On almost every table in a Mexican restaurant, next to the salsa and the stack of napkins, sit a salt shaker and a pepper shaker. They get picked up hundreds of times a day, refilled every few days, and wiped down after every service, which is a good test of what makes a shaker work: holes that pour evenly without clogging, a body you can grip with greasy fingers, and a top that comes off without a fight when it is time to refill.
This guide covers fixed and adjustable shakers, glass, plastic, steel and lead-free ceramic, and how humidity turns salt into a solid lump. It names nine shaker sets worth buying, from OXO, HOME EC, RSVP, TableCraft, Fiesta, Bico, Cole & Mason and Norpro.
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Quick verdict: which salt and pepper shakers to buy
For most tables the best salt pepper shaker set is the OXO Good Grips Salt & Pepper Shaker Set: a clear body that shows the fill level, different hole patterns for salt and pepper, a twist-off lid for refills and a side spout for pouring salt into a pot. If you want to change how much comes out, the OXO Good Grips Glass Adjustable Salt & Pepper Shaker Set has two hole sizes and closes to keep out moisture.
Five shaker sets side by side
Our five standout sets, one for each kind of table. All nine are reviewed in full below.
| Shaker set | Best for | Material | Adjustable | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Good Grips Salt & Pepper Shaker SetBest overall
|
Everyday table and stove | Clear BPA-free body, steel accents | No; side pour spout | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Glass Adjustable Salt & Pepper Shaker SetBest adjustable
|
Fine and coarse in one shaker | Glass | Two hole sizes, closes | View on Amazon |
HOME EC Adjustable Salt and Pepper ShakersMost settings
|
Shake, pour and seal | Glass and stainless steel | 4 settings | View on Amazon |
TableCraft Moisture-Proof Flip-Top Salt & Pepper ShakersBest for humid kitchens
|
Patios, humid climates | Glass, black and white flip lids | No; spring-loaded lid | View on Amazon |
Fiesta Salt & Pepper Rangetop SetBest ceramic
|
Color on the table | Lead-free ceramic, per Fiesta | No | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials, capacities and care are as each maker or listing states them; glaze statements are the maker’s own claims.
Our picks for the best salt pepper shaker
The nine sets below cover fixed and adjustable tops, top and screw-off refills, glass, plastic, steel and ceramic, and sizes from a 1.5-ounce flip-top to 10-ounce range shakers. Each review gives the listing’s specifications, what the set suits on a busy table, and one honest reason to skip it. Pepper mills are a separate tool; our pepper mill reviews cover them.
1. OXO Good Grips Salt & Pepper Shaker Set – Shake at the Table, Pour at the Stove
OXO’s shaker set is designed for both jobs a shaker does. At the table, the salt and pepper shakers have different hole patterns, so each dispenses its own kind of dash. At the stove, a side spout lets you pour salt into a pot of rice or beans without unscrewing anything.
The bodies are clear, BPA-free plastic, so you can see when either is running low, and the stainless steel accents look tidy on a table. Refilling is from the top: the lid twists off, which is quicker and less messy than the stoppers on the bottom of many ceramic shakers. The listing gives the size as 2 ounces.
The listing does not say whether the set is dishwasher safe, so plan to wash it by hand. Plastic will not break if it is knocked off the table, but it can scratch and cloud over the years, where glass stays clear.
Why we like it
- Different hole patterns for salt and pepper
- Side spout for pouring while cooking
- Clear body shows the fill level
- Twist-off lid for refills
Key specifications
| Model | 1234780 |
|---|---|
| Set | Salt and pepper shaker, 2 pieces |
| Material | Clear BPA-free body, stainless steel accents |
| Capacity | 2 oz, per the listing |
| Hole/pour adjust | Fixed holes; side pour spout |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Top, twist-off lid |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | Satisfaction guarantee, per the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family table and a cook who seasons at the stove with the same shaker, and who wants refills to take seconds.
