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The 8 Best Spice Grinders of 2024

We tested many and found the best options to unlock fresh flavors and aromas at home

Best spice grinders collaged against a yellow patterned background

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

Whether you're looking to blend up your favorite whole spices, or wish to create a custom marinade, spice grinders are a fun and easy tool that will take your dishes to the next level. A cousin to the trusty food processor, choose any spice of your choosing, from whole spice leaves to coffee beans, and watch it transform into a ground spice blend before your eyes.

The options for this handy tool are endless, so we researched and tested electric and manual models side-by-side at home and evaluated each on design, size, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Dozens of spices were ground, from delicate dried mint to fennel to peppercorn, to test the grinders' capabilities and figure out which ones are truly the best.

What We Like
  • Can process both wet or dry ingredients

  • Strong 200-watt motor

  • Bowls are dishwasher safe

What We Don't Like
  • Can get noisy

  • Doesn't handle lightweight herbs well

There are several great spice grinders out there, but the Secura Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder earned the best overall spot for a few reasons. One of the biggest is that it has two separate milling bowls: One for grinding dry ingredients and the other for chopping wet ingredients. The bowls also have measurement markings on the inside, so you can easily add what you need without using separate measuring spoons. This grinder includes a clear plastic cover that sits on top of the stainless steel bowl to keep ground ingredients from flying out as the blades spin.

The two-blade grinding bowl is meant for handling dried ingredients from herbs, like rosemary and thyme, to spices, like peppercorns and cardamom. We noted that it created a fairly consistent, fine grind on most spices and worked beautifully to create enough freshly ground pepper for cacio e pepe in about 10 seconds. That said, lightweight herbs like mint had a harder time staying down near the blade, so the results were less even, but these types of herbs generally don't need a super-consistent grind.

The Secura also brings power in a compact, counter-friendly size. The 200-watt motor can easily handle most spices as well as larger items like nuts and coffee beans, while the built-in overheat protection extends its lifespan so you can keep it around for a while.

Capacity: 70 grams | Materials: Stainless steel and plastic | Motor: 200 watts | Dishwasher Safe: Removable parts only

What We Like
  • Fairly quiet

  • Dishwasher safe bowl and cover

  • Includes storage lid

  • Powerful performance

What We Don't Like
  • Meant only for nuts and spices

If you need a spice grinder that can handle larger quantities of spices for batch cooking or meal prepping, the Cuisinart Spice and Nut Grinder is one of the largest and most powerful options out there. It has a 90-gram (or just over 3 ounces) bowl and a 200-watt motor designed to tackle bigger grinding jobs. The powerful motor also makes easy work of larger, harder items, like nuts, seeds, and even nutmeg.

While there are no bells and whistles here—the grinder has one stainless steel bowl and a push-top on and off control—we think its simplicity is one of the things that adds to its appeal. We noted that like similar models with a two-blade design, lightweight herbs tended to fly away from the blade area, resulting in an uneven grind. However, it worked wonderfully on cumin and fennel, creating an even, fine grind perfect for use in spice blends or adding straight into dishes. Just be sure to follow the suggested grinding times noted in the manual for optimum results.

Capacity: 90 grams | Materials: Stainless steel and plastic | Motor: 200 watts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes for removable parts (top rack only)

What We Like
  • Multiple bowls

  • Bowls and lids are dishwasher safe

  • Simple design

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • Noisy

  • Spice "dust" gets into base

Probably unsurprisingly, KitchenAid, one of the leaders in kitchen gadgets, earned the spot of best multipurpose spice grinder with its dual coffee and spice grinder. Unlike other grinders, which require thorough cleaning between different spices—or when you switch from coffee grinding to spice grinding—the KitchenAid comes with three separate stainless steel grinding bowls.

These bowls allow you to quickly grind different spices without the transfer of flavor that inevitably happens when you’re using the same bowl for the entire job. There are also two storage lids, so if you grind more than you need, you can pop a lid on two of the bowls and save it in your pantry for later.

We found the KitchenAid grinder easy to use, as switching out the bowls only requires a simple twist to remove. The stainless bowls are simple to clean, too, because they're dishwasher-safe (top rack only). Thanks to the smaller containers for herbs/spice grinding, you don't have to fill it up as much, but it does help to have a larger quantity. On the other hand, using the cover on the bowl is imperative—it keeps the herbs contained towards the blade. The only caveat to having multiple grinding bowls and lids is having to store them all, but if you have the space, you'll appreciate the assortment.

Although there aren’t any programmed settings that allow you to control grind size, the grinder comes with a clear lid that allows you to see what you’re doing so you can stop grinding when your spices reach the desired fineness.

