There’s nothing quite like the perfect fresh spice to add a burst of flavor to an otherwise bland meal.
Unfortunately, over time, even the best and highest-quality ground spices begin to lose their taste and potency.
That’s why many of the world’s best home chefs invest in spice grinders. That way, they can buy a large number of seeds and just grind them whenever they are needed.
Invest in the right spice grinder, and you’ll find that your dish takes on a whole new flavor and tone. Grinding only takes a few minutes, so if you love to cook, investing in a good spice grinder is one of the best things you can do to improve your craft.
Not sure what to look for? Finding the best spice grinder doesn’t have to be a challenge. We’ll give you a list of some of our favorite products – and provide you with tips on how to find the right spice grinder for your needs, too.
The 12 Best Spice Grinders to Add a Dash of Flavor to Any Meal
1. Epica Electric Coffee Grinder & Spice Grinder
The Epica Spice Grinder, also a coffee grinder, is one of the best spice grinders you can buy if you are looking for a more multipurpose option.
With a powerful 250-watt motor, it offers all the muscle you need to create the perfect grind of any consistency. It operates quietly, despite its electric motor, and has double-edged stainless steel blades for smoother grinding.
A durable, long-lasting grinder, it has stainless steel components and is only 3.5” in diameter. It is compact and even comes with a transparent lid so you can watch your spices as they are being ground. It comes with a safety lock to keep everything contained, too.
The cup included with the grinder is removable and dishwasher-safe – plus, it comes with a cord storage so you can tuck away the extra wires when the grinder is not in use.
What We Liked:
- Has an absorbent base that remains secure and prevents skidding while in use
- Comes with built-in safety lock
- Impressive 2.5 oz capacity
What We Didn’t Like:
- Motor can heat up with continuous use
2. Zip Grinders, Mega Crusher Extra Large Herb Grinder
This spice grinder by Zip Grinders is a manual grinder that requires very little effort to use. It can be used on just about any kind of small herb spice and is equipped with four separate chambers. It can grind six tablespoons of herbs at once, with detachable chambers that make for a smooth, consistent grind.
The Zip Grinder is fun to use, since it has a transparent lid so you can actually watch your herbs being ground. With 49 diamond-shaped teeth, this grinder lends a smooth, consistent finish to each ground.
Though small, this grinder is mighty. It’s made out of powerful neodymium magnets that help the lid lock in safely while the grinder is in use. It also comes with a scraper tool for easy cleaning.
What We Liked:
- Easy to clean
- Has a 100-micron mesh screen to filter to a fine texture
- Large capacity
What We Didn’t Like:
- Magnetic lid weakens over time
3. Quiseen One-Touch Electric Coffee, Spice, and Nut Grinder
Although the Quiseen One-Touch is a grinder designed primarily for coffee, it’s also one of the best spice grinders you will find. An electric product, it comes with a one-touch button that will make grinding absolutely cinch.
It comes with built-in cord storage so you don’t have extra wires to trip over in your kitchen. It operates on only 110 volts of power and comes with a safety lock that makes it a good option for people with small children. Its sharp, durable blades are made out of stainless steel – it also comes with a bowl that is easy to clean.
It has a protruding dotted design so it won’t slide around while it’s in use. Its transparent lid makes it easy for you to see what’s going on inside the grinder, too.
With an extra-large capacity of nearly three ounces, this spice grinder is the best for cooks who want to grind up a ton of spices in no time.
What We Liked:
- Excellent safety and storage features
- Small design but high-capacity capabilities
- Can be used for coffee and nuts as well as spices
What We Didn’t Like:
- Blades only move in one direction, leading to a thicker grind
4. Golden Bell 4 Piece 2″ Spice and Herb Grinder
The Golden Bell spice and herb grinder is a top contender, too. This compact grinder is easy to use, available in multiple colors so it’s sure to fit the design of any kitchen.
It’s small and easily stored in just about any kitchen. Ti breaks down ino four separate pieces with three chambers, each made out of durable zinc alloy. Not only that, but you’ll also get a handy mesh screen filter to help you achieve the perfect fine ground.
