Photo credit: www.bonappetit.com
When it comes to adding that final touch to a dish, freshly cracked black pepper can enhance the entire meal experience. However, not all pepper mills offer the same quality. Some stick during use, others create a mess with scattered pepper dust, and the least effective models make seasoning feel like a strenuous task.
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with a cheap pepper mill while your food cools, you’re not alone. I evaluated various popular pepper grinders available online to identify those that simplify the seasoning process. Additionally, I consulted professional chefs for their insights on essential features to consider when choosing a pepper mill. Whether you’re interested in a modern electric option or a classic manual grinder, here are the standout pepper mills worth considering.
Top Picks from Bon Appétit
In this article
Best Overall: Männkitchen Pepper Cannon
Männkitchen Pepper Cannon
Pros:
- Over 40 customizable grind settings
- Easy to refill with a large capacity
- Visually appealing design
Cons:
- Premium price point
Size: 2.2″ x 2.2″ x 7.25″
Grind settings: 46
What We Love:
This pepper mill genuinely impressed me despite my initial reluctance over its high price of $200. From its elegant packaging to its upscale appearance, the Männkitchen Pepper Cannon feels fit for a gourmet kitchen. With its high-carbon stainless-steel burrs, it grinds pepper at an extraordinary speed—up to ten times faster than standard models. The mill’s construction from aerospace-grade aluminum gives it substantial heft and durability. Moreover, over 40 grind settings allow for a customizable experience, accommodating everything from coarsely cracked pepper to fine dust.
The refilling process is particularly user-friendly with a top that easily pops off, a feature I found convenient compared to twist-off designs in other models. While the price may be daunting, for daily pepper users, this mill could be considered an invaluable upgrade.
What We’d Leave:
At $200, the price tag is steep, making it a hard sell unless you’re an avid pepper user. Additionally, its weight is more significant than other grinders surveyed, tipping the scales at just over one pound due to its quality materials.
Best Electric: Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Pepper Mill
Zwilling Enfinigy Electric Pepper Mill
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy to operate
- Rechargeable and lightweight
- Customizable grind settings
Cons:
- Relatively small capacity (¼ cup)
Size: 1.89″ x 1.89″ x 8.39″
Grind settings: Adjusted via an unmarked knob
What We Love:
This electric grinder surprised me with its efficiency and ease of use. I often forget to charge gadgets, but this model made it simple to keep powered. With just a press of a button, it activates, eliminating the need for manual twisting.
Its ceramic grinder preserves the freshness of peppercorns and features a dial for adjusting grind size, making it adaptable for various culinary needs. The sleek black design is aesthetically pleasing enough for table presentation. A full charge lasts up to six months and the transparent base makes refilling straightforward. Additionally, its ceramic burrs allow for grinding spices beyond just pepper.
What We’d Leave:
However, the limited capacity is a downside, with only ¼ cup of peppercorns fitting in the base. The smaller grinding mechanism may also pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
Most Stylish: Le Creuset Pepper Mill
Pros:
- Visually stunning with various color options
- Easy to operate
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Adjusting the grind setting can be tricky
Size: 2.4″ x 2.4″ x 8.1″
Grind settings: Acrylic mills
What We Love:
Le Creuset’s vibrant, glossy enameled cookware has long been admired, and their pepper mill is no exception. Its attractive design makes it more a decorative piece than merely functional. Despite its aesthetic appeal, it performs well, delivering reliable grinding without the fuss found in more complex models. The grind size is adjustable via a metal knob, offering a balance of function and style.
For those who enjoy coordinating kitchen items, this pepper mill is a great choice, merging creativity with practicality effortlessly.
Source
www.bonappetit.com