Best Salt and Pepper Shakers
The Chefvantage Adjustable shaker set has everything we look for in the ideal salt and pepper shakers. With a simple and timeless aesthetic, it looks great in any kitchen setting. The silver sleeve covers a glass body that holds way more salt and pepper than you'd think. Three different settings regulate how much material comes out, which to us, is a great feature. This set also has two different fill options; you can either fill via the removable metal sleeve or unscrew the sliding top. When twisted, the lid clicks into place and lands on a dispensing setting. There is also the option to seal the shaker by twisting to a setting with no holes. This shaker set is aesthetically pleasing and has a well-thought-out design.
It can be a little bit finicky to adjust the dispensing settings on the lid of the Chefvantage Adjustable. We found that if it is twisted too far in one direction, the entire lid becomes loose, which is not ideal. This set is also a little bit pricier than many of the other options in this review. For those that like more options with dispensing and filling, this aesthetic favorite is our top recommendation.
Though the Grant Howard Hand Painted set is delicate, we love its handmade feel and simplicity. A simple tapered cone-shaped design with hand-painted flowers makes for a nostalgic feeling, being something that you might have found in your own kitchen growing up. Both salt and pepper have the same number of holes, but they seem to dispense seasoning at an average rate — not alarmingly fast nor annoyingly slow. They are relatively easy to fill, similar to the majority of the other glass shakers we reviewed. One of the best parts about these cute shakers is the inexpensive price tag. In comparison to most of the other novelty shakers, the Grant Howard set is very reasonably priced.
The biggest downside is its delicate design and lack of durability. We feel we must report that when we first ordered this set, they arrived damaged. That said, after inspecting their packaging compared to similarly delicate options, it was way less substantial. For the budget-savvy buyer looking for a classic and handmade look, this is our top recommendation.
The Chefvantage Set stands out for its exceptional performance, which mirrors the Chefvantage Adjustable. It is, after all, from the same manufacturer. This is a wider set that has a few differences that didn't earn it top points, but a key difference that we like. This difference is in the rotating top. This set doesn't have a removable lid, and the adjustment mechanism moves incredibly smoothly. We prefer this smoother transition between the dispensing sizes. Aesthetically, this set has a sleek and modern look. It is made from a combination of stainless steel and glass, which makes this product very durable.
We found that filling this set was challenging due to the small mouth of the glass container. The other Chefvantage option has the option to fill via a removable cap, and we wish this one had the same feature for the sake of versatility and ease of filling. A good option for those that appreciate a smooth rotation between sizing, but it comes with a few caveats.
With an ergonomic shape, multiple color options, and solid ceramic construction, the Le Creuset Stoneware Shakers is one of our favorite salt and pepper dispensers. We love how this set looks on our table and often receive compliments on its aesthetic, shape, and color. The beauty of this set is in its simplicity — no adjustments, no visible fill holes. The salt comes out surprisingly fast, even though it has only had a single hold, whereas the pepper has three. Regardless, we learned the dispensing ability is not as tunable as other options in this review but completely sufficient for most purposes.
Everything is excellent with the Le Creuset Stoneware Set until it comes time to refill them. The filling hole is located on the bottom of the shaker and is annoyingly tiny; we found it challenging to fill without major spillage. In addition to the hole being small, its location also means that salt and/or pepper will come out of the top when filling — since it has to be flipped upside down to fill. If you love a fine and ceramic look, this is still what we recommend to our friends.
If you are into camping or bringing your own seasonings on trips, the Signora Ware Moisture Proof set is for you. This utilitarian product is the only plastic product we included. We appreciate its durability and lightweight design for on-the-go use but didn't find as much use for it in our own kitchen. The lid snaps on with a light press and pops off easily. The lack of threads means no spillage when removing the lid, which is a significant bonus. The shape is also conducive to easy filling since each is relatively squat with a wide mouth. The reasonable price tag is another major plus.
The biggest issue we have with the Signora set is the dispensing ability. It takes a vigorous shake to offload a few grains of salt or pepper. We often found ourselves removing the lid entirely and simply taking a pinch of seasoning out when we needed it. Additionally, though the plastic is excellent for camping, we weren't crazy about it for daily use in our home kitchen. If camping is on your itinerary, this refillable set stands out — just know the dispensing rate is slower than most.