Skip it if you want glass or steel on the table; the bodies are plastic.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shakes and pours
- Easy top refill
- Will not shatter
Cons
- Plastic can cloud
- Dishwasher care not stated
- Small capacity
2. OXO Good Grips Glass Adjustable Salt & Pepper Shaker Set – Two Hole Sizes and a Closed Setting
Fine table salt and coarse kosher salt need different holes, and so do finely ground and cracked pepper. OXO’s glass set solves that with a multi-setting lid: turn it to choose between two hole sizes, or turn it further to close the shaker completely. Audible clicks tell you when you have reached a setting.
The closed setting is the feature to notice if you live somewhere humid. OXO says the lid closes to keep the contents moisture-free, which helps stop salt from caking in the shaker between meals. Each shaker holds 3.5 ounces, and the bodies are glass.
The listing is brief: it does not say how the shakers are refilled or whether they can go in the dishwasher. We found no independent review of this set.
Why we like it
- Two hole sizes on one lid
- Closes to block moisture, per OXO
- Clicks into each setting
- 3.5 ounces each
Key specifications
| Model | 11312600 |
|---|---|
| Set | Salt and pepper shaker, 2 pieces |
| Material | Glass body; lid material not stated |
| Capacity | 3.5 oz each |
| Hole/pour adjust | Two hole sizes plus closed |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who switch between fine and coarse salt, and anyone who wants to seal the shakers against humidity.
Skip it if you want a pour spout for cooking; the original OXO set has one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Adjustable flow
- Seals closed
- Glass body
Cons
- Refill and care not stated
- Glass can break
- No independent review found
3. HOME EC Adjustable Salt and Pepper Shakers – Shake, Pour or Seal
HOME EC’s glass shakers sit inside stainless steel tops with four settings: two shake settings to control how much comes out, a large opening for pouring salt in quantity, and a closed setting that seals the shaker. That makes one shaker useful at the table and at the stove, for kosher salt as well as fine.
Each shaker holds half a cup, which the listing says is enough to cut down on refills without being bulky, and the clear glass shows when it is time to refill. The stainless top screws off to a wide opening, so refilling from the top is quick and tidy.
The listing does not say whether the shakers are dishwasher safe. Its warranty wording is inconsistent: the warranty field says one year, while the description promises a lifetime warranty. We found no independent review.
Why we like it
- Four settings: two shake, one pour, one closed
- Half a cup per shaker
- Wide screw-off top for refills
- Glass and stainless steel
Key specifications
| Model | ConeSS2pk |
|---|---|
| Set | 2 shakers |
| Material | Glass and stainless steel |
| Capacity | 1/2 cup each |
| Hole/pour adjust | 2 shake settings, 1 pour, 1 closed |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Top, wide screw-off lid |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | Listing states both one year and lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want one pair of shakers for the table and the stove, with a sealed setting between meals.
Skip it if you prefer an established brand with clear warranty terms.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most settings here
- Large capacity
- Easy top refill
Cons
- Conflicting warranty wording
- Care not stated
- Salt and pepper shakers look alike
4. TableCraft Moisture-Proof Flip-Top Salt & Pepper Shakers – A Lid That Snaps Shut on Its Own
TableCraft makes tabletop pieces for restaurants, and this is its answer to clumped salt. Each small glass shaker has a spring-loaded, hinged flip-top lid that opens when you tip it to shake and closes automatically afterward, so the salt is never left open to steam or a humid patio.
The lids are black for pepper and white for salt, the shakers hold 1.5 ounces and stand 3.5 inches tall, and the listing says they work with one hand. TableCraft suggests them for camping, picnics and eating outdoors, which is where an open shaker suffers most.
They are small, so you will refill them often, and the listing does not say how they refill or whether they can go in the dishwasher.
Why we like it
- Spring-loaded lid closes after each use
- Made to stop clumping, per TableCraft
- One-handed
- Black and white lids tell them apart
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (UPC 0727875106896) |
|---|---|
| Set | 2 shakers |
| Material | Glass, black and white flip lids |
| Capacity | 1.5 oz each |
| Hole/pour adjust | No; hinged flip top |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a humid kitchen, a patio table or a picnic basket, anywhere an open shaker would cake.
