Just throwing it out there: Peugeot pepper and salt mills

Submitted by Alb1rdy t3_yeoj6u in BuyItForLife

I finally bought my own Peugeot pepper and salt mills, which is a milestone for me and something I expect to have for the rest of my life. My parents have had the same Peugeot mills for over 30 years and they still grind both pepper and salt just fine. They are quite expensive, but for something that is going to last the most of my life time, then I think it is worth every penny.

And yes, it is the same company that also makes cars, but they have actually been making salt and pepper mills since 1874.

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purlingpearl t1_itz0tm0 wrote

Another thing to add to my list of practical gifts I can buy someone.

Thank you!

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Sharchir t1_itz1ds7 wrote

Our salt grinder (from them) metal seemed to corrode over time

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surelythisisfree t1_itz2409 wrote

My parents in law bought a Peugeot pepper grinder the same as ours after we got one as a wedding gift. They destroyed it in 2 years because they couldn’t comprehend that a burr grinder is designed to operate one way. So instead of rotating it clockwise, they’d rotate it back and forth angrily and then start hitting it at the table when nothing came out.

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tuctrohs t1_itz2dxf wrote

Replying to Sharchir (#255,304)

Fresh ground pepper is vastly different from pepper purchased pre ground. Salt grinders aren't really necessary, unless you like to adjust the fineness of the grind for different foods.

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Peas63 t1_itz4wz1 wrote

We got a Peugeot pepper mill for our wedding. The wooden adjustment collar thing at the bottom broke after just a couple months of minimal use. Couldn’t get any response from the company. Replaced it with a Fletcher’s Mill which was much cheaper but grinds so much smoother and quicker.

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Time_Lie_2566 t1_itz73lm wrote

Yes! Just bought one salt and one pepper for my fiancé’s bday and we love them. You can get the smallest sizes for a relatively reasonable price.

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RyanB95 t1_itz7nik wrote

How do they compare to that new Pepper Canon I have seen advertised?

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goingtolosehourshere t1_itz7s07 wrote

We invested in salt cannon and pepper cannon. Either way, milling is the way to go!

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PosThor t1_itz84gt wrote

Bought a Peugeot salt mill a few years ago and was very surprised to find it seemed to be very picky with the grain of the unground salt. I had to try a few different salts to find one it worked with, and even with that, wasn't really a fan of the milling feel, if that makes sense. It's adjustable yes, but I'd be OK with having to use a bit more force per turn if it would lead to a bit more yield per turn.

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OGD114 t1_itz8bli wrote

Unicorn Magnum for the win!

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JohnnyMcEuter t1_itz9cfe wrote

Replying to surelythisisfree (#255,403)

I am feeling very stupid for operating our Peugeot salt and pepper grinders (also a wedding gift 4 years ago) exactly the same way your parents are doing, minus the slamming on the table, thankfully. Does the reverse motion damage the burrs or is it just not effective? It just find the back-and-forth rotation more comfortable than a constant one-directional rotation with regripping the grinder.

To comment on the "buy it for life part" of the grinders: One of the screws on the underside holding the little clamp came loose recently and we found it again in the rissoto we were preparing. Was an easy fix, though.

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Mariannereddit t1_itz9uix wrote

Crushgrind is a nice alternative with smaller mills (fitting easier in my drawer)

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ParadoxPath t1_itzbdn4 wrote

Have 2 salt 1 pepper. They work well years later. Including the salt that has a huge crack in its base from being dropped, still works pretty well

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rosie803 t1_itzeffh wrote

I absolutely adore mine and will sing their praises to anyone who likes cooking (or eating tbh)l

Whenever I go to a restaurant I’m gutted I can’t adjust the fineness of my salt or pepper grind. They’ve ruined me for life.

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Fryceratops t1_itzojk6 wrote

GE makes toasters and missile systems. Peugeot making mills isnt crazy.

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schming_ding t1_itztra6 wrote

I like mine, but I find the peppercorns do not gravity feed to the burrs very well.

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Nightstar49 t1_itzukwq wrote

We bought Cole & Mason Keswick Salt and Pepper Mills. Much classier modern look that doesn't look obscenely large on an average dining table or kitchen counter (admittedly might be thinking of a specific model), don't have a mediocre car logo on them, matching set for both with adjustable grind size and a lifetime guarantee on any wear&tear or accidental breakage, from an established brand.

I realise this is a very antagonistic comment, but I don't care how brilliant the Peugeot Pepper Mill is; I'm not having a Peugeot logo on my dining set!

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tambor333 t1_itzvzu7 wrote

My Pepper Mill is almost 36 years old now and I use it nearly every day. I never was into a salt mill, I used kosher salt or used a mortar and pestle when I needed fine salt.

