Salt & Pepper Mill: Grinding Fresh, Cleaning & Refilling

Freshly ground simply tastes more intense. A good salt and pepper mill brings out the full flavour of peppercorns and crystals, and turns seasoning into a little ritual of its own. Here's why grinding fresh is worth it, how the ceramic mechanism works, and how to look after your mill.

Why Grind Fresh?

Once ground, peppercorns quickly lose their essential oils – and with them, their flavour. It's only when freshly ground that they release their full warmth and bite. Coarse salt tastes rounder freshly ground too, compared with fine table salt. Discover our salt & pepper mills.

Ceramic Mechanism: Fine to Coarse

The ceramic grinding mechanism doesn't rust, doesn't pick up odours, and adjusts smoothly from fine to coarse – fine for cooking, coarse for finishing on the plate. A fine grind spreads the seasoning evenly, while a coarse one adds a bit of bite, say on steak, tomato and mozzarella, or a fried egg.

Using Salt and Pepper the Right Way

Grind pepper over the dish right at the end – prolonged heat makes it turn bitter. Salt, on the other hand, is best added while you're still cooking. Keeping separate mills for salt and pepper also stops moisture from the salt finding its way into the pepper mechanism.

Refilling & Cleaning

Only use dry seasoning – moisture will clog the mechanism. To clean it, empty the mill out and wipe it dry; never let water near the ceramic mechanism. That's what keeps it turning smoothly for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why grind pepper fresh? Freshly ground, the flavour is noticeably more intense, because the essential oils are only released as you grind.

How do I clean a spice mill? Wipe it dry – keep water away from the ceramic mechanism.

What kind of salt suits the mill? Coarse, dry salt such as sea salt – not damp salt or fine, free-flowing table salt.

One mill for both salt and pepper? Better to keep them separate, so flavour and moisture don't mix.

When should I season with pepper? Grind it over the dish right at the end – prolonged heat makes pepper bitter.

Does the mechanism rust? Ceramic doesn't rust and has no flavour of its own – ideal for salt too.

How do I adjust the grind setting? Usually with a screw at the top or bottom – fine for cooking, coarse for finishing. Find more in our mill collection.