With a magnetized lid and a round design, this grinder rotates smoothly and with minimal friction. It has sharp, diamond-shape blades to help you grind just about any kind of space without killing your hand in the process! It comes with a lifetime warranty so there’s no risk in giving it a try.
What We Liked:
- Made out of high-quality, durable materials
- Compact and easy to use
- Simple to take apart and clean
What We Didn’t Like:
- Hard to grind larger chunks
5. iRainy [5 Piece] Spice Herb Grinder
A compact spice grinder, this five-piece product by iRainy is the cute – yet efficient! – spice grinder you need for your kitchen.
It’s round and manual, home to two separate mesh screens that will allow you to achieve a fine consistency to your grind. Want a coarser texture? All you need to do is pop out the screen. You’ll also get a scraper tool included with your purchase, which will help you clean your spice grinder with ease.
The lid of the grinder is equipped with exclusive neodymium magnets. These help keep the lid on safely and also include diamond teeth that enhance the smoothness and power of your grinder.
A lightweight grinder, it’s constructed for durable zinc alloy. It’s small and incredibly easy to hold for any grinding job, too.
What We Liked:
- Compact and easy to store
- Mesh screens can be removed for a coarser texture
- Included scraper tool makes it easy for you to clean your grinder
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the best for larger spices or other foods
6. KitchenAid BCG211OB Blade Coffee and Spice Grinder Combo Pack
KitchenAid is the name to know when it comes to high-quality kitchen appliances, and this spice grinder is no exception. The entire thing is made out of durable stainless steel, offering smooth and efficient grinding.
You’ll get measurement markings with this spice grinder, so you’ll know exactly how much product you are resting with each grind. You’ll have minimal waste and can work to grind spices at any texture and size.
With a transparent lid and two separate bowls, it’s easy to keep your ground spices separate. The grinder has a simple one-touch operation – all you need to do is press the lid to start grinding and release it to stop.
What We Liked:
- Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Equipped with a powerful 170-watt motor
- Removable bowls make clean-up a cinch
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not have a good, locking lid
7. Microplane 48060 Manual Spice Mill
The Microplane 48060 is another one of the best spice grinders on the market. It’s designed specifically for hard spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, but will do a bang-up job with softer spices, too. It has a solid upper chamber that is opaque and airtight. This can reduce the UV exposure for your spices, extending their shelf life and freshness quite considerably.
This spice grinder is easy to operate, too. You’ll just twist the grinder in order to get the perfect “crush” of your favorite spice. It’s finished in matte black so it pairs well with the design of most kitchens, too.
Made in the United States, this spice grinder has a luxury finish and is easy to clean. Although it’s not meant to be placed in the dishwasher, it can instead be rinsed in warm, soapy water to dissolve any dried spice particles.
What We Liked:
- Highly portable and convenient spice grinder
- Stylish matte black design
- Reduces UV exposure
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not dishwasher safe
8. Kuhn Rikon Vase Grinder
The Kuhn Rikon Vase Grinder is one of the best spice grinders you can buy if you are looking for a more low-tech option. It’s shaped like a paper grinder with an easy screw-off top and an extra-wide mouth that makes it easy to funnel in your favorite whole spices.
You won’t have any trouble figuring out how dense your spices are, either. You can easily indicate the coarseness of your grind with a dial at the top. You’ll enjoy a wide range of options, from super-refined to extra large.
This spice grinder lets you lend your own finesse and special culinary flair to your cooking. Plus, it breaks down into four separate pieces so that it can easily be washed by hand. The grinding mechanisms are beige so it will be easy for you to see which pieces are dirty and need to be cleaned, too.
What We Liked:
- Easy to rinse clean
- Grind coarseness can easily be adjusted with top dial
- Extra wide mouth makes it simple to load your spices
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does take some time to grind your spices
9. Zassenhaus Cast Iron Spice Grinding Set with Beech Wood Lid
If a sustainable spice grinder is what you have in mind, you won’t find a better product than the Zassenhaus Cast Iron Spice Grinding Set. Using cast iron appliances and cookware is a great way to get in touch with your older, more traditional cooking roots. It adds a rustic tone with its cast iron and wood, relying on elbow grease instead of electricity to get the job done.