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NicolBolassy t1_itzz81p wrote

We received ours as a present, but will have to get back to you in 20years to see if it is still good 😋

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xj_scuba t1_itzzngi wrote

Pepper mill, sure. The salt mill however, is completely useless. Fresh ground pepper tastes better than preground. Fresh ground salt is just finer salt. I bought both, used the salt mill twice before realizing it is just a waste of effort, and instead bought a nice salt jar and some good salt from Jacobsen's at the coarseness I preferred.

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tap_in_birdies t1_itzzwy0 wrote

I have one. They are nice and indeed seem to be BIFL worthy. However the amount of pepper they grind with a single twist is lacking. So it’s on our dinner table now

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Quail-a-lot t1_iu03433 wrote

My husband: I can't believe I just spent this much on a pepper mill (we have one of the shorter Paris classic models because they are substantially less than the tall bois and we don't mind refilling it more often)

My husband every every time he cooks: Damn, this is a nice pepper mill!

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Yogicabump t1_iu03f2r wrote

WTF! I had that question exactly, why am I supposed to pay so much for salt pepper mills that a CAR MAKER just labeled with their name? I am now tempted.

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ThxItsadisorder t1_iu05x48 wrote

Oh I have been looking for a pepper mill so you may have just convinced me to invest in a Peugot mill.

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riemerbeek t1_iu05yk4 wrote

Mine looks like absolute shit after a year of use

Also, it doesnt crack pepper half as good as the pre packaged (pepper included) mills

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546875674c6966650d0a t1_iu08nvt wrote

I just saw one of these in a kitchen store in Kansas, and was like... wait, wha...? I had no idea they were a thing. Suddenly everyone on reddit is talking them up. Right now we have a Le Creuset one that ... works but, I feel it's not super special. Probably the universe telling me something I guess.

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thegroundbelowme t1_iu0ah9u wrote

Replying to spool_threader (#261,315)

Yeah, the hole is like an inch in diameter though. I just grip mine in such a way that the membrane between my index finger and thumb follows the curve of the bottom of the opening, acting like a dam for the peppercorns, and my thumb and index finger act like a funnel. Then I just pour in peppercorns. Takes about 15 seconds from opening to closing. It holds enough that I generally only have to refill it every 4-6 months, and we use a LOT of black pepper in our household.

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skonevt t1_iu0aq0w wrote

Replying to Peas63 (#255,711)

I got one around 2007 and have never liked it. Not sure if it's just me or something is wrong with it. Reading on now, I'm seeing the term "USelect" for the first time. If by USelect you mean the bottom ring that says I, II, III, etc. - I guess that's what I have.

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EvilLittle t1_iu0axjs wrote

I have a 12"(?) Peugeot that's missing the nut. I've replaced it with a metric brass wingnut, but it does not hold its setting so I don't really use it. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement nut?

I also have a Dansk Quistgaard with a Peugeot mechanism that I found at a community rummage sale. It has a very nice mechanism, but it's non-adjustable and the capacity is for people who are afraid of pepper.

Frankly, for everyday use, I have no issue with the Ikea mill that I got in 2008--a Peugeot knockoff with the same ceramic mechanism as the 365+ IHÄRDIG. It holds its setting extremely well, fills easily, doesn't need to be reset after filling, and has good capacity.

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otusowl t1_iu0djoy wrote

For people who like brass as a material to take on a patina over the course of its life, the Atlas pepper mills are also BIFL in my experience. Their salt mill stinks, though, and as others have noted about other salt mills, are also fairly pointless.

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Bortaman t1_iu0icnl wrote

Replying to Peas63 (#255,711)

Ours work very well but the collars broke on both at their first drop off the table. We have three kids so there is no reality where that wouldn’t have happened. The collar is sooo thin and there’s plastic behind so it’s a very weak part. Maybe there are better versions of it?

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lex10 t1_iu0iqnh wrote

Mine is 39 years old. Still works!

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ShakesOut t1_iu0j0uw wrote

I think the difference between the Peugeot pepper mills you find in every old french people's home and the ones you find on Amazon today is huge.

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jfl_cmmnts t1_iu0l3tq wrote

Either Peugeot or Perfex, I have my reasons behind preferring the latter but they're both great

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YungPharaoh30 t1_iu0lztl wrote

I’ve actually heard this several times before. May have to get myself a set

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redaloevera t1_iu0mdc2 wrote

I got one just recently as well. Loving it so far. Hindsight wish I went for the bigger size

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superior9 t1_iu0mw45 wrote

Replying to surelythisisfree (#255,403)

I have a long Peugeot pepper grinder that I’ve turned both directions for years. I just checked their FAQ and indeed the proper direction is clockwise otherwise the ground bits go up into the grinder. But it does not say that it damages the thing. Very intrigued that so many people agreed with your comment.

