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10 best salt and pepper grinders for 2026, tried and tested
Season every dish with these stylish salt and pepper grinders, reviewed by our experts.
Sarah Finley Tuesday 02 June 2026 10:25 BST
Season your dinner to perfection with these grinders.
Our Top Picks
- Best salt and pepper grinders set overall – Salter Chester salt and pepper mill set – £20
- Best budget salt and pepper grinders – George Home salt and pepper grinder set – £8
- Best premium salt and pepper grinders – Peugeot Paris wooden salt and pepper mills, 18cm – £45
- Best electric salt and pepper grinder – Cuisinart seasoning mill – £60
- Best stylish salt and pepper mills – Le Creuset mini salt and pepper pots, 11cm – £55
- Best salt and pepper grinders for families – Oxo good grips salt and pepper grinders – £48
- Best salt and pepper grinders for simplicity – Lakeland rechargeable mill set – £20
- Best luxury salt and pepper grinders – Joseph and Joseph milltop salt and pepper mills – £38 (was £50)
- Best mess-free salt and pepper grinders – Cooks Professional electric salt and pepper mill set with Bamboo base – £20
- Best pepper grinder for keen cooks – ProCook sage green pepper mill – £24
Salt and pepper grinders are a staple in most kitchens and dining rooms, helping you season food while you cook or add a final flourish at the table before you eat. However, not all grinders are created equal. They come in a wide range of sizes, designs, and grinding mechanisms, with varying levels of grind adjustment. You will also need to decide whether a traditional manual grinder or a more modern electric model best suits your needs.
Peugeot created the first electric grinder in the 1990s, and many brands, including Cuisinart, have followed suit since then. While electric grinders can make seasoning quicker and more convenient, they are not always the best choice for everyone. Many home cooks still prefer the tactile feel and satisfying crunch of a manual grinder, along with the greater control it can offer.
If you take cooking seriously, it is also worth looking for grinders that allow you to adjust the coarseness of the grind. Different dishes can benefit from different textures, whether you are finishing a steak with coarse black pepper or seasoning a delicate sauce with a finer grind.
To help you find the right option, I have been testing a wide range of salt and pepper grinders, assessing everything from build quality and ease of use to grind consistency, adjustment settings, battery life (where applicable), and overall value for money. Below, I have rounded up the best salt and pepper grinders you can buy in 2026.
Read more: Best ice makers for cocktails and dinner parties
I put a range of salt and pepper grinders to the test in my own kitchen.
The best salt and pepper grinders for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Salter Chester salt and pepper mill set: £19.99, Salter.com
- Best budget buy – George Home salt and pepper grinder set: £8, Asda.com
- Best premium buy – Peugeot Paris wooden salt and pepper mills, 18cm: £44.90 each, Peugeot-saveurs.com
- Best electric grinder – Cuisinart seasoning mill: £60, Cuisinart.co.uk
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1. Salter Chester salt and pepper mill set
Best salt and pepper grinders set overall
Why we love it: Stylish, good value, comes with two spare caps. Take note: Pick up dirt easily.
This glossy pair of grinders are made of plastic, but they are well-made, and their classic silhouette and dark red shade were popular with friends and family (I got a lot of comments as they sat on our dining table). Easy to fill, they were roomy enough for a lot of peppercorns and rock salt and I can foresee them lasting a while before they need to be topped up. The ceramic mechanism meant they ground salt and pepper to a good quality.
They confused me slightly when they arrived, as they both had an 'S' on top of the grinders, but hiding in the package were an extra two 'P's – meaning you will have spares if one gets damaged or you misplace it. I loved using these for extra seasoning when I sat down for my evening meal. The ceramic mechanism meant they ground our salt and pepper to a good quality, while the coarseness could be changed too. They were easy to wipe down, but I did feel their glossy coat made them more attractive to dust and anything sticky.
Key specifications: Design: Manual; Material: Plastic body, ceramic grinding mechanism; Size: 21cm. £20 from Salter.com.
2. George Home salt and pepper grinder set
Best budget salt and pepper grinders
Why we love it: Performed well, great price. Take note: Chipped easily.
If you are hunting for a bargain but still want an attractive pair of wooden salt and pepper grinders, these could be the best option. Standing at just over 11cm tall, the wooden circular design is mixed with monochrome on top. Like most manual grinders, they unscrew from the top, so refilling is easy. There are no frills with this pair, though, with no adjustable settings or other extras – what you see is what you get. I would not bet on the longevity of the mills either; they were damaged when they turned up, so they dent easily. However, they performed well, seasoning my food easily. At just £8, they would be a perfect housewarming gift for a student.
Key specifications: Design: Manual; Materials: Rubber wood, steel, ceramic; Size: 11cm. £8 from Asda.com.
3. Peugeot Paris wooden salt and pepper mills, 18cm
Best premium salt and pepper grinders
Why we love it: Attractive design, effective grinding. Take note: Attracts dirt, pricey considering they are sold separately.