You can use this spice grinder in all sizes of pieces. It’s good for other applications besides grinding spices, too, including muddling for making cocktails. Measuring just three and a half inches tall, it can easily be stored in a drawer in your kitchen. Out of sight and out of mind – but this spice grinder also looks great on display in the kitchen, too.
It can be broken down into the pieces for easy cleaning. It consists of an inner grinder, an outer cup, and a lid. If this three-piece set is too small for you, you can also invest in a slightly larger mortar and pestle, too, to help you meet your needs.
What We Liked:
- Cast iron is a healthier alternative than plastic or metal
- Rustic appearance
- Compact size helps it fit in any kitchen
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be tough to clean
10. Bazaar Anatolia Turkish Grinder
Here’s another fun spice grinder for you to consider. The Bazaar Anatolia Turkish Grinder is incredibly tiny, measuring in at just 4.2 inches tall and less than 2 inches in diameter. Made entirely of metal, it has a gorgeous finish and is sure to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
It can handle all kinds of spices, including pepper, coriander, cumin, and mustard. It can even handle things like rice!
Loading and using this spice grinder is easy. All you need to do is feel your spices through a small door, located at the top of the grinder. Turn the crank and the grounds will collect in the bottom bowl. If you’d like, you can also remove the bowl so that you can add spices directly to your meal as you are eating.
With six different colors to choose from – dark silver, antique copper, silver, and antique gold – this spice grinder has gorgeous embossing and is, without a doubt, the most beautiful spice grinder you will find. Although it has a small capacity, it is easy to use and incredibly convenient, too.
What We Liked:
- Has a stylish design
- Can be used with all kinds of spices and foods
- You can add spices directly to your meal or store in the included bowl
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the best for wet spices or large seeds, like nutmeg
11. Secura Electric Coffee Grinder and Spice Grinder
If you like the idea of a versatile product that serves more than one purpose in your kitchen, the Secura Electric Coffee Grinder and Spice Grinder is the way to go. In fact, this product is one of the most common grinders added to wedding registries for that purpose alone – after all, you don’t want tons of single-use products cluttering up your kitchen.
This grinder comes with two separate bowls made out of stainless steel. One of these has two stainless steel blades, each of which is designed for grinding spices. The other bowl is more of a “chopper” bowl and contains four blades that are a bit large and designed for chopping bigger particles, like nuts, vegetables, oats, and of course, coffee beans.
An easy to use grinder, it has only one switch (the power switch). It comes with safety features you’ll love, too. It has a transparent lid made out of plastic that must be secured in order for the motor to activate. This motor also has overheat protection so you don’t have to worry about it burning out on you in just a few months, either.
What We Liked:
- Bowls detach easily for washing
- Can handle all kinds of spices, coffee beans, and nuts
- Multiple safety features
What We Didn’t Like:
- Motor only runs for a few seconds at a time due to overheat protection
12. Kuhn Rikon Spice Grinder with Ceramic Mechanism
A Swiss-made spice grinder, this product is backed by extensive research and a solid company reputation. Kuhn was established in 1926 and makes all of its products in China – but don’t let that be a deterrent to you buying this excellent spice grinder.
It has a unique design that you’re sure to love. With most spice grinders, you’ll rotate the grinder to crush the spices. With this product, you will hold the ratchet, moving it forward and backward to grind.
This design can dramatically reduce the pain and wear on your wrist. It also comes with an adjustable knob so you can easily change the grind size on your own.
It’s a versatile spice grinder, allowing you to add a single spice or a mixture, depending on the dish. It’s easy to fill, too – all you have to do is open the door and add some spices. Weighing less than four ounces, it’s portable and so small that it’s easy to store, too.
What We Liked:
- Backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Works well with spices and nuts of all kind
- Reduces strain on your wrist for quick grinding
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be difficult to clean as the compartment does not detach
Tips for Finding the Best Spice Grinder: Buying Guide
Electric or Manual
When you’re looking for a new spice grinder, you’ll find that they can be broken down into two main types – manual and electric models. Electric spice grinders typically consist of a bowl and motor housing.
