10 Best Electric Pepper Grinders in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

We chose our 10 best pepper grinders based on the following criteria:

• The material of the grinding mechanism
• The operation, including coarseness settings and ease of filling
• Its power source
• The materials used for the body and hopper
• Size and shape

We’ve researched what to look for, and gone through reviews to bring you the best pepper grinders. Take a look at our list for our favorites! Many of these are available with matching salt grinders, too.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Jim Quast. For more on our selection process, check out our editorial policy. Prices were gathered from respective EC sites on August 1, 2022.

Choosing a grinder can be a tough decision. There are so many styles, brands, and operation methods. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of buying tips to make it easier for you to make the best choice!

There are three materials used for pepper mill grinding mechanisms: plastic, steel, and ceramic. Plastic is cheap and light, but breaks the easiest, and is mainly found on disposable, manual grinders. For an electric one, you'll likely be choosing between steel and ceramic.

Steel blades are either stainless steel or carbon steel. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust. Carbon steel, however, is a harder material, so it can grind hard, tough peppercorns with ease. Steel blades of both types wear out faster than their ceramic counterparts, however.

Ceramic blades do not rust or deteriorate over time, making them long-lasting. They're less effective on extremely hard substances, but for peppercorns they work as well as steel. Ceramic blades can also be used to grind salt, while steel shouldn't be, since it will corrode.

Finely ground pepper has a concentration of flavor won't be as visible in your dishes, making it perfect for soups and sauces where you want a smooth texture. Medium grind pepper is used for a variety of dishes, and as a final touch at the table. Coarsely ground pepper offers a slower release of flavor and adds a wonderful mouthfeel.

Pepper mills come with various mechanisms to adjust the grind. Many have a cone on the bottom that turns the burrs in the grinder. These can be hard to grasp strongly enough to rotate, especially if you have dexterity issues or arthritis in your fingers.

Some are adjustable by turning the body of the mill. Others allow you to choose from preset grinds. In this case, we recommend a minimum of three settings.

Since electric grinders are more convenient than manual, you'll probably be after one that is easy to take apart and fill. Some unscrew completely and provide a wide open hopper that's easy to dump peppercorns into. Others have a narrow chute or opening that can be more difficult to aim into.

One-hand or two-hand operated options exist, but one-handed is the most convenient for multitasking. For example, you can stir with one hand while adding in fresh ground pepper with your other. One-handed devices might have a push-button to start grinding. Some are gravity-activated, so all you have to do is turn it over and it starts up.

Quite a few models come with LEDs so you can see where you're grinding and how much has come out. This could be a feature you find really helpful if you like fresh-ground pepper while eating in a dark room during movie night! But, many home cooks actually find a light distracting and a bit pointless.

Many options of electric pepper grinders are powered using AA or AAA alkaline batteries. They can add weight to the peppermill, as some models we've seen take up to six batteries. Sometimes grinders come with the batteries included, so check the item description before purchasing, especially if it's a gift.

A few are rechargeable, and may come with a stand that both houses and charges the device. Others might be charged using a USB or regular cord. Again, check the product description, as they may not always include it, especially if it's a standard USB.

The body of pepper grinders is commonly made up of one of three materials: wood, metal, or plastic. Wood is durable and has a warm look, but it's more common in manual grinders. Metal or plastic grinders with a clear acrylic window to see the hopper contents are the most readily available when it comes to electric peppermills.

Brushed steel shows fingerprints less than a shiny surface, but you might also want to look for non-slip materials. Plastic or acrylic windows can crack and break, so try for ones where this part is thick and strong, or opt for glass, which won't be affected by the oils in the pepper.

The size of a pepper grinder is generally larger than your typical salt-and-pepper shakers, and electric ones, especially if they house batteries, can be nine or 10 inches tall. Batteries also add weight.

If you have mobility issues or weak hands, consider the weight and overall size to make sure the grinder will be easy for you to operate. You might want to confirm if you'll be able to use it with one hand, too.

Keep in mind that the overall size doesn't correspond to the capacity of the hopper. A smaller one will keep pepper fresher, but need more frequent refilling. Try to balance these concerns and pick one that suits your dining style.

Peppercorns come from the berry of the Piper nigrum vine. But why are there black ones, white ones, green ones and pink ones?

Black and white peppercorns are both used as a kitchen standard. Black pepper consists of the cooked and dried fruit and the seed inside, while white pepper is just the seed.

White pepper offers a less pungent, milder flavor compared to the black variety. It's also more commonly used for aesthetic reasons, like in sauces or dishes where you don't want any black specks to show.

Green peppercorns are made from the seed with the fruit, like black peppercorns. However, they aren't cooked and dried. Instead, they're either preserved by pickling or canning, or treated by freeze-drying or application of a substance to prevent decomposition. They offer a bright, herbal taste to dishes in addition to a toned-down peppery heat.

Red peppercorns are the same as green, except they're fully ripe berries, while the green ones are unripe! They're preserved in similar fashions.

Pink peppercorns actually come from a totally different plant; a member of the cashew family. In fact, while they have a similar taste to Piper nigrum, they can cause reactions in those with tree nut allergies. Note also that some grinders don't recommend using these in a high percentage in your mix for best results.

What about Sichuan (or Szechuan) pepper? These are also a different plant, this time in the citrus family. They come in red and green, and their flavor is spicy and mouth-numbing. Sansho is a Japanese spice which is related, but has a stronger citrus flavor and less of the chemical that causes your mouth to go numb.

From salt and pepper to gochujang to mulling spices, we have a lot of articles that can help you find the perfect seasonings for your recipes. Here's a sample.

Author: Kristina Tan

Updated by: Susan Lucier-Ogawa, 8/1/2022

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