Salt and Pepper Grinders

The difference between a salt grinder and a pepper grinder is usually the grinding mechanism inside. Many dedicated pepper mills use a hardened or treated steel mechanism made specifically for peppercorns, while salt can corrode an unsuitable steel mechanism, particularly when moisture is present, so a salt mill uses a corrosion-resistant mechanism, either ceramic or a treated stainless steel made for salt. That is why brands like Peugeot sell dedicated salt and pepper mills, while a ceramic grinder like Le Creuset's can handle either.

Salt and pepper grinders come in two main types: manual mills you twist by hand and electric mills that grind at the push of a button. Within those, the body can be wood, stainless steel, acrylic, or glass, and the grinder can be steel or ceramic. S. Feldman carries the range, from manual Peugeot Paris u'Select mills to the Peugeot Line u'Select electric rechargeable mill.

Neither is universally better. Purpose-built steel mechanisms are widely used in dedicated pepper mills, while ceramic mechanisms resist corrosion and can often grind either salt or pepper. Peugeot uses purpose-built steel mechanisms designed for particular seasonings, while Le Creuset uses a corrosion-resistant ceramic grinder. Choose according to the seasoning the mill is designed to hold, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Manual grinders work well for everyday seasoning, while electric grinders offer one-handed operation. A manual mill like the Peugeot Paris gives direct control over grind size with no batteries to charge. An electric mill like the Peugeot Line u'Select grinds with one hand, which helps when your other hand is full or grip strength is limited. Both formats come in dedicated salt and pepper versions, so the choice is mainly about operation and feel.

A premium pepper mill is worth the higher price if you grind pepper often and want a mill that lasts. A Peugeot Paris u'Select pepper mill, for example, combines a purpose-built steel grinder with six settings from fine to coarse, plus warranty coverage that may justify the price for frequent use. Shoppers who grind only occasionally may prefer a simpler or lower-priced model from OXO or Cole & Mason. The premium pays off in daily use, not in an occasional grind.

A well-made pepper mill can provide many years of use with proper care. The grinding system is one of the most important working parts, so durable materials, thoughtful construction, and strong warranty coverage are useful signs when comparing mills. Peugeot, for example, currently lists a lifetime warranty on qualifying steel and ceramic grinding mechanisms and a five-year warranty on manual and electric mills, subject to its warranty terms. Wooden and stainless bodies hold up well with basic care.

You need separate mills if your pepper mill has a steel mechanism, because steel can corrode when it grinds salt. One grinder may handle both if it has a corrosion-resistant ceramic mechanism and the manufacturer approves it for salt and pepper. Le Creuset, for example, describes its ceramic grinder as suitable for both. A dedicated pair avoids switching and refilling the same grinder between seasonings. If counter space or budget is tight, a single approved ceramic grinder switched between salt and pepper is a workable compromise.

Use the type and crystal size specified for your salt mill. Many Peugeot dry-salt mills are made for dry rock salt crystals no larger than 4 mm and should not be used with sea salt or damp salt. Fine table salt is already ground and is generally not intended for a mill. Some specialized models are designed for wet salt, so check the instructions before refilling. You can refill with salt and peppercorns from our spices and sauce collection.

No single body material is best. Wood, like Peugeot's beech mills, is the classic warm look, while stainless steel suits a modern kitchen and wipes clean. Acrylic and glass bodies let you see the salt or peppercorn level, so you know when to refill. Body material is about style and visibility, not grind quality, which comes from the grinder inside.

A good salt and pepper grinder set for a gift pairs a matched salt mill and pepper mill from a maker the recipient will keep for years. Look for durable grinding systems, easy refilling, and grind adjustment where available. A matched pair of Peugeot mills offers a coordinated premium option, while the Cole & Mason beech set provides a traditional two-mill presentation. A wooden or lacquered set reads as a more considered gift than a plain plastic one. S. Feldman offers same-day Upper East Side delivery, so check the current order minimum and delivery terms at checkout.