-
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
The Best Salt and Pepper Shakers of 2024
Upgrade your kitchen essentials by replacing your worn-out salt and pepper shakers with style and functionality in mind. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore some of the most popular options and essential features to consider when selecting your new spice dispensers. Not only do these shakers add flavor to your dishes, but they also serve as stylish table décor. Despite their importance, finding durable and aesthetically pleasing salt and pepper shakers can be challenging. That's why our team of experts has meticulously researched and curated a list of quality options, focusing on functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Among our selection of the best salt and pepper shakers, JOEY'Z stands out for its unmatched craftsmanship and timeless design, making it a perfect addition to any dining table.
Our Top Picks For Salt and Pepper Shakers
View all ContentsThe Best Salt and Pepper Shakers
Best Overall
The JOEY’Z salt and pepper shakers are a great choice for all your table needs. They are attractively designed with a neutral-colored stainless steel finish that can easily blend into any kitchen décor. The seal on the lid will keep your spices fresh, and the unique design with a smooth stainless steel grip combined with a see-through glass bottom allows you to check the contents without having to open it. The material used for this shaker set is also of high quality, allowing for years of use in your kitchen. The glass bottom makes it very easy to refill when needed, saving you from any refilling trouble. Their sleek look makes these shakers perfect for outdoor events like barbecues or picnics. No kitchen would be complete without this set of salt and pepper shakers, which offer both convenience and reliability. With this stylish yet practical design, spicing up your food has never been easier with this best overall choice.
Pros
- Glass bottom for easy identification
- Good grip for arthritic hands
- Screw top closure for ease
Cons
- Some spices may not fit
Best Design
The Modetro salt and pepper shakers are an ideal choice for those looking to add a touch of style and convenience to their kitchen. This set features a tasteful stainless steel top that is designed to keep your spices neat and mess-free, while the adjustable ceramic grinder gives you complete control over the fineness of your spices.
The glass jars hold up to 8 ounces of salt or pepper, so you won’t need to worry about refilling them too often. With the handy sealing lid, your spices will stay fresher for longer. The design is also pleasing to the eye, making this set a great addition for any countertop or dining table. Not only does this set look good but it’s also practical. With its adjustable grinder, bigger jar sizes and sealing lid, it makes spicing up meals easy and simple. Because it’s made of stainless steel and glass, you can rest assured knowing that it will last for many years to come.
Pros
- Well-made and sturdy
- Wide range of grind size available
- Excellent quality materials
Cons
- May not be durable over time
Longest-Lasting
The SP HOME GOODS set features two stylish shakers. These identical shakers have an opaque body and a transparent bottom, allowing you to easily differentiate between which is salt and which is pepper. Each shaker holds up to 4-oz so you won’t have to refill them often. However, when it is time to add more salt or pepper, the removable screw-on lid and wide opening make the process a breeze. The shakers also feature a dial that enables you to control pour flow, allowing you to easily control the amount of spice used. With a durable build made out of stainless steel, glass, and a plastic lid, these shakers should still be cared for like any other kitchen appliance to ensure their longevity.
Pros
- Durable and stylish design
- Seals and refills easily
- Multiple pour settings
Cons
- May clog easily
Best Stainless Steel Option
With large holes, the Juvale salt and pepper shakers are excellent for cooking, allowing large quantities of spice to come out at once. Because these shakers have no dial to control the amount of spice released, they aren’t ideal for sprinkling salt and pepper on food. However, if aesthetics is what you’re going for, each shaker has a modern and ergonomically built design. The round bottom and curved body offer a firm grip and a nice, cursive font on the bottom of each shaker provides clear labeling. This text, coupled with S- and P-shaped holes etched into the stainless steel tops, makes spice identification easy. The transparent bottom of the shakers lets you conveniently know when each shaker is running low and its removable parts make cleaning and refilling simple. Lastly, each shaker has a 4-ounce capacity, reducing refilling.
Pros
- Ergonomic and comfortable design
- Easy-to-clean materials
- Durable and sturdy
Cons
- No flow control
Most Versatile
The HOME EC shaker set is durable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain. Once experienced, you’ll never want to return to using your old shakers again.
