We set each mill to its finest and coarsest setting, then assessed the size and consistency of the grains on each. The best mill sets are brilliant at both, but most favour one size of grain over the other. Accuracy We tested two electric grinders and were surprised at how many batteries were needed (eight for each set) and how difficult the batteries were to fit. With its grinding mechanism on top, this OXO Good Grips Salt Grinder won’t spill salt all over the dining room table, and our customers love it. If you buy a quality mill set, you'd expect it to be able to produce super fine grains for delicate seasoning and chunkier grains for marinating. Many of the grinder sets could only do one or the other well.

While the thought of freshly ground salt or pepper at the press of a button might sound appealing, the reality can be different. Sometimes seasoning requires accuracy. You might want to pepper your steak, but not the chips to the side of it. Consider the size and design of the salt and pepper grinder set. Smaller models take up less room but will require frequent refilling unless you live alone or have just one roommate. When it comes to design, you want a glass or clear acrylic base. This allows you to keep an eye on the amount of spice left in the grinder. Glass is a better choice when possible, as it doesn’t stain or retain odors. 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.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. Finished in stylish steel and acrylic, the salt mill looks the part, as well as performs it. A simple twist of the collar adjusts the coarseness depending on whether you’re seasoning a dish or wanting a crunchy, salty garnish.

With its ceramic grinding mechanism on top, this pepper mill won’t leave a ring of ground pepper on your surfaces every time you put it down. A simple twist of the collar adjusts the coarseness depending on the recipe of the day. Look for a grinder with multiple coarseness settings, as some of your guests may prefer their salt or pepper finely grounded, while others like it a bit more coarse. Typically, grinders offer between two and three adjustable settings, with the third being a medium coarseness. Finished in stylish steel and acrylic, the OXO Good Grips Pepper Mill looks the part, as well as performs it. 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. Some modern designs proved easier to use if you have oily hands from cooking and there was also a big difference with how easy the coarseness setting is to adjust.

But our recommendations above did produce consistent fine spices or coarse grains, and it's easy to adjust the settings to the desired level. 3. Traditional style grinders are hard to use with wet and oily hands

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. When creating meals for your family and friends, it’s a good idea to go easy on the salt and pepper and simply allow each individual to add as much or as little of the spices as they prefer to their meal. Keeping a salt and pepper grinder set on your dining room table will provide easy access to these coveted spices. We rated each mill on how easy it is to use with oily hands and dry hands. It tend to be the pricier grinders that are easy to use if you have oily hands. Time to grind a teaspoon While one of the electric grinders did produce both fine and coarse grains consistently, we felt the ease of use benefits were spoiled by poor test results on other factors. 2. Most grinders can't do both coarse and fine grinds very well 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.