A cocktail shaker does not have to be expensive to work. Restaurants and bars buy most of their shakers from foodservice suppliers, the same makers that sell sheet pans and ladles, and those plain stainless steel tins and cobblers are built to survive a busy service. The extra money in a premium shaker mostly buys heavier steel, a finer finish and tighter tolerances, which are pleasant to have but not essential for a margarita on a Friday night.
What a budget shaker must still do is seal without leaking, open again when it is ice cold, and keep its shape after a few knocks. This guide covers the inexpensive shakers that do that, from foodservice cobblers and plain tin sets to unbreakable plastic shakers, explains where spending a little more pays off, and points out the corners that cheap shakers tend to cut.
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Quick verdict: which budget shaker to buy
For the best value, buy the Barfly 18-ounce and 28-ounce shaker tin set: heavy-duty stainless steel tins from Mercer Culinary’s bar line, made to fit together and release easily, at a modest price for a professional-style set. Add an inexpensive Hawthorne strainer. If you want everything in one tool for the least money, the Winco 16-ounce three-piece shaker is a plain foodservice cobbler with its strainer built in, and the OXO Good Grips plastic shaker is the cheap pick that will not break by the pool.
The rest of this page explains how to judge a cheap shaker and who each pick suits. For the full range of shakers at every price, see our main guide to the best cocktail shaker.
Five budget shakers side by side
Our five standout budget picks, one for each kind of home bartender, with the specifications each maker or listing states. All seven shakers are reviewed in full below.
| Shaker | Best for | Type & material | Capacity | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Barfly Shaker Tin Set, 18 oz and 28 ozBest value overall
|
Professional tins on a budget | Boston tin-on-tin, heavy-duty stainless | 18 oz + 28 oz tins | View on Amazon |
Winco 16 oz Three-Piece Shaker SetBudget cobbler
|
A first all-in-one shaker | Three-piece cobbler, stainless steel | 16 oz, one drink | View on Amazon |
American Metalcraft Weighted Boston Shaker SetBudget weighted tins
|
Weighted tins for the least money | Boston tin-on-tin, weighted stainless | 18 oz + 28 oz tins | View on Amazon |
New Star Foodservice Cobbler Shaker, 25 ozBest big cobbler
|
Room for a bigger drink, strainer built in | Three-piece cobbler, stainless steel | 25 oz | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Plastic Cocktail Shaker, 20 ozBest unbreakable
|
Patios, pools and beginners | Cobbler-style, plastic with silicone gaskets | 20 oz (590 ml) | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacities and materials are as stated by each maker or listing; prices change, so check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best cheap cocktail shaker
These seven shakers sit at the inexpensive end of the market, though not all at the same point: the foodservice cobblers and plastic shakers are the cheapest, the tin sets cost a little more, and the Koriko set is the step up we think is worth considering before you jump to a premium shaker. They cover all three budget routes: tins, cobblers and plastic. Each pick explains who it suits and gives one honest reason to skip it.
1. Barfly Shaker Tin Set, 18 oz and 28 oz – Pro-Style Tins for Less
Barfly is Mercer Culinary’s bar line, sold to restaurants and bars, and this is its standard tin set: one full-size 28-ounce (828 ml) tin and one half-size 18-ounce (532 ml) tin in heavy-duty stainless steel. Those are the same sizes most bartenders use, which matters because standard sizes fit standard Hawthorne strainers.
The listing says the tins are made “to maintain shape, hide wear, and perform consistently well”, and “with precision to fit together perfectly, and release easily”. Those are the two things a cheap shaker most often gets wrong. Thin, soft tins dent, and a dented rim no longer seals; poorly matched tins either leak or lock together so hard that they are a fight to open. A tin-on-tin set also has no small parts to lose and no strainer holes to clog with lime pulp.
Barfly is clear about care: its stainless steel is dishwasher safe, but the maker recommends hand washing with mild soap and warm water and avoiding detergents with bleach or heavy chlorination. You need a strainer, which is the only extra cost. The set is not weighted; if you want weighted tins on a budget, see the American Metalcraft set below.
