What is the best spice grinder, you ask? In this post, we got 7 picks that can grind just about any spice imaginable!
Having fresh spices is one thing, but getting a reliable spice grinder is another. This tool transforms your spices into a flavorful blend – ready to use for your next secret recipe. It’s a close cousin of the ever-trusty food processor since it’s as convenient, time-saving, and practical as ever.
Below, I reviewed 7 spice grinders that I swear by. As a self-proclaimed “spice master”, I attest to the performance and value for money of these models:
| SPICE GRINDER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Secura Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder |  | Check Price |
 | KRUPS GX336D50 Spice and Herb Grinder | | Check Price |
 | KitchenAid Blade Spice and Coffee Grinder | | Check Price |
 | DR. MILLS Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder |  | Check Price |
 | Cuisinart SG-10 Electric Spice Grinder | | Check Price |
 | SHARDOR Adjustable Spice Grinder | | Check Price |
 | Kuhn Rikon Manual Ratchet Spice Grinder |  | Check Price |
What Is The Best Spice Grinder? My Top 7 Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Secura Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder
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Grinding Power
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Durability
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Capacity
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Value for Money
Summary
To ensure that the plastic parts will last long, consider hand-washing them instead. Such parts are dishwasher-safe, but they will cause substantial damage to the material. Also, if you’re grinding moist or wet spice and veggie blends, a small amount may leak at the top. Nevertheless, it’s minor and almost negligible. Aside from that, you should crush nutmeg in smaller pieces before running into this grinder. Other than that, this grinder works as promised. It has a nice heavy base that stays in place while grinding large amounts of spices. While it costs more than other grinders in the market, it’s worth the splurge if you’re looking for a reliable spice grinder that lasts.
Pros
- Separate bowls, so spices don’t mix unintentionally
- Built-in overheating protection
- Stainless steel blades and housing
- Heavy base to keep it steady while grinding
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- You still need to crush nutmeg before grinding.
- It has a very small leak when grinding wet spices or veggies.
RUNNERS-UP
KRUPS GX336D50 Spice and Herb Grinder
Another spice grinder I recommend is the KRUPS GX336D50 Spice and Herb Grinder. Unlike other spice grinders, this one has a speed selector so that you can choose the grinding setting suitable for every spice.
This grinder uses a DC motor that allows for low and high-speed settings. This way, you can use the hard mode to grind hard spices like nutmeg, coffee, and nuts. Meanwhile, the low mode is perfect for softer spices like coriander, cumin, thyme, and so on.
Moreover, this grinder is available in two styles: the Ultimate Silent Blade Grinder and the Silent Vortex Blade Grinder. Both models boast silent operation, so you can prepare your spices without waking the baby or scaring your anxious dog.
Aside from that, this grinder has the patent-pending vortex spin technology that pulls the spices into the blade. This results in a more efficient, fast, and consistent grinding for all your spices.
I also like the large capacity of this spice grinder. Overall, it can hold enough coffee beans, good for 12 cups of drip coffee. For spices, that’s a lot of serving for your recipe.
This grinder is quite convenient, thanks to its one-touch operation. Its grinding bowl is also dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning. It also has stainless steel blades that will last long.
KitchenAid Blade Spice and Coffee Grinder
The KitchenAid Blade Spice and Coffee Grinder is a tried and tested device for the spice-obsessed cook. It has specially designed grinding bowls equipped with optimized blades. This way, you can dedicate each bowl to specific types of spice.
Aside from that, this grinder has a 4-ounce capacity. It also has markings on the inside to let you measure the amount of spice you want to grind.
Moreover, this grinder has stainless steel blades, which is the gold standard in the industry. It also has a clear top cover to let you check if your spice is being ground properly. At the top, there’s a button for a one-touch operation.
This grinder uses a heavy-duty motor with equally tough housing. And to protect your purchase, the KitchenAid Coffee and Spice Grinder is covered by a 1-year replacement guarantee.
However, one downside to this spice grinder is its loud sound. Also, getting the grinding cups right on the gear is tricky for beginners. While this spice grinder isn’t perfect, it’s pretty much well worth the money if you’re looking for durability and excellent performance.
DR. MILLS DM-7412M Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder
If you want the right balance of reasonable price and good features, the DR. MILLS DM-7412M Spice Grinder might be the right choice for you. This has a 70-gram capacity or equivalent to 10 cups of coffee. It’s also designed to grind spices, herbs, grains, and nuts.
Moreover, this DR. MILLS spice grinder is made of stainless steel so that it won’t rust despite repetitive washings. It’s also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
This grinder has non-slip feet complete with cord storage for seamless operation. It also has a viewing window on the lid, so you can check if your spices are fully ground.
