Versatility: Consider the material of the grinding mechanism. If it doesn’t absorb odors (ceramic, for example), you may be able to switch between pepper and, say, cloves without mixing or tainting flavors. (But our pros recommend dedicating the grinder to pepper to ensure clear flavor.) Be careful when using a pepper grinder for salt — salt can be corrosive, and some salt-specific grinders are a better choice for the task. Capacity: Mills are often sold with a height measurement listed. Generally speaking, a 12-inch mill will hold more peppercorns than a 6-inch mill. This affects how often you need to refill, the storage space required and how comfortable it will feel in your hand. Larger mills and grinders are often heavier as well, so if you have limitations, you might opt for a smaller model. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ It has six fixed grinding settings that are easy to select and clearly labeled on the base of the mill. The grinding action was smooth. But it was somewhat difficult to refill, since it's designed with a center post to drive the grinder, and you must add the peppercorns around it. Ease of refill: Some mills and grinders have a narrow opening that makes it harder to smoothly funnel peppercorns into the chamber. Look for models with a large and easy-to-open access point.

Manual vs. electric: To use a manual pepper mill, you'll fill a chamber and then turn a portion of the mill to grind the pepper. For electric grinders, you’ll fill a hopper and then push a button to grind. An electric grinder can be a good choice for those with dexterity or hand-strength issues, as the repetitive motion of grinding can get tiring with manual models.

The verdict: Salt and pepper grinders