Peugeot's Pepper Grinding Mechanism is a two stage burr-style system. During production, the helix-shaped grooves and grinding teeth of the pepper mechanism are individually cut before the steel is case hardened to make it virtually indestructible. The mechanism is then given a proprietary treatment to provide additional protection against corrosion. During use, the helix- shaped grooves guide whole peppercorns through the mechanism to crack, then grind to a consistent size by a double row of teeth. This process releases the pepper's essential oils, resulting in more flavor and aroma for your dish. This patented mechanism is found on every Peugeot Pepper mill and is widely considered the best pepper mechanism available. The high quality beech wood used in Peugeot mills is grown, harvested, dried, shaped and finished in France. Paris mills are available as either pepper or salt mills (various sizes for each), in either a varnished or a piano-style gloss lacquer finish. For Paris u'Select mills, the grind is adjusted by turning the ring at the bottom of the mill. Turning the ring in one direction makes the grind finer, turning in the other makes it coarser. Once the grind size is set, it will stay in place until the user changes it.