Aside from that, the DR. MILLS spice grinder is equipped with a thermal switch. It automatically shuts down if it detects abnormal heat levels. It will continue to function after 30 minutes to prevent damaging the motor.
Overall, this has a seal ring that prevents your spices from spilling. Despite its tight seal, this spice grinder is easy to disassemble and clean.
This spice grinder is easy to use, though the cord only wraps halfway, but it’s just a minor issue.
Cuisinart SG-10 Electric Spice Grinder
Cuisinart is one of the leading names in kitchen appliances. True enough, they deliver topnotch quality on their SG-10 electric spice grinder. This is made with stainless steel blades that can grind nuts, beans, and spices that you like.
Aside from that, this has a large capacity and can hold 90 grams of spices per batch. It also has non-slip rubber feet and a transparent lid to let you monitor the spices you’re grinding.
The Cuisinart SG-10 Spice Grinder has dishwasher-safe. You’ll also get a free recipe manual to get you started on various spices and herbs.
Another feature that I like about this grinder is the safety interlock. It won’t start working unless the lid is properly locked in place. This prevents your spices from spilling if you forget to seal the lid.
Moreover, this spice grinder is also available in a version bundled with strainers. It comes with three mesh strainers with varying sizes, though it costs much higher than the base grinder unit.
In addition, this spice grinder is covered by an 18-month product warranty. It’s also equipped with an automatic thermal switch to prevent the motor from overheating.
SHARDOR Adjustable Spice Grinder
If you’re in the market for a cheaper spice grinder, you should consider the SHARDOR Adjustable Coffee and Spice Grinder. It has an adjusting knob that allows you to produce coarse to fine results on your coffee beans or choice of spices.
Aside from that, this spice grinder has a 70-gram cup equivalent to 10 cups of coffee. You can also use this to grind herbs and spices like star anise, fenugreek, cumin, quinoa, and more.
I also like the low-noise operation of this spice grinder. You can prepare your coffee or spices without waking up your whole family.
The lid of this spice grinder has a transparent top so you can see the spices as it gets processed. Overall, this device has a maximum speed of 2,500 RPM, which means your spices will be pulverized in a matter of seconds.
Moreover, this spice grinder has an anti-splash design that prevents the herbs from spilling even at high speeds. A safety lock also prevents the blade from working if the bowl isn’t properly placed.
Aside from the spice grinder, you’ll also receive a cleaning brush in the package. Overall, this is well worth the money compared to other pricey units reviewed here.
Kuhn Rikon Manual Ratchet Spice Grinder
Are you on a budget? If so, you can consider the Kuhn Rikon Manual Ratchet Spice Grinder. This is a manual spice grinder that you can get at a fraction of the price.
This has a ratchet mechanism that uses a ceramic material to ensure smooth and long-lasting grinding. It’s a good choice for pepper, salt, and a wide range of spices. But since it’s manually operated, the Kuhn Rikon grinder isn’t suitable for hard spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.
Nevertheless, this spice grinder remains easy on the wrist, perfect for those who have difficulty using traditional mills. It also delivers a consistent grind, and you can also choose from coarse to fine to suit your recipe.
Moreover, it has a front door for easy filling. You can also get this in red, white, and black color to match your kitchen motif.
While this is a manual grinder, I’m quite surprised by its high output. It can grind a lot of pepper, and it lasts pretty long.
We used to have this one, and it lasted for three years. Take note that we use it almost every day in large batches of pepper. And for its price, I can say that this is a smart purchase.
How to choose a spice grinder
Not familiar with spice grinders? If this is your first time buying one, here are a few things to keep in mind:
🌶️Capacity
When purchasing a spice grinder, the first thing you should check is its capacity. For example, some units can only grind one teaspoon at a time, while others can accommodate more in one batch.
This is important, especially if you need to grind large amounts of spices. So if you own a restaurant or an organic spice shop, you’re better off investing in a high-capacity unit.
Aside from the volume it can hold, you should also check what type of spices it can process. Most of the time, spice grinders that double as coffee grinders can pulverize just about any spice you have.
A spice grinder that can handle hard-to-grind spices often has durable blades and parts. This means you won’t have to purchase a spice grinder replacement prematurely.
🌶️Electric vs. manual
Another important consideration is whether you want a manual or electric spice grinder.
Manual grinders are often affordable and suitable for small batches of spices. Nevertheless, it’s a convenient alternative to mortar and pestle.