Capacity: 113 grams | Materials: Stainless steel and polycarbonate | Motor: 160 watts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes for removable parts (top rack only)

KRUPS Silent Vortex Electric Grinder

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Very quiet

  • Comes with storage lid

  • Removable parts are dishwasher safe

What We Don't Like
  • Lid is very difficult to clean

Unlike other grinders, which can be obnoxiously loud, the Krups Silent Vortex Electric Grinder was designed with quiet in mind. If you’re an early-morning cook or need something that gets the job done during a child’s afternoon nap, this model from Krups is probably the best choice for you. It comes equipped with patent-pending Vortex Spin Technology that helps pull ingredients into its blades for grinding that’s as quiet as it is efficient. It has a one-touch button that you can hold down for continuous grinding or tap to pulse.

Unlike similar models, the Krups gave a wonderfully even grind to lightweight dry herbs, like mint and rosemary, and kept them down close to the blade. When it came to grinding peppercorns, it took a little more time than other models, but the resulting grind was excellent.

The biggest downside is the lid design. It's very difficult to clean since spice dust tends to get trapped, and even when you wash it, water also tends to get trapped. That said, the grinding bowl, grinding lid, and storage lid are all dishwasher safe (top rack only) for when you want to thoroughly clean.

The stainless steel grinding bowl is removable and comes with a storage lid, so if you need to store spices, you can pop the lid on and put it right into your pantry. However, unlike the KitchenAid, the Krups only comes with one grinding bowl, so you won’t be able to grind new spices while you’re storing any.

Capacity: 2880 grams | Materials: Stainless steel and plastic | Motor: 200 watts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, for removable parts (top rack only)

What We Like
  • Large capacity

  • Comes with dry and wet blade bowls

  • Won't strain hands to use

  • Removable bowl

What We Don't Like
  • Loud

  • Not dishwasher safe

The Shardor Coffee and Spice Grinder was expertly designed to be the perfect multitasking tool. It comes with two stainless steel bowls. The first is a two-blade grinder bowl that handles dry items, like spices and coffee beans. The other is a four-blade chopper bowl that can wet-grind garlic and herbs, like basil, eliminating the need for manual mincing as you cook.

The design of this grinder makes it an excellent choice for anyone with manual dexterity problems, especially since, instead of pressing down on an on/off button, you can activate the motor by pushing down on the entire lid instead.

Our tester found this model to work best with spices (vs. dried herbs) and required at least a tablespoon of each ingredient to get a proper grind. Since the bowl is removable, it's easy to get every last granule of ground spice out with a few taps. It comes with a coffee spoon that has a brush on its handle to help whisk away any residual dust or powder. The manufacturer recommends hand washing the lid and bowls and advises against placing them in the dishwasher.

Capacity: 70 grams | Materials: Stainless steel and plastic | Motor: 200 watts | Dishwasher Safe: No

What We Like
  • Quiet performance

  • Good with most herbs and spices

  • Stylish design

What We Don't Like
  • Less consistent results than higher-end brands

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to freshly grind spices, the Brentwood Coffee and Spice Grinder gets the job done at an affordable price. While most electric spice grinders cost around $40 to $50, you can get the Brentwood grinder for less.

The 150-watt motor is slightly less powerful than some of the others on this list, but it easily can give you a medium-fine to coarse grind. As an added bonus, it comes in black or minty blue, so you can choose the option that best matches your kitchen aesthetic and leave it on display on the countertop if you want.

We used this grinder on various herbs and spices and it performed well but isn't able to achieve as consistent or as fine a grind as some higher-end models. That said, it does a good job and is a great pick for its price point.

Capacity: 113 grams | Materials: Stainless steel and plastic | Motor: 150 watts | Dishwasher Safe: No

What We Like
  • Doesn't require electricity

  • Achieves a pretty consistent grind

  • Great for travel, camping, etc

What We Don't Like
  • Incompatible with nutmeg, cloves, and anise

If you don’t need the power of an electric grinder, but still want an easy and effective way to add freshly ground spices to your dishes, the Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder is one of the most user-friendly manual spice grinders on the market. This Swiss-designed model has a door on the front of its body that you can open and use to easily fill the spice chamber with one dried spice or a combination to create your own spice blend.

Unlike other manual spice grinders that require you to turn the handle in a full circle, the Kuhn Rikon has an ergonomic ratchet handle that you toggle back and forth to grind. It’s made of ceramic stone, so even after frequent use, it won’t break down or corrode.

Our tester liked that it was able to grind herbs and most spices with serious consistency. The only drawback is that it doesn't work with all spices—larger pieces like nutmeg, cloves, and anise are not recommended for this grinder.

Out of all the best spice grinders on the list, the Kuhn Rikon may also be the easiest option to clean. Instead of hand washing or putting it through the dishwasher, all you have to do is add some coarse salt to the chamber and grind it to clean the blades.

