When it comes to cooking, there are a few key tools that I never thought I would spend a lot of money on, but that I’ve come to find are worth the price. A good knife, for example, can make all the difference in the kitchen.
I love to cook, but I didn’t understand why a peppermill was such a big deal. I was pretty accustomed to the $5 mills–you know, the ones that come in a glass bottle with the plastic grinder cap?–until I realized my pepper-forward dishes didn’t have that restaurant quality I was looking for. The consistency of the pepper grind matters, just like finely-milled coffee grounds matter for a delicious brew. Also, pepper isn’t one-size-fits-all–from rubs, to dressings to salads, it’s key to have a grinder with multiple grind options so you can get exactly the right consistency and grind size for a delicious dish. In the same way that having premium ingredients yields a premium result, your kitchenware makes a difference, too.
So, after hearing about HexClad’s Hex Mill Pepper Grinder over and over, I finally bit the bullet and tried it out. Here’s what I thought.
It Performs Insanely Well
The first time I used the Hex Mill Pepper Grinder, I was not expecting to be blown away - but I certainly was! Usually, when I’m making pepper-heavy dishes like cacio e pepe or black pepper chicken, it takes me about 30-50 cranks on the store-bought pepper grinder to get the amount of pepper I want. Seriously, it feels like I get a whole wrist workout in.
With the Hex Mill Pepper Grinder, I got the same amount of pepper in just 5 cranks. How crazy! I have never been able to get this much fresh-cracked pepper so easily with the other “top-rated” pepper mills.
The difference in the cracked pepper was very apparent, too. Once you set the grind setting, the Hex Mill Pepper Grinder grinds pepper in a beautifully consistent way. The resulting peppercorns had a more intense flavor, which made my dish taste so deliciously complex and feel restaurant-ready.
It Has Lots of Thoughtful Features
The Hex Mill Pepper Grinder utilizes a burr grinder design that was unique from all the other blade grinders I have tried before - and it was undoubtedly superior in both consistency and speed. Frustrated by the quality of existing peppermills, HexClad actually implemented a unique technology inspired by coffee grinders to ensure the Hex Mill Pepper Grinder is super fast and consistent (which I can definitely attest to!).
The Hex Mill Pepper Grinder also has a whopping ten adjustable grind settings that range from ultra-fine powder to coarse granules. As someone who loves to cook, this feature was incredibly useful to yield the perfect grind size for everything from dressings and stocks to seared meats, rubs, and salads.
It's Easy to Use
Overall, HexClad’s Pepper Grinder is incredibly easy to use. All you have to do is turn the top knob to adjust the grind size and then twist the mill to grind the pepper. I have never in my life been able to grind so much fresh-cracked pepper in so little time, and with so little effort.
It’s also easily refillable thanks to a button-enabled quick-release cap. Plus, it’s quiet and compact, so it doesn't take up any unnecessary space on your countertop.
It Features A Timeless Design
The first thing that stood out when I opened the packaging was the hexagonal design of the Hex Mill Pepper Grinder. Not only was the look super cool, it was heavy, too, in a way that good kitchenware is. I appreciated the brand’s use of a heavy-duty, aluminum body and I loved the classic black color. Plus, the pepper mill has a sleek, modern look that seamlessly elevates the overall feel of my kitchen.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After using my Hex Mill Pepper Grinder for a while now, I can now admit that I’m a total convert! Who knew?
I never thought I would spend $130 on a pepper mill grinder, but I’m so glad I did. It has elevated all of my dishes, and it’s truly worth every penny!