Each shaker has three parts: a glass body, a brushed stainless steel encasing, and a lid. The overall look is modern, luxurious, and sleek. Their design will make you proud to set them on the table for guests and special dinners. Each shaker is 4.5 inches tall and can hold up to ½ cup of spices. Given this large capacity, you’ll always have salt and pepper at your fingertips. The set also includes a complimentary silicone funnel that makes refilling quick. Best of all, these shakers come with a year-long warranty, making this purchase worry-free.
Pros
- Easy to refill
- High quality stainless steel and glass
- Complimentary funnel included
Cons
- May come out slowly
Most Sturdy
Salt and pepper shakers don’t have to be fancy or luxurious. Often, a tried-and-true classic design does the trick. Regarding both its aesthetics and functionality, the BNYD shaker set includes two retro-style shakers that are likely to satisfy a wide range of styles and preferences.
Each spice jar features a transparent, cubical structure made out of high-grade glass. This transparent full body gives you a clear view of the spice quantity left, letting you know when you should refill it. A bit on the smaller side, these shakers only hold 2 ounces, requiring more frequent refills. Nonetheless, the ergonomic structure gives them a firm grip so your hand won’t slip against the smooth surface. The shakers come with metal lids with considerably large holes for moderate spice flow. As an added bonus, these durable glass shakers are dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Classic and reliable style
- Firm and comfortable grip
- Dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean
Cons
- Requires frequent refills
Most Convenient
The Lonffrey salt and pepper shakers offer a curved, stylish design. They complement your table while also being anti-slip, making handling them easy and convenient. Each shaker has a durable build made from stainless steel and glass. A small, exposed glass section on the bottom shows each shaker’s contents, and the stylishly printed “salt” and “pepper” on each shaker make it easy to identify which is which. In addition, there are also S- and P-shaped holes on the top so you’ll never mix these up.
What’s more, the shakers have a wide opening and removable lid that makes refilling simple and efficient. Each shaker holds up to 4 ounces of spice, making these ideal for everyday tabletop use. A durable storage holder allows you to stow these shakers neatly away and even carry them easily between the dining table and your kitchen.
Pros
- Ergonomic and easy to grip
- Easy to refill
- Storage holder included
Cons
- Print may fade
The Best Salt and Pepper Shakers: A Buyer’s Guide
Benefits of Salt and Pepper Shakers
Salt and pepper shakers have remained an essential kitchen accessory since the 1870s. These spice dispensers with perforated tops let you sprinkle small quantities of spices easily over your food.
Spice shakers have compact, portable builds. Using them saves you time and energy. When you’re in the middle of cooking a dish, you don’t need to get the large jars of salt or pepper out of the pantry to adjust flavors. Just grab the shaker from the table and shake the salt or pepper in!
Modern salt and pepper shakers also feature adjustable lids that help control the flow of spice, allowing you to pour low, medium, or high quantities onto your cooked meals and even while you’re still cooking.
What’s more, by placing salt and pepper shakers on the dinner table, you give your diners easy access to flavor-enhancing spices.
Lastly, stylish salt and pepper shakers can add to the aesthetic appeal of the table. You can improve your tablescape by selecting a shaker set that aligns with the rest of the cutlery design. And, if you’re especially fond of a particular set, salt and pepper shakes are an amazing gift!
Different Types of Shakers
Salt and pepper shakers are classified into three types: vintage, modern, and novelty. Each offers its own pros and cons. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Vintage
The vintage salt and pepper shaker has a smaller, compact build. Its simple design makes it easy to use and clean and the traditional-style lid allows for a steady spice flow. However, it has comparatively less capacity than other types. Nevertheless, it’s best for people who value reliable functionality and love its retro look.
Modern
Modern salt and pepper shakers are the most commonly used today. These tall shakers have a stylish design with a brushed stainless steel and glass exterior. They also come in a variety of colors. These shakers often offer a large capacity and require minimal refills. Plus, the adjustable flow settings provide you with better control.
Novelty
The novelty salt and pepper shakers are unique, quirky, and sometimes fall into the category of collectible. These shakers come in different shapes, sizes, and capacities. For instance, you’ll find shakers shaped like animals, famous characters, interesting structures, and more. Since each style is unique, these shakers can be more expensive than traditional shakers.
How to Choose the Right Salt and Pepper Shakers
When choosing salt and pepper shakers, most people consider only the aesthetics and outward design. However, while appearance matters, it often has little to do with functionality. What’s the point in having a cute salt shaker that spills every time you use it?
