Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about ordering, using, and caring for your Vivosparks grinders.
Orders & Shipping
Where do you ship?
At the moment we ship anywhere in the U.S. via fast and reliable Amazon fulfillment. Most orders are delivered within 3 days of order.
See our Shipping Policy for the latest coverage and carriers.
How much is shipping?
A flat shipping fee is added at checkout. Any promotions or free-shipping offers will also appear there.
How long will delivery take?
Typical delivery is 1-5 business days after shipment. Most orders are delivered under 3 business days. Exact timing depends on your address. You will receive a tracking email when your order ships.
How do I track my order?
We will email you a tracking link as soon as your order ships.
Can I change my shipping address after ordering?
If your order has not shipped yet, contact us immediately at support@vivosparks.com with your order number and the correct address. Once an order is fulfilled, we cannot edit the address.
Product & Use
What is in the box?
Your package includes your grinder (or set), 2 USB-C charging cables, a cleaning brush, and a quick-start guide.
Which salt and pepper should I use?
Use dry, whole peppercorns and dry salt crystals (e.g., sea salt or kosher salt, medium-to-coarse size ~2-5 mm). Avoid wet or damp salts and extra-fine table salt. For a deeper dive, see our complete guide to choosing and using electric grinders.
Can I grind other spices?
Dry, hard, similar-size spices (e.g., allspice, coriander) and dry grains (e.g., rice) generally work well. Avoid oily, sticky, or soft items (e.g., sesame, flax, fresh herbs). Not designed for coffee beans, nuts, or seeds. Learn more about why freshly ground spices make a difference.
Can you grind coffee beans in a pepper grinder?
No. Coffee beans are too large and too oily for a pepper grinder and would damage the mechanism over time. Our ceramic burrs are designed for salt, pepper, dry whole spices, and dry grains. For coffee, use a dedicated coffee grinder.
Is the coarseness adjustable?
Yes. Turn the adjustment dial/knob (usually on the top or base) toward coarse or fine until you get the grind you like.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life depends on grind size and frequency but typically lasts for many cooking sessions (often weeks to months of home use) per charge. See how this compares in our electric vs. manual grinder comparison.
Care & Maintenance
How do I clean the grinder?
- Empty any remaining salt/pepper.
- Run briefly on coarse to clear the burrs, then power off.
- Brush the burrs and chamber. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
- Do not submerge the motor housing or let water enter the charging port.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our complete cleaning guide.
How do I refill?
Twist off the jar, pour in dry salt crystals or whole peppercorns, then reattach firmly. Avoid overfilling and leave a little headroom.
Is it dishwasher safe?
No. Hand rinse the spice chamber and brush the ceramic burrs. Do not submerge the motorized top or use the dishwasher.
How long does charging take?
About 1-2 hours with a standard 5V USB-C charger. An indicator light will show charging/charged status.
Do ceramic burrs wear out?
Ceramic burrs stay sharp far longer than steel ones and typically outlast the rest of the grinder. Under normal home use, you should never need to replace them. They are also non-reactive, so they will not rust or affect the flavor of your spices. Our complete grinder guide covers burr care in more detail.
Can salt damage or corrode the grinder?
Salt is naturally corrosive, but Vivosparks grinders use ceramic burrs and food-safe stainless steel specifically chosen to resist salt corrosion. The key is to use dry salt. Damp or wet salt accelerates corrosion and can jam the mechanism. Always store your grinder upright with the cap on to keep moisture out. See our cleaning guide for maintenance tips that extend the life of your grinder.
Choosing the Right Grinder
What should I look for in an electric salt and pepper grinder?
Focus on ceramic burrs (they stay sharp longer and resist corrosion), USB-C rechargeable power (no battery swaps), an LED near the grinding chute for visibility, and a tight-fitting hopper that keeps moisture out. A solid grinder should feel sturdy, adjust smoothly, and disassemble easily for cleaning. Read our in-depth expert guide for a full breakdown.
Can one grinder handle both salt and pepper?
You can, but flavor will carry over between refills. If you switch, deep clean between refills and run a teaspoon of fresh peppercorns through to clear lingering flavors. A two-unit set is the simpler approach since each grinder stays dedicated. Our grinder set comes as a pair for exactly this reason.
Warranty & Returns
What does the warranty cover?
Our Limited Lifetime Quality Warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use, for as long as you own the product. It does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or damage from accidents or improper handling. We also cover Amazon purchases once you register your product with us.
Full terms: Warranty & Returns.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Email support@vivosparks.com with your order number, a brief description, and a short photo/video of the issue. We will respond with next steps.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Items must be unused and in original packaging. For change-of-mind returns, customers cover return shipping. For defective or damaged items, we resolve the issue at no cost to you. Full details: Refund Policy | Warranty & Returns.
Troubleshooting
My grinder does not power on. What should I check?
- Charge for at least 15 minutes, then try again.
- Make sure parts are seated correctly and not cross-threaded.
- Try loosening the coarseness slightly. Over-tightening can stall the burrs.
- If it still will not run, contact support with a short video.
It is jammed or grinding inconsistently. Help!
- Empty the chamber and check for oversized or damp crystals.
- Set to coarse, run briefly upside down to clear the burrs.
- Brush the burrs clean and refill with dry salt/pepper.
My grinder runs but nothing comes out. What now?
Empty the hopper, brush the burrs, and clear the chute with a wooden toothpick. Humidity can cake salt. Switch to dry crystals labeled "for grinders" and store refills in a sealed container. Our cleaning guide has more unclogging tips.
Is the grinder loud?
You will hear a normal motor hum while grinding. A squeal or harsh sound usually means the grind is set too fine or there is a jam. Loosen the dial and clear the chamber.
Safety
Are the materials food-safe?
Yes. Food-contact parts use food-safe materials including industrial-grade alumina ceramic burrs and stainless steel where appropriate. Outer components use BPA-free materials. Always clean and fully dry parts before refilling.
Do your grinders use plastic grinding mechanisms?
No. Our grinders use industrial-grade alumina ceramic burrs, not plastic. Ceramic is harder than steel, corrosion-proof, FDA food-safe, and does not shed microplastics into your food. The grinding surfaces that contact your salt, pepper, and dry spices are ceramic.
Still have a question? Email us at support@vivosparks.com