You are probably already familiar with Peugeot's range of salt and pepper mills – the brand makes (since 1874) beautifully crafted wooden versions, in an array of colours. This is its Paris u'Select edition, made from French PEFC wood. I love its silhouette shape and glossy finish – I tested the pink version, which I adored – which looked very cute on my kitchen countertop. However, I did find that this glossy finish meant it became dirty quickly, although they are easily wipeable.
With six grind settings, from fine to coarse, I found it really useful for seasoning different dishes, while it was easy to adjust the settings easily by sliding the bottom of the mills clockwise or anti-clockwise. For the pepper pot, they use a case-hardened steel mechanism, which is designed to first crack the peppercorn and then grind it, which I found helped to release more aroma and flavour for my lunchtime salads. Its zirconia ceramic grinding system is also highly resistant to corrosion from salt, meaning they have real longevity. These were a contender for the top spot in this list but they are expensive – especially as they are sold separately. However, I think you will be cooking with these for years to come.
Key specifications: Design: Manual; Materials: Durable French wood body, steel grinding mechanism; Size: 18cm. £45 from Peugeot-saveurs.com.
4. Cuisinart seasoning mill
Best electric salt and pepper grinder
Why we love it: Easy to use, easy to fill, rechargeable, two-in-one design. Take note: Expensive.
This two-in-one salt and pepper electric grinder is not only easy to use, with the salt and pepper pots on either end, but also looks attractive on my kitchen countertop. The rechargeable seasoning mill, which comes in four colours, lasts for around 20 minutes when in use, which in real time is around a month if you are a keen cooker. Charging is easy too, as all you need to do is simply place it on its stand. It operates with one push of the button, while the grind size is fully adjustable, too. I also liked how easy it was to fill the grinders up – each section is opened by twisting it. Twisting it the other way locks it securely, meaning no spillage. At £60, they are pricier than some of the other grinders on the market but their ease of use and quick charge make them great value for money.
Key specifications: Design: Electric; Material: Durable stainless steel; Size: 25.5cm. £60 from Cuisinart.co.uk.
5. Le Creuset mini salt and pepper pots, 11cm
Best stylish salt and pepper mills
Why we love it: Great design, good grind, durable. Take note: Smaller than some other options, expensive.
If you are already a fan of Le Creuset, these dinky mini salt and pepper grinders could help to elevate your collection. Designed with the same attractive silhouette as the larger versions, they stand at just 11cm tall and look very dainty alongside one of the brand's full-sized grinders. The mill's ceramic grinder performed well with both salt and peppercorns, delivering a smooth, consistent grind on all settings. Adjusting the coarseness of them is simple in theory – all you need to do is tighten or loosen the top knob, but I found it was not immediately obvious how to do this, without a quick Google. Easy to refill and clean, their smaller size does, however, mean there is less space for peppercorns and salt. Although made from plastic, it is not obvious from their appearance, and they proved just as durable as wooden styles I tested. Available in an array of colours, they are expensive for their size, but if you love design and durability, they could be worth the investment.
Key specifications: Design: Manual; Material: Plastic; Size: 11cm. £55 from Amazon.co.uk.
6. Oxo good grips salt and pepper grinders
Best salt and pepper grinders for families
Why we love it: Easy to change grind setting, come filled with salt and pepper. Take note: Not the most stylish.
Instead of looking pretty on your dining table, these grinders, made with stainless steel and glass, have a more functional design – so they could be one to keep stored away in the kitchen cupboards. Saying this, they feel and look sturdy, while their soft rubber grip means they are simple to use, making them perfect for the whole family. They were the only grinders I tested that came pre-filled with rock salt and peppercorns, plus they are easy to top up from the bottom, with plenty of space. Changing the coarseness of the grind is clear, with a black dial positioned at the top. Like the Joseph and Joseph grinders, these poured from the top, and it really helped with stopping spillage.
Key specifications: Design: Manual; Materials: Stainless steel and glass; Size: 14cm. £48 from Johnlewis.com.
7. Lakeland rechargeable mill set
Best salt and pepper grinders for simplicity
Why we love it: Easy to refill, classic look. Take note: Takes two hours to charge.
If you like clean lines, these sleek black plastic grinders could be a bit of you. With a slightly futuristic design, the tall arched mills also feature a screw lid at the front, making them easy to refill, and know when it is time to top up. The electric grinders take more than two hours to charge, but luckily they come with eight hours of charge, which is sure to last at least a few months. Easy to use, with the touch of a button, I did find them sensitive at first, and during the first use, they over seasoned my risotto. I found the grinder knob tricky to change between coarse and fine, but once I had perfected it, they delivered a worthy grind. At just under £20, they are a bargain.
Key specifications: Design: Electric; Materials: Plastic; Size: 19.5cm. £20 from Lakeland.co.uk.
8. Joseph and Joseph milltop salt and pepper mills
Best luxury salt and pepper grinders
Why we love it: Matte grip, Scandi-contemporary look. Take note: Can take a little while to get used to using these grinders, on the pricey side.
