A salt grinder helps to keep the salt from sticking together. It also helps to keep moisture out and ensures that the salt retains its flavor and texture for a long time. Moreover, it enables you to salt your food easily. The best salt grinders have a sturdy and durable grinding mechanism that can grind a wide variety of salts including pink salt, Himalayan salt, Kosher salt, and lots more. Most salt grinders are very easy to use and do not require daily maintenance.
Best Pick
The Willow & Everett Salt and Pepper Grinder Set is our best pick because it is extremely durable, sturdy, and highly functional. It can store a large number of spices and it is not too bulky to fit into tight spaces which makes for easy storage. The grinding mechanism is outstanding and does not require too much effort.
Budget Pick
The Home EC Premium grinder boasts of its high-quality, BPA-free glass container along with an elegant stainless steel top. The perfectly fitted stainless steel lids guarantee everlasting spices and herbs by keeping out moisture and dirt.
Quick Comparison: Top 14 Best Salt Grinder
| Product Name | Weight (pounds) |
Material | Item Dimensions (inches) |
Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willow & Everett Salt and Pepper Grinder Set | 1.68 | Stainless Steel | 9.61 x 6.14 x 3.11 | A |
| Home EC Premium Salt and Pepper Grinder | 1.40 | Glass, Stainless Steel, Ceramic | 2.5 x 2.5 x 7.5 | A |
| Latent Epicure Battery Operated Salt and Pepper Grinder Set | 1.70 | Stainless Steel | 4.41 x 3.15 x 8.66 | A |
| Modetro Premium Salt/Pepper Grinder | 0.64 | Stainless Steel | 2.8 x 2.8 x 5.7 | A |
| Ebaco Original Salt or Pepper Grinder | 0.52 | Stainless Steel | 5.7 x 2.9 x 2.9 | A |
| OXO Salt Grinder | 0.75 | Acrylic | 2.39 x 2.44 x 7.84 | B |
| COLE & MASON Derwent Salt and Pepper Grinder Set | 2.20 | Stainless Steel | 2.36 x 2.36 x 7.5 | A |
| JOBKIM Automatic Salt and Pepper Mill Grinder Set | 1.63 | Ceramic | 8.43 x 5.39 x 2.72 | A |
| OXO EMW6503106 Salt Grinder | 0.13 | Stainless Steel | 2.2 x 2.2 x 5.5 | A |
| HomeKitchenStar Gravity Electric Salt Pepper Grinder | 1.30 | Glass | 5.8 x 7.9 x 4 | B |
| BlueSnail Manual Grips Salt/Pepper Grinder | 0.39 | Glass | 2.6 x 2.6 x 5.1 | B |
| OXO Good Grips Sleek Salt Mill | 0.93 | Plastic | 2.6 x 2.6 x 6.8 | A |
| OCOOKO Salt and Pepper Grinder Set | 1.28 | Stainless Steel, Beech | 9.57 x 6.22 x 2.44 | B |
| ZaraLuxe Salt And Pepper Grinder Set | 0.69 | Glass, Stainless Steel | 2.5 x 2.5 x 7.5 | B |
1. Willow & Everett Salt and Pepper Grinder Set
Made of stainless steel, ceramic, and glass, this salt and pepper grinder set from Willow & Everett is one item that deserves a place in all types of kitchens. This set offers a large capacity of ¾ cups but it does not have a bulky design so you can easily place it on your dining table to salt your food quickly. It comes with a stainless steel stand that allows you to carry the two items easily without knocking them over.
You will not need to use any batteries or special equipment to grind the salt and pepper. All you need to do is hold the body with one hand and twist the mouth with another.
You can adjust the fineness or coarseness of the salt by twisting the plastic knob on top. You can easily refill the salt and pepper grinders by opening the stainless steel top. Both grinders have a wide mouth so you will be able to refill them without making a mess. Moreover, the clear construction allows you to know when it is time for a refill without disassembling the parts.
You will be able to use this set to grind Himalayan sea salt, peppercorn, cumin, or any other spices of your choice. The set has premium construction so it is unlikely to absorb the flavors or affect the texture of salt or other ingredients.
