All You Need to Know About Salt & Pepper Mills
Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Director
Salt & Pepper Mills Buying Guide
The Bad Old Days (And Why They Matter)
Back in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, finding a quality mill was genuinely difficult. Most mills available in the UK ranged from poor to rubbish, and yes, we at Art of Living sold some of them. Why would a quality cookshop stock substandard mills? Because the choice was extremely limited.
Cole & Mason dominated the market at that time, but their mills were less than satisfactory. Their pepper mills used steel that wasn't hard enough and quickly ceased grinding properly. Their salt mills used nylon mechanisms—not because it was ideal, but because salt aggressively corrodes steel, and they didn't use stainless steel or ceramic alternatives.
We continued stocking them for years, replacing faulty units as they came back not working. Eventually, around the mid-1990s, we stopped entirely. The frustration wasn't worth it, and our customers deserved better.
The good news: The market transformed completely. Today, excellent mills are readily available from multiple manufacturers, all using proper mechanisms that last for decades rather than months.
Critical Warning About Modern Mills
Not all Cole & Mason mills are created equal. Around the mid to late 2000s, Cole & Mason transformed their premium range, creating some of the finest pepper and salt mills on the market using high-quality steel and ceramic mechanisms with lifetime guarantees.
However, their supermarket offerings (distinctive red packaging) still use inferior nylon mechanisms. These cheaper versions are designed for price-sensitive retailers and have not been upgraded.
How to check: Turn the salt mill over. If the mechanism looks slightly translucent, that's nylon. Avoid it. Quality mills clearly advertise ceramic mechanisms.
The History of Pepper Mills: A French Innovation
Peugeot: From Steel Foundry to Culinary Icon
The Peugeot pepper mill story begins in 1810 when brothers Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot converted their family flour mill into a steel foundry in Montbéliard, France. They became famous for saw blades with individually cut teeth that were case-hardened, making them stronger and longer-lasting than competitors' products.
In 1842, Peugeot applied this expertise to create the world's first modern pepper grinder. The patented mechanism used case-hardened steel with precision-engineered burrs arranged in a helical pattern—technology so effective that it remains fundamentally unchanged today, nearly 200 years later.
In 1874, Peugeot introduced the Model Z, the first purpose-built table pepper mill. With its ergonomic wooden body and virtually indestructible steel mechanism, it quickly spread from French kitchens to fine restaurants across Europe, defining what a pepper mill should be.
The Peugeot Lion: Symbolism in Design
The lion emblem appearing on every Peugeot product (yes, including their automobiles) was chosen specifically for the mills. A lion's jaws symbolize the strength, durability, and superiority of the grinding mechanism—burrs that crack peppercorns with relentless precision.
The company famously divided around 1910, with one branch pursuing automobile manufacturing whilst the other continued producing tools. Despite the automotive success, Peugeot never abandoned their pepper mills, which remain manufactured today in their historic factory in Quingey, Franche-Comté, France.
Modern Legacy
The iconic Peugeot Paris mill, introduced in 1987, is their best-seller worldwide. Originally available only in natural or lacquered wood, it now comes in dozens of colors, materials, and sizes—the largest measuring 110cm tall! Despite modern materials and designs, the core grinding mechanism remains true to the 1842 patent.
Why this history matters: When you invest in a quality mill, you're buying technology perfected over nearly two centuries. Many Peugeot mills purchased 30-60 years ago remain in daily use, passed down through generations. That's value you simply cannot achieve with disposable alternatives.
Understanding Grinding Mechanisms
The mechanism is everything. A beautiful wooden body with a rubbish mechanism will frustrate you for years. An ugly mill with a quality mechanism will serve you faithfully for decades. Always prioritize mechanism quality over aesthetics.
Different grinding mechanisms: ceramic, carbon steel, and stainless steel burrs
Pepper Mill Mechanisms: Steel vs Ceramic
Carbon Steel Mechanisms (Premium Choice for Pepper)
Used by: Premium Peugeot mills, Cole & Mason Precision mills, professional-grade grinders
How it works: Case-hardened carbon steel burrs with machine-cut teeth arranged in a helix pattern. The mechanism uses a two-stage process: first cracking the peppercorn, then grinding it. This releases volatile oils, delivering maximum flavor and aroma.
