Filling the Pepper Mill Adjusting the Grind Types of Mechanisms Care and Cleaning Common Problems Pepper Mill Functional Diagram What is Malabar Black Pepper? Manufacturer's Warranty Shop for Pepper Mills -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Filling the Peppermill To fill a pepper mill with an adjustable grind finial: 1- First remove the finial by turning counter-clockwise. 2- Remove the top by pulling it straight up. 3- Pour peppercorns into the mill. 4- Replace the top. 5- Replace the finial, but turn the pepper mill upside down while turning the finial to keep the grinding gear from clogging.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusting the Grind Mr. Dudley peppermills are fully adjustable from coarse to extra-fine. Coarse Grind:  The grind will become coarser as the finial is turned counter-clockwise. Fine Grind:  The grind will become finer as the finial is turned clockwise. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Types of Mechanisms There are several types of grinding mechanisms used in pepper mills. Each has their own particular advantages. Zinc Alloy:  Perhaps the most common mechanism found in pepper grinders, zinc alloy is composed of a mixture of metals, primarily zinc, with chrome plating to resist corrosion. It is a good choice for grinding pepper, but is not suitable for grinding salt. Carbon Steel:  An extremely hard metal, carbon steel provides the sharpest edges and most efficent grinding capability, and is preferred by professional chefs. Carbon steel is not suitable for grinding salt. Ceramic:  Ceramic is extremely hard and provides the best performance for multi-use grinding. It is non-corrosive and suitable for grinding pepper, salt and spices. Nylon:  Durable and low cost, nylon is a non-corrosive material suitable for grinding salt and spices. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Care and Cleaning of Pepper Mills Your wooden pepper mill can be cleaned using a soft damp cloth when needed and followed by a thorough drying with a soft towel. Never immerse the mill in water or place in dishwasher. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Problems My Pepper Mill Stops Grinding.  Adjustable mills designed primarily for dinner table use can clog when large amounts of pepper are needed at one time. The adjustment setting can slip and choke off the supply of ground pepper. The manufacturer recommends inverting the mill when turning the finial to adjust the grind. If the mill clogs while grinding, loosen the finial slightly by turning counter clockwise, hold the mill near the top in one hand, invert the mill, and rap the base against the palm of your other hand several times to clear the clog. Be careful to avoid getting pepper where you don't want it! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pepper Mill Diagram Major Functional Parts of a Pepper Mill -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Malabar Black Pepper Some of our pepper mill gift sets include Malabar black pepper. Black pepper is the dried fruit of the piper nigrum vine. This vine produces the best fruit when grown within 15 degrees of the equator, in areas of high tropical heat and adequate rainfall. Malabar pepper comes from one of the best places on earth to grow pepper; the Malabar coast of India. The Malabar coast is a thin strip of land in southwestern India, located mostly in the state of Kerala, on the Arabian Sea. The high tropical temperatures and monsoonal rains in this region produce some of the finest black pepper available. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manufacturer's Warranty Mr. Dudley Lifetime Warranty Mr. Dudley proudly offers a lifetime guarantee on this grinding mechanism. If a manufacturing defect occurs at any time in a Mr. Dudley mechanism we will repair or replace it. Simply send your product along with the proof of purchase (your receipt) and your name and address and $4.00 for shipping and handling to our Consumer Service Department and your product will be repaired or replaced at no charge. For additional claims outside of the US and authorization of return please contact Progressive International for your nearest distributor. Consumer Service Progressive International Corp. 6111 South 28th Street Kent, Washington 98032 Email: info@progressiveintl.com Toll Free: 1-800-426-7101 Return to Top of Page