Pros
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The grinder has ceramic blades which makes it extremely sturdy and durable
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Offers 3 types of coarse levels
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It can be used to grind all types of spices including oregano, nutmeg, and lots more
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No batteries required
Cons
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This grinder set is more suitable for grinding small to medium-sized spices
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The set does not come with clear instructions
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You will not be able to grind salt in ultra-fine or ultra-coarse textures
2. Home EC Premium Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Grinder
The Home EC Premium grinder boasts of its high-quality, BPA-free glass container along with an elegant stainless steel top. The perfectly fitted stainless steel lids guarantee everlasting spices and herbs by keeping out moisture and dirt.
The heavy duty ceramic rotor gives its competitors a run for their money. You can reach your desired level of fineness through rotating its adjustment knob right, and left for coarse. In length, the mills are 7.5” tall and each salt and pepper shaker holds up to 3/4 cup or 6 oz of salt.
Sufficient storage space keeps the need for recurring refills at bay. Home EC’s determination for delivering top notch products and customer service is reflected through some of its vital features- a lifetime guarantee, branded packaging and a complimentary digital culinary book.
Pros
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Easy to use and refill (as it comes with a free silicon funnel). Even recommended by arthritis patients.
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Great exterior that adds aesthetic value to your kitchen.
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Comes with a complementary silicon funnel for refills and a digital culinary book.
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Perfectly fitted stainless steel lids keep out moisture and dirt whereas placement of dispensers at the top ensures zero stray spice on your counter top.
Cons
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The peppercorn grinder does not perform as satisfactorily as the salt grinder.
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Requires careful washing as it contains a lot of small parts.
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Low difference in various levels of output.
3. Latent Epicure Battery Operated Salt and Pepper Grinder Set
If you have trouble working a salt grinder or just have weak hands, you might want to get this battery-operated salt and pepper grinder set from Latent Epicure. All you need to use is press the button on top to release the freshly ground salt and other spices over your meals. This one-touch button operation comes in handy, especially when you are cooking or kneading dough.
This grinder set offers five different levels of coarseness settings. There are markings at the bottom of the grinders and you can adjust the texture by rotating the knob either towards the left or towards the right.
The grinding mechanism is superb and the material does not react with the spices which means that you are unlikely to get clumpy damp salt. Both grinders have a yellow light at the bottom so that you can clearly see how much salt, pepper, or other spices is falling over your food. This helps to prevent your food from becoming too salty. It also helps to salt food without creating a big mess.
This grinder set comes with an acrylic mill rest that has a length of 6 inches and a width of 3 inches. The grinder set comes with clear instructions that allow you to use it with ease.
Pros
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The well-designed battery housing allows you to install the batteries in a jiff
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You will not need to use both hands to operate this grinder set
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This grinder set can be used for grinding rosemary leaves, chili flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns among others
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The automatic operation allows you to do two things at once
Cons
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The grinding mechanism will not work if you use damp or fine salt
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It might be a bit difficult to clean since you can’t submerge it in water
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Batteries are not included
4. Modetro Premium Salt or Pepper Grinder
This salt grinder from Modetro has a top-notch grinding mechanism that allows you to salt your food with ease. This item comes with a sturdy stainless steel lid that helps to keep the salt or other spices fresh and to preserve its flavor for a longer period of time. It has a stainless steel body and the grinding mechanism is made of high-quality ceramic that prevents clogging.
What makes things easier is that the stainless steel top can be screwed off quickly which enables you to refill the grinder bottle without making a mess in your kitchen.
This item offers a capacity of 8oz which allows you to store a large quantity of salt at once. You may not need to refill the grinder frequently. You will be able to adjust the coarseness of the salt by rotating the knob at the bottom of the grinder. You will be able to choose between coarse, medium, and fine textures, making it perfect for storing different types of ground spices.
The salt grinder has a glass body which enables you to see how much salt is left in the grinder bottle without needing to open any parts.
