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The best burr grinder for spices crushes seeds between two burrs, so you get an even, adjustable grind without the heat and dust of a blade grinder. Ceramic burr mills suit peppercorns, coriander, cumin and other dry seeds; oily or sticky spices such as cloves and nutmeg can clog any burr.
We compared six manual and electric burr mills on Amazon US by mechanism, adjustment and reviews.
Quick Answer: The Best Burr Grinder for Spices
- Best OverallKuhn Rikon Adjustable Ratchet Grinder with Ceramic Mechanism for Salt, Pepper and Spices
- Easiest to RefillOXO Good Grips Contoured Grinder with Adjustable Ceramic Mill
- Best Electric BurrCuisinart Supreme Grind Electric Burr Grinder, 18 Settings (DBM-8)
- Best Non-ReactiveKYOCERA Adjustable Ceramic Spice Mill, Non-Reactive Grinder
- Best BudgetHOME EC Stainless Steel Grinder with Adjustable Ceramic Mechanism
- Best for Bigger BatchesHario Ceramic Coffee Mill, Original
Kuhn Rikon’s ratchet grinder is our top pick, with an adjustable ceramic burr and about 5,000 ratings. OXO’s ceramic mill is easy to refill, Cuisinart’s DBM-8 is an electric burr option to keep for dry spices only, Kyocera’s mill is non-reactive, HOME EC is the budget pick and Hario’s ceramic hand mill handles larger amounts of seeds.
Best Burr Grinder for Spices Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder | Best Overall | Manual ceramic burr mill | Ratchet action, adjustable ceramic burr | Check Price |
| OXO Ceramic Mill Grinder | Easiest to Refill | Manual ceramic burr mill | Adjustable ceramic grinding mechanism | Check Price |
| Cuisinart DBM-8 Burr Grinder | Best Electric Burr | Electric flat burr grinder | 18 grind settings, hopper | Check Price |
| Kyocera Ceramic Spice Mill | Best Non-Reactive | Manual ceramic burr mill | Ceramic burr from a Japanese ceramics maker | Check Price |
| HOME EC Ceramic Grinder | Best Budget | Manual ceramic burr mill | Budget adjustable ceramic mill | Check Price |
| Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill | Best for Bigger Batches | Manual ceramic burr mill | Hand-crank ceramic burr mill | Check Price |
6 Burr Mills That Grind Spices Evenly
Ranked by grind quality, ease and value.
1. Kuhn Rikon Adjustable Ratchet Grinder with Ceramic Mechanism for Salt, Pepper and Spices
1. Ceramic ratchet.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 5,000 ratings, 4.6 average
- Ceramic burr won’t rust or hold odors
- Easy one-handed ratchet
Cons
- Small batches only
- Hard large seeds can jam
📄 Detailed Review
- Mechanism: Ceramic, adjustable
- Action: Ratchet, one hand
- Size: 8.5 x 2.25 in.
A ratchet mill with a ceramic burr that handles peppercorns, coriander and dried seeds.
Our top manual burr pick for spices.
2. OXO Good Grips Contoured Grinder with Adjustable Ceramic Mill
2. 13,300 ratings.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 13,300 ratings, 4.5 average
- Easy to refill
- Ceramic burr handles many spices
Cons
- Hand-turned, slow for big batches
- Not for sticky spices
📄 Detailed Review
- Mechanism: Ceramic, adjustable
- Body: Clear, easy to see contents
- Refill: Wide opening
A popular adjustable ceramic mill you can fill with any small dry spice.
Good second mill for cumin or coriander.
3. Cuisinart Supreme Grind Electric Burr Grinder, 18 Settings (DBM-8)
3. 18 settings.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 49,500 ratings, 4.2 average
- Adjustable, even grind
- Affordable for an electric burr
Cons
- Oily spices can clog burrs
- Flavors linger; use only for dry spices
📄 Detailed Review
- Burrs: Flat burrs
- Settings: 18
- Hopper: 8 oz bean hopper
An affordable electric burr grinder that some cooks dedicate to dry spices like peppercorns and coriander.
Keep it spice-only; never mix with coffee.
4. KYOCERA Adjustable Ceramic Spice Mill, Non-Reactive Grinder
4. Kyocera.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 650 ratings, 4.0 average
- Non-reactive ceramic burr
- Adjustable coarseness
Cons
- Mixed reviews on durability
- Small capacity
📄 Detailed Review
- Mechanism: Ceramic, adjustable
- Brand: Kyocera
- Use: Salt, pepper, dried spices
Kyocera’s ceramic mill is non-reactive and easy to adjust.
A good dedicated mill for one spice.
5. HOME EC Stainless Steel Grinder with Adjustable Ceramic Mechanism
5. Under $10.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 43,800 ratings, 4.5 average
- Very cheap
- Huge review count
Cons
- Small capacity
- Not for very hard or oily spices
📄 Detailed Review
- Mechanism: Ceramic, adjustable
- Body: Stainless steel and glass
- Price: Budget
A cheap ceramic burr mill that many buyers fill with dried spices.
Buy a few and label one per spice.
6. Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill, Original
6. Hand crank.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 13,900 ratings, 4.3 average
- Ceramic burrs don’t rust
- Adjustable
Cons
- Hand-cranking takes time
- Use a separate unit for spices
📄 Detailed Review
- Burr: Ceramic conical
- Use: Coffee; also dry seeds
- Brand: Hario (Japan)
A classic ceramic hand mill; a dedicated one works for peppercorns and dry seeds.
Simple, cheap and easy to clean.
How We Chose the Best Burr Grinder for Spices
To build this guide to the best burr grinder for spices, we compared spice grinders and mills sold on Amazon US by grinding mechanism (blade, ceramic burr or steel burr), capacity, power, removable bowls, adjustability and how easy they are to clean between spices. We then read patterns in verified-buyer reviews for grind consistency, heat, motor life, leaks of fine powder and lingering odors, and flagged listings with few ratings.
Store ground spices in airtight containers away from heat and moisture, and keep grinders clean and dry, following USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service cleanliness guidance. Our method is explained on the How We Test page; this is a research-based guide, not a lab test.
Buying Guide: Burr Grinders for Spices
Ceramic Burrs
Rust-proof and odor-resistant; good for dry seeds.
Steel Burrs
Fast and precise; keep spice-only.
Adjustment
Look for a clear coarse-to-fine dial.
Oily Spices
Cloves, nutmeg and fenugreek can clog burrs.
Cleaning
Grind dry rice to clear oils and odors.
Tips for Grinding Spices
- Grind spices in small batches for the freshest flavor.
- Toast whole spices lightly, then let them cool before grinding.
- Pulse blade grinders instead of running them nonstop.
- Clean between spices by grinding a spoon of dry rice.
- Keep a separate grinder for coffee and spices.
Quick answers to common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best burr grinder for spices?
Kuhn Rikon’s ceramic ratchet grinder for most kitchens.
Can I use a coffee burr grinder for spices?
Yes for dry seeds, but keep a separate one for coffee.
Which spices clog burr grinders?
Oily ones like cloves, nutmeg and fenugreek.
Burr or blade for spices?
Burr for even texture; blade for speed and hard spices.
Final Verdict
Our pick for the best burr grinder for spices is the Kuhn Rikon ratchet grinder. For an electric option, keep a Cuisinart DBM-8 for spices only.
Related Guides
Keep exploring grinders with these guides:
Prices and availability change often. Check the current listing on Amazon before you buy.
