Refilling this grinder is straightforward, though you have to take some care. It’s the typical method of unscrewing the top and having to pour peppercorns into a fairly small hole. A few peppercorns across the countertop is kind of inevitable. A spoon or a funnel makes this easier - or even a piece of paper folded into a pouring chute.

Because this grinder twists from the base, this means that there isn’t a metal shaft running through the body of the grinder from the lid. This makes refills a little easier, because that shaft isn’t in the way of your pouring. I liked the cork stopper - it was a tight fit, but much less fiddly than unscrewing parts. This is very much down to personal preference, as there are a wide variety of styles and aesthetics to choose from. However, the appearance of a mill can have a few practical pros and cons too. Perhaps you’re here because you’ve been in a cycle of buying those disposable supermarket grinders. Or maybe you had a not-great grinder that recently broke. Most people who find our store have had a similar experience, one that made them ask: how can I find things that last forever, instead of buying throwaway stuff over and over? So - we’ve set a low bar, but at least I’ve reaffirmed that I will never buy one of these again. Let’s move on to something better. For example, the bonus of having a pepper grinder with some form of transparent element means you can see when you are starting to run out. But if these are left in well-lit spots, the sun can begin to affect the flavour.

The Peugeot pepper mill, creativity at work

Instead of crushing peppercorns with cast iron or stainless steel, this one uses a ceramic grinding mechanism, made by the reputable Danish company Crushgrind. This mechanism also features an adjuster knob in the base to set the coarseness.

Grinding Mechanism: Peugeot uses a patented and exclusive grinding mechanism that sets them apart from their competitors. Their renowned grinding mechanism is made of hardened steel or ceramic, ensuring durability and optimal performance. It provides the perfect grind consistency, thereby releasing the full flavor and aroma of the pepper. Skeppshult’s foundry is the last one in Scandinavia still producing cast iron cookware, and it runs on green electricity from wind and hydropower. Their products carry a 25 year guarantee on the cast iron - and this pepper mill certainly gives off an air of indestructibility. It’s our most expensive grinder, but if you use it five times a week for 20 years, its cost per use works out very similarly to a disposable grinder. Depending on your needs or preferences, you might want to manually adjust the grind of your pepper. Typically you’ll need a coarser grind for something like steak, while a finer grind allows for a more even distribution for salads or soups. You can buy mills with just one setting, but a pepper mill with adjustable grind settings offers more flexibility. The Bali Fonte carries a lifetime guarantee on the grinding mechanism, and although it’s a bit pricier than the Paris, its sturdy build does inspire confidence in its durability. If you were to use this grinder five times a week for 20 years, its would cost 1.05p per use - somewhere in between the Paris and the disposable grinder.The Peugeot family has been making salt and pepper mills since 1874, regarded by many as the best in the world. The Peugeot brand means different things to different people. For some, cars come to mind, for others, bikes. At Borough Kitchen, we think of salt and pepper mills. The mills are made in Alsace, France, using European wood. Peugeot mills are known for their consistent grind and sleek design, looking perfect in any home, kitchen or restaurant. Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re struggling to decide on a lifetime pepper mill companion, I think most cooks would be happy with any of the four I’ve just compared. All these pepper grinders look great, offer excellent functionality, and are designed to last many years of everyday use. They’re a world away from the disposable plastic grinder, and testing these products made me realise just how pointless it is to put up with the throwaway version. This Paris grinder is a 35 year old design, but it still looks as modern as ever. The helix-shaped grinding mechanism, made of hardened steel, is designed to achieve the perfect grind without jamming. Loosening the knob on the top loosens the two crushing parts, thus creating a coarser grind. In turn, tighten the knob for a finer grind.Size and Capacity: Peugeot offers pepper mills in various sizes and capacities to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you're looking for a compact mill for your dining table or a larger one for professional use, Peugeot has options that cater to all requirements. While the Paris grinder is a product we’d describe as a design classic, this Scandi number by Swedish iron foundry Skeppshult is something a little different. This ultra-sturdy, minimalistic design features a magnetised walnut wood lid and coated cast iron body. With a 1kg heft, it makes a strikingly solid product to handle.