If the set won't get used often and never by foodies, why not just get a set of shakers that go with your dishes ands ave the pepper mill for the kitchen.
I have as et of Waterford salt and peppers that I use for "company"...that is company that isn't fussy baout fresh ground pepper....and if they are I have several pepper mills I will put on the table for them to use....but I don't need the pepper grinder and thesalt cellar to match.
The problem with cheapie papper mills is they don';t work long or very well. better to get a set using ground pepper for a set table.
Linda C

this Bounds mill doesn't grind ... it crushes the peppercorns ... you must use a back and forth movement, rather than an all clockwise movement. I have a beautiful bounds pepper mill and I do not like it.

Lindac, I do have plenty of sets of s& p to go with china but I want an up-to-date looking set that also works. Dh will always go get the magnum out of the cabinet for his food so if I have a grinder on the table he won't do that. The magnum is ugly to me. But I appreciate your post! You might be interested in that I have a sterling pepper grinder but no matching salt shaker. I tried to find a mate but too pricey! 250+

and it's a pain to polish
Kayskats, the taller set says it does grind pepper but crushes the salt. Hmmm. will keep that in mind.

I also have a sterling pepper grinder....but it really doesnt' work very well....and I have the matching salt...but the top is pitted...
I suspect that if your DH likes fresh ground pepper on his food, that he wants one that grinds to his liking.
I have had probably more than a dozen "nice" pepper mills over the years.....and have given up...if someone insists on fresh ground pepper I just put on the brass atlas mill!
The sterling doesn't hold more than a teaspoon of pepper corns, and the otehr "decent" ones either grind too fine or too coarse and don't hold their adjustment.
Try it...see if it works for you.

We love the Graviti S&P Mills from WM Sonoma. They do take batteries, I have changed them 3 times in the 1 1/2 I have had them. They sit next to the stove and move to the table for dinner. DH & I are big fresh ground pepper people ( salt - not so much). I recommend them highly.

Here is a link that might be useful: Salt & Pepper Mill

Bounds is OK, not the best nor the worst. (And I saw a boatload of wooden ones at Tuesday Morning yesterday, but none of the stainless ones.)

Personally, I like the way Peugot grinders grind better than the WB's. (My favorite grinder is a Zassehhaus, but those def don't have the look to use with nice china.)

What I have. Lasted me 10 years already. Very easy to use.

What the spec says:

"Originally designed for the Greek Army to grind coffee in the field, these mills are strong, beautiful and work great. The patented grinding mechanism cleaves the pepper to maximize the exposed surfaces of the peppercorn that results in more pepper flavor. Pepper can be ground into the attached collecting cup to add measured amounts to your favorite recipe or directly onto food. Hand crafted in Greece.
 Hand made to exacting standards
 Can be used for grinding coffee beans or other spices
 Grinding mechanism cleaves pepper to maximzie exposed peppercorn surface
 Traditional style grinds into cup at the base
 Durable all metal body"

Good reviews on Amazon.

Not made in China. Surprise? :-)

dcarch

I have a William Bounds pepper mill and salt grinder that I got at Marshall's, they were less than $10 each and they work fine.

They didn't come as a set, so the pepper mill has a stainless steel top and the salt has a clear top, but other than that, they are identical and look like they came as a set.

Annie

I've got a good grinder for the kitchen so I don't have to have anything amazing(expensive) although I do appreciate all the ideas and will check them all out.
I need to head to the big city to TJmaxx and Home Goods now.
I'm glad to know W. Bounds isn't horrible- I have had Trudeau before that I threw out.

I couldn't find a grinder I liked so I bought a mortar and pestle set. I pound my peppercorns down while cooking and put the leftover in a shaker. That keeps my shaker charged with fairly fresh pepper that is quick and easy.

: )
lyra

I love my Peugeot pepper mill. It can also be a set but I didn't want the salt grinder, so this is the one I put on the table.

In the kitchen I have used a black walnut

SharonCb

I have two of the Wm Bounds WB-1 clear acrylic pepper mills and a matching salt mill. They are over 30 years old and are working just great. The pepper mills are adjustable from fine to coarser grind. Wish it were easier to find the rock salt to put in the salt mill. The last couple of orders the salt crystals were too small, but it's hard to know what size they are before you order. :o(

JMO, but I find tall mills awkward to use at the table. This mill was being used at the Greenbrier in Hot Springs, W VA when I went there many years ago, so we bought the set as a "souvenir." Also, a handle to turn is easier on our hands and wrists as we age.

We have a Peugeot pepper grinder that is about 15 years old. Paid $25 for it way back when.

Dcarch, that is a goregeous grinder you have there!

"Posted by cindyb_va ---------Dcarch, that is a goregeous grinder you have there!"

Thanks. Besides it works great because the crank gives it plenty of leverage, it does make everything else on the dinner table look classier. A great conversation piece.

dcarch