After Testing Pepper Mills, These Are the 6 We Would Reach for on a Daily Basis

Our Top Pick

OXO Good Grips Mess-Free Pepper Grinder

$28 $27 at Amazon $28 at Sur La Table $28 at Oxo

Although it's not as ornate as other models, we love this OXO grinder because it's simple yet effective. Plus, it's still fancier looking than other plastic spice-brand grinders available in grocery stores.

This manual grinder includes five different grind levels that you can easily toggle between, and we found there to be a clear gradient from the finest grain to the coarsest when tested. Nosheen loves that it's small and easy to hold. "The grind is consistent and extremely easy to generate," she said. "The mill is easy to turn and starts producing ground pepper at the first turn. No excess effort is needed, and it's very easy to generate the amount of black pepper needed." Even better, it's also budget-conscious. "The price is the best part about this pepper mill! It works better than many of the more expensive grinders."

It holds just under 2 ounces of peppercorns, and the clear plastic casing makes it easy to gauge when the reservoir is running low. Refilling is also easy since it lies flat upside down. The stainless steel top gives it a sleek look, and the reservoir is made of BPA-free plastic. The grinder itself is made of non-corrosive ceramic, so it won't absorb flavors or odors. Like all products from the Good Grips line, it features a rubberized handle, which may require frequent cleanings to wipe away dust and grime.

The Details: Stainless steel, ceramic, plastic; 2.2 x 2.2 x 5.5 inches; 1.94-ounce capacity; 9.4-ounce weight

Best Budget

Kuhn Rikon Adjustable Ratchet Grinder

$27 $22 at Amazon $24 at Target $34 at Walmart

Unlike the other pepper mills we tested, this manual model from Kuhn Rikon uses an ergonomic lever that must be cranked back and forth to grind the pepper. It's available in several different colors and refills from a front-loading drawer.

This pepper mill isn't quite as intuitive as conventional rotating grinders, but the lever mechanism is easier on the hands and wrist, especially for people with arthritis. While this grinder yielded results comparable to higher-end pepper mills in tests, the plastic didn't seem as sturdy as others, and there was a bit of a learning curve when it came to refilling.

The base of this grinder can be turned to adjust your grind size from fine to coarse, though Nosheen found the resulting grind to be less uniform than others. "It is great for people who want an occasional sprinkle of pepper on their food and aren't too particular about the texture, but not for serious cooks," she says. "This would also be an excellent fit for someone who can only twist for a short time."

The Details: Plastic, ceramic; 2.3 x 8.5 x 2.3 inches; 6.4-ounce weight

Best for Coarse Pepper

Peugeot Paris Chef u'Select Pepper Mill

$73 $48 at Amazon $85 at Wayfair $120 at Williams Sonoma

There is no brand name more synonymous with salt and pepper mills than Peugeot. The French manufacturer creates luxury spice grinders that are as impressive in function as they are in appearance.

The base of the grinder rotates smoothly between six different grind settings, each of which can be further modified by tightening or loosening the screw atop the handle. "I like that this mill has an adjustable grinding system that actually works," says Nosheen. "I managed to get a coarse and fine grind with no difficulty."

While it is pricey, the cost can be attributed mostly to its cosmetic appeal—especially since we found it produced similar results to some of the cheaper products on this list. Overall, the materials feel well-made, and the upscale presentation means it will look great left out on the kitchen counter or on the dinner table. There's a good variety when it comes to grind levels, and the durable materials are likely to hold up for a long time.

The Details: Stainless steel; 3.03 x 3.03 x 12.72 inches; 1-pound weight

Best Classic

Le Creuset Pepper Mill

$46 $37 at Amazon $46 at Nordstrom $46 at Wayfair

It's no secret that Le Creuset makes classic cookware and Dutch ovens in a visually appealing array of colors. This model is available in more than 10 different shades, including a number of ombre options.

Use the cast metal knob to adjust the grind settings—clockwise for a finer grind and counterclockwise for a coarser grind. But keep in mind the appeal of this model is most closely tied to the appearance and brand name, as it doesn't boast the versatility or speed of comparable models.

"The Le Creuset Pepper Mill is well-designed and easy to use," says Nosheen. "It also comes in pretty colors that would enhance the aesthetic of any kitchen." Overall, the classic design is easy to refill, sturdy, and great for basic day-to-day cooking, but doesn't offer any other special features besides your basic grinds.

The Details: ABS plastic; stainless steel, ceramic; 8 x 2.5 inches; 2-ounce capacity; 9.9-ounce weight

Best Design

Cole & Mason Derwent Pepper Grinder

$50 at Amazon $50 at Walmart $50 at Wayfair

Cole & Mason combines modern design with functionality in this best-selling pepper mill. The two-stage grinding process cracks and then shaves the pepper to release optimal aroma and flavor. It comes with several coarseness settings and an easy pop-off refill mechanism. Plus, the translucent midsection allows you to easily see when peppercorns are running low, and the large reservoir can hold up to a half cup of peppercorns.

We love that this model provides aiming control over where the ground pepper lands. The pepper also comes out evenly and feels less scattered than other grinders without dumping too heavily in one spot.

This smart design feels well made without sacrificing style, and it earned a seal of approval from Nosheen as one of her favorite models out of all tested. "Performance-wise, this pepper mill is excellent," she says. "There are five settings to pick from for the final grind texture, and it takes just a few twists to get the ground pepper from the mill to your plate."

The Details: Acrylic, stainless steel; 2.36 x 7.52 inches; 10.6-ounce weight

Most Versatile

FinaMill Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder

$49 at Amazon $42 at Wayfair View on Bbqguys.com

This versatile and functional automatic spice grinder is award-winning for a reason. Each grinder comes equipped with multiple interchangeable spice pods that allow you to grind any whole spice—from cumin to coriander seeds—with the press of a button. Though it's not the most decorative spice grinder on the list, the sleek design makes it very easy to use, and the pods double as storage for your favorite spices.

We loved the versatility of this grinder compared to the others on the list, because the interchangeable pods make it easy to swap out different spices with no cleanup necessary. Each unit also comes with automatic LED lights, so you can easily see how and where your spices are dispersed. In tests, grinds came out quickly and consistently, ideal for grinding large amounts of pepper at one time.

"The handle fits well in the palm, and the distance to press the button is perfect for the thumb to reach," says Nosheen. "The FinaMill is definitely geared towards cooking enthusiasts and professionals who are serious about using spices."

The Details: Ceramic, plastic; 3.5 x 3.5 x 9 inches; 1.1-pound weight