Advantages:
- Exceptional sharpness: Stays razor-sharp for 30+ years
- Precise grinding: Consistent particle size from fine to coarse
- Durability: Can handle decades of daily use without degradation
- Superior flavor extraction: Two-stage grinding releases more essential oils
Disadvantages:
- Cannot handle salt: Will rust and corrode, even with stainless coatings
- Higher cost: Premium mechanisms command premium prices
- Requires dry storage: Exposure to moisture can cause surface rust
Best for: Serious cooks who grind pepper multiple times daily and want professional-quality results that last a lifetime
Stainless Steel Mechanisms
Used by: Mid-range Cole & Mason mills, many modern mills
Construction note: Quality matters enormously. Look for 18/8 stainless steel (18% chromium, 8% nickel) minimum. Lower chromium content (10.5%) costs less but wears faster and doesn't resist corrosion as effectively.
Advantages:
- Rust resistance: Better than carbon steel with moisture exposure
- Durability: Handles drops and rough handling without breaking
- Consistent performance: Delivers even grind across all settings
Disadvantages:
- Still corrodes with salt: Do not use for salt grinding
- Slightly less sharp than carbon steel: Though the difference is minimal in quality mills
Best for: Home cooks wanting excellent pepper grinding with better moisture resistance than carbon steel
Ceramic Mechanisms (Mandatory for Salt)
Used by: All quality salt mills, dual-purpose grinders, Crushgrind mills
How it works: Alumina ceramic burrs are extremely hard and completely non-reactive. The material resists corrosion from salt and stays sharp up to 10 times longer than steel burrs.
Advantages:
- Corrosion-proof: Absolutely essential for salt grinding—will never rust
- Extreme longevity: Maintains sharpness for decades
- Zero flavor transfer: No metallic taste, perfect for switching between spices
- Low friction heat: Generates less heat during grinding, preserving volatile oils
- Multi-purpose: Can grind salt, pepper, and other spices interchangeably
Disadvantages:
- Brittle: Can crack or chip if dropped on hard surfaces
- Higher cost: Quality ceramic mechanisms cost 1.5x to 2x more than basic steel
- Requires gentle handling: Not suitable for rough commercial environments
Best for: Salt grinding (mandatory), dual-purpose mills, cooks who want maximum versatility
Nylon/Plastic Mechanisms (Avoid)
Found in: Cheap supermarket mills, Cole & Mason red packaging range, budget brands
Why they exist: Salt corrodes metal, so manufacturers initially used nylon as a cheaper alternative to ceramic for salt mills.
Why to avoid them:
- Short lifespan: Typically fail within 6 months to 2 years
- Wear quickly: Plastic burrs dull rapidly, especially with frequent use
- Inconsistent grind: Produces uneven particle sizes
- Can't handle hard spices: Struggles with anything harder than soft salt
- False economy: Replacing every 1-2 years costs more than buying quality once
Our position: We do not stock mills with nylon mechanisms. The cost savings are completely offset by frequent replacements and poor performance.
The Critical Rule: Never Mix Salt and Pepper
Why you cannot use salt in a pepper mill: Salt corrodes all metal mechanisms—even stainless steel—causing permanent rust damage within weeks or months. The mechanism will seize, and the mill becomes unusable. This corrosion cannot be reversed.
Why you cannot use pepper in a salt mill: If the salt mill has a nylon mechanism, it will quickly wear out grinding harder peppercorns. If it has a ceramic mechanism designed for salt, it may work, but you risk flavor carryover and the grind settings may not be optimized for pepper.
Bottom line: Buy dedicated mills. Pepper mills need steel or ceramic. Salt mills require ceramic. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Brands We Trust (And Why)
Current Recommendations from Art of Living
Peugeot
Our view: The gold standard. If you buy one Peugeot mill, you may never need another.
