A pepper mill is used to grind whole peppercorns by hand to make pepper powder. There are several different types of pepper grinders that are popular in the market. Read on to discover how to stock the best pepper mills for consumers.
Table of Contents
Why pepper mills have business potential
The different types of pepper mills
1. Crank pepper mills
2. Twist pepper mills
3. Electric pepper mills
What to look for when selecting pepper mills
1. Grind mechanism
2. Material
3. Design
Summary
Why pepper mills have business potential
Globally, the pepper mill grinder market was valued at USD 730.0 million in 2024, and is expected to expand to USD 1.04 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% between 2025 and 2033.
The market is primarily driven by an increasing interest in home cooking. There is an emphasis on using fresh ingredients at home, which results in more customers investing in kitchen tools that can produce freshly ground spices for adding flavor to daily meals.
Although manual pepper grinders are popular for their simplicity, electric pepper mills are the latest trend in the market. They offer convenience and speed, particularly for the commercial segment of the market, like restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice establishments.
The different types of pepper mills
1. Crank pepper mills
A crank pepper mill is a manual pepper grinder that features a hand crank to grind the pepper. This handle is generally positioned at the top of the crank pepper grinder, along with a bolt nut that can tighten or loosen the grinding mechanism. The tightness of the crank determines how coarse or fine the pepper is.
This style of pepper mill is suitable for the elderly or those with limited hand strength because of the ergonomic design. Hand crank pepper mills also tend to provide a more consistent grind due to the way the grinding mechanism is built.
2. Twist pepper mills
Twist pepper mills are the most common type of peppercorn grinder. The peppercorns are ground inside the device by twisting the body of the mill in opposite directions. Similar to crank peppercorn mills, the grind size can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the screw at the top of the grinder.
A twist pepper grinder is generally more compact than a crank mill, making it a versatile option for many customers. However, twist peppercorn grinders may require more wrist strength, making them less suitable for those who need to grind pepper for extended periods of time.
3. Electric pepper mills
Electric pepper mills use automated motors to grind the peppercorns with a push of a button. An electric pepper grinder is often battery-operated or rechargeable so that it can be used on the go. Some models may even come with built-in LED lights to illuminate the grinding area.
An automatic pepper grinder is fast, convenient, and easy to use, making them ideal for customers working in commercial kitchens. However, they tend to come at a higher price point and have a bulkier design compared to manual pepper mills.
What to look for when selecting pepper mills
1. Grind mechanism
An important consideration when selecting a pepper grinder is the grinding mechanism. Although stainless steel grinders are most common, ceramic grind mechanisms are becoming more popular because they are durable and corrosion resistant.
Some pepper grinders will also use burr grinders, which use two revolving abrasive surfaces to grind the peppercorn. Burr pepper grinders offer a more uniform grind compared to mills that use blades to grind the peppercorn.
2. Material
The material on the body of a peppercorn grinder impacts its durability and appearance. There are many different materials that can be used for pepper mills, such as wood, ceramic, stainless steel, or plastic.
Wood pepper mills boast a more traditional aesthetic, while metal and plastic have a modern appearance. Steel or acrylic pepper mills are also generally durable enough to withstand frequent use.
3. Design
The design of a peppercorn mill has an influence on its ease of use. Twist or crank peppercorn mills require more effort to use than an electric mill, but the simplicity of traditional mills may be a benefit for those interested in a low maintenance device.
As peppercorn mills are often placed on the kitchen counter, the overall aesthetic of the peppercorn grinder is another important factor to consider. In addition to classic shapes, a pepper grinder can also come in fun and unique shapes that are ideal for entertaining guests.
Summary
There are several sorts of pepper mills available in the market, including crank pepper mills, twist pepper grinders, or electric peppercorn mills. Regardless of item type, the key characteristics of pepper mills include the grind mechanism, material, and design.
An understanding of what to consider when stocking pepper grinders is important for developing successful product ranges. With this comprehensive guide to pepper mills, businesses are advised to consider how they can capitalize on this kitchen tool trend.