Both the blade and the bowl can be removed for cleaning. You can usually ground both dry and wet spices, along with other ingredients, like coffee beans, grains, and nuts.
Generally, electric spice grinders are easy and efficient to use. However, the motor can become overheated if you get too overzealous with your work. They also, of course, require electricity, which can be a hindrance in some kitchens.
Manual spice grinders take that hassle out of the equation. Consisting of a ratchet and mill, manual grinders require you to rotate a grinder wheel the ratchet handles backward and forward movements.
When you buy one of these spice grinders, you’ll get a knob to adjust the particle size on your ground spices. You won’t need any electricity, but it does take some time and effort (and a bit of hand strength!) to operate one of these spice grinders.
If you invest in an electric spice grinder, make sure your kitchen has enough power to operate it. This isn’t usually a problem for most homeowners, but keep in mind that some electric spice grinders need more than 200 watts to operate.
Cleaning and Maintenance
In general, a removable cup spice grinder will be much easier to clean. You can easily use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the grinder between uses.
The more mechanically complex a spice grinder is, the more maintenance it will take to clean. Electric spice mills break down more readily, as they have more moving parts. You will need to pay closer attention as you clean your spice grinder as a result.
Capacity
The best capacity for your spice grinder will vary depending on how often you intend to use your grinder. Most spice grinder capacities are listed in grams – 50 to 70 grams is about average. You will need a larger capacity grinder if you plan on cooking or storing the powder in them long term.
Size
Most electric spice grinders have two parts – the motor housing as well as removable bowls (some come with multiple bowls for various applications). In general, you are going to need more space to store your electric spice grinder, but that’s not always the case. Check the dimensions and make sure you have space to store your spice grinder before you invest your money in one.
Blade and Motor
Take a close look at both the motor and blade on the spice grinder you select. This will determine the effectiveness of the grinder. Some electric motors heat up super fast, making the grinder less efficient after a minute or two of use. You’ll have to wait for them to cool down or risk killing the motor entirely.
You also need to check on how sharp and durable the blade is. Sometimes, you’ll be able to sharpen these yourself, but that’s not always the case. Check, too, to make sure that there is no gap between the bottom of the bowl and the blade, which can cause small bits of food to get trapped underneath.
The best kind of blade to look for? Stainless steel. It’s not only durable and easy to sharpen, but it’s also the easiest to clean, too.
Location
Do you want to use your spice grinder before cooking, or at the dinner table? If you only need a spice grinder for the dinner table, you could probably get away with something as simple as a salt or pepper mill. However, for all other purposes, you’re going to want a more advanced spice grinder.
Spice Type
In general, most spice grinders can handle all kinds of spices. However, that’s not always the case. It’s Important that you take into consideration the kind of spices that you might use in your recipes on a regular basis to help you figure out the best spice grinder.
Hard spices and aromatics, like cinnamon, peppercorns, and nutmeg, require much more power to grind. You may want to consider an electric grinder to reduce the wear on your wrist. Dried herbs, like dried rosemary, bay leaves, and tarragon, don’t take a lot of effort to break apart. A manual spice grinder will likely do the trick.
You may also want to grind wet herbs. Things like basil, parsley, ginger, or garlic cloves would be examples. Electric grinders tend to be the best for this application, but it’s still important that you clean your grinder thoroughly after using them on wet spices.
Speed
An electric spice grinder is almost always going to save you the most time in the kitchen. However, there is some variation in speed among the many kinds of electric spice grinders out there, so do your research before you buy.
Which Spice Grinder is Best for Me?
Ultimately, there is no single best spice grinder for everyone. Just as every chef has a different spice they like to use on various dishes, each spice grinder will also suit a different cooking style or type of cook, too.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just one spice grinder, either! Feel free to invest in a couple so you can play around with the different features that are available.
They say that variety is the spice of life – and having a variety of spice grinders can never hurt, either. Consider what kind of spice you’d like to add to your cooking (and to your life!) to help you decide on the best spice grinder for your kitchen.