To pick the best spice grinder for everyday kitchen use, the most important things to look for are the grinder’s type of operation, capacity, as well as a few other key features that make the grinder easier to use – more detail on that below.
Let’s face it – nothing brings a dish to life better than freshly ground spices.
Whether you’re looking for a kitchen tool to blend whole spices together, or to granulate dried spices for your daily dishes a good spice grinder can make all the difference.
When cooking for my friends, they are constantly amazed at the rich tastes I can achieve compared to regular pre-ground spice products. It really doesn’t take a lot more work but makes a big difference in flavor (and aroma).
To help you shop, I’ve summarized the best grinders currently available. Depending on your situation and needs, I’ve crafted a shopping guide to further help make sure you don’t spend more than you need to for your ideal spice grinder.
Plus, if you have your own spice grinder, you’ll know essentially everything that’s in your food. Unlike with pre-ground spices which may consist of additives that manufacturers won’t disclose on the label. In many cases, they’re not even required to disclose these!
Terrifying, right?
There’s even more reasons why picking up a good spice grinder makes sense and I will cover those below, but in case you are in a hurry I’ll share my top picks first.
My Top Picks: The Best Spice Grinders
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Best Overall  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Bang for the Buck  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Why Invest in a Spice Grinder?
While the old-fashioned mortar and pestle can theoretically release aromas and flavors more effectively, they aren’t really convenient for larger scale ground products. Imagine doing all the manual labor for a large meal or for the next few weeks of cooking with a heavy mortar and pestle. It is super satisfying for small batches, but it can be a lot of work if you really need to grind a lot. A spice grinder, especially an electric one, gets the job done much quicker. They can be used both for larger scale grinding work as well as quickly blending spices together.
Many kitchen tools can offer versatility. The same goes for spice grinders. In theory, you can use them to mill a variety of ingredients for use in cuisine, pastries, and even beverages like coffee. (Note: although it’s technically possible, I’m a fanatic about my coffee so I wouldn’t recommend mixing my spice grinder for this purpose, but it can work in a pinch.) Spice grinders are definitely a great addition to your kitchen arsenal. You just have to find the best one that suits your demands and intended use.
More Details on the Best Spice Grinders
Finding the best spice grinder won’t be hard if you know what your demands are. Get to know the models I recommend and decide if they fit your needs. Here are the best spice grinders you could get from the market.
Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Grinder – Best Overall
One of the most-rated electric grinders, the Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Grinder may just become the friend you can turn to in times of need for grinding all types of spices. From coffee beans to cumin, cinnamon, nuts, seeds, and pepper. You may count on this 115-watt spice grinder.
It features durable stainless steel blades that produce heavy-duty evenly ground coffee beans, cinnamon sticks, nuts, basically whatever you could think of. And with such power, you’d think it can wake up sleeping toddlers, but it’s actually a whisper-quiet model. It gives you a sigh of relief from the exasperating noise certain higher-end grinders generate.
In terms of aesthetics and long-term durability, many of its components are matte plastic rather than heavy-duty-ground products dazzling stainless steel. And for its price, which is very affordable, I could instantly tell it’s made for great grinding power. Although it may call for a replacement, eventually.
I appreciate the removable grinding chamber. This makes it easier to clean after use. You can easily throw the removable part in the dishwasher, too. Plus, its cable wraps snugly around the base, making storage convenient. Overall, I think it’s a great-to-have good spice grinder. Especially if you’re taking the spice grind route for daily food prepping.
Pros:
– Powerful, yet, quiet spice grinder
– Affordable
– Removable part is dishwasher-safe
– Easy to store
Cons:
– Hard to assemble
– Chord is too short
KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder – Best Bang for the Buck
A bit more pricey, but you could get the most out of your investment with the KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder. This 200-watt electric spice grinder combines power and design. Even with such power, it runs quietly. It’s like that one shy nerd at the back of a classroom that excels in everything, in silence. You get the idea. It lives up to its name.
This spice grinder features a patent-pending vortex spin technology that guides your spices to the blade for quick grinding with a minimum grinding nose, of course. It can also accommodate larger quantities of herbs and spices at 85 grams of capacity. With this model, I appreciate the intuitive one-touch operation, which makes it an easy-to-use tool for a noob like myself.
While it may not be particularly attractive for having more plastic elements than its counterparts, it’s a quick and reliable tool that won’t poke a hole in your wallet. It’s virtually noiseless and has handy features like a cover for saving leftover spices. Its stainless steel bowl is also dishwasher-safe. Just another thing to love about this grinder.