Skip it if you want a large shaker you rarely refill.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-closing lid
- Restaurant maker
- Color-coded
Cons
- Small capacity
- Refill and care not stated
5. Fiesta Salt & Pepper Rangetop Set – Lead-Free Glaze, Made in West Virginia
Ceramic shakers bring color to a table, and they are the kind we are careful with: we only list ceramic sets whose maker makes a clear statement about the glaze. Fiesta’s maker says its dinnerware has been “lead-free” since 1986, and explains that it uses that phrase rather than “100% lead free” because trace amounts occur in natural raw materials. It also says its glazes contain scant amounts of cadmium, encapsulated to keep it from leaching. Those are the maker’s statements.
The rangetop shakers are Fiesta’s larger size, meant to sit by the stove, and the Amazon listing describes fully vitrified ceramic made in Newell, West Virginia. Fiesta’s FAQ says its pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe. The set comes in several colors on Amazon, including scarlet, the color linked here.
The Amazon listing’s bullet points describe a baker and a dinner plate rather than shakers, so we have relied on the title and Fiesta’s own FAQ. Capacity and refill method are not stated.
Why we like it
- Maker states “lead-free” since 1986
- Made in the USA, per Fiesta
- Dishwasher safe, per Fiesta’s FAQ
- Bright colors that match Fiesta dinnerware
Key specifications
| Model | 756-326 (scarlet) |
|---|---|
| Set | Salt and pepper, rangetop size |
| Material | Vitrified ceramic, colored glaze |
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Hole/pour adjust | No |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per Fiesta’s FAQ |
| Warranty | Five years against chipping, per the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a colorful table or a kitchen with Fiesta dinnerware, and buyers who want a made-in-USA ceramic set with a written glaze statement.
Skip it if you want adjustable holes or a clear body that shows the fill level.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear glaze statement from the maker
- Made in the USA
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Listing details are muddled
- Capacity not stated
- Ceramic can chip
6. RSVP Jumbo Retro Glass Salt & Pepper Shakers – Eight Ounces Each
RSVP’s jumbo shakers look like the glass shakers on a diner counter and hold 8 ounces each, so you fill them once and forget about them for weeks. The stainless steel lids screw on and off from the top, and the listing says they work for salt, pepper or any finely ground spice, which makes a spare one useful for chile powder or a taco seasoning blend.
The listing gives the shakers as 2 3/4 inches square and 4 1/2 inches tall (the title says 2.25 by 2.25 by 4.3 inches; the two figures do not match). RSVP recommends hand washing.
The holes are not adjustable, and the listing does not say whether the salt and pepper lids differ, so you may need to mark which is which.
Why we like it
- 8 ounces per shaker
- Screw-on stainless steel lids
- Thick retro glass
- Works for ground spices too
Key specifications
| Model | 8015 |
|---|---|
| Set | 2 shakers |
| Material | Glass, stainless steel lids |
| Capacity | 8 oz each |
| Hole/pour adjust | No |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Top, screw-on lid |
| Dishwasher-safe | Hand washing recommended |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a busy family table or a kitchen counter where small shakers run empty too often.
Skip it if you want to tell salt from pepper at a glance.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large capacity
- Simple top refill
- Classic look
Cons
- Hand wash
- Conflicting dimensions
- Shakers may look identical
7. Bico Blue Talavera Ceramic Salt & Pepper Shaker Set – Talavera Style, Lead- and Cadmium-Free Claim
Blue-and-white talavera is the pottery many people picture on a Mexican table. Bico’s set is talavera in style, hand painted in blue on white, rather than certified Talavera from Puebla. We list it because Bico states on the listing that the shakers are lead and cadmium free ceramic. That is the maker’s claim; we have not seen test results.
The listing describes a set of two hand-painted shakers and says they are dishwasher safe. Bico also sells bowls, plates and serving platters in the same pattern, so you can build a matching table.
The listing gives no capacity, dimensions or refill details, so you are buying mainly on looks and the glaze statement. Avoid genuine-looking talavera shakers that make no glaze statement at all.
