Product Care - Use and Care of Mills
Here are some answers to common questions about how to care for and use your PEUGEOT, CrushGrind® , Zassenhaus, Top Gourmet (Cilio), Trudeau and William Bounds mill or grinder.
Please email us any questions that have not been answered below.
Grinding
Generally, don't mill directly over open saucepans, casseroles or frying pans during cooking. The steam can dampen the salt and pepper which in turn can clog the mechanism. If this happens, please follow the instructions for cleaning the mills.
Q Can I grind the mill both clockwise and anti-clockwise?
A PEUGEOT: The mill only grinds when you turn clockwise. It is best just to turn clockwise.
A CrushGrind® : Turn clockwise - there is no need to release your grip whilst turning thanks to the ratchet being integrated with the mechanism.
A William Bounds: These mills are ambidextrous - you can turn both ways.
A Zassenhaus: It is advisable to turn one way as it allows for better filling of the chamber before grinding and avoids the risk of clogging.
A TopGourmet (Cilio): It is advisable to turn one way as it allows for better filling of the chamber before grinding and avoids the risk of clogging.
A Trudeau: It is advisable to turn one way as it allows for better filling of the chamber before grinding and avoids the risk of clogging
A Kuchenprofi: It is advisable to turn one way as it allows for better filling of the chamber before grinding and avoids the risk of clogging
Q How should I adjust the grind?
A PEUGEOT:
- Traditional mills are easily adjusted for different size grinds. Loosen the top knob anti clockwise to get a coarser grind. If you then want a finer grind, turn the mill upside down and turn the top anti-clockwise a bit to get any peppercorns or salt out of the mechanism, then loosely tighten top nut to the desired fineness. The closer or tighter the turning mechanism is to the base plate, the finer the grind.
- "U" Select mills only need you to turn the s/steel collar at the base of the mill to a pre-set level. You can select intermediary grInd levels simply by turning the collar to between the pre-set markers.
A CrushGrind® :
- Traditional mills: turn the wheel in the mechanism at the base of the mill. The raised dots indicate the direction to turn from a fine to a coarse grind. Take care not to over-tighten.
- "Upside Down" Mills: where the mechanism is at the top, please reverse the instructions.
A William Bounds: Twist the metal knob at the top for the desired coarseness, following the arrows.
A Zassenhaus: Rotate the side bar on the bottom of the mill until the arrow points to the number you want 1 - 6 for the coarseness or fineness of grain. Follow the arrows.
A TopGourmet (Cilio) : Rotate the selector mechanism on the base of the mill until the arrow points to the degree of coarseness or fineness of grind that you want. To ensure that the new coarseness setting takes effect immediately, just twist the top of the grinder back slightly and the mill be adjusted perfectly.
A Trudeau : Like the William Bounds and traditional Peugeot mills, twist the knob on the top of the mills to adjust the coarseness of the grind.
A Kuchenprofi : Again, these have a traditional adjustment method: adjust the knob on the top of the mills to change the coarseness of the grind. This applies to the mills with a knob only.
Filling and Refilling
Q How do I refill my mill?
A PEUGEOT: Remove the knob and top to fill, then replace them both. Turn the mill upside down to get any seasoning out of the mechanism, and then turn the top nut clockwise to tighten loosely.
A CrushGrind® : Either remove the stopper at the top of the mill or unscrew the wheel at the bottom to remove the grinding stone. Fill and replace.
A William Bounds: Unscrew the metal knob and remove the ball. Holding the metal rod in the centre of the cavity, fill with peppercorns or salt chrystals as required. Replace the top.
A Top Gourmet (Cilio):
- Thesemills have the selector bar on the base and are refilled by undoing the bottom of the mill.
- These are traditional, spindle design mills and need undoing with the top knob for refilling. A Trudeaui
- Again these are traditional, spindle design mills and need undoing with the top knob for refilling. A Zassenhaus:
- For the wooden mills, unscrew the metal knob and remove the ball. Holding the metal rod in the centre of the cavity, fill with peppercorns or salt chrystals as required. Replace the top.
- For the the stainless steel mills, just remove the top of the mill, fill and then close tight without screwing.
What Seasoning to Use
Q What sort of pepper should I use in my mill?
A PEUGEOT: Any natural dried peppercorns are recommended except pink or Fagara. However don't grind green peppercorns without adding black or white peppercorns, to prevent clogging the mechanism. Don't ever use salt in your pepper mill as it may well corrode the mechanism. Don't use other spices or herbs either.
A CrushGrind® : Any natural dried peppercorns can be used. Your mill can also be used for any salt crystals or flakes, including wet sea salt, and any dried herbs or spice, except nutmeg. Just grind through some salt between changing the seasoning in the mill so that the flavours are not mixed together.
A William Bounds: Any dried peppercorn or any dry sea salt crystals in any mill. Don't use sea salt that is wet to the touch. Don't use any flakes of any kind as this is liable to clog up the special crushing mechanism.
A Zassenhaus: Any dried whole, regular sized peppercorns are recommended. The coloured peppercorns also go through the mills. Avoid the large size peppercorns of whichever colour, however, because these will not fall into the grinding mechanism properly.
A TopGourmet (Cilio): Any dried whole peppercorns are recommended - standard size. Avoid the large size peppercorns of whichever colour, however, because these will not fall into the grinding mechanism properly. The coloured peppercorns also go through the mills.