Why we like it
- Standard 18-ounce and 28-ounce sizes
- Heavy-duty stainless steel, built to keep its shape
- Made to fit together and release easily, according to Barfly
- Each tin also works on its own
Key specifications
| Model | M37009 |
|---|---|
| Type | Boston, tin-on-tin |
| Material | Heavy-duty stainless steel |
| Capacity | 18 oz (532 ml) and 28 oz (828 ml) tins |
| Pieces | 2 tins |
| Weight | Not stated (not described as weighted) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes; hand washing recommended, no bleach detergents |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want the setup a bar uses for the least money, make drinks for more than one person, or want a shaker that will last for years.
Skip it if you want a shaker that works with nothing else to buy; tins need a strainer and a little practice to seal.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Standard professional sizes
- Heavy-duty steel resists dents
- Nothing to clog or lose
Cons
- Strainer sold separately
- Not weighted
- Seal takes practice
2. American Metalcraft Weighted Boston Shaker Set – Weighted Tins, Plain Finish
American Metalcraft is a foodservice supplier, and this is its plain Boston shaker set: an 18-ounce and a 28-ounce tin, both stainless steel and both weighted, according to the listing. It is one of the least expensive ways to get weighted tins from an identifiable maker rather than an unbranded kit.
Weighted tins have a thicker base, which lowers the center of gravity so a tin full of ice is less likely to tip when you set it down, and gives the pair a balanced feel when you shake. The listing gives exact sizes: the 18-ounce tin is 3-3/8 inches across and 5-1/4 inches tall, the 28-ounce tin 3-5/8 inches across and 7 inches tall, which helps if you want to check that a strainer you already own will fit.
That is about all the listing says. It does not describe the steel grade, the finish, how the tins seal or how to wash them, and the tins are also sold individually. Stainless tins without a decorative finish are generally fine in a dishwasher, but the maker does not say so; hand washing is the safe choice.
Why we like it
- Both tins weighted, according to the listing
- Standard 18-ounce and 28-ounce sizes
- Exact dimensions stated for strainer fit
- From an established foodservice maker
Key specifications
| Model | BSSET |
|---|---|
| Type | Boston, tin-on-tin |
| Material | Stainless steel, weighted (grade not stated) |
| Capacity | 18 oz and 28 oz tins |
| Pieces | 2 tins |
| Weight | Not stated (weighted) |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want weighted tins at the lowest cost and are happy with a plain, restaurant-style finish.
Skip it if you want a maker that explains its steel, seal and care. The Barfly and Koriko listings say much more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Weighted for stability
- Standard sizes
- Dimensions stated
Cons
- Very little detail in the listing
- Care not stated
- Strainer sold separately
3. Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Weighted Shaking Tins – The Step Up Worth Making
If you can stretch a little past the cheapest tins, the Koriko set is where we would spend it. It is not a luxury shaker; it sits near the top of the budget range, and it is the set Cocktail Kingdom calls “the industry-standard shaking tins preferred by professional bartenders”. It is also our top pick for margaritas, and the same reasons apply here.
The set pairs an 18-ounce (532 ml) and a 28-ounce (830 ml) tin, both weighted, and Cocktail Kingdom rates it for two drinks at once. The maker says its quality control gives “a perfect balance between flexibility and rigidity that ensures a tight seal with easy separation”, which is exactly where cheap tins tend to fall short: tins that are too stiff will not seal, and tins that are too soft dent and lock together.
Like every tin set it needs a strainer, and Cocktail Kingdom makes a Koriko Hawthorne strainer to fit. The listing gives the tins as dishwasher safe, though a quick rinse straight after shaking keeps lime juice and sugar from drying on.
Why we like it
- Weighted 18-ounce and 28-ounce tins
- Two-drink capacity, according to Cocktail Kingdom
- Made to seal tightly and separate easily
- Dishwasher safe, according to the listing
Key specifications
| Model | KORIKO-SHAKER |
|---|---|
| Type | Boston, tin-on-tin |
| Material | Stainless steel (grade not stated) |
| Capacity | 18 oz (532 ml) and 28 oz (830 ml) tins; two drinks |
| Pieces | 2 tins |
| Weight | Not stated (both tins weighted) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you make cocktails often and want to buy once. Spending a little more here usually costs less than replacing a cheap set that dents or leaks.
