this might make it slightly more painful. Other than that
I originally bought two of these in November of 2012, when they were listed as "Vic Firth Pump & Grind Pepper Mill". I paid $20.90 each for them over 5 years ago.Now, finally, after constant heavy use... One of them broke. :(Actually, all that broke is the plastic part that acts as a window. The rest is sold as ever. But I ordered a replacement. So I can attend to not only the quality of the product over time, but compare how it has changed.First of course, the price is lower. My new pepper mill was only $16.50 so about four dollars less. It's nearly identical in construction and form. The most noticeable difference amounts to simpler shape. Milled lines and ledges of the original are gone, and undoubtedly this saves some manufacturing cost. Most of that is purely cosmetic, but the one detail that disappoints a little is the push top. On my original, it has a beveled edge that makes pushing with your thumb less uncomfortable. The new one has no beveled edge. For some, this might make it slightly more painful.Other than that, I can not honestly find any difference. The way exactly the same (5.5 oz each), have the same circumference and height, the grinding stem looks exactly the same, and even the spring action is the same. My brand new pepper mill has the same springiness and resilience as the 5+ year heavily used one.It's a rare treat to have a product break, be able to re-order it and get NEARLY THE EXACT SAME QUALITY PRODUCT! o_OI feel this comparison also shows how sturdy these grinders are, and I'm considering buying an extra set of two simply to keep in storage for the next time one breaks.On a side note, this really is a great pepper mill. It's good not only for table use, but for cooking as well. The stainless steel is real, it doesn't corrode or discolor. You can easily see how much seasoning is still in it, and refill isn't any hassle. I use one for pepper and the other for salt. Just fill it with coarse, grindable salt and remember it'll dispense pretty quickly. Highly recommended.
✔ Verified Purchase
Same quality, half the price......
Fantastic, sexy, sleek, affordable and it actually works! I usually don't trust cheaper versions of expensive products but this one has shattered my consumer belief system. It is pretty much exact same pepper/salt/spice mill that you can find for twice++ the price at Crate and Barrel and various spice boutiques. They are all made in Thailand, apparently - Grind Gourmet's or Crate and Barrel's. Feels very sturdy, pleasantly heavy. Doesn't seem very likely to break soon due to its super simple mechanism. And the aforementioned sturdiness. One load of pepper has lasted me almost 2 months; salt I replace every 3 weeks or so. I use them for cooking/baking/undersalted meal tune ups. It works just fine with regular granulated kosher salt. Not sure about coarse sea salt granules, but with kosher salt I can sort of control the flow by pressing the grind button lighter/harder. Relatively easy to refill. I got 2 for my tiny apartment kitchen and then, almost immediately bought 2 more for my best friend's huge kitchen. Looks amazing in both. Doesn't cram up my limited kitchen space. My friend is raving about how perfectly it matches his appliances and modern/manly cabinet hardware. I love my grinders and still pat myself on the back for such a clever purchase. I highly recommend!!! Thanks SO much, Grind Gourmet :-)
✔ Verified Purchase
Works great, fair to good quality
I bought this as a present for the wife and she loves it. It's easy to use with one hand when cooking in the kitchen and it takes very little effort to grind pepper. The size of the grind is good for most cases but if you want very coarse or very fine this is not the grinder for you. My only criticism is the plastic view window screws on just like the other metal parts and it's very easy to over tighten and possibly break.
✔ Verified Purchase
D
Daniel S
September 18, 2020
Great customer service!
I think it looks good, works great, and all my guests ask where I got it. And Grind Gourmet definitely stands by their no-questions warranty. I've had mine well over one year, but when the clear plastic viewing piece started to separate from the body they only needed a photo of the issue and my order number to approve a warranty replacement. Friendly customer service with quick responses! I would recommend them for that alone, much less how good the grinder is!I do understand some of the complaints about being tough to use, I filled it with pink sea salt and sometimes it required shaking, extra force, or two hands to push through a tough rock of salt. Normally though my wife and I have no difficulty pressing it with one hand.They are a good size to use on the table, I found for salt just a single push gives a single serving amount of salt, and probably would want a few clicks for pepper.I definitely believe you should get the Original from Grind Gourment, a great salt/pepper grinder, made well and with great customer service if you have an issue!
✔ Verified Purchase
I've had mine for 7 plus years
I used to use this a high volume sushi restaurant. The sushi line all had some variant of this. I wanted my own and bought a few different ones. This is the good one, solid build. The others broke with in a few weeks.It saw a lot of action/work for 2 years. I used it on and off and I kinda forgot about it in my car for like a year. Recently got it out, ran it through the dishwasher at work (prolly wouldn't recommend it) and filled it with maldon salt.I've recommended this specific one to countless customers at the counter. Highly recommend it, don't get the cheap plastic ones. They don't last, the threads wear out.
✔ Verified Purchase
K
Kat in Kan
December 26, 2025
Nice heavy weight
I bought this for my husband. He loves it. Nice heavy weight, works perfectly.
✔ Verified Purchase
Made well , hard to grind
This is a great thought , however the grind ability is mediocre at best. Very hard to push the grind button , to bad as everything else is good quality
✔ Verified Purchase