In hopes of guiding you through this dilemma, our team has compiled this detailed guide to help you choose the perfect salt and pepper shakers. We hope, after reading this, you’ll be able to purchase shakers that do much more than merely look nice on the table.
Material
There are four fundamental materials used in salt and pepper shaker construction, including:
- Stainless steel
- Glass
- Ceramic
- Plastic
Each of these materials provides the shakers with different properties. For example, glass and ceramic shakers are attractive but also breakable. These might not be the best choice if you have young children at home.
Plastic shakers are cheap, unbreakable, and portable. However, plastic is not an eco-friendly option and could contain harmful chemicals. The safest option for you and our planet is stainless steel shakers, which are sturdy, easy to clean, and often stylish. Unlike glass shakers, one downside to stainless steel spice shakers is that they don’t allow you to see the contents inside.
Many shakers on the market today are made of more than one material. In this case, the stainless steel and glass combination is a great option.
Capacity
Typically, taller and wider shakers have the largest capacity. However, this doesn’t mean you should pick the tallest and widest option available. Instead, consider your needs and preferences.
If you use salt and pepper frequently, you might want to go with large-capacity shakers and vice versa if you only use these spices occasionally. Going with a larger capacity option will reduce the number of refills required.
Please note, that most shakers have a holding capacity between 2 to 4-ounces. These are suitable for everyday use. However, you may also find shakers with up to 8-ounces of capacity, making them ideal for industrial kitchens or heavy use.
Moisture protection
Moisture is the greatest enemy of spices. It causes the spices to clump and get stuck to the underside of the shaker’s lid. If this happens, you won’t be able to shake the contents out. You’ll have to clean the shaker and refill it before you’re able to use it again.
Because of this, you should choose shakers with lids that close. These shakers create a barrier between the spice and moisture in the air. Shakers that have a sealed lid are less likely to have issues with clumping.
Flow control
The most advanced salt and pepper shakers offer multiple flow settings. This allows you to choose a setting, letting you pour the desired quantity of spice. However, these shakers have delicate lids that require careful handling.
Alternatively, flow can be controlled in regular shakers by the number and size of the holes. If you prefer low flow, opt for shakers with two to three small holes. If you prefer higher flow, choose shakers with larger holes or shakers with a higher quantity of holes.
Holder
Holders allow you to place each spice shaker neatly side by side and they make storage efficient and space-saving. As an added bonus, having a spice holder reduces the chance of misplacing one of the shakers.
Holders can also help you conveniently carry the shakers from one place to another. If being able to easily move your spices around your kitchen is important to you, it’s best to choose a salt and pepper shakers set that include a matching holder.
How to Wash Salt and Pepper Shakers
Most of us make do with simply wiping the exterior of the salt and pepper shakers when it comes time to clean them. However, these dispensers require a thorough cleaning, both inside and outside. This is why you should give your salt and pepper shakers a deep clean bi-weekly or monthly.
Because salt and pepper shakers do not get regularly washed like forks and knives, when you do clean them, you need to give them a proper, effective cleaning. Here’s how to do it:
- Add dish soap into a pot of hot water.
- Soak the shakers in it for 10 to 15-minutes.
- Remove and rinse using warm water.
- Use some cotton swabs to remove any leftover residue. Rinse again.
- Place the washed shaker on a clean towel to air dry. If needed, create a paper towel cone and put it in the shaker. It will absorb moisture and ensure complete dryness.
People Also Asked
Are salt and pepper shakers different?
Yes, salt and pepper shakers are different depending on the culture and health policies of the market. US-manufactured salt shakers have fewer holes than pepper shakers because more salt is harmful to their diet. Meanwhile, it's the opposite in shakers found in Europe. However, you will also notice that shakers manufactured for generic audiences have an identical design. They will have the same structure and number of holes, allowing you to use either one for salt or pepper.
How many holes do pepper shakers have?
Different shakers have different numbers of holes. Typically, pepper shakers have three holes, and salt shakers have two holes. But you can switch them depending on your diet preferences.
How do you fill a salt shaker?
Fill or refill a salt shaker by opening the container, pouring in the salt, and screwing on the lid. Wide shaker openings make this process mess-free and easy. However, if your shaker opening is narrow, we recommend using a funnel.
