I've had several pepper mills over the years...mostly picked up at Marshall's or the like. Never an electric one. When my last one got lost somewhere in the move from one house to another, I decided to splurge on a classic Perfex mill. I love it. Easy to turn, perfectly ground fine, medium or coarse pepper. But it's pricey...about $75 on Amazon.

My favorite item is my electric pepper mill- the one from Crate and Barrel is expensive too, around 75 but it has a lifetime warranty, no questions asked. We are on peppermill number 2 in 6 years!

I'm on my 2nd electric pepper mill. One of the kids dropped it and a plastic piece broke off (after 5+ yrs and lots of use) Love it! Did not pay any where near $75. Home goods have them out by me. I really like the ones with a light on the bottom so you can see how much pepper is going into the dish. Hand grinders for the table.

We grew up overseas, and the right pepper, like the right bread, is part of every meal.

Always, Peugeot pepper mills. I have never purchased an electric mill nor will I ever. (It's like an breaking out an electric knife to carve the holiday turkey, just not the same I think!).

Alternately... or as well, you could include a nice selection of pepper corns from Penzeys? Good luck!

LOVE my Vic Firth Mario Batali pepper mill. I have the 12" orange one with Mario's sig.

Personally I want to feel a pepper mill and need the tactile response of the hand crank. I was gifted an electric mill (battery powered) that looked lovely, but after trying it out once or twice as a novelty it then just sat in the back of a cabinet for years until finally getting thrown out after our recent reno.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mario Batali Vic Firth Pepper Mill

Did you mean a battery-operated one? I've used one of those before.

I love my Unicorn Magnum pepper mill. They have a 6- & 9-inch model. See that circle in the top middle? You just twist it to one side & it's so easy to fill and it holds a LOT!

I heard about them from Alton Brown and it's still Cook's Illustrated's favorite.

You get a lot of pepper with one grind - I've used several that were a real pain, even a really expensive one that I had to take back.

Some say it's not the prettiest but I like them...I plan on getting the 9-inch for use while cooking & use my 6-inch grinder for the table.

Good luck in deciding what to get!

9-inch Magnum

6-inch Magnum

Here is a link that might be useful: Magnum pepper mill

Another vote for the Unicorn Magnum. I've had the 6'' one for several years and love it. Only wish that I had gotten the 9'' one (I use lots of pepper).

The Unicorn mills are excellent and so easy to use. We have the shorter salt and pepper ones with the twist key top.

Billy

Here is a link that might be useful: Unicorn Mills

I've used the Atlas pepper mills at my home for the past 20 years, and I love them. I initially bought the pepper mill, which has steel grinding mechanisms that are adjustable. I loved it so much, that I got the salt mill, which has ceramic grinding mechanisms. They are hand made in Greece and very durable, as well as beautiful to look at. Definitely not the average piece of plastic item that will break down.

Here's a photo of mine,

Here is a link that might be useful: Atlas Pepper Mill

taggie - the Mario mill is really fun looking - is it orange because of his shoes?

oldhousegal - love the look of yours - especially against that beautiful backsplash.

Billy - Oh, my - I didn't know Magnum made all those different models - now seriously thinking that I NEED that salt mill :)

I love my electric pepper mill I bought it when I had carpal tunnel problems. Surgery fixed the hands but I still have my mill.
I don't know that I would purchase it for a present for someone else unless they have been ogling one.
There are so many pretty and fabulous grinders out there.

Thank you all kind people .. I went to my local cooking store and spent a good hour playing with all the recommendations and ended up with the tall magnum.. Thanks melaska and cilantro. Also got some fancy peppers (thanks oldbat). I must say I almost wanted to keep the gift for myself. Seriously considering telling DH that "no appliances as gifts" rule was just one of those silly new bride demands. Another bottle of parfum.. Yawn.. New pepper mill.. Instant lust.. Is this just sad :)

Lalitha...so glad you are happy you found a good one. Hope you can get one for yourself soon. :)

Lalitha...so glad you are happy you found a good one. Hope you can get one for yourself soon. :)