Pros:
– Powerful, yet, quiet spice grinder
– Offers a roomy capacity
– Easy to use
– Removable bowl is dishwasher-safe
Cons:
– Liquid seeps in between its inner and outer lid
– Some users say it’s hard to clean, and don’t recommend a dishwasher
Golden Bell Spice Herb Grinder – Best Mini Manual Grinder
If you’re in the market for something more compact and fall within your budget, the Golden Bell Spice Herb Grinder may be a good mini option. You can easily use this as an alternative to your mortar and pestle. It works for small peppers like cayenne, turning them into fine powder.
It’s made with heavy-duty zinc alloy patent-pending a nice matte black finish. This spice grinder uses stainless-steel mesh with a pollen scraper that lets you clean it up after use. It’s also built with neodymium magnets to hold the top securely in position and produce a smoother grind with little friction.
This multi chambered spice grinder has sharp diamond-shaped teeth which allow for a seamless twist and precise grinding. The grinder is durable and offers you more control than other grinders. It allows you to fine-tune the fineness or coarseness of your ground. But I think the drawback here is the lid that obscures the process.
Pros:
– Compact and easy to use
– Durable manual spice grinder
– Affordable
Cons:
– Lid cover obscure the grinding process
– The finish is prone to chipping off
– Produces coarse grounds
SHARDOR Electric Spice Grinder
The SHARDOR Electric Spice Grinder offers versatility if you’re looking to grind a wide range of spices. This electric spice grinder is made of durable stainless steel housing and blades. With a 200 watts strong motor, it ensures steady and even grinding.
You can customize the fineness and coarseness of your grounds with its intuitive setting. Simply press the lid to start with different grinding times. Bring a fast and efficient tool, the quickest you can obtain a coarse powder is under ten seconds.
It offers a roomy 70-gram capacity, which is an ideal size in a grinder. Its bowl is removable, featuring measurement markings. Also, you don’t need to be concerned about getting sloppy in the kitchen because its lid has a lovely closing ring to avoid powder splashing.
Pros:
– Sleek, durable stainless steel design
– Powerful electric spice grinder
– Offers roomy capacity
– Removable bowl has measurement markings
Cons:
– Slightly loud
COOL KNIGHT Herb and Spice Grinder
If you’re looking for a spice grinder with the largest capacity, the COOL KNIGHT Herb and Spice Grinder offers a generous space at 120 grams. Its visual-lid design lets you adjust coarse or fine grinding with one hand. The coarse grinding is quick, takes 3 to 5 seconds, while fine grinding takes about 8 to 15 seconds.
It’s ideal for grinding herbs, spices, grains, and coffee beans. As well as resolving issues such as slow grinding and long grinding time. It frees up a lot of time for you to do more important things. With a simple push-down-power mechanism with the lid acting as a switch, you may give the grinder a moderate push and it will begin grinding.
You can also regulate the coarse, medium, and fine grinding levels by pressing the lid for varied durations. It also makes the grinder a safer device because its blade only rotates once you put the lid on the cup, and you press it down.
The grinder’s inner tank and blade are constructed of stainless steel, that’s extremely robust. Its blade’s unique shape lets you grind at 360 degrees. It also rotates at a high speed of 30,000 revolutions per minute. This allows the grinder to finish its task swiftly.
Pros:
– Large capacity
– Versatile
– Intuitive mechanism
– Has a safety feature
– Time-saving
Cons:
– The inner metal tray isn’t removable; hard to clean
– Doesn’t have a pollen catcher
Eparé Manual Combo Mill Grinders
The Eparé Manual Combo Mill Grinders can process both salt and pepper simultaneously. It’s handy if you only require a spice grinder for these spices. It features a dual design that incorporates two separate chambers into a piece of compact, space-saving equipment. And with milling blades on both ends.
With this manual spice grinder, you may adjust the fineness and coarseness of your spice separately using the dials on the tip of each blade cap. Despite the sleek form, its chambers are roomy enough to hold a full cup of spices. And it can process even the toughest spices such as rock salt and whole peppercorns.
Also, you aren’t restricted to only salt and pepper. For convenient access to fresh grinding, you can put your staples in its chambers and grind them. And since the chambers are transparent, you can see the entire grinding process.
Pros:
– Compact; saves space
– Easy to use
– Multifunctional
– Sleek design
Cons:
– A bit clumsy to use
– Feels flimsy
Buying Guide: Picking the Best Spice Grinder
When shopping for the best spice grinder, make sure you have your criteria checked. Is it easy to use? Does it offer the capacity you prefer? Is it multifunctional? It’s easy to make a mistake with your purchase, but it’s worth knowing the qualities that make a good spice grinder. Refer to the handy buying guide below to find out.
Manual Spice Grinder vs. Electric Spice Grinder: Which One Should You Get?
There are two types of spice grinders: manual spice grinder and electric spice grinder. And both have pros and cons. Manual spice grinders are also classified into two sub-categories. There’s the ratchet, then there’s the mill-type grinder.