If you want a faster and more efficient way of grinding your spices, I highly recommend an electric model. This works similar to food processors, complete with a blade and automated functions.
Overall, electric spice grinders can process stiff pieces like coffee beans and cinnamon. As a result, it will save you from the hand pain and uneven results of manual grinding.
🌶️Blade quality
You should also check the blade quality of the spice grinder you’re going to buy. Ensure that it’s made of durable stainless steel and other high-quality metals.
If possible, look for a spice grinder with an easily replaceable blade. This way, you won’t have to purchase another unit when the blades get dull or damaged.
🌶️Noise level
While the noise level of the spice grinder isn’t always a big deal, it’s still wise to get one with a quieter operation. This is much so if you have a baby in the house and you have to cook or prepare your spices.
However, you should keep in mind that high-powered spice grinders are often the noisiest ones. This is due to the fact that it has a larger and powerful motor. But, overall, it’s a small trade-off that I can deal with.
🌶️Multiple bowls
If possible, get a spice grinder with multiple bowls. This way, you can dedicate one bowl for spices then another for coffee. Besides, you wouldn’t want your coffee to taste like pepper or cumin.
However, the additional bowls will surely set you back for a few more bucks.
🌶️Price range
Lastly, always consider the value for money of the spice grinder you will buy. While it’s easy to get the cheapest grinder, it won’t last long. In the long run, you’re going to spend more money buying replacement grinders.
My secret hacks in grinding spices
If you’ve used a food processor, spice grinders are almost no different. But if you’re more of a traditionalist and this is your first time using an electric kitchen tool, here are a few steps to keep in mind:
Most spice grinders have a canister where you’re going to put the spices, then lock it into the grinder upside down. But with most units nowadays, you can place the spices directly into the blade like a blender.
I prefer toasting my spices before grinding. This is to unleash the full flavor of a specific spice. However, you should wait for the spice to cool down before putting it into the grinder.
You should only grind the amount you’re planning to use. Otherwise, the ground spice will start to dry and lose its flavor. If you happen to grind a large amount, make sure to place it in a sealed jar.
Consider sieving your ground spice to make sure that you’re getting a fine powder. You can re-grind any large chunks or bits instead of throwing them away. I usually use a typical strainer with fine mesh for this purpose.
Clean your spice grinder regularly. This is something many users forget, which leads to the mixing of flavors. Also, any leftover spice may decay in the blades and blend with the fresh ones you’re going to grind.
Lastly, you should give your spice grinder a head start if you’re going to grind nutmeg. You can use a nutcracker to crush the nutmeg into smaller pieces. This way, your spice grinder’s blades won’t bear the brunt of the hard spice. Also, it will make your spice grinder last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to grind spice?
A: Those who are on a budget prefer grinding their spices manually using mortar and pestle. This works, but it’s also time-consuming. So if you want a more efficient way of preparing and blending your spices, you should consider getting an electric spice grinder. These devices are electrically powered and will automatically grind your spices with a push of a button.
Q: Can I use a blender to grind spices?
A: Blenders produce uneven results and chunks, which aren’t suitable for cooking. This is why there are dedicated spice grinders in the market for you to use. Unlike blenders, spice grinders are designed to produce even and fine spice blends.
Q: Is it worth it to grind your own spices?
A: Grinding your own spices means your food always gets fresh flavors. This is because when spices are pulverized, it starts to lose their potency and taste. But if you ground yours right before cooking, you’ll enjoy the full flavor of your spices. It takes more time than buying ground ones, but it’s worth it when it comes to the taste.
Q: Are whole spices better than ground spices?
A: Whole spices are still flavorful, but not as much as ground counterparts. The process of grinding spices reveals the full flavor and texture. That means you get more pop in every bite of your seasoned food. You can use an electric spice grinder if you want to enjoy ground blends without spending too much time or effort.
Q: Can I use my coffee grinder to grind spices?
A: Yes, you can use your coffee grinder to ground spices. In fact, almost every spice grinder doubles as a coffee grinder. Just make sure that it has the right capacity and grinding power for your chosen spices.
Q: Is it cheaper to grind your own spices?
A: Whole spices are cheaper than ground spices. With that, grinding your own spices at home will help you save a few bucks. Sure, the grinder itself costs a separate fee, but it will pay for itself in the long run. This is much so if you’re buying and using large amounts of spices.
Final words
What is the best spice grinder, you ask? The top 7 picks I reviewed below are just some of the best finds in the market. Each one has unique features and is guaranteed to be an indispensable tool in your kitchen. Just make sure that you choose one with the right capacity, grinding power, and value for money.