Save or splurge: The kitchen

Just as with coffee, pepper tastes better if you grind it yourself. That's why, according to chef Charlie Palmer, a good pepper mill is a must.

It'll produce a consistent texture, and you'll be able to adjust the size of the grind.

Peugeot (yes, it's the automaker) has been making this mill since 1847, and the design hasn't changed much in that time. Each grinder groove is individually cut and case hardened.