Why Collectors Can't Stop Hunting Down Retro Peugeot Pepper Mills

Today's modern kitchens are filled to the brim with modern gadgets and high-tech appliances, but there's something to be said for pieces that stand the test of time. Vintage Pyrex dishes can make any kitchen look a little more retro, old school MacKenzie-Childs pieces are highly collectable, and restored antique appliances like toasters and mixers are all the rage. One of the most in-demand items are Peugeot pepper grinders which are something of a culinary status symbol amongst foodies. A stash of old pepper grinders might sound a little weird to the uninitiated, but to those who love these iconic kitchen tools, they're more than just something to season food; it's all about owning a well-made piece (or several pieces) of culinary history.

While Peugeot is arguably better known for its cars, the French company has been making pepper mills since the 1870s and they are considered by many chefs to still make the best grinders in the business. The beauty lies in the craftsmanship of the grinding mechanism, which is made by individually cutting the teeth of the gears before case-hardening the metal. This makes the grinders much stronger than mass-produced alternatives and if they're well cared for they can last for decades. Peugeot also holds a patent for an adjustable knob to control the size of the peppercorn crack, called "U'Select." 

Peugeot has dominated the pepper mill market since they rolled out the first Model Z in 1874. In fact, if you picture a pepper mill in your head, chances are it is based on a Peugeot with a curvy body and a round top. That doesn't mean, however, that all Peugeot pepper grinders look alike. There have been hundreds of different styles released over the years including rustic wooden models, some mid-century styles made with sleek metal, and many limited edition releases which is what makes them so collectable. Some hard-to-find vintage models can cost as much as a few hundred dollars.

If you're new to collecting Peugeot grinders, there are a few important benchmarks to look for before you part with any cash for a vintage piece. First, every authentic Peugeot grinder should have the company logo somewhere on the top or bottom. The logo has gone through multiple updates throughout the life of the company, so they won't all look the same, but the image should always include the iconic lion.

Peugeot grinders should also always have steel mechanisms. This is the cornerstone of the company (which started out by making saw blades), so steer clear of any pieces that have ceramic or plastic insides because they're not authentic. Some secondhand grinders may also have missing or replaced internal parts which can be hard to spot.

If you're ready to start collecting Peugeot pepper grinders, you can always begin by buying one brand new. That's right, the company still produces new grinders to this day. A basic, new grinder can cost around $50 for a classic "Paris" model and as much as $900 for the intricately detailed "Lalique."

Anyone can buy a new product, however. The hunt for vintage grinders is where it really gets interesting. There are often vintage grinders available on websites like eBay and Etsy, but these are mostly sold by antique dealers who are asking the highest price. The real deals are found at flea markets, secondhand shops, and estate sales. When you're scoping out listings for estate sales, look for ads that mention kitchen tools or that the homeowner was a gourmet — it's possible they owned at least one Peugeot grinder, if not multiple.

If you come across a Peugeot grinder at a flea market or secondhand store, always look for the telltale logo and examine the parts inside before you buy. Just like any valuable antique brand there are lots of replicas out there, so know what you're looking for. It's also not a bad idea to take a photo and run it through Google Lens to make sure you're getting a fair price. Just be careful once you find that first vintage grinder — chances are you've just kicked off an expensive hobby.