Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the salt and pepper used in Cole and Mason mills come from?
Coarse Sea Salt crystals are from Spain or Belgium.
Black peppercorns are from Malaysia or India.
Neither salt crystals nor black peppercorns are produced in China.
Why can’t I remove the shaker top or screw knob from my Combi Mill?
If the silver screw knob or shaker top appears to be stuck on the mill and you are unable to remove it, then corrosion may have taken place between the two metal parts. If this has happened, you will not be able to remove the top so please Contact Us for a replacement.
To avoid this happening again or with a new mill, always remove the salt section of a Combi Mill when refilling. Filling it while it is still in position is when salt becomes trapped in the threaded part of the shaft and causes the corrosion.
To refill, always remove the salt section and fill with ready ground table salt. Apply a small amount of cooking oil (eg. olive or vegetable oil) to the thread of the shaft. Replace the salt section and shaker top and screw knob.
If you have any problems or further questions, please Contact Us.
My salt mill appears to be 'clogged up', what should I do?
Firstly, 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.
Use & Care
Can I put salt in my pepper mill and visa versa?
This depends entirely on the mechanism. Salt can only be used in a mill that has a nylon or ceramic mechanism. Salt can not be used in a carbon steel mechanism. Pepper can only be used in a mill that has a ceramic or carbon steel mechanism. Pepper can not be used in a nylon mechanism. The only mills where salt and pepper can both be used are if they have a ceramic mechanism.
Can I put my mills in the dishwasher?
No Cole & Mason mill is safe to go in a dishwasher.
What is the best way to clean my mills?
The best way to clean a mill is to use a damp (not wet), colorless cloth. After cleaning, dry mill - do not leave wet. The mechanisms should not be rinsed, submerged in water or get wet in any way.
Why has my mill gone rusty?
There primary reason why your mill would have rusted, is water exposure. Putting the mill in a dishwasher, washing it in a sink, wiping with a damp cloth and not drying after.
Incorrect storage, like leaving the mill in a damp place or leaving it outdoors could also cause rust.
Why has my mill gone a greenish colour and is it harmful for me to still eat the salt?
Your mill could have gone green due to, water exposure, food residue stuck at the base, storing in a damp place or leaving of an unclean surface.
We would advice that you do not eat the salt and dispose of any that may have come into contact with the discolouration. If the mechanism has discoloured is can not be washed and should not be used.
How do I remove the sticky residue from my mill tray?
If the barcode sticker has left residue on your mill tray, rub with a cloth and some olive oil to remove both the paper and the glue residue.
Where can I buy?
You can buy the full range of Cole & Mason products from our website, however if you would like to purchase your products at a retailer near you, visit our 'Where To Buy' section on our website.
Can I use pink or red peppercorns in my mill?
No. Red and pink peppercorns come from a berry. They naturally have more liquid so we recommend not using these as it could corrode the mechanism. This also applies to our Kingsley spice mill.
Black and white peppercorns are recommended in our pepper mills. If you would like to use pink or red use a mill with a ceramic mechanism or use our pestle & mortar.
How can I change the light bulb in my mill?
It is not possible to replace the bulb in any electronic mills. All bulbs in mills are LED and have a long life expectancy.
Why does my Pestle & Mortar produce dust?
When the pestle and mortar meet without and ingredients natural dust from the granite it produced. Wash thoroughly with water and your pestle and mortar will be safe to use.
Is it safe to use a brush or scouring pad on the Pestle & Mortar?
Yes, it is safe to use both items to clean the Pestle & Mortar.
Can I use rock salt in a mill with a nylon mechanism?
For best performance we recommend that you use coarse sea salt or rock salt in nylon mechanism mills. Do not use sea salt flakes.
Is my mill covered by a guarantee?
Yes. All our salt and pepper mills are covered with a lifetime mechanism guarantee, despite what your item packaging may say. Electronic mill mechanisms also have lifetime cover, however battery cell units are covered for two years. Accidental breakage and damage from misuse are not covered by the mechanism guarantee.
Can pink Himalayan salt be used in salt mill?
Yes, however this salt has a harder texture than rock salt, we do not recommend using everyday as it will wear the mill mechanism. Do not use in a Nylon Mechanism salt mill.
What are the best before dates of the spices included in racks?
Herb and spice sell by dates are displayed on the bottom of the box, if you no longer have this we recommend a sell by date of two years from the date of purchase.
Do any mills use rubber or latex?
No latex is used in any of our mills. Rubberised paint is used on a few of our mills and stoppers are made are made from a material called silica, a form of natural rubber.
Where are Cole & Mason salt and peppercorns sourced from?
Our salt is currently sourced from Belgium and peppercorns are sourced from India and Vietnam.
What is the salt keeper spoon is equivalent to?
The salt keeper soon is half a teaspoon.
Can Salt be used in the Kinglsey Spice Mill?
No. The Kingsley mill has a carbon steel mechanism, using salt will rust the mechanism.
Can fresh chilli be used in the Kingsley Spice Mill?
No wet ingredients can be used in the mill.
Are Pestle and Mortars dishwasher safe?
No. Pestle and Mortars are not dishwasher safe. The best way to clean is under running water with a brush or sponge.
Are chemicals used on the beech wood mills?
Our beech wood mills are not made with any preservatives.
Is aluminium used in any of your mills?
Yes, aluminium is used in all our mills.
Can the mechanism on my mill be replaced?
Mechanisms can not be replaced as they are built into the mill. However there is a lifetime guarantee on all mechanisms.
Why has my Chocolate, Cheese & Nut Mill stopped grating even though there is food inside?
Screw back the plunger, shake the mill to loosen ingredients and continue grinding.
My Oil & Vinegar Mister won't spray, why?
Please check the black collar is fastened correctly creating a tight seal. Ensure the filter end is not blocked by ingredients. Product needs to be pumped a recommended 7 times to ensure good spray output.