Capacity: 90 grams | Materials: Plastic and ceramic | Dishwasher Safe: No

person grinding pepper onto tomatoes with a Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder

The Spruce Eats / Page Mullins

What We Like
  • Adjustable grind settings on both ends

  • Acrylic containers let you see when it needs refilling

  • Space-saving design

What We Don't Like
  • Not recommended for "wet" salts

If you need a spice grinder mainly for salt and pepper, the Eparé Dual Manual Mill can handle both at the same time. Its dual design combines two separate chambers in a sleek space-saving device that has separate milling blades on each end. Dials on the end of each blade cap allow you to independently control the fineness and coarseness of each spice.

Even though the design is sleek, each chamber, which can handle even the toughest spices, like rock salt and whole peppercorns, is large enough to fit a full cup of spices. The chambers are also clear, so you can easily see when you’re running low and need to refill.

We liked that each end has an adjustable grinder, so you can select the desired fineness or coarseness of your spice. It's attractive enough to keep on the table for mealtimes or stash next to the stove to use while cooking.

You’re not limited to just salt and pepper, though. You can fill the chambers with any dried herbs or spices that are a staple in your kitchen for easy access to fresh grinding.

Capacity: 272 grams | Materials: Stainless steel, ceramic, acrylic | Dishwasher Safe: No

Final Verdict

If you need a spice grinder that can do it all, the Secura Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder has two grinding bowls that can manage all of your kitchen tasks. For a more manual approach (and a sleek modern look) check out the Kuhn Rikon Adjustable Ratchet Grinder.

How We Tested

We sent eight spice grinders to our experienced home chef and product tester, who tried out each with various spices, including dried herbs, such as mint and rosemary, as well as peppercorns, cumin, and fennel. To find out which spice grinders were truly the best, each was rated on design, size, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Our tester then offered additional insights on each spice grinder's strengths and weaknesses.

What to Look For in a Spice Grinder

Capacity

With many appliances, we often want to know their maximum capacity, but when it comes to spice grinders, minimum capacity is an important piece of information, too. If you're only planning to grind a teaspoon or so at a time, you'll want to make sure your grinder can manage such a small amount. It's also important to differentiate between a grinder you can use for larger spices such as nutmeg versus something finer like peppercorns or rosemary.

Manual vs. Electric

Electric spice grinders are wonderful for quickly processing spices, especially in larger amounts, but they can take up counter and storage space. Of course, they also require electricity. They are the more comfortable option if you want to exert less effort or struggle with manual dexterity. If you are short on space or don't need to grind more than a few spoonfuls of spices, consider a manual model instead. The plus of manual grinders is that they are more compact, simple to use, and come at an affordable price.

Ease of Cleaning

We took care to test how easy it was to clean these grinders—taking note of any ridges on the interior of the grinder. If any spice dust got stuck or built up inside, we factored that into the rating. Look at the blades of the grinder as well. If the parts can be disassembled, it'll make for easier access and cleaning. Manual grinders are more likely to be cleaned quickly since they can be tossed in the dishwasher. For electric grinders, we found that wiping clean or hand-washing usually did the trick.

FAQs

How does a spice grinder work?

Electric spice grinders typically work by using a spinning blade to pulverize whole spices and herbs into powder. Manual grinders use a ceramic or metal (usually carbon or stainless steel) mechanism to crush spices, salt, and pepper to the desired grind.

Can a spice grinder be used for coffee or any other ingredients?

Many spice grinders are also advertised as coffee grinders, but make sure the manufacturer explicitly states that it is suitable for that use. Some grinders are specifically designed only for spices and might not deliver the ideal grind for coffee. A few models on this list come with multiple bowls that can be swapped out for coffee, spices, and/or wet ingredients, like fresh herbs, onions, and garlic.

How do you clean a spice grinder?

Always be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Some grinders have removable components that can be put into the dishwasher (on the top rack) for cleaning. Many are safe to wash by hand with mild dish soap and warm water. If the bowl is fixed, you can typically clean it with a damp paper towel followed by a thorough wipe-down with a dry paper towel.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Lindsay Boyers is a certified holistic nutritionist with extensive nutrition knowledge and cooking experience. She’s developed over 1,000 original recipes and is constantly on a mission to find the best kitchen gadgets, at the best prices, to help make life in the kitchen more streamlined and efficient.

This piece was updated by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, a Los Angeles-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. She researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight. She personally tested all eight products in this roundup.

Additional reporting by
Bernadette Machard de Gramont
Bernadette Machard de Gramont
Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a freelance writer for The Spruce Eats specializing in food, wine, and kitchen products, specifically cookware.
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