I've Been Using This Pepper Grinder for 10+ Years, and I'm Still in Love With Its Clever Design

My now-spouse’s grandma gave us the Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder on a whim over 10 years ago. Before that, I either bought pre-ground pepper, or — forgive me — dipped into my stash of little pepper packets that sometimes come with takeout orders. That was before I understood how incredibly underrated peppercorns are in the kitchen, especially when they’re freshly cracked over a crisp salad or steaming bowl of soup. 

They appear to be so simple, yet add immense and critical flavor to cacio e pepe or black pepper beef. Now, after over 10 years of peppering my stews, salads, and even sometimes desserts, with the Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder, I can say it’s worthy of housing the humble-yet-mighty peppercorn. Thankfully, it’s on Amazon for $24, an investment that will bring you decades of peppery goodness, expertly ground.

The grinder, which can be used for pepper, salt, and a variety of spices, is uniquely designed with a ratcheting handle on top that moves back and forth, as opposed to more traditional twist mills that can be a bit rough on the wrists if you’re a pepper enthusiast. The ratchet handle adds a helpful level of precision, as I always know exactly how much will come out if I pull the handle a quarter-, half-, or the full-way through. The ceramic grinding stone produces an effective grind and can be adjusted at the base to transition from coarse to fine. I especially appreciate the grinder for its consistency, which is critical if I’m looking for a dusting of pepper as opposed to rougher flakes.

It’s also incredibly durable, almost mysteriously so. As someone who’s, for better or for worse, a regular multitasker in the kitchen, I’ve dropped the Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder a fair share of times on wooden and ceramic floors. Aside from a couple of barely noticeable scuffs, the grinder has survived over 10 years in my kitchen without any cracks or breaks.

Another feature I’ve always appreciated about this grinder is its little front door, which swivels open for ease of filling. Additionally, because the part that houses peppercorns is clear, I always know just how much pepper is left inside the grinder. 

While one day I’ll eventually get a tabletop pepper mill that’s fit for entertaining guests, the Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder will always be by my stove, ready for whatever new cooking project I take on. If you’re ready for the pepper grinding experience of a lifetime — literally — now’s your chance to grab it on Amazon for $24.

Shop Grinders on Amazon:

Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Adjustable Ratchet Grinder

GreenLife Salt and Pepper Grinder

Sur La Table Spice Ratchet Mill Grinder

OXO Good Grips Radial Grinder

Zassenhaus Speyer Pepper Mill