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ZippySLC t1_iu0n8dy wrote

Replying to otusowl (#262,003)

I was going to come and post about my Atlas mills. I've had both the salt and pepper mills since 2017 and they've been great. The copper exterior of the salt mill has developed a dark patina but the pepper one is still bright and shiny. I don't mind as it helps to differentiate the two at a glance.

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gauntz t1_iu0nbnw wrote

It's weird to see Peugeot mill recommendations so often when past discussions on this sub singled them out as a company that has degraded in quality over the last decade(s) and that there are more BIFL options out there. I went out of my way to get a Zassenhaus instead, who offer a 25 year warranty on the ceramic grinder.

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VideoGamesAllDay t1_iu0p2wf wrote

We’ve had ours for 15 years and they still work great! We use the pepper mill every day.

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radiopulse t1_iu0qdrm wrote

Does anyone have a good rec for metal peppermills with handles? I've seen the Atlas ones and heard good things but was hoping for something coated/painted black to prevent rust or deterioration. A family member has an old-ass black metal mill they got as a gift forever ago that looks similar to an atlas but with like a coal chute hopper-loader and it's amazing and I've always been on the lookout for a similar one but haven't had any luck.

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danhave t1_iu0qi11 wrote

I just got a set off my wedding registry, and they’re junk! The salt one is leaking constantly, and both adjustment knobs go loose if you look at them funny.

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ride_whenever t1_iu0siwl wrote

STOP BUYING SALT MILLS

Have coarse, fine and kosher salt on hand, and be done, or just kosher and pinch it as you dispense.

Totally agree on the mills though, I have three for separate peppercorns.

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Ziggy_the_third t1_iu0ucn7 wrote

Replying to OGD114 (#256,248)

If they are, the point is moot since you can't buy one. I've been checking their website every single day for months on end, and no product is showing up for sale, and I've given up and gone for a different brand.

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Peas63 t1_iu0ucqk wrote

Replying to skonevt (#264,279)

That link's not working for me, but I have the model that looks a lot like the Peugeot Paris - looks like it's the "Federal" model on Amazon, in 8" white.

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Ziggy_the_third t1_iu0uub7 wrote

Replying to purlingpearl (#255,250)

The old old ones, were good, the ones they make today are unfortunately not up to the task anymore. Search this sub for pepper mills and you'll find tons of people complaining about Peugeot mills.

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Ziggy_the_third t1_iu0vh5n wrote

Replying to Yogicabump (#260,636)

Don't, they're not worth it anymore. And the the story behind the product is that Peugeot has manufactured a lot of different things through the years. I believe they started out with bicycles, then moved on to cars, but then changed to household stuff after the German occupation during ww2, because they didn't want to make anything that could be useful to the Germans.

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JerichoKilo t1_iu0xm0b wrote

Replying to SigSeikoSpyderco (#257,588)

Their carbon blade veg peelers are unparalleled as well. I worked in commercial kitchens for 30 years and while not bifl in that scenario they'd last 4-5 years if no one stole them or ran them through the garbage disposal.

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LAGA_1989 t1_iu10ej1 wrote

Replying to Peas63 (#255,711)

I heard SO many good things and was deeply disappointed with mine. The red coating on mine cracked immediately after buy it. Started chipping off into the food. Then it just cracked up the side. Total garbage. I got a Magnum brand pepper mill and that thing seriously rocks! Grinds a ton quickly and never has any issues. It also holds a lot of pepper so I only refill it every month or so. Had mine 3 years so far and now my extended family all have one too. I will warn you though, when it arrived at my office, the secretary thought it was a big black dildo based on the pic on the box and the word MAGNUM Printed enormously on the side of the box. 😅

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cfhenriques t1_iu10xw1 wrote

Bought both Peugeot metal salt and pepper mills.

Pepper mill works like a charm. I love it.

Salt mill only worked with the salt it came with, but never again. Tried multiple salt types already … nothing. I keep trying every now and then, but end up giving up on it :(

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Froggatt34 t1_iu135vy wrote

Why are you saying pepper and salt, not salt and pepper?

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boomboombalatty t1_iu16w0s wrote

They're decent, but not buy it for life. I've had two, both eventually failed, and had miniscule peppercorn capacities.

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strawberry_l t1_iu1857m wrote

Yeah mine had been holding up fantastically. Sadly I don't like it, extremely difficult to fill up and so much falls out the bottom, it's absurd.

