of batteries.” Harry agrees, noting that electric mills tend to run out faster than their manual counterparts.
Capacity and refillability
You don’t want to have to refill your pepper grinder often, and when you do, you don’t want to make a mess or go chasing peppercorns all over the floor. These might fluctuate based on how much you use your grinder, so if you’re someone who often seasons food, look for a mill with a larger hopper. If not, you can probably get away with a smaller one.
Ergonomics
If your pepper mill makes your wrist hurt or slips out of your hand when things get greasy, it’s not doing its job. Rubberized grips or contoured bodies can make a big difference, especially for frequent seasoning. Consider the grind settings, too, and how they are adjusted. Some mills need twisting, others require pinching and turning small wheels, and a few while grind with just the press of a button or a flip of the device.
Other pepper grinders we tested and liked
A go-to grinder in the BA Test Kitchen, the Unicorn Pepper Mill has a loyal following for good reason (senior commerce editor Olivia Tarantino swears by it and often gifts it to friends and family). It’s lightweight, comfortable to hold, and produces a fast, even rainfall of pepper with very little effort. Plus, it comes with a small tray to catch stray grounds. The build quality is solid, the twist mechanism feels smooth and controlled, and at only $60, it delivers a grinding experience that’s remarkably close to our top pick for way less than half the price.
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.
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.
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.
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.