I, like some of you, knew there was a better and more convenient means to fill the container with pepper. Using my electric drill and a 5/8" blade drilling bit, I carefully and slowly made a hole in the side of the container to allow a large funnel that I used to poor the pepper into the container. I found a 5/8" wood plug at the local hardware store and inserted to close the container. Now we can fill without taking the container off the unit but instead remove the plug and insert the funnel. I have taken pictures if this is not clear to you and you can e-mail me to send you that information and I will answer any questions on this subject. Works great for us and will for you too.