When using a Cole & Mason Salt Mill always use Sea Salt Crystals.

If a salt mechanism has worn through in a short period of time, one of the contributing factors can be the use of Rock Salt. Rock Salt will wear down the mechanism very quickly, as it is too harsh for our mills. Although on many makes of Rock Salt packaging it will state that this type of salt is suitable for all grinders, this is not the case with Cole & Mason Mills.

Likewise, the use of Sea Salt Flakes is not recommended as this type of salt will coagulate within the mechanism and will cause the grinder to fail. Also do not use any type of salt that is of a ‘moist’ consistency or texture ie French Sal de Mer, as this type of salt will also coagulate in the mill. All salt must be free flowing and kept in a dry atmosphere.

Salt Mills will benefit from (time to time) putting a VERY small amount of cooking oil between your finger and thumb and rubbing it around the threaded part of the mill shaft. This will stop any corrosion caused by the salt between the shaft and the screw knob.

Ensure that the salt you use in your mill is perfectly dry and free flowing and always keep your refill container in a dry place. Adding a few grains of rice to the salt in the mill helps to absorb any latent moisture in the salt. The rice will be ground up with the salt and will not be noticeable in your food.

Finely ground particles of salt or pepper will be produced inside a mill during the grinding process. These particles will fall to the bottom of the mill and may come out as a fine 'dust' once you have finished grinding. Always shake your mills after grinding to remove excess grounds, which also helps keep the grinders free for the next time you use the mill.