The Best Salt and Pepper Shakers

They say that variety is the spice of life, but nonetheless, in the kitchen, we always seem to fall back on our two staples: salt and pepper. Both come in a variety of forms, from coarse granules and peppercorns to finely ground powders. In any case, you need a way to get that salt and pepper onto your food in order to enhance your meals, right? In the kitchen, you may prefer large grinders or a mortar and pestle, but for the table, you really can't do without basic salt and pepper shakers. Shakers come in a never-ending variety of fun and elegant designs, so with a little effort, you're bound to find a set you love. To help filter out the good from the mediocre, we've done our research. As result, we've come up with this list of the best salt and pepper shakers available on the market today.

Juvale Salt and Pepper Shakers

Sophisticated Simplicity

These clearly labeled salt and pepper shakers look gorgeous in any setting.
Best Overall

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When you’re searching for the perfect salt and pepper shakers, what are you most focused on? The style? The functionality? With the Juvale Salt and Pepper Shakers, you don’t have to choose one from the other, because this beautiful set has it all.

These shakers are very clearly labeled with an elegant font that makes it easy to separate them. The top of each one is also perforated with a “P” or an “S” to distinguish one from the other. Each shaker’s body is made of durable stainless steel, while the bottoms are made of glass so you can see when your spices are running low. They don’t run low often, though, because each one is a full 4 inches tall and holds about 4oz of salt or pepper. We love the simplicity and elegance in this design and we think you will, too.

Pros:

  • Each shaker is very clearly labeled so it would be hard to mix them up
  • They can be hand-washed quite easily
  • These shakers are made of safe materials, including BPA-free glass and steel
  • Refills are easy; just unscrew the cap, fill, and screw it back on
  • The large capacity makes it so you don’t have to refill it as often as you do some of the smaller options

Cons:

  • When you are screwing the cap back on it can be difficult to align the letters on top with the script below

Home EC Premium Salt and Pepper Shakers

No Frills About 'Em

High-quality salt and pepper shakers that make life just a little more convenient.
Best Stainless Steel

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Some people prefer to leave their salt and pepper shakers at the table and use the larger containers of spices for cooking; however, sometimes it’s easier to have one set for both. If you prefer to have adjustable shakers that can work for both cooking and lightly seasoning your food at the table, the Home EC Premium Salt and Pepper Shakers are made for you.

This set of salt and pepper shakers is made of brushed stainless steel and glass. It is always easy to see when your salt and pepper are running low and ready for refilling. Speaking of refilling, these shakers make it super easy with the included funnel. The tops are also adjustable, which adds a level of versatility to this set that you really don’t get in your average salt and pepper set. You can set it to pour, shake a little, shake a lot, or close it completely.

Pros:

  • These shakers are easier to fill than most other options
  • The pour and shake settings are completely adjustable, so you can use the shake setting at the table or the pour setting for cooking
  • High capacity of 4oz ensure you will not be refilling them constantly
  • They fit in with any decor due to their simple-yet-elegant design
  • The specially designed cap keeps your spices fresh while keeping the moisture out

Cons:

  • The steel cover can become rusted if it is not dried thoroughly after washing

1st Choice Retro Salt and Pepper Shakers

Old School is the Best School

Get nostalgic with these classically designed salt and pepper shakers.
Best Classic

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Although different designs can be fun and add to your overall style, you don’t actually need designer salt and pepper shakers. Sometimes all you need is a taste of the classics. Now you can bring that nostalgia back while simplifying your spice game with the 1st Choice Retro Salt and Pepper Shakers.

This simple set is designed to be durable and easy to use. These shakers can last for years upon years, and they’ll look great the entire time. To clean and refill, just unscrew the cap, pour in your spices, and screw the cap back on. It is that simple, which is part of what makes this set so great. We really appreciate how these shakers can instantly bring you back to grandma’s kitchen or conjure up memories of your favorite childhood diner.

Pros:

  • The heavy-duty glass is durable and can withstand falls and dropping
  • Salt and pepper come out smoothly and evenly through the shaker tops
  • They are priced very affordably
  • Steel lids screw off so you can clean them and refill them easily without a funnel or special tools

Cons:

  • These shakers only have a 2oz capacity, so you will need to fill them more often

Shake It Free Moisture- and Humidity-Proof Shakers

The Ones You Can Count On

Keep your spices dry with these moisture-proof salt and pepper shakers.
Best Moisture-Proof

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Moisture can wreak havoc on your spices – your salt can turn into a solid block and your pepper can go bad quickly when exposed to humidity or spilled water. Prevent these problems with a moisture-proof salt and pepper shaker set like the Shake It Free Moisture and Humidity Proof Shakers.

This fantastic shaker set is made of glass and looks much like the retro set, however, the self-closing tops keep any moisture from reaching your spices. The lids are black and white to help you differentiate between the salt and pepper, and they open up easily for easy refills and cleaning. The included caddy makes it super easy to take them from room to room, as well. Overall, we really love these vintage-inspired shakers because they keep your spices fresh and add convenience to your life.

Pros:

  • These shakers prevent your spices from spoiling or becoming ruined by moisture
  • The vintage glass design is classically beautiful
  • Easily clean and refill these shakers simply by removing the cap
  • The caps are self-closing, so even if you forget to close them, they will keep your salt and pepper fresh
  • Nice steel caddy for easy storage and transport is included

Cons:

  • They have a small capacity, so you’ll have to refill them more often than other comparable shakers

Signora Ware To-Go Mini Salt and Pepper Shakers

Adventure-Ready

Take these salt and pepper shakers on the go and never worry about bland food again.
Best Travel-Size

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Are you adventurous? Do you love to picnic, go hiking, or go camping? If you said yes, then we bet you’d love to find a salt and pepper shaker set that can be used on the go. Well, we have you covered with the Signora Ware Mini To-Go Salt and Pepper Shakers.

This set comes with 2 salt and pepper shakers, each of which is made of durable, shatterproof plastic. In addition, you can choose your size from small, medium, or large based on your needs. If you will be relying on it for a trip that’s a few days long, then get a large-sized one. That will give you plenty of salt and pepper for your food while you’re gone. Meanwhile, if you are going out for a picnic or you just like to keep some extra salt and pepper in your car, get a small one to save on space.

Pros:

  • The flip-top cap closes completely and prevents any spills or accidents from happening while you are out and about
  • They are priced very affordably
  • These shakers are very easy to clean and refill, saving you time and money
  • Care is easy with these shakers because they are dishwasher-safe
  • There are 3 sizes to choose from for your convenience

Cons:

  • The large holes allow your spices to come out quickly, so you do need to pay close attention while using them

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for salt and pepper shakers?

Salt and pepper shakers are usually best when made of glass, ceramic, or metal. Glass and ceramic are the safest and usually look the best; however, they are also the most fragile. Metal, usually steel, is more durable and won’t shatter or break. You do need to be careful, though, because metal can rust.

When should I look for moisture-proof shakers?

Moisture-proof shakers are great for anyone who lives in a humid climate. Humidity causes excess moisture to build up, which in turn can lead to your salt and pepper going bad. Even though salt won’t necessarily go bad, it’ll clump up, stick together, and crystallize into a hard rock that you’ll have to break up before using it on your food.