Skip it if every dollar counts or you shake a drink only now and then; the Barfly or a Winco cobbler will do.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Professional standard
- Two drinks per shake
- Weighted, dishwasher safe
Cons
- Costs more than the plain tins
- Strainer sold separately
- Steel grade not stated
4. Winco 16 oz Three-Piece Shaker Set – Everything in One, Little Outlay
Winco makes equipment for restaurants and bars, and this is about as plain as a cocktail shaker gets: a 16-ounce stainless steel cup, a strainer lid and a cap, with a polished finish. The listing calls it an integrated design that minimizes spills and names cocktails, martinis and mixed drinks among its uses. It is also the budget pick on our margarita shaker page.
A cobbler is the cheapest complete kit, because the strainer is built in: apart from a jigger to measure, you need nothing else. Sixteen ounces is enough for one drink and a good handful of ice. If you are not sure how often you will make cocktails at home, it is a low-risk way to find out.
The listing is short on detail: no steel grade, weight or care instructions. As with any cobbler, and especially an inexpensive one, a cold lid can stick. Open it straight after shaking, give it a twist rather than a pull, and run it under warm water briefly if it will not budge. Rinse it straight after use so pulp does not dry in the strainer holes.
Why we like it
- Complete three-piece shaker: cup, strainer and cap
- Stainless steel with a polished finish
- From a foodservice equipment maker
- Compact 16-ounce size for one drink
Key specifications
| Model | BL-3P |
|---|---|
| Type | Cobbler |
| Material | Stainless steel (grade not stated) |
| Capacity | 16 oz; one drink |
| Pieces | 3 (cup, strainer, cap) |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it as a first shaker, a spare for parties, or for a kitchen that makes a cocktail now and then.
Skip it if you shake drinks often or for two; tins are faster, and the 16-ounce cup is snug once ice goes in.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Everything in one tool
- Simple foodservice design
- Small and easy to store
Cons
- Few details in the listing
- Lid can stick when cold
- One drink at a time
5. New Star Foodservice Cobbler Shaker, 25 oz – Bigger Cobbler, Same Simplicity
New Star Foodservice is another restaurant supplier, and its 25-ounce shaker is a larger version of the classic three-piece cobbler: a tin, a top with a built-in strainer, and a cap. The listing describes it as durable stainless steel that “withstands constant use behind busy bars, restaurants, and catering stations”, with a polished finish, intended for both commercial and home use.
The extra size is the reason to choose it over the Winco. Twenty-five ounces leaves room for a drink with more liquid, such as a margarita with a splash of juice, or a full load of ice that chills a single drink faster. New Star does not give a drink capacity, so treat two small drinks as the limit rather than a rating. The removable cap, the listing says, allows smooth, controlled pouring.
The listing does not state the steel grade, weight or whether it is dishwasher safe; it says only that the smooth surface makes cleaning quick. Hand wash it, and open it straight after shaking, as you would any cobbler.
Why we like it
- 25-ounce capacity, larger than most budget cobblers
- Built-in strainer and cap: nothing else to buy
- Made for commercial bar use, according to the listing
- Polished stainless steel finish
Key specifications
| Model | 48414 |
|---|---|
| Type | Cobbler |
| Material | Stainless steel (grade not stated) |
| Capacity | 25 oz; drink capacity not stated |
| Pieces | 3 (tin, strainer top, cap) |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want an all-in-one cobbler with room to spare, or a budget shaker for a party where guests make their own drinks.
Skip it if you want the lid to come off easily every time; a large, inexpensive cobbler has the most metal to contract around the lid, so it can stick when very cold.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large capacity
- Built-in strainer
- Commercial-grade build
Cons
- Lid can stick when cold
- Care not stated
- Drink capacity not stated
6. OXO Good Grips Plastic Cocktail Shaker, 20 oz – Leakproof and Unbreakable
Plastic is the other way to spend little, and OXO’s shaker is the best-specified plastic shaker we found. The listing describes single-wall plastic holding up to 20 ounces (590 ml), with two silicone gaskets for a leakproof seal, so the lid stays put while you shake and comes off without a fight.