A Trudeau: Any dried whole regular sized peppercorns are recommended. Avoid the large size peppercorns of whichever colour, however, because these will not fall into the grinding mechanism properly.The coloured peppercorns also go through the mills.
A Kuchenprofi: Any dried whole regular sized peppercorns are recommended. Avoid the large size peppercorns of whichever colour, however, because these will not fall into the grinding mechanism properly.The coloured peppercorns also go through the mills.
Q What sort of salt should I use in my mill?
A PEUGEOT: The salt mills are designed to grind dry sea salt crystals. Don't use "wet" or "grey" sea salts such as Maldon or Guerande or Re in the standard salt mills. You need Peugeot's special sea salt grinder (the mécanism à sel de guérande). Don't ever use peppercorns or other spices or herbs.
A CrushGrind® : Any salt crystals or flakes, including wet sea salt, and any dried peppercorns, herbs or spices, except nutmeg. Just grind through some salt between changing the seasoning in the mill so that the flavours are not mixed together
A William Bounds: Any dried peppercorn or any dry sea salt crystals in any mill. Don't use sea salt that is wet to the touch. Don't use any flakes of any kind as this is liable to clog up the special crushing mechanism.
A Zassenhaus: Any dry rock sea salt crystals. Don't use sea salt that is wet to the touch. Don't use any flakes of any kind as this is liable to clog up the mechanism.
A TopGourmet (Cilio): Any dry rock salt crystals. Don't use sea salt that is wet to the touch. Don't use any flakes of any kind as this is can to clog up the mechanism. Cilio also state that the salt mill is suitable for dry spices.
A Trudeau: Any dry rock salt crystals. Don't use sea salt that is wet to the touch. Don't use any flakes of any kind as this is can to clog up the mechanism.
A Kuchenprofi: Any dry rock salt crystals. Don't use sea salt that is wet to the touch. Don't use any flakes of any kind as this is can to clog up the mechanism.
Q What sort of spice and herb should I use in my herb and spice grinders?
A PEUGEOT:
- The chili grinder is specially designed for dry chili pepper.
- The nutmeg grinder is designed to grate nutmeg very finely.
- The spice and herb grinders will grind any spices and dried herbs, except nutmeg. If you want to change types of spice and herb you can but clean the mill carefully or you will get residues of previous flavours in your cooking.
A CrushGrind® : Any whole dried herbs and spices except nutmeg, and any salt crystals or flakes, and any dried peppercorns. Just grind through some salt between changing the seasoning so that the flavours do not mix together.
A William Bounds: Don't use any herb or spice flakes of any kind as this is liable to clog up the special crushing mechanism. You could put in herb and spices that are in lumps but no dried leaves or flakes. Nutmeg is also not recommended.
A Zassenhaus: Dry spice and herbs for the spice mills. The nutmeg grinder needs whole nutmegs.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Q How should I clean my mill?
A PEUGEOT: Do not put your mills in the dishwasher. Clean the body of the mills with a soft, dry cloth. Never immerse the mill in water. Clean the insides of the mill with a small brush.
A CrushGrind® : The mechanism can easily be taken apart and put in the dishwasher. Or you can clean it with a small brush. Don't put the mill body in the dishwasher - use a damp cloth instead. Don't immerse the body in water.
A William Bounds: Clean with a soft damp cloth. Don't submerge in water or put in the dishwasher. The insides can be cleaned with a small brush. If you experience problems with clogging, put a few grains of dry rice when you fill the mill. These will help absorb extra moisture and will be ground through the mill without you noticing.
A Zassenhaus: There is no need to completely disassemble your mill if it becomes clogged.(This can happen if you use too wet a sea salt or too big peppercorns.) Empty out the bits, then if there are still clogs of pepper in your pepper mill, grind some dry sea slt crystals through to clear for a few turns. The ceramic grinder will not corrode with the salt. Clean with a soft damp cloth. Don't submerge in water or put in the dishwasher.
Q How do I maintain the mechanism and mill body?
A PEUGEOT: Don't over-tighten the nut when you refill or adjust the grind. If you don't intend to use the mill for an extended period of time, remove the peppercorns or salt. When you get your mill, and once in a while after that, place a drop of mineral oil on top nut. Wood body mills will benefit from the occasional application of mineral or vegetable oil to enhance the appearance and prevent the wood from drying out.
A CrushGrind® : Don't over-tighten when you refill or adjust the grind. Very occasionally, the ceramic wheel may wear out. Please call and we can send you a replacement for free. Wood body mills will benefit from the occasional application of mineral or vegetable oil to enhance the appearance and prevent the wood from drying out.
A William Bounds: Don't over-tighten when you refill or adjust the grind. To protect lustre and preserve the wood, polish with furniture cream polish with UV protection.
A Zassenhaus: Don't over-tighten the top knot when you refill the wooden mills. To protect lustre and preserve the wood, polish with furniture cream polish with UV protection.
Storage
Q Where should I store my mill?
A All Brands: Store your mills in a cool, dry place where they are unlikely to be knocked to the floor and damaged. Storage over an area used for cooking is more likely to lead to a clogging up of the mill - especially the salt mill - as condensation may get into the seasoning material.
A Williams Bounds Extra Tip: COLOURS MAY FADE IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. So please do not store in direct sunlight.
