We purchased our cordless pepper grinder about 6 months ago from our local Home Hardware store. We like the outside design, comfort and control using it, the long use between charges (we usually need to recharge about every two months) and the light on the bottom which is great during our friends and neighbors candle lit dinners.
I agree, it does not make sence to have a U shape fill hole when you buy pepper in bottles or pages.I tried a small funnel which will fit into a corner of the U shape, but the funnel frequently plugged. I tried using a spoon and it worked but was slow going.
Two options the company could consider at little expense. Provide a U shape funnel that would slip into the U shape opening OR add a round hole on the side, that would allow filling with the machine on it's side and without the need to remove the container and have a sliding door to cover the hole. It's just that simple!!
I'm a man, but I say the design was made by a man that never had any intentions of ever having to struggle with refilling the grinder!!!
Nevertheless, I highly recommend this product.