Salt and pepper shakers are a tabletop essential—read on for our favorite picks.
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14 Salt and Pepper Shakers We Love
Updated on Jan. 09, 2025
It isn’t up for the debate: Salt and pepper are the most dynamic duo in your kitchen. (Sorry, peanut butter and jelly, but we simply couldn’t imagine having a meal with salt and pepper.) If you want to celebrate hero-status—and give these sprinkling spices the stylish to boot—you might want to consider picking up a salt and pepper shaker. After all, shouldn’t these pantry staples deserve a vessel that effortlessly transitions from stovetop to tabletop? With so many options to choose from, finding the best salt and pepper shaker to cater to your needs can be a tall order. Don’t worry, we did the legwork for you by sharing our favorites below.
best for beginner chefs
Rustic Salt and Pepper Shakers
Just $15 is all it costs to receive a rustic salt and pepper shaker set that’ll be bringing in the compliments every time friends sit down at the table. They come well-reviewed from hundreds of customers, and offer the choice between two color options.
On Sale
best modern
Wooden Salt and Pepper Mill Set
Impress guests with this seriously chic salt and pepper mill set. Its acacia wood is timeless, while its column-like construction feels modern and cool. This set won’t need replacing anytime soon!
best nostalgic
Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers
For a fun vintage vibe, deck out your dinner table with these nostalgic shakers. They offer large tops for ideal salt and pepper distribution, plus handles for easy shaking. (Psst: These retro shakers pair perfectly with our most-shared vintage recipes.)
best rustic
Farmhouse Salt And Pepper Shakers
How cute are these farmhouse chic salt and pepper shakers? Their Mason jar-inspired shape feels on-trend, and their clearly labeled “S” and “P” makes sure you never grab the wrong seasoning again.
On Sale
best for dinner parties
Crystal Salt and Pepper Shakers
Crystal shakers are a classic choice for just about every dining room decor. These fine clear shakers come etched with a gorgeous design, and they’re sturdy enough to resist knocking over while you’re reaching for the potatoes.
best for gifting
Maple Salt and Pepper Shakers
These refined maple salt and pepper shakers make an excellent housewarming gift—but we wouldn’t blame you if you kept them for yourself. They’re handmade, so each will have a slightly different grain.
best for holiday
Reindeer Salt and Pepper Shakers
Set your holiday tablescape with these actually chic (but still festive) reindeer salt and pepper shakers. Their tops are made from nickel-plated steel, which means you can pull them out of storage for many Christmas celebrations to come. These shakers will fit right in with our favorite vintage Christmas decorations.
On Sale
best style
Painted Salt and Pepper Shakers
You’re unlikely to find a shaker set like this one on any other dinner table. That’s because each one is hand-painted and has slight variations from the rest. The pretty blue hydrangea design feels spring-y even in the depths of winter.
best quality
Le Creuset Salt and Pepper Set
Le Creuset is known for the brand’s high-quality kitchenware items, each painted in an eye-catching color. These salt and pepper mills are no exception, with five hues to choose from and a durable ceramic construction.
best portable
Mason Jar Salt and Pepper Shaker
Easily transport the salt and pepper shakers from the dining room to the patio with this all-in-one set. The Mason jar-inspired shakers fit neatly into the included caddy, complete with even hand cutouts for carrying.
best for small spaces
Retro Salt and Pepper Shakers
These salt and pepper shakers are perfect for achieving a ’50s diner-style decor. Their robins egg blue color is retro and fun, but strips of clear glass at the bottom ensure you still know which spice you’re shaking.
On Sale
best for shaking
Honey Bee Salt and Pepper Shaker
If you’re in the market for a traditional salt and pepper shaker set, it doesn’t get more classic than these. The glass shakers come embossed with a sweet bee design, plus handles for easy shaking.
best grinder
Xqxq Premium Acrylic Salt And Pepper Grinder Set
Shoppers who prefer grinders to shakers will love this elegant grinder set. Unlike most grinders, its base is clear, so you can see when your seasonings need refreshing. Bonus: The knob on top allows you to adjust to your preferred level of coarseness or fineness.
Best Classic
Clear Salt and Pepper Shakers
It’s no secret—sometimes restaurants have it all figured out. Take these copycat cookbooks, for example, or these salt and pepper shakers. They might not be the prettiest in the bunch, but they’ll perfectly dispense seasonings and let you know when it’s time to refill.
What to Look for in the Best Salt and Pepper Shakers
When it comes to looking for a top-notch salt and pepper shaker, size matters. The larger your set is, the less often you’ll have to refill it, making a supersized version a no-brainer for committed home chefs. You’ll also want to consider how the set dispenses its salt and pepper: Some grind out the spices, others shake and a few have an easy-to-use electronic feature. (They’re all great options; it just boils down to personal preferences.) Once you have the basics down pat, you can look into style and price point.
Why You Should Trust Us
The Taste of Home Test Kitchen obsessively reviews thousands of products yearly—from air fryers to kombucha—to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Former shopping editor Megan Mowery curated this list of spectacular shakers based on the Test Kitchen’s personal experiences and well-reviewed best-sellers.
How We Found the Best Salt and Pepper Shakers
Not only do we take our salt and pepper seriously, but we’re very committed to finding the best shaker for them. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen reviewed dozens of shakers and can personally vouch for many listed here. However, we also scanned through hundreds of reviews to ensure we didn’t miss anything. We regularly update this page to ensure we’re featuring the latest products.
FAQs
Does salt or pepper go in the three-hole shaker?
It depends on where you are. Once upon a time, salt was poured into the shaker with the most holes; however, that all changed when the United States considered excessive salt to be unhealthy. (Some people say you may still find salt in the shaker with more holes in Europe.) To help control the flow, pour your salt into the shaker with fewer holes.
What side should salt be on?
The salt shaker is typically placed on the right-hand side if you’re setting a table. If you’re having an informal meal, place them wherever—just as long as they’re in reach.
Do you put rice in a salt shaker?
There’s a reason why some restaurants and home chefs place rice in their salt shaker: Rice is sometimes used to absorb moisture that might cause salt to clump. The result? A smooth, seamless shake!
Where to place salt and pepper shakers in the kitchen?
It all boils down to personal preference! While some people like to keep their salt and pepper stored in their pantry or storage, those who use them for cooking might want to find a designated spot on their countertop. (And, of course, if your salt and pepper shakers look as good as the ones featured here, you’ll definitely want to show them off!)