While it might seem strange that some opt for such spice grinders over the equally affordable and more advanced electric versions, manual spice grinders could be ideal for certain reasons. If you’re grinding small amounts of spices, the manual version will be great.
Electric spice grinders, on the other hand, can be cumbersome. And they can be inconvenient to store, and rather loud. But the electric versions are the best choice for grinding large quantities of spices, grains, nuts, or seeds. Especially if you do this much work regularly. If you can, I suggest you get both the manual and the electric spice grinders to come in handy for different occasions.
Ease of Use
Is the spice grinder’s mechanism and procedure easy to understand? In certain models, you can operate easily with just one touch, while some may require you to configure it first. But even with one-touch spice grinders, some have dials that can be difficult to press, and even more so during lengthy operations.
I find a manual spice grinder a bit easier to operate since they don’t have that many settings. But they tend to be a bit tiresome since you have to manually do the work. Overall, you should get one that’s easy to operate, offering both convenience and efficiency.
Ease of Cleaning
Does the spice grinder require you to set it up and take it apart? Certain grinders with detachable bowls are easier to clean since you can run these under the tap. The removable parts are also often dishwasher-safe. But you may want a bowl that’s simple to slide on and pop off the grinder.
Sometimes, spice grinders with detachable bowls have too much space in between the bowl and base. This allows spices to get stuck underneath the bowl and entails further cleanup.
Capacity
Most mid-range grinders have a capacity of around 70 grams. A manual spice grinder has smaller bowls than electric spice grinders. Obviously, the latter is a safe bet if you find yourself grinding larger quantities. Many spice grinders also feature removable storage containers. You can use these to store excess ingredients.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, you must first determine the volume of spices you’re going to grind. If you opt for a larger-capacitated model, then you must also consider how much space you have for storing your grinder.
Noise
As for many appliances, most high-powered units have loud motors. This means, the higher the power, the louder it operates. If your electric spice grinder is powerful, you should expect it to be loud. In this area, a manual spice grinder wins — but not all the way!
Manufacturers have gotten clever with creating quiet electric grinders. Using modern technologies, many electric models now can reduce the noise produced. All while maintaining grinding performance.
Versatility
If you have a tool that can do more than its specific purpose, you get the most out of your investment. Coffee lovers can benefit from a spice grinder. You can also process nuts and small veggies if you like. I suggest you consider getting a model that could do it all — the whole nine yards. This way, you reduce the amount of kitchen equipment you use for slicing, grinding, and crunching.
Material and Durability
When it comes to long-term use and durability, many spice grinder models come in a range of materials. From gleaming stainless steel construction to durable plastic material. If you opt for the latter, make sure it’s made from food-grade material. The same goes for stainless steel grinders. But certain models are just made to ride hard, then await a replacement.
It’s also important to consider the warranty of the product you pick. Warranties cover replacement, and it helps you find parts. If you want to protect your investment, always opt for a spice grinder with a lengthy warranty. Since a longer warranty period usually means a durable product.
Price
There are many affordable spice grinders available in the market today. This means you shouldn’t struggle to find a budget-friendly option. Of course, with higher-priced models, you’ll get more features. But you’ll always find a good spice grinder at an affordable price point. Without sacrificing quality and performance. And without breaking the bank.
Best Spice Grinder FAQs:
Is there a difference between a spice grinder and a coffee grinder?
Coffee grinders employ conical burrs to grind coffee beans into fine ground. Whereas spice grinders use blades to process herbs and spices into smaller, coarse pieces. But, you can also use a spice grinder to process coffee beans.
What do chefs use to grind spices?
Chefs and home cooks who like to prepare ingredients by hand use equipment as obsolete as cookery itself. And when it comes to grinding spices, you’ll find them pounding herbs and spices with a mortar and pestle. But if you want a quicker result, a spice grinder will be up for the task.
Is a spice grinder necessary?
Spice grinders will always come in handy when you need one. If you’re constantly grinding spices for huge batches, electric grinders are a must-have.
Wrapping Up
My favorite is the Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Grinder because it’s affordable, with a 150-watt powerful motor, yet, it’s quiet. It also offers a generous capacity for all your spices and it’s easy to use. The KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder may be a great choice if you’re looking to get the most out of your investment. At 200-watts, it still lies up to its name being a silent spice grinder. It’s also easy to use with a roomy capacity to accommodate your coffee beans and whole spices.
But if you’re on the hunt for something more compact and affordable, the Golden Bell Spice Herb Grinder may be an excellent option. With its mini size, it comes with a mini prize. A literal definition of the best thing coming from a small package.
I hope you find the best spice grinder that suits your needs with this guide I’ve curated just for you. And make sure to check out the latest prices and discounts on the rest of the best spice grinders on my list. Keep grinding, and good luck!