Pros
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The stainless steel body is very easy to clean. Fingerprints and stains wipe off quickly
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This company has superb customer service that seems to come up with a solution for all your salt grinder related problems
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The wide opening allows you to refill the grinder and clean it quickly
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The lid helps to keep dirt and other residues off the grinder
Cons
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The lid does not have a good fit. It tends to fall apart quite frequently
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Does not work well with big chunks of salt, pepper, or other spices
5. Ebaco Original Salt or Pepper Grinder
If you are looking for an easier way to salt your steak, salads, or pasta, you might want to check out the Ebaco Original Salt Grinder. It is made using high-quality and sturdy materials that allow you to grind salt, peppercorns, Juniper berries, oregano, and lots more to perfection. With a height of 5.3 inches and a width of 2.6 inches, this salt grinder fits perfectly in your hand. This makes it easier to use and move around.
Although this grinder has a compact size, it can fit ¾ cups of spices in its all-clear glass body. The see-through body of the grinder enables you to know when it is time for a refill.
Speaking of refills, the item has a mouth that is wide enough to fill up the spices without making a huge grainy mess. You will not need to use a funnel or angle the grinder in a specific direction to fill it up with salt, pepper, or other types of spices.
You will be able to adjust the coarseness or fineness of the spices by rotating the knob at the bottom of the grinder. You can sprinkle ultra-fine salt over your meals or use grainy or coarse salt while cooking food.
Pros
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It comes with a lid that helps to keep the spices and herbs safe and fresh for a long time
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It can be used to grind both salt and pepper
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The top part of the grinder can be opened which makes it easy to clean
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The grinding mechanism works perfectly. You can get a powder-like texture quite easily
Cons
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It might be a bit difficult to dry the grinder completely as the top part tends to hold water
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It does a better job at grinding salt compared to grinding peppercorns
6. OXO Salt Grinder
OXO has been in the industry since 1990 so you can expect its products to be highly functional and durable. This grinder has a ceramic grinding mechanism that will not corrode or produce a bad odor when grinding salt. It is unlikely to affect the flavor and consistency of the salt, too.
It is very easy to adjust the coarseness of the salt. Unlike other salt grinders, this item has adjustment settings on its body rather than at the bottom.
You can just slide the knob either to the right or to the left to choose between the five different levels of coarseness. It is also very easy to refill this salt grinder as it has a wide opening and the top part can be unscrewed quite effortlessly. The salt grinder stays in position even when it is placed in an upside-down position. This makes it easy to refill it since you do not need to hold it still with another hand.
This salt grinder already comes filled with salt so you can start prepping your meals right away. All you need to do is hold it above your food and twist the end to release coarse or fine salt.
Pros
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It weighs only 12 ounces so you can easily hold it in your hand for longer periods of time
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It offers five different levels of coarseness, ranging from fine to coarse output
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The high-quality construction of the grinder prevents it from reacting with the spices inside it
Cons
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This item is not very sturdy. Many users have said that it had stopped working after frequent use
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It does not come with a lid to keep the salt fresh and dry for a long time
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It does not work very well with peppercorns
7. COLE & MASON Derwent Salt and Pepper Grinder Set
Clear acrylic and stainless steel accents add a chic, classy touch to its exterior. The transparency of acrylic helps you to notice the level of spice and refill accordingly. The salt grinder is 7 and a half inches tall so you will not need to refill it on a regular basis. Plus, it weighs only 2.2 pounds so it can be held with ease.
The flexible adjustment settings allow you to ground the spices up to six varying levels of fineness or coarseness. But its biggest perk lies in the fact that its diamond-sharp, ceramic mechanism has been carefully designed to peel off the spices (rather than crushing) which allow maximum infusion of flavor.The product is made using high-quality, sturdy materials that enable it to perform well for a long time. In fact, this grinding machine also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
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Chic, elegant exterior
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Diamond-sharp, ceramic grinding mechanism that comes with a lifetime warranty
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Easy to use adjustment settings that allow 6 pre-set levels of precise, consistent output
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Comes in a beautifully packaged gift-box setting
Cons
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Expensive
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Leaves stray salt as the dispensers are placed at the bottom
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Only the grinding mechanism comes with a lifetime warranty (Not the entire product)
8. JOBKIM Automatic Salt and Pepper Mill Grinder Set
Sturdy, well-designed, and extremely convenient is what most people say when asked to describe this grinder set from JOBKIM. Both the salt and pepper grinders have a storage capacity of ⅔ cups. You can use this set to grind a wide variety of spices including sea salt, pink salt, black pepper, white pepper, mung bean, and even black sesame. It makes a great kitchen tool, especially when you are trying to speed up your cooking process.