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Dying4aCure t1_iu19c3i wrote

How about electric for people who like loads of pepper and are lazy?

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AlmostInfinitesimal t1_iu1ag6v wrote

My parents had a salt and pepper from Peugeot. They were awful and thankfully they eventually got rid of them.

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ConBroMitch t1_iu1am3z wrote

Replying to ride_whenever (#264,104)

Then why don’t we see metal in salt grinders? 🤔

Edit: I’m specifically talking about the grinder itself. Lots of brands tout “metal gearing etc.” but the grinder itself is ceramic or plastic.

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GoldenMonkeyRedux t1_iu1avtv wrote

The best pepper mill ever is the Unicorn Magnum.

I've owned over a dozen. I only use that in my kitchen now.

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frezik t1_iu1dx6e wrote

I've actually seen them on cruise ships, which is a place where they'd get a lot of use. The only issue they had is that lettering wears off and you don't know which is salt and which is pepper.

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kermityfrog t1_iu1eig1 wrote

Replying to JohnnyMcEuter (#256,392)

I think it just gets loose if you turn it the wrong way. Google search turns up no credible results that are not old wives tales. What happens to left handed people? If it can only be rotated one way you’d think the makers would either put a label on it or a spring so that you can only turn it one way.

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ManjiSouls t1_iu1kwsk wrote

Question, are these or any other mills truly effective at grinding pepper into dust? I’ve used far too many pepper grinders that leave chunks of peppercorn that may hurt my teeth

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Skarsnik101 t1_iu1lqok wrote

The wood cracked on ours. We moved on to the electric ones, so much better.

n.b. I still have a big pepper grinder in the kitchen. But even then I tend to steal the electric one as it's faster.

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brisk0 t1_iu1o6oc wrote

Replying to limee89 (#267,928)

Because storing in large crystals:

  • reduces clumping
  • let's you buy/store one pack of salt for any preferred coarseness
  • looks pretty neat
  • is (obviously) not useless despite the popular opinion of this sub (it just has different reasons to pepper)
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no-office-required t1_iu1pfwl wrote

Do they have metal or ceramic burrs? So many S&P mills are all plastic. Struggling to find a good set…

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brisk0 t1_iu1phc0 wrote

Replying to ManjiSouls (#268,393)

I haven't done any comparisons and I have no idea what they cost but I was given a pair of Maxwell Williams acrylic grinders for a wedding present and the pepper grinder does really fine dust by default (I had to adjust it a lot because I like my pepper chunky).

You might be better off trying a variety of really cheap grinders though, they're kind of BIFL by default? I've never had a grinder break and my last workhorse was a $2 "pepper with free refillable grinder!" from a grocery store (it's still in my cupboard, just replaced because wedding gift)

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Hinote21 t1_iu1rxtt wrote

Replying to kermityfrog (#267,376)

If you ever look at the shape of burrs, they're designed to grind one direction. It shouldn't be necessary to put a sticker on it saying so. Not saying it's going to break but there is a clear difference between turning one way vs the other.

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bettytomatoes t1_iu1xe95 wrote

I've always wondered if they were worth the hype. Good to know!

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FastRedPonyCar t1_iu20juy wrote

Damn we bought our mills from Target 18 years ago for like $30 and use them twice a day and they’re still running flawlessly. I feel like I inadvertently cheated after looking at the price of some of these other recommendations. Yikes. They all look nice though.

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supershinythings t1_iu23kxl wrote

I have both the Peugeot stick grinder and the box grinder. They’re awesome.

When I need a lot of pepper for a rub, for instance, I use the box grinder. It has a crank on the top making it easy to grind quantities.

For finishing a salad or a soup, the stick grinder is great.

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holy_cal t1_iu24e8h wrote

I bought the 210 anniversary edition, it’s been fantastic. Lots of people are here complaining about the U Select, that just looks like a gimmick anyway.

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cheesepage t1_iu29j42 wrote

Replying to Hinote21 (#269,525)

Standard grind is one way. It doesn't hurt the standard grinder much to reverse, maybe just a little more wear. I used a Peugeot pepper grinder possibly ever thirty seconds for decades in restaurants. No fails.

The pewter one I have at home has seems to have not aged a bit in 17 years.

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creakyclimber t1_iu2cfd0 wrote

My Peugeot salt grinder is rusting on the bottom. For a chance at being BIFL it’d have to be ceramic and 316 marine stainless for any metal parts… the pepper mill is fine, but IMO Peugeot is overrated and like many companies, the new ones aren’t built like the old ones

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eftsoom t1_iu2ec1y wrote

Mine broke. It's great but I'm searching for better. Really thinking about that pepper cannon.

