Cole & Mason Gourmet Precision Derwent Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Mill Gift Set
Cole & Mason Gourmet Precision Derwent Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Mill Gift Set
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
Cole & Mason Derwent Stainless Steel: Modern Minimalist Precision
The Derwent Stainless Steel salt and pepper mill set from Cole & Mason's Gourmet Precision range delivers professional-quality seasoning with sleek contemporary design. The crystal clear acrylic body showcases your seasonings beautifully whilst the stainless steel top and base provide a modern minimalist aesthetic that suits contemporary kitchens - stylish enough for your dining table yet engineered with the mechanisms serious cooks demand.
These mills represent genuine investment in quality seasoning:
- Hardened carbon steel pepper mechanism strips rather than crushes peppercorns, releasing essential oils through a two-stage process for maximum flavour with every turn
- Diamond-sharp ceramic salt mechanism is completely corrosion-proof - essential for salt grinding where metal would rust
- Grind Select feature with pre-tested settings: 6 for pepper (fine to coarse), 3 for salt (optimised range)
- Crystal clear acrylic body lets you monitor fill levels at a glance
- Comes filled and ready to use with premium Vietnamese black peppercorns and Belgian coarse sea salt
- Wide neck design makes refilling easy and mess-free - simply pull off the stainless steel top cap
- Lifetime mechanism guarantee demonstrates Cole & Mason's confidence in construction quality
The Gourmet Precision range is engineered for those who understand that proper seasoning transforms cooking from adequate to exceptional. The carbon steel pepper mechanism's two-stage grinding - first cracking, then grinding - maximises volatile oil release for superior aroma and flavour. The ceramic salt mechanism resists corrosion indefinitely whilst maintaining razor-sharp grinding performance.
Beautifully presented in a hand-made gift box, the Derwent Stainless Steel set suits contemporary interiors and formal gifting occasions whilst the transparent body and adjustable grinding make them practical for daily cooking. At 19cm tall, these mills provide comfortable grip and sufficient capacity for regular use without constant refilling.
Suitable for those who favour modern minimalist design, anyone upgrading from basic mills, wedding and housewarming gifts with genuine longevity, and those who appreciate thoughtful design where form meets function.
What Customers Ask About Cole & Mason Derwent Mills
Why does the pepper mill have 6 settings but the salt mill only 3?
Pepper benefits from a wider range of grind sizes for different cooking applications - from very fine for sauces to coarse for grilling. Salt typically requires fewer adjustments as most cooking uses medium to coarse salt. The Grind Select settings have been specifically tested and calibrated for each type of seasoning to deliver optimal results.
What's the difference between carbon steel and ceramic mechanisms?
The pepper mill uses hardened carbon steel that strips peppercorns in a two-stage process, releasing essential oils for maximum flavour. The salt mill uses diamond-sharp ceramic that's completely corrosion-proof - essential for salt grinding as metal mechanisms would rust. Both mechanisms are covered by Cole & Mason's lifetime guarantee.
Can I put salt in the pepper mill or pepper in the salt mill?
Never put salt in the pepper mill - salt will corrode the carbon steel mechanism, causing permanent rust damage within weeks. The salt mill's ceramic mechanism can technically grind pepper, but the settings are optimised for salt, not pepper. Always use dedicated mills for best results and to maintain the lifetime guarantee.
Do these mills come filled or empty?
Both mills come filled with premium quality ingredients - whole black peppercorns from Vietnam in the pepper mill and coarse sea salt from Belgium in the salt mill. You can start using them immediately upon receipt.
What types of salt can I use in the salt mill?
Use rock salt or dry coarse sea salt. Avoid Maldon, Fleur de Sel, or other light finishing salts - these are too light and friable for grinding and should be sprinkled by hand. Do not use wet sea salts unless you have a Crushgrind ceramic mill specifically designed for them.
Can I use pink peppercorns in the pepper mill?