What’s great about this product is that you do not need to twist any parts or press any button to grind your salt or pepper.
All you need to do is flip your wrist and angle it over your meals to release the ground salt, pepper, or other spices. The grinder has a built-in lighting system that lights up automatically whenever the grinder is in a tilted position. The blue light helps you to see where the ground salt or spices are falling so that your kitchen does not turn into a grainy mess.
You will need to use six AAA batteries to operate this grinder. Although the batteries do not come with this set, it is very easy to find them in your local stores or online. Remember to take the batteries out before cleaning this grinder set.
Pros
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The clear storage container is dishwasher-safe which helps to save time and energy
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The blue light is quite powerful but it does not produce glare which makes it easy to use
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You can adjust the coarseness by turning the knob to the right for a fine texture or to the left for a rough texture
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If you are unsatisfied with your set, you can always ask for a refund
Cons
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The grinder starts releasing the spices as soon as you tilt it so your food may get a bit too salty
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The grinding mechanism is not dishwasher-safe
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The batteries tend to drain out quickly
9. OXO EMW6503106 Salt Grinder
As the name suggests, this salt grinder from OXO is tailored specifically to ensure maximum ease of use. The factors contributing to its soft, “non-slip” grip are its optimum size and the plastic coating at the bottom. Its storage allows 4.76 oz (135 g) of spice.
Smart design features such as placement of dispensers at the top and refilling options at the bottom enables the user to sprinkle with more accuracy as well as avoid stray spice particles. The transparency of the acrylic canister makes it possible to make timely refills.
Its grinding mechanism includes a ceramic grinder, which can be manipulated to produce a wide variety of results ranging from coarse to fine.
Pros
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Maximum convenience in terms of product handling
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Placement of dispensers at the top allows you to avoid stray particles
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Can grind even whole spices like cumin, coriander and cloves
Cons
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Inconsistent output
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Insufficient granularity of the output (Both in terms of fineness/ coarseness)
10. HomeKitchenStar Gravity Electric Salt Pepper Grinder
User convenience has been given the utmost priority in terms of product design of HomeKitchenStar salt and pepper mills. These are battery run (6 AAA batteries) and require minimum effort from the user end (A feature that is prized especially by its elderly customers).
Acrylic makeup of the canister allows transparency as well as durability. The gravity activation feature automatically turns the mill on/off when you tilt it. It only requires one hand operation so you can easily use the other one to stir the curry or hold the lid.
The grinder allows coarseness adjustment by turning the adjustment knob left or right. The ceramic rotor mechanism holds up even the toughest of spices and peppercorns. If you’re a perfectionist who cooks with precise measurements, you’ll love their LED light feature which illuminates your food, and allows you to see how much spice you’re actually sprinkling. For quality assurance, you can avail their 90 day Manufacturer Warranty.
Pros
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Run by electricity, requires minimum effort on user end. This feature makes it a great choice for elderly customers or for people with afflictions such as arthritis.
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Gravity sensor enables automatic activation when you tilt the product.
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Blue LED light allows you to monitor how much salt is going into your food.
Cons
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Low lifespan.
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Changing batteries at intervals can prove to be cumbersome. To top it off, there have been complaints from customers regarding difficulty in opening the top portion of the product for battery entry.
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Gets jammed with spice quite frequently.
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Relatively inferior quality in terms of fineness (In comparison to manual grinders)
11. BlueSnail Manual Grips Salt/Pepper Grinder
Don’t want to prepare and season your meals using your fingers? Use a salt/pepper grinder instead. This one from BlueSnail has a height of only 5.1 inches which means that it has a compact size that makes it extremely easy to hold. It does not have a bulky design so you can easily place it at the end of your table so that you and your guests can easily add more salt or pepper to the food.