A simple, rustic vibe is what the Saratoga Home Farmhouse set is all about. These shakers are about as simple as it gets — a glass cylinder with a metal screw cap. The caddy is what makes it unique and appealing. The metal carrying case has a handle and rubberized feet to prevent scratching. The Saratoga Home set is as easy to fill as most of the other glass options in this review. The mouth is narrow, but with control, one can fill it easily, without too much spillage. What we like most is the simple and durable materials used in its construction.
There are no differences between the two shakers. Luckily, since they are clear, it's easy to tell which one is which. When dispensing seasoning, there is the same number of holes for both salt and pepper, which some folks may not like. If you're in the market for a cute farmhouse look with a carry caddy, this simple contender is one to consider.
The Star Wars Droid Shakers are a great conversation starter or an excellent gift for that Star Wars-obsessed relative. We are pleasantly surprised by the quality; it is delicate and extremely detailed, plus its functions well. We appreciate the design and aesthetic and are certain that anyone who loves Star Wars will get a kick out of these.
The biggest issues we had with these little R2D2 shakers are the higher price take and the filling. Like most ceramic shakers, it has a small fill hole on the bottom, which means that the top holes pour salt or pepper when filling (since they have to be flipped upside down). The pour holes are also fairly wide in diameter, so more seasoning than we think you might want comes out when shaking. Despite these tiny issues, they are still a cool gift or conversation starter for a Star Wars fan.
The Juvale Stainless Steel set is simple and made from stainless steel, glass, and plastic. It is the only set we tested that has clear labels on each one and an "S" and "P" pattern on the top. It is easy to use and relatively easy to fill, in line with the other glass and stainless options out there. We liked how the clear bottom allows you to see when it needs to be refilled. Their pear shape is ergonomic and aesthetic, offering you control when dispensing seasoning.
The excessively labeled nature of these salt and pepper shakers may not be for everyone. Some of our testers felt like the side labels are perhaps a bit much, while others appreciate the clarity the labels provide. The other downside is their aesthetic — the plastic cones that surround the top are a confusing feature, which we didn't particularly like from a design standpoint. They create a moat around the lid where bits of salt and pepper get stuck. If you're seeking a labeled and pear-shaped design, this comes recommended.
The Great Credentials Stainless Steel Dredge shakers are a sturdy, large option that is well suited for kitchens with an industrial vibe. The shape is wide and short, with a broad opening for super easy filling. We like the handle since it helps regulate the amount that each shaker dispenses. The all-metal design makes for a no-nonsense product that is simple and aesthetically appealing.
It is hard to regulate the amount of seasoning that comes out of the Great Credentials Dredge set. It is also hard to tell which one is filled with which seasoning — as the two shakers are identical. This is a good option for those looking for a large and sturdy set.
If you have an affinity for miniature objects, you will get a kick out of the Elwiya Farmhouse Mason Jar shakers. This set is adorable — tiny mason jars with miniature lids, what's not to like. We love the sturdy design of the little jars and especially like how easy it was to tell salt and pepper apart. This set will look great in any kitchen, especially those with a rustic vibe.
It is hard to regulate the amount of seasoning that comes out of the Elwiya jars. We found ourselves shaking each vigorously to get a small amount of salt or pepper through the holes. We are also not super impressed with the construction of the caddy. The wood feels light and breakable, and we are not crazy about the paint job. This set is for those that appreciate miniature objects, and for those that like the farmhouse look.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our panel of kitchen experts has performed extensive hands-on testing of kitchen products ranging from roasting pans to knives.Jane Jackson, the lead tester for this review, has written reviews on kitchen products ranging from mixing bowls to cups. Not only does Jane review these products, but she is also an all-things-cooking enthusiast. Anyone that has spent time in the kitchen knows the benefits of having the proper tools, and our testers are no exception. We apply the same side-by-side testing procedure to all of the products we review to determine the best options on the market.