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eftsoom t1_iu2fnt5 wrote

Replying to OGD114 (#256,248)

I've broken 3. The third time was the last straw and I've moved on. Haven't found a perfect solution yet but I'm leaning towards that pepper cannon.

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Gniphe t1_iu2iu90 wrote

Love my Peugeot pepper mill. Fresh ground pepper hits different.

Buy a salt cellar. Season by pinching.

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girley18 t1_iu2n2p7 wrote

It’s on my Xmas list

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mariana_kl t1_iu2qrdb wrote

Heck yeah, guaranteed for life. Love mine

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Legendary_Hercules t1_iu2vosy wrote

Wait, you guys break your pepper mills? I've got the cheapest pepper mill I could find at walmart 17 years ago and it's still in great shape.

1

togashi_joe t1_iu2wyld wrote

I've had a pair for 13 years now. One sees almost daily use for black peppercorn grinding and the grind size numbers have nearly rubbed off but it works just as fine as day 1. Paid $55 for each of them.

Edit: The other is for white peppercorns.

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GhostInTheSock t1_iu34szw wrote

I had a Peugeot pepper mill and gave it away since my wife wanted Zassenhaus with a special wood finish. Let me say that I didn’t know Peugeot quality wasn’t the standard so I am still disappointed every day.

I should not have given the Peugeot away. The only nice aspect is that one of my best friends always and I mean by every visit say to me how great the pepper mill is that I gave him years ago.

So OP is right. I would say it’s the best brand when you want best quality for your money.

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Kimlitz t1_iu34teo wrote

Replying to GullibleDetective (#263,568)

No, printers are the fucking devil. My work printer is garbage and makes my life harder than it needs to be. Anyone who has worked with a shit printer can empathize with that scene.

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agentvulva t1_iu3qayp wrote

Replying to JohnnyMcEuter (#256,392)

they are bad grinders, they do not achieve any kind of good grinding result. it is another french company like le creuset that got bought out and are just selling based on early company performance

−1

agentvulva t1_iu3qcv0 wrote

Replying to Sharchir (#255,304)

yes, they are terrible grinders - no professional chef would ever use one. they used to be good in the 80s and 90s, but they got bought out similar to le creuset

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agentvulva t1_iu3qewn wrote

Replying to gauntz (#263,448)

yes, they are terrible. got bought out like le creuset (who use a ton of chemicals to dye their kitchen products). zassenhaus also not recommended - get zwilling, they are the only way to go. zassenhaus is also doing some cheap crap although is better than Peugeot.

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CoreyH213 t1_iu45txk wrote

What are you just "throwing out there?"

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gauntz t1_iu5aowm wrote

Replying to agentvulva (#279,898)

My Zassenhaus has a ceramic grinder with that 25 year warranty which seems pretty unbreakable. The body is lacquered wood and seems durable, certainly if I keep it away from heavy moisture. The milling action is quite nice feeling. How is it cheap crap?

1

agentvulva t1_iu92j43 wrote

Replying to gauntz (#290,882)

Zassenhaus do some decent products but they have some flaws. most of these companies have flaws at least in some departments, like if they start venturing into electronics or whatever. I bought a classic style zassenhaus kitchen timer, with a magnet and then after about 6 months it fell apart and i realized it was made with low quality control. even part of the cover came off. probably they have a few good bits and pieces, maybe in more timeless products like knives, chopping boards or pots have higher standards of quality control.

ZWILLING, on the other hand, they just do not compromise and they are not messing around with quality standards. it is a classic german steel company based in Sollingen, the german capital of steel, and they haven't had any aggressive takeover in the last 100 years.

they are so successful but only among pro level chefs and people who know the brand and what they stand for. they bought STAUB the alternative to Le Creseut. Since Le Creseut got bought about thirty (EDITED) years ago, STAUB is the industry standard for enameled cast iron.

ZWILLING make many of the best pro level kitchen knives, stainless steel and ceramics. go with them for ALL your kitchen products if you live in Europe. If you live in US then it might not be worth it due to import fees and taxes.

1

gauntz t1_iu9al2p wrote

Replying to agentvulva (#314,126)

Thanks for elaborating, but looking at Zwilling pepper mills they only/mainly seem to focus on electric mills, whereas I don't know why anyone would buy an electric mill unless they were milling industrial amounts of pepper or something. If you're going for a BIFL pepper mill, then the obvious choice would be a non-electric one, which I think everyone here including me is discussing.

I don't doubt your explanation that Zwilling is a higher quality brand overall though.

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