It has a clear body that allows you to see how much salt or pepper is left. You will know exactly when it is time for a refill. The transparent design also makes it look elegant in any table setting.
The grinding mechanism is highly functional. It grinds large clumps of salt or peppercorns within a few seconds. It is non-corrosive and does not affect the quality of the spices. All you need to do is hold the grinder with one hand and rotate the top, black part with another to release the freshly ground spices over your food. There is no need to use batteries or press any buttons.
Pros
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The plastic cover helps to keep the spices fresh and flavorful for longer periods of time
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You can rotate the tab to adjust the coarseness of the spices. You will be given 5 options in total
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The grinder is dishwasher-safe which makes cleaning a breeze
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It is very lightweight and easy to grip onto
Cons
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The grinding mechanism is not very durable. The blades tend to become quite dull and may fall apart
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The finely ground spices tend to fall out as the holes in the grinding mesh are quite large
12. OXO Good Grips Sleek Salt Mill
OXO products are widely known for their versatility and sleek, stylish exterior. The BPA free acrylic container comes with a transparent exterior and helps you to notice when it’s time for a refill.
The stainless steel lids contains a ceramic grinder on the inside, which neither absorbs nor corrodes flavors and odors. Placement of dispensers at the top helps you to avoid stray spices. Placement of grind mechanism on the top as helps you to avoid countertop messes and stray spices.
The easy to grind mechanism comes with adjustable settings that allows you into 5 varying levels of coarseness. This grinder is also widely known for rendering faster outputs than many other grinders.
Pros
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Substantial lifespan.
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Placement of dispensers at the bottom allow you to avoid stray spices
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Easy adjustment settings that allows 5 varying levels of output, ranging from coarse to fine
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Rubber grip band at the base facilitates easy handling of the product
Cons
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The little cap at the top tends to fall off
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Expensive
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Not great for grinding peppercorns
13. OCOOKO Salt and Pepper Grinder Set
This grinder set has got to have one of the most elegant, modern, sleek designs which make it perfect for celebrating special, festive, or fancy dinners. It is made using premium beech wood and stainless steel, making it extremely durable and sturdy. It has a ceramic grinding mechanism that does not corrode easily. You will be able to make finely ground salt and pepper using this set.
Both grinders have a capacity of 50 milliliters which means that they can hold a hefty amount of spices.
They have an ergonomically streamlined design, providing a smooth surface that enables you to hold the grinders comfortably. What is super convenient about this set is that you can tell the difference between the two grinders. The salt grinder is labeled “S” whereas the pepper grinder is labeled “P”.
The set comes in a beautiful gift packaging which makes it a perfect gift for family members, friends, and colleagues. The sponge in the gift box protects the two grinders from damage so you can expect the set to come in a good condition.
Pros
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You can adjust the coarseness by rotating the grinder either to the right or to the left
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You will be able to get a powder-like texture using this grinder
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Both grinders have a large opening that makes them easy to refill
Cons
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It does have a clear body so you will not be able to tell how much spices are left in it
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The capacity is not very spacious so you might need to refill the grinders quite frequently
14. ZaraLuxe Salt And Pepper Grinder Set
Zaraluxe salt mills come in with a handful of features at a relatively low price. So if you’re looking for the best salt grinder with a budget friendly approach, this one’s definitely worth considering.
One of its prime features is 5 level coarseness/fineness adjustment mechanism facilitated by its ceramic rotor. The stainless steel cap sits tightly at the top, ensuring your spices maintain their freshness and aroma.
With a size of 7.5" X 2.5", (translating to 3/4 cup capacity) the product ensures minimum refills. The adjustment options allows you to choose from a variety of output, ranging from coarse to fine.
Pros
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Budget Friendly
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Consistent output
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Comes with a cleaning brush
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Delivers value for money
Cons
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Unsatisfactory output in terms of coarseness
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A bit bulky
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Salt Grinder
While a salt mill might feel like a minor part of your kitchen arsenal, investing into the right one is crucial as it’ss an everyday essential and goes a long way in revamping your dishes. Moreover, it’s important to remember that different salt mills are designed to cater to different needs of its customers. So we recommend that you read up on the following factors and take an educated buying decision, rather than going for a random product off the shelf.