It is designed for people who are not professional bartenders. The jigger cap has measurement markings, so you do not need a separate jigger, the lid has a built-in strainer, and the grip points are non-slip “even when they’re wet”, as OXO puts it. The base is non-slip too. For the patio, the pool or a first shaker, it removes most of the ways a cheap shaker goes wrong.
Plastic has limits. It does not chill a drink as fast as steel, so shake a little longer, and it will not look as smart on a bar cart. OXO lists it as dishwasher safe, and the OXO Better Guarantee covers repair or replacement if something goes wrong.
Why we like it
- Two silicone gaskets for a leakproof seal
- Jigger cap with measurement markings
- Built-in strainer and non-slip grip
- Dishwasher safe, with the OXO Better Guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | 11327200 |
|---|---|
| Type | Cobbler-style with jigger cap |
| Material | Plastic, single wall, silicone gaskets (plastic type not stated) |
| Capacity | 20 oz (590 ml) |
| Pieces | Shaker, strainer lid, jigger cap |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for patios, pools, camping and beginners, or as a spare so guests can make their own drinks without risking your good shaker.
Skip it if you want a shaker that chills as fast as possible or looks good on display. Steel does both better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Will not break or dent
- Leakproof gasket seal
- Measures, shakes and strains
Cons
- Chills more slowly than steel
- Plastic type not stated
- Utilitarian look
7. OGGI Clear Plastic Cocktail Shaker, 24 oz – See and Measure the Drink
OGGI’s shaker is a clear plastic version of the classic cobbler shape, holding 24 ounces (700 ml). The listing describes a built-in ice strainer in the lid, a cap “specially engineered” to fit securely and prevent leaks, and measurement markings on the body to help you build a drink without a separate jigger.
Being able to see the drink is useful when you are learning. You can pour each ingredient to the line, check that you have added enough ice, and watch the drink as you shake it. At 24 ounces it is also large; OGGI says it is “big enough to make multiple servings”, so two drinks at once is realistic.
The trade-offs are those of any plastic shaker: it chills more slowly than steel and will scratch over time. OGGI recommends hand washing with mild soap between uses, and the listing gives a 90-day limited warranty. The type of plastic is not stated.
Why we like it
- Clear body with measurement markings
- Built-in ice strainer
- 24-ounce capacity, enough for more than one serving
- 90-day limited warranty stated
Key specifications
| Model | 7669 |
|---|---|
| Type | Cobbler-style |
| Material | Clear plastic (type not stated) |
| Capacity | 24 oz (700 ml) |
| Pieces | Shaker, strainer lid, cap |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Hand washing recommended |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you are learning to mix drinks and want to see and measure as you go, or need a large, unbreakable shaker for a party.
Skip it if you want to put your shaker in the dishwasher; OGGI recommends hand washing, and the OXO is dishwasher safe.
Pros and cons
Pros
- See-through with markings
- Large capacity
- Will not break
Cons
- Hand wash only, per the maker
- Plastic can scratch
- Chills more slowly than steel
How to choose a cheap cocktail shaker that lasts
A low price is only good value if the shaker does its job for years. These are the things to check.
1. The seal and the release
Every shaker has to seal tightly while you shake and open easily afterward, and this is where cheap shakers most often fail. Metal contracts as it gets cold, America’s Test Kitchen explains, so the longer you wait after shaking, the tighter a metal shaker grips. Cobblers are most prone to sticking because the lid sits inside the cup. Tins seal by friction and release with a sharp tap where the two meet. Plastic shakers with silicone gaskets, such as the OXO, avoid the problem altogether. Whatever you buy, open it straight after shaking.
2. Steel that keeps its shape
Thin, soft steel dents, and a dented rim will not seal. Look for makers that describe their steel as heavy-duty or heavy gauge, as Barfly does, and buy from foodservice brands that make tins for bars, where shakers are dropped and banged all night. Plain stainless steel does not react with lime juice, and it is fine to be unpolished; a mirror finish is for looks.
