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From iconic Peugeot-Saveurs to colorful Le Creuset. Manual Coffee Grinder
Salt and pepper grinders are kitchen staples, with a dash of seasoning transforming a bland dish into one brimming with flavour. Despite being an essential, though, you may not know the best one for your culinary needs.
Sarah Savery-Smith, brand director for kitchenware brand ProCook, says: 'Seasoning is so intrinsic to cooking you almost take salt and pepper mills for granted in the kitchen, but a good quality grinder will quickly become your favourite kitchen accessory.'
There are three main types of grinders.
Salt and pepper shakers are typically used to add extra seasoning after cooking. These no-frill items don’t have any extra functions, such as adjustable grinds, but they’re useful to have on the dining table so you can season your food as you prefer.
Salt and pepper grinders use internal blades to break down seasoning into smaller pieces. Many have multiple grind settings that can be adjusted via the base or the top screw. 'They often come in various shapes and sizes to suit any home and they’re easy to maintain,' adds Sarah.
Electric salt and pepper grinders, naturally, use electricity to grind spices. Sarah explains how they season at the touch of a button, making them easy and convenient to use. Electric mills usually require batteries, but some rechargeable models are available.
Not all grinders are, so it’s worth double checking before you purchase.
Adjustable grinding mechanisms are handy as they let you choose between a fine or coarse grind. Fine ground salt works in cooking where it dissolves quickly, Sarah explains, but coarse salt is often preferred for meats and at the table where it adds the finishing touch to a dish.
A grinder ranging from 15 to 23 centimetres in height can hold around half a cup of salt and pepper, which is ideal for everyday use. Anything smaller will need to be refilled more regularly, depending on how often you use it.
They may look the same but salt and pepper mills use different mechanisms to grind spices.
Salt mill grinders are usually made from ceramic, which is naturally oxidised to withstand corrosion and rust. Pepper mills use durable stainless steel to break down the tough texture of peppercorns.
These Joseph Joseph mills grind from the top rather than the bottom, so they won’t leave any debris on your counter.
They look great too, with a chic matt finish and gorgeous muted colours. Scandi interior fans will love them.
You might also like the stylish black and grey colourway.
Here’s a nifty piece of kitchen tech. These electric grinders have LED lights on the base, so you can season with precision when working in dark kitchens or if you’re cooking in a deep pot.
The soft rubber body makes them easy to grip — even if you have greasy fingers from preparing food. They’re stylish, too, with a sleek black finish.
You can always rely on Habitat for elegant homeware that punches above its price tag, and these mills prove our point.
For just £16, it’s a great price for a pair, featuring an orange gradient finish that’s reminiscent of Le Creuset’s iconic wares.
They’ll make a stylish addition to the dining table that's sure to get compliments from guests.
Avoid a cluttered table with Cuisinart’s all-in-one electric mill, which grinds spices and dried herbs as well as seasoning.
It’s rechargeable, with a full boost providing 20 minutes of use, while its stand prevents any leftover residue from falling onto surfaces.
The included measuring cap can also help when you’re following a recipe. It’s available in five colours.
Le Creuset never lets us down with its high-quality kitchenware, and the brand’s stoneware mills are no exception.
They’re simple to fill, easy to handle and they distribute ground seasoning evenly and consistently. Needless to say, they look lovely in the kitchen too.
Our pick is azure blue, but there are eight more colours available at John Lewis.
You can buy the matching pepper mill here.
Peugeot invented the first table top pepper mill in the 1800s, so, naturally, we had to include the iconic French brand in our roundup.
This bundle comes with a pair of hardy wooden mills, a refill funnel, salt and pepper sachets and a glossy gift box.
We loved the mills when we tried them — if you want something that's sturdy, produces great results and looks good, they’re hard to beat.
They come with a lifetime guarantee too, so they’re fantastic value in the long run.
Addison Ross’ sell-out bobbin grinder has a new smaller doppelganger: the Chubbie, featuring the same glossy finish and chunky silhouette.
When we tried it, it was easy to refill, with a smooth grind and an even distribution of spices, but the petite size makes it better for seasoning at the table over cooking.
They’re sold separately, with 12 complementary shades to choose from — great for mixing and matching.
We’re big fans of ProCook’s electric mills. They have six settings, which allow us to grind seasoning as coarse or fine as each dish requires.
Clear windows make it easy to know when they need refilling and they’re effortless to use while cooking. They require six AAAs so remember to stock up on spare batteries.
Are you looking for shakers that don’t look like shakers? Reminiscent of a mystical woodland setting, these sweet mushrooms could easily be mistaken for decorations.
Pair them with forest green dinnerware or a wildflower bouquet for an enchanting fairy tale aesthetic.
Cat lovers, we’ve found the purrfect shakers for you.
These sweet felines are from designer Hannah Turner, who creates a variety of ceramic animals from her Bristol-based workshop. All of her designs are lovely, but these are our favourites for their playful expressions and vibrant colours.
The grey tabby cat shakers are sweet, too.
Exuding a breezy Mediterranean charm, these beautiful shakers deserve pride of place on every tablescape.
They’re stackable, so ideal for busy tables, and there are some gorgeous coordinating pieces, including a gravy boat, milk jug and cheeseboard.
Jonathan Adler fans will be familiar with the brand’s customary style: striking geometric details and gilded gold accents.
These shakers, from Adler’s lustrous Versailles range, make for a statement tablescape. They’re destined to add a touch of glamour to your setup.
Use the promo code SLEIGH for 25 per cent off.
Lauren is our Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest homeware trends, sales and launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Red and Harper’s Bazaar.
On a daily basis, Lauren navigates the ins and outs of interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a garden bar or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the most reliable products and best-value deals, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.
Lauren has a BA in English Literature and Journalism and has worked in various editorial roles across Southeast Asia and North America. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness.
When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital.
Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah
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