Adjustment Settings
Some salt mills facilitate variety of coarseness/fineness outputs through its adjustment settings and some don’t. If you’re a perfectionist and like your spices to be ground to precision this is definitely something that deserves consideration. While buying, make sure the grinder comes with clear markings and indicators so that it’s easy to comprehend whether you should take it up/down a notch while cooking.
Storage Capacity
For customers who use salt mills on a regular basis or with bulk amounts, storage capacity is one of the prime factors for consideration. A large storage capacity ultimately translates to less refills and hassle. But it’s also worth remembering that salts and spices tend to lose their vigor with time. So a moderately large/medium sized container would be ideal for most purposes.
Convenience
Some grinders require considerable amount of effort for rendering the desired output, whereas others offer a smooth experience through accelerating ease of use. In extreme scenarios of the former, customers (especially aged people) are seen to struggle with intense wrist pain. Before buying the salt mill, make sure the grinder is easy to crank/twist and consistent.
Grinding Mechanism
Considering the grinding mechanism to be something very tech-y and intricate, most customers don’t bother to check into it. What they don’t consider is the fact that the grinding mechanism is the ultimate determiner of the durability and functionality of the product. One surefire way of telling apart good grinding mechanisms from inferior ones is checking their material. Stainless steel and ceramic mechanisms ensure maximum bang for the buck whereas acrylic ones simply fail to deliver in most cases.
Manual vs. Electric
Electric salt mills are either recharge-able or battery powered. It’s especially preferred by the customers who want to avoid the hassle of continuous twists and turns or those who are struggling with grip/hand issues. Chefs too opt for electric salt mills as manual ones can turn out to be quite exhausting when it comes to bulk amounts.
Despite all these benefits, manual salt mills are still widely hailed for their superior performance and longevity in comparison to electric mills. Electric mills also often need sufficient levels of salt/spice to function properly and hence not appropriate for smaller batches. These have also been termed as “slow” by a number of customers.
External Material
Metal salt mills are often revered for their chic, smooth finish. One considerable drawback in this case, however is their weight and tendency to rust.
Traditional wooden salt mills on the other hand are devoid of these drawbacks but come with the hefty concern of proper cleaning and disinfection. Also, their lack of transparency is a major issue as users do not understand when to go for a refill.
Plastic and acrylic mills are lightweight and come in a variety of colors. Their transparency enables the user to monitor the salt/spice levels
Tips For Drying Salt In The Oven
Sometimes, sea salt may be too clumpy to be used in the salt grinder. You will need to remove all moisture if you want the grinding mechanism of your salt grinder to work perfectly. Here are some tips that you can follow to achieve dry salt.
- Before putting the salt in the oven, it is best to preheat the oven so that the salt dries at a faster rate. You should set the temperature to 250° Fahrenheit or close to 121° Celcius.
- While your oven is being preheated, you should pour the salt over a large baking tray. Make sure to spread the salt in a single layer. It is best if you put parchment paper over the tray before adding the salt as it will help to remove the dried salt particles easily.
- The middle rack is where the heat sources are evenly distributed so, you should place the baking tray in the middle rack. The center position allows uniform air circulation which helps to dry the sea salt quickly.
- It is recommended to bake the sea salt for only 10-15 minutes. If you are living in a humid climate, you might need to bake it for a longer period of time.
- Once the timer comes to an end, you can use a wooden spatula to break up any clumps of salt. You should pour the dried salt into the salt grinder once it has cooled off completely.
FAQ
How do I fix a clogged salt grinder?
If you have a clogged salt grinder, there are high chances of damp salt being stuck on the grinding mechanism. You will need to disassemble all the parts, get rid of the damp salt, and clean the item using a small brush. Remember to dry the salt grinder completely before refilling it.
What should I do to prevent salt from becoming clumpy?
If the salt keeps getting damp and clumpy, there are a few tricks that you can follow. You can add a few grains of rice to the salt in the grinder. Raw rice is said to absorb excess moisture and will help to keep your salt dry for longer periods of time. You can also use dried parsley leaves, dried beans, cloves, and even coffee beans to keep the salt dry.