Mechanism: Patented two-stage carbon steel for pepper (lifetime guarantee), stainless steel for salt (lifetime guarantee)
Lifespan: 30-60+ years with regular use—many customers report mills inherited from parents still working perfectly
Price: Premium pricing (£30-£100+) but excellent cost-per-use over decades
Best for: Anyone who values lifetime quality and has experienced the frustration of cheap mills failing
Shop Peugeot MillsCole & Mason (Premium Range Only)
Our view: Transformed from poor quality in the 1980s to excellent quality today—but only their premium range
Mechanism: Precision carbon steel for pepper, ceramic for salt (both with lifetime guarantees)
Warning: Supermarket versions in red packaging still use nylon mechanisms—avoid these completely
How to identify premium range: Clearly advertises "Precision" or "Gourmet Precision" mechanism with lifetime guarantee. Sold in cookshops and department stores, not supermarkets
Price: Mid-premium (£20-£60)
Best for: Excellent quality at more accessible pricing than Peugeot
Shop Cole & Mason Premium MillsLe Creuset
Our view: Excellent quality mills from a brand known for lifetime cookware
Mechanism: Ceramic for both salt and pepper (lifetime guarantee)
Advantage: Beautiful design matching Le Creuset cookware, ceramic works for both applications
Price: Premium (£30-£80)
Best for: Le Creuset enthusiasts wanting matching mills, those preferring ceramic mechanisms
Shop Le Creuset MillsOther Trustworthy Brands
Whilst we don't currently stock all of these, if you encounter them elsewhere, these are makes you can trust:
- Marlux: French manufacturer, quality ceramic and steel mechanisms
- William Bounds: American brand, excellent build quality
- T&G Woodware (Crushgrind mechanism): Danish ceramic mechanism that handles both salt and pepper, including wetter sea salts
- Peter Piper: Historical brand we stocked for years with good reliability
Why We Don't Stock Every Brand
Over 52 years, we've tested countless mills. We stock only brands that consistently deliver quality mechanisms with long-term reliability. A beautiful wooden body means nothing if the mechanism fails within two years. We've seen too many customers frustrated by attractive mills with rubbish mechanisms.
Dos and Don'ts: Essential Usage Guidelines
Critical DON'Ts
Never Use Mills Above Steaming Pots
Steam cakes salt onto mechanisms, stopping them from working. Steam also damages pepper mill mechanisms over time through moisture exposure.
If you've damaged more than one salt mill by using it above pots: It's time to change your system. Invest in a salt pig, salt box, or use a jar with Guérande sea salt for cooking. Reserve your quality salt mill for table use only.
Never Put Salt in a Pepper Mill
Salt will corrode steel mechanisms—even stainless steel—causing permanent rust damage. The mechanism will seize within weeks or months. This damage cannot be repaired.
Never Put Pepper in a Salt Mill (Unless It's Ceramic)
Nylon mechanisms will wear out quickly grinding harder peppercorns. Even ceramic salt mills may have settings optimized for salt rather than pepper. Buy dedicated mills for each purpose.
Never Use Pink Peppercorns Alone
Pink peppercorns are very soft. When placed in a grinder, very little comes out because they don't crack properly like black, white, or green peppercorns. This is not the grinder's fault. Pink peppercorns are meant to be used mixed with harder varieties.
Essential DOs
Choose the Right Salt for Your Mill
Works in most salt mills: Rock salt, coarse sea salt (if dry)
Only works in Crushgrind ceramic mills: Wetter sea salts
Never use in mills: Maldon, Fleur de Sel, or other light finishing salts—these are too light and friable. Simply sprinkle them directly onto food by hand for maximum effect.
Prioritize Mechanism Over Aesthetics
A beautiful wooden mill with a nylon mechanism will frustrate you within months. An ugly mill with a Peugeot mechanism will serve you faithfully for 60 years. Always prioritize the mechanism.
The body material—whether wood, acrylic, stainless steel, or even cement—does not affect performance. Buy the mechanism first, choose the aesthetic second.