3. Tins, cobbler or plastic
- Tins give the most value: they hold the most, shake two drinks at once and have nothing to clog. Budget for a strainer as well.
- Cobblers are the cheapest complete kit, with the strainer built in, but usually make one drink at a time and can stick.
- Plastic is cheap, light and unbreakable, ideal outdoors, but chills more slowly.
4. Standard sizes
The standard tin pairing is an 18-ounce small tin and a 28-ounce large tin, the sizes used by Barfly, American Metalcraft and Cocktail Kingdom. Standard sizes mean a standard Hawthorne strainer will fit, and you can replace one tin if it gets lost or damaged. Our guide to the best cocktail shaker strainer covers which strainers fit which tins.
5. Where cheap kits cut corners
The cheapest shakers online are often multi-piece kits from sellers with no track record, bundling a shaker with a jigger, muddler, spoon and stand. The shaker is the part that matters, and listings for these kits rarely say anything about the steel, the seal or care. We left them out. If you want a set, our guide to the best cocktail shaker set covers kits from named makers.
How we picked these seven budget shakers
We searched Amazon in the United States for inexpensive shakers from identifiable makers, starting with foodservice brands such as Winco, Barfly, TableCraft, New Star Foodservice, American Metalcraft and Update International, plus OXO and OGGI for plastic. We compared the price tiers when we checked, kept the shakers at the low end of the market, and kept one step-up set, the Koriko, because we think it is the best value for anyone who shakes drinks often. Each shaker’s type, capacity, material and care come from its Amazon listing. Every pick was in stock when we checked. We left out shakers that were out of stock or nearly so, including OXO’s steel cobbler and every TableCraft model we checked, including its 8-ounce model 375; Update International’s 30-ounce cup, which its listing describes as a commercial cup rather than a cocktail shaker; and a glass-and-steel set that turned out not to be inexpensive. For how shakers seal and stick we cite America’s Test Kitchen. We have not used these products ourselves; where we describe how one performs, we say whose description it is.
Budget shaker questions, answered
What is the best inexpensive cocktail shaker?
For most people, a plain stainless steel tin set such as the Barfly 18-ounce and 28-ounce set, with an inexpensive Hawthorne strainer. If you want one tool with the strainer built in, the Winco 16-ounce cobbler; for outdoor use, the OXO plastic shaker.
What is the best value cocktail shaker?
Value means cost spread over years of use. Tin sets give the most for the money: they last, they hold two drinks, and there is nothing to clog. The Cocktail Kingdom Koriko set costs a little more than plain tins, but it is the professional standard and is made to seal and release reliably, so it is the set we would buy to keep.
Can you get a good cocktail shaker on a small budget?
Yes. Every shaker on this page sits at the inexpensive end of the market. Spending more mostly buys heavier steel, a nicer finish and tighter tolerances. You do not need a premium shaker to make a good drink; you need fresh ice, fresh juice, a jigger and a shaker that seals.
Are cheap bartender kits worth buying?
Usually not for the shaker alone. Unbranded multi-piece kits bundle a shaker with tools you may not need, and their listings rarely say anything about the steel, the seal or care. A plain stainless steel shaker from a named foodservice maker, plus a jigger and a strainer bought separately, is a better use of a small budget.
Why does my cheap shaker leak or stick?
A leaking shaker usually has a dented rim or a poorly matched lid; a sticking one has been left to sit after shaking, so the cold metal contracted around the lid. Open it straight away, tap tins firmly where they meet, and twist a cobbler lid rather than pulling it. A few seconds under warm water frees a stubborn one.
Our budget shaker, in short
Buy the Barfly tin set and a strainer for the best value, the Winco cobbler for the simplest and cheapest all-in-one shaker, and the OXO plastic shaker for the patio. If you shake drinks often, the Koriko tins are the step up worth making. Shake hard with plenty of fresh ice, measure with a jigger, and drink responsibly.
For shakers at every price, see the best cocktail shaker; for margaritas in particular, the best cocktail shaker for margaritas; and for everything else a home margarita bar needs, our guide to margarita accessories. And if you would rather someone else made the drinks tonight, see our drinks and the menu, or call to order.