Nancy pepper and salt mills from Peugeot are formed in a traditional turned styling but with a modern twist-they're made from clear acrylic. As a result, one can quickly view the contents and choose the salt or pepper. The difference between the two mills lies in the grinding mechanism. Peugeot pepper mills use case-hardened-steel grinding heads with two sizes of grooves; the larger grooves crack the peppercorns in half and direct them into the smaller grooves, which grind them much more finely than most mills. The grinding mechanism in Peugeot salt mills is purposefully constructed with 18/10 stainless-steel, which won't corrode from prolonged contact with the salt. The top of each mill unscrews for adding peppercorns and salt, while the round ball nut can be loosened or tightened to vary the coarseness of the grind.
Nancy pepper and salt mills, available in a range of sizes, make exceptional gifts individually or as a set. Peugeot has been a leading manufacturer of pepper mills since the 1840s, and is a brand preferred by many restaurants and chefs. Care for a mill is easy: clean the exterior and inner chamber with a damp cloth; never immerse in water; avoid putting salt in the pepper mill, or grinding green or pink peppercorns by themselves (mixed with black is fine); and avoid damp types of salt (usually pink or gray) in the regular salt mill. Made in France, Peugeot mills are covered by a two-year replacement policy, while the grinding mechanism is covered by a lifetime warranty. --Ann Bieri