Adjust Your Mill for Preference
Most mills adjust with the knob at the top: tighten for finer grind, loosen for coarser. Some premium mills (Peugeot, Cole & Mason Gourmet Precision) have preset grind settings built into the base.
Professional chefs always test their mill before using—give a quarter turn to check the current grind setting, as someone else may have adjusted it.
Store Properly
Keep mills in dry locations. Excessive moisture can affect even quality mechanisms over time. If your kitchen is very humid, wipe mills dry after use and store in cabinets rather than beside the hob.
Selection Guide: Finding Your Perfect Mills
Mills come in various sizes and styles - choose based on your needs and preferences
For Lifetime Investment
Buy: Peugeot pepper and salt mills
Why: Nearly 200 years of refinement, lifetime guarantees, documented cases of 60+ year lifespans
Budget: £60-£200 for the pair
Cost per use over 40 years: Less than £5 per year
For Excellent Quality at Better Value
Buy: Cole & Mason Precision range (pepper) + Ceramic salt mill
Why: Professional-quality mechanisms, lifetime guarantees, more accessible pricing
Budget: £40-£120 for the pair
Warning: Avoid supermarket versions—premium range only
For Le Creuset Enthusiasts
Buy: Le Creuset mills matching your cookware
Why: Ceramic mechanisms work for both salt and pepper, beautiful design integration, lifetime guarantee
Budget: £60-£160 for the pair
For Multi-Purpose Flexibility
Buy: Mills with Crushgrind ceramic mechanisms
Why: Can handle salt (including wetter sea salts), pepper, and other spices interchangeably
Budget: £30-£80 for the pair
Best for: Cooks who want to grind various spices beyond just salt and pepper
What NOT to Buy
- Supermarket mills in red Cole & Mason packaging: Still use nylon mechanisms
- Any mill advertising plastic or nylon mechanisms: False economy—they fail quickly
- Mills without brand identification: Unknown mechanisms, no recourse when they fail
- Mills without adjustable grind settings: Severely limits versatility
- "Value" sets under £15 for the pair: Quality mechanisms cannot be produced at these prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same mill for both salt and pepper?
No. Salt corrodes steel mechanisms, even stainless steel, causing permanent damage and rust. Pepper mills use steel or carbon steel mechanisms that will be destroyed by salt. Salt mills must use ceramic mechanisms which resist corrosion. Never put salt in a pepper mill or pepper in a salt mill designed for different materials.
What is the difference between ceramic and steel grinding mechanisms?
Steel mechanisms (carbon steel or stainless steel) are extremely durable, provide precise grinding, and are ideal for pepper. They stay sharp for decades with proper care. Ceramic mechanisms are corrosion-resistant, essential for salt grinding, never rust, and stay sharp longer than steel. However, ceramic is brittle and can crack if dropped. Steel is best for pepper, ceramic is mandatory for salt.
Why are Peugeot pepper mills so expensive?
Peugeot mills feature a patented two-stage grinding mechanism invented in 1842 using case-hardened steel that lasts for decades. The mechanism uses two rows of helical teeth that first crack peppercorns, then grind them, releasing maximum flavor and aroma. Many Peugeot mills last 30-60 years or more with a lifetime guarantee on the mechanism. The initial investment becomes excellent value over the mill's lifespan.
How do I know if a salt mill has a nylon mechanism?
Turn the mill over and look at the grinding mechanism. If it looks slightly translucent or plastic-like, it is probably nylon. Quality salt mills will clearly state they use ceramic mechanisms. Avoid nylon mechanisms as they wear out quickly and are found primarily in cheaper supermarket versions. Look for mills specifically advertising ceramic grinding mechanisms.
Can I use my pepper or salt mill above steaming pots?
No, never use mills above steaming pots. Steam causes salt to cake onto the mechanism, stopping it from working. Steam can also damage pepper mill mechanisms over time. If you've had more than one salt mill corrode from steam exposure, invest in a salt pig, salt box, or use a jar with your favorite sea salt for cooking use.