Pink peppercorns are very soft and don't crack properly like black, white, or green peppercorns. When used alone, very little comes out. Mix pink peppercorns with harder black or white peppercorns for best results - this isn't a fault with the mill, it's the nature of pink peppercorns.
My mill has become difficult to grind - how do I fix it?
Turn the mill upside down, set the Grind Select band to the coarsest setting, and twist the top. This clears any large peppercorns or salt crystals that may have become lodged in the mechanism. Then change the setting back to your desired grind. This is particularly helpful if you've been using a fine setting.
Should I use these mills over steaming pots?
No, never use mills directly above steaming pots. Steam cakes salt onto mechanisms and can stop them working. Steam also damages pepper mill mechanisms through moisture exposure over time. Season food after cooking, or use a separate container for cooking salt.
What does the lifetime mechanism guarantee cover?
Cole & Mason's lifetime mechanism guarantee covers manufacturing defects in the grinding mechanisms - the carbon steel pepper mechanism and ceramic salt mechanism. It doesn't cover damage from misuse such as putting salt in the pepper mill, using above steam, or accidental damage. Contact Cole & Mason directly with proof of purchase if you experience mechanism failure under normal use.
What We've Learned About Mills Since 1972
After five decades of helping customers choose mills, we've learned that mechanism quality determines satisfaction far more than aesthetics. A beautiful mill with a basic mechanism will frustrate you within months. These Cole & Mason mills prioritise the mechanism first - professional-grade carbon steel for pepper, corrosion-proof ceramic for salt - then wrap them in sleek, functional design.
The most common mistake we see? Using mills above steaming pots. If you've damaged more than one salt mill this way, it's time to change your system. Use a salt pig or jar with coarse salt for cooking, and reserve quality mills for table use where they'll last decades.
The transparent acrylic body might seem purely aesthetic, but it serves a practical purpose - you know exactly when refilling is needed, preventing the frustration of running out mid-meal. The wide neck makes refilling genuinely mess-free, something you'll appreciate after wrestling with narrow-necked mills elsewhere.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Adjusting Grind Size: The Grind Select feature has pre-tested settings. For pepper, choose from 6 settings ranging from fine to coarse. For salt, choose from 3 optimised settings. Turn the band at the base to select your preferred grind.
Daily Use: Hold the mill upright and twist the top to grind. The transparent body lets you see when seasoning is dispensed. Test your grind before seasoning food - someone else may have adjusted the setting.
If the Mill Becomes Difficult to Turn: Turn the mill upside down, set the Grind Select to the coarsest setting, and twist the top. This clears any large peppercorns or salt crystals lodged in the mechanism. Return to your desired setting afterwards.
Refilling: When the transparent body shows low levels, pull off the stainless steel top cap. Fill with whole peppercorns (never pre-ground pepper) or coarse dry salt through the wide neck. Replace the cap firmly.
What to Use: In the pepper mill, use black, white, or green peppercorns. Mix pink peppercorns with harder varieties. In the salt mill, use rock salt or dry coarse sea salt. Avoid light finishing salts like Maldon or Fleur de Sel.
Cleaning: Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Never immerse in water or put in the dishwasher. The clear acrylic shows when external cleaning is needed.
Storage: Keep in a dry location away from steam. Excessive moisture can affect mechanisms over time. Never use directly above steaming pots - season food after cooking instead.
Critical Rules: Never put salt in the pepper mill - it will corrode the carbon steel mechanism permanently. Never put pepper in the salt mill unless settings are specifically designed for it. These actions void the warranty.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Plus Cole & Mason's Lifetime Mechanism Guarantee on this product
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've used the mills for seasoning.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this set, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
How do I clean these mills?
Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Never immerse in water or put in the dishwasher. The clear acrylic body shows when the mills need wiping. Store in a dry location to protect the mechanisms.
Cole & Mason has over 100 years of experience in the art of seasoning. Their innovative and stylish salt and pepper mills make a great addition to your kitchen, with a variety of sizes and materials to choose from.