We started this review off by perusing hundreds of options and assessing the top salt and pepper shakers that are on the market today. We then purchased the top ten for hands-on testing. We filled, cleaned, and seasoned our meals with these shakers. We also conferred with our fellow testers and friends to gain perspective on the aesthetics of each set. From days of use and multiple fills and distribution tests, we were able to narrow in on the top-performers and isolate the weaker options as well.
Analysis and Test Results
We used four major testing metrics to assess the performance of these little seasoning distributors. The logical first step in testing was to see how easy or difficult it was to fill these salt and pepper shakers. Second, we assessed the dispensing ability of each — they all have a unique pattern of holes that distributes salt and pepper at a specific rate. We then got into the nitty-gritty of design and aesthetics, comparing the materials and overall feel of each set. The following provides a side-by-side assessment of the best and worst performers in each metric.
Ease of Filling
Often, the most challenging and annoying part of using a salt and pepper shaker is filling it. How many times have you left a salt shaker on the table empty, simply because you're avoiding the hassle of filling it? Us too. That's why we emphasized this metric. The easiest-to-fill options were shakers with wide mouths and easy-to-remove lids, like the Great Credentials Stainless Steel Dredge and the Chefvantage Adjustable set. We also found our favorite travel option, the Signora Ware Moisture Proof, was easy to fill, thanks to their press-on plastic lids and wide openings.
The most challenging salt and pepper shakers to fill are typically the ceramic options. These sets don't have separate lids, so the fill hole is on the bottom and is usually only about a centimeter in diameter. The Star Wars Droids and Le Creuset options were a pain to fill because of this.
Dispensing Ability
To test this metric, we used a dark plate to show salt distribution and a white plate to show pepper distribution. We then shook each shaker one time to see how much seasoning came out. Some, specifically both of the Chefvantage options, have three varying hole sizes, making it easy to regulate the amount of seasoning that comes out. These models scored the highest in this metric. Close behind are the standard lids (think of the type you'd find at a diner) found on both the Saratoga Home Farmhouse set and the Grant Howard Hand Painted set.
Here, we found that quite a few sets had us struggling to regulate the amount of seasoning that came out. Some, like the Le Creuset, have only one hole for salt, and yet we found the salt to pour out at a surprisingly fast rate. On the other hand, the Signora Ware Moisture Proof plastic set could barely eke out a few grains of salt with a single shake.
Aesthetics
It's challenging to test something as subjective as "aesthetics", especially regarding traditionally decorative kitchen items. Everyone has their own personal preferences, and each kitchen has its own general aesthetic. We measured this metric by pooling opinions from a wide range of testers; this included other GearLab experts, friends, and family. Overall, we found the Chefvantage sets to be our across-the-board winner in this metric. They are sleek and classy and seem to cater to a wide range of aesthetics. We also liked the Le Creuset Stoneware set for their vintage, timeless feel.
Our low-scoring products in this metric should be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak, since everyone has their personal preferences. The least popular options among our testers were the Signora Ware Moisture Proof and the Juvale Stainless Steel Set. They received low scores for different reasons. The Signora set is plastic and is more functional than stylish, while the Juvale set seemed to be a bit overdone with the written labels and the letter-shaped hole patterns on the lids.
Materials
We tested shaker sets made from a variety of different materials. The majority of the products we reviewed are made from a combination of glass and stainless steel. The Signora Ware Moisture Proof is made from plastic, while two novelty sets are made from ceramic. In general, the glass and stainless options, like the Chefvantage Adjustable, seemed to be the most durable and simple design-wise. We liked the solid feel of the ceramic Le Creuset as well.
There were a few sets that we were not crazy about materials-wise. Though the Juvale is made from stainless steel and glass, it has a large plastic collar on the lid that detracts from the overall design. We were also not crazy about using the Signora Ware set in our home kitchen, as we preferred to use a glass container for seasoning over a plastic one.
Conclusion
This review is designed to give you a run-down of the top salt and pepper shakers on the market. We compared their ease of filling and dispensing ability and made a broad assessment of their overall aesthetic and design. With these results, we were able to identify award winners and the products that fell short. Our kitchen experts spent countless hours comparing the performance of these products to create this comprehensive review. We hope it helps guide you toward the correct shaker set to perfectly suit your dining experience.
— Jane Jackson
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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
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