What types of salt work in salt mills?
Most mills work with rock salt or coarse sea salt. Only Crushgrind ceramic mechanisms can handle wetter sea salts. Light salts like Maldon or Fleur de Sel are too light and friable for mills—simply sprinkle these finishing salts directly onto food by hand. Always use coarse, dry salt crystals in mills.
Why doesn't pink peppercorn grind well in my mill?
Pink peppercorns are very soft compared to black, white, or green peppercorns. When placed in a grinder, very little comes out because the soft texture doesn't crack properly. This is not the grinder's fault. Pink peppercorns are usually sold mixed with other harder peppercorns (green, white, black) which helps them grind properly.
How long should a quality pepper mill last?
A quality pepper mill with a steel or ceramic mechanism should last 30-60 years or more with proper care. Peugeot, Cole & Mason premium ranges, and Le Creuset mills all offer lifetime guarantees on their mechanisms. Many users report Peugeot mills lasting over 60 years. Cheap mills with plastic or nylon mechanisms typically fail within 6 months to 2 years.
What brands of mills does Art of Living recommend?
Art of Living currently stocks Cole & Mason, Peugeot, and Le Creuset mills—all using quality steel or ceramic mechanisms with lifetime guarantees. Other trustworthy brands include Marlux, William Bounds, and mills using Crushgrind mechanisms from T&G Woodware. Avoid supermarket offerings in red packaging from Cole & Mason as these still use inferior nylon mechanisms.
Does the mill body material (wood vs acrylic vs metal) affect performance?
No. The mechanism is what matters for performance, not the body material. Wood, acrylic, stainless steel, and even cement bodies all work equally well if they contain quality mechanisms. Choose body material based on aesthetic preference and how it feels in your hand. The mechanism design and material determine longevity and grinding quality.
Why Buy Your Mills from Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades watching customers struggle with poor-quality mills—and celebrating when they discover how transformative quality mills can be.
Our Guarantee to You
- We only stock mills with quality mechanisms - No nylon, no cheap plastic, no shortcuts
- Lifetime guarantees on mechanisms - Every mill we sell includes the manufacturer's lifetime mechanism guarantee
- Expert guidance - We've tested these mills ourselves and can guide you to the right choice
- No Quibble Returns - Even used items. If it doesn't perform as expected, return it
- Price Match Guarantee - Found it cheaper elsewhere? We'll match the price
Visit Our Shops
See and feel the difference between quality and cheap mills in person:
- Reigate Shop: 72 High Street, RH2 9AP | 01737 242302
- Cobham Shop: 16 Anyards Road, KT11 2JZ | 01932 865508
- Warehouse Collection: 40 Ormside Way, Redhill, RH1 2LW
Questions? Call us or visit our contact page. We're happy to discuss which mills suit your cooking style.
The Bottom Line
After 52 years selling mills—good ones, bad ones, and everything in between—our advice distills to this:
Buy the mechanism, not the body. A £100 Peugeot mill that lasts 60 years costs less per year than a £15 supermarket mill replaced every 18 months. The arithmetic strongly favors quality.
Never compromise on salt mills. They must use ceramic mechanisms. This is not negotiable. Steel will corrode, nylon will wear out. Only ceramic survives long-term salt exposure.
Pepper mills offer choice. Carbon steel (Peugeot) delivers absolute peak performance. Stainless steel (premium Cole & Mason) offers excellent results with better moisture resistance. Ceramic works well and allows multi-purpose use. All three beat plastic mechanisms every time.
The frustration of a seized mill, the disappointment of inconsistent grinding, the waste of replacing cheap mills every year—all of this ends when you invest in proper quality. Your cooking deserves freshly ground pepper and salt delivered consistently, day after day, year after year.
That's what we sell. That's what we guarantee. That's what will transform your cooking.
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Hi there. I appear to have lost the top know for my le creuset salt grinder. Can you point me in the right direction to get a replacement please?
Thank you.
Thank you for your sharing. May I know that where can I get a steel machinist one?
Best regards,
Eden
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