This design is slightly different and took me a while to get used to, with the grinding mechanism at the top of the mill. This, however, adds to the grinder's minimalist design, while also making sure there is no spillage. While we are talking about the design, its scandi-contemporary look would suit any modern-looking kitchen, with clean, sleek lines. Adding salt and pepper to the grinders is easy to do, and there is lots of room, so you will be filling them up less often. With a matte finish, they are also easy to grip and wipe down after use. I popped these on show and they definitely got attention from friends, but at £50 they are an investment.
Key specifications: Design: Manual; Materials: Stainless steel, ceramic grinding mechanism; Size: 17cm. £38 (was £50) from Amazon.co.uk.
9. Cooks Professional electric salt and pepper mill set with Bamboo base
Best mess-free salt and pepper grinders
Why we love it: Mess-free, attractive, easy to fill. Take note: The design became easily marked, but the insides were more robust; needs 4 x AA batteries for each mill.
I loved the ease of these electric grinders, which have a one-touch button operation. However, I found it frustrating that they were battery-operated, especially since they are not included in the price. They are fully adjustable, though, and even have a light on the bottom for use in low light. Crafted from stainless steel, they are visually appealing and available in 11 colours, including black and white. Towards the bottom, they have a clear section, allowing you to keep an eye on how much salt or pepper is remaining. However, it is worth noting that the design marked quickly and got easily scratched. The capacity to store peppercorns or salt crystals is not that high, but they grind them well, while they also keep any mess to a minimum, thanks to the wooden platform the grinders sit in.
Key specifications: Design: Electric; Materials: Stainless steel; Size: 22cm. £20 from Amazon.co.uk.
10. ProCook sage green pepper mill
Best pepper grinder for keen cooks
Why we love it: Large capacity. Take note: Inside structure feels flimsy, no way to adjust grind setting.
This pepper mill made me feel as though I had been transported to an Italian restaurant, with its classic bistro design and height, standing tall at 31.5cm. It also features a traditional silhouette style, made from beechwood, with a smooth sage green finish. Easy to unscrew and refill with peppercorns, the generous capacity means you will not need to top it up often. However, the internal structure did feel a little flimsy when I refilled it. In use, it performed well thanks to its ceramic grinding mechanism. I used it over a range of dishes, including seasoning a casserole on the hob and as an afterthought for salads and pasta dishes. However, the lack of an adjustable coarseness setting is a noticeable drawback.
Key specifications: Design: Manual; Materials: Wooden body, ceramic grinding mechanism; Size: 31.5cm. £24 from Procook.co.uk.
Your questions about salt and pepper grinders answered
What is the best salt and pepper grinder?
If you are looking for a decent salt and pepper mill set, the Salter Chester offers good value and took the top spot in this roundup overall. The set looks great, performs well and costs less than £20. If you are working with a bigger budget, the classic, sleek look of the Peugeot Paris wooden salt and pepper mills makes them worth the investment. Although expensive, they hail from a brand known for its durability and precision, and I love how they look in the kitchen.
Are electric pepper grinders worth it?
Electric grinders can save time, as with a simple press of a button, you can grind peppercorns or rock salt to season your food. If you have your hands full with cooking, these can feel like a godsend; however, electric grinders tend to be more expensive, plus they either need to be recharged or will need batteries - making them less cost-effective in the long run.
How I tested salt and pepper grinders
When I tested the best salt and pepper grinders, I spent weeks assessing their design, performance and how they worked as I seasoned everything from a roast to our morning eggs. To test them fairly, I looked at the following for each one:
- Grind consistency and adjustments: It is important to get a consistent grind from your salt and pepper – and this can make or break seasoning a dish – so I was sure to assess the consistency of what was delivered into our food.
- Design: From classic bistro style to functional favourites, I mixed up the design of the selection below to make sure there is plenty to choose from for different tastes.
- Practicality: I looked at how easy each salt and pepper grinder was to use, refill and work. With the electric grinders, I looked at whether this meant they performed better than the standard manual grinders.
- Value for money: I know you have all got different budgets, so I was sure to include high-end products, as well as some at the lower end of the market. I also assessed their value for money and whether their longevity would impact how much you paid for them.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
At IndyBest, our team of writers have years of experience and spend weeks, often months, testing products in real-life settings across tech, fashion, beauty, and home. We test everything with a hands-on approach so that we can see how products actually perform in everyday use. And salt and pepper grinders are not the only kitchen product we have tested. We have provided guides on everything from the best kitchen bins to the best hand blenders.
Sarah Finley is a health and wellness writer who has reviewed the best matcha powders, the best juicers and more for IndyBest. Committed to bringing readers her full, honest review of the best products on the market, Sarah used all of these salt and pepper grinders in her own kitchen, to assess whether, ultimately, they are worth your money.
Now that your seasoning is sorted, check out our roundup of the best steak knives for the perfect slice every time.
