It is the new grinder Bodum model. It is hard plastic unlike before where some parts were covered with aluminum. It rotates with a pawl in one direction or the other. It makes a strange noise, I feel like I'm going to break it every time ... The heart of the ceramic mill is to grind against by pepper and salt. It is possible to adjust the force down like all mills. I am moderately satisfied for now with this new model, to do in life when it is used every day ...