Why we like it
- Maker states lead and cadmium free
- Hand painted, per Bico
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing
- Matching tableware available
Key specifications
| Model | KE252SP2 |
|---|---|
| Set | 2 shakers |
| Material | Ceramic, “lead & cadmium free,” per Bico |
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Hole/pour adjust | No |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per the listing |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone setting a Mexican-style table who wants talavera-style shakers with a written glaze statement.
Skip it if you need capacity and refill details before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Glaze statement from the maker
- Talavera look
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not certified Puebla Talavera
- Few specifications
- Ceramic can chip
8. Cole & Mason Bray Salt and Pepper Shakers – Small, Prefilled and Ready to Use
Cole & Mason is best known for its mills, but the Bray set is a pair of simple shakers: glass jars with stainless steel tops and a spiral pattern that the maker says is comfortable to hold. At 7 centimeters (about 2 3/4 inches) tall, they are small enough for a picnic basket or a narrow table.
They arrive filled with ground black pepper and fine sea salt; you unscrew the top, remove the foil seal and start shaking. Refills go in through the top. Cole & Mason says to wash the glass in warm soapy water, wipe the steel tops with a damp cloth, and make sure both are completely dry before refilling, because damp shakers clog.
The set carries a two-year warranty, according to the listing. The small size means frequent refills on a busy table.
Why we like it
- Comes filled and ready to use
- Glass with stainless steel tops
- Clear care instructions from Cole & Mason
- Two-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Bray (H311810) |
|---|---|
| Set | 2 shakers, prefilled |
| Material | Glass, stainless steel tops |
| Capacity | Not stated; 7 cm tall |
| Hole/pour adjust | No |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Top, screw-off |
| Dishwasher-safe | No; hand wash glass, wipe tops |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small table, a picnic or a gift, from a maker whose care instructions are clear.
Skip it if you want shakers that last a week of family dinners between refills.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Ready out of the box
- Compact
- Warranty
Cons
- Small
- Hand wash only
9. Norpro Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, 10 oz – Big Holes and Handles for the Stove
Norpro’s shakers are built for cooking rather than the table. Each holds 10 ounces, about 1 1/4 cups, and the lids have large perforations that Norpro says let coarse spices, kosher salt and barbecue rubs flow without clogging. That suits a seasoning blend for carne asada as well as plain salt.
They are tin-plated steel with a painted retro design, and side handles give you a steady grip with one hand while the other works the pan. The lids are friction-fit and lift off for refilling. Each measures 4 by 3.25 by 2.625 inches.
Norpro says to hand wash them and dry them immediately with a soft cloth to protect the paint, and that they are not dishwasher safe.
Why we like it
- 10 ounces each
- Large holes for coarse salt and rubs
- Side handles
- Lift-off lids for quick refills
Key specifications
| Model | 713 |
|---|---|
| Set | 2 shakers with handles |
| Material | Tin-plated steel, painted |
| Capacity | 10 oz each |
| Hole/pour adjust | No; large holes |
| Refill (top/bottom) | Top, friction-fit lid |
| Dishwasher-safe | No; hand wash and dry at once |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who season by shaking at the stove or the grill, especially with kosher salt or homemade rubs.
Skip it if you want fine, measured dashes at the table; the holes are large.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large capacity
- Handles the coarse stuff
- Easy grip
Cons
- Hand wash, dry at once
- Painted finish needs care
How to choose salt and pepper shakers
Holes that match the grind. Fine salt needs small holes or it pours out in a rush; kosher salt and cracked pepper need big ones or they clog. Fixed shakers usually give pepper larger holes than salt. Adjustable tops, like the OXO glass and HOME EC sets, let one shaker handle both.
A way to keep moisture out. Salt absorbs water from the air and cakes. In a humid kitchen, a shaker that closes, whether an adjustable lid with a sealed setting or TableCraft’s spring-loaded flip top, keeps it flowing.
Refilling. Top refills through a screw-off or twist-off lid are quickest. Bottom refills, common on ceramic shakers, use a stopper and are slower but keep the top simple. Whichever you choose, make sure the shaker is completely dry before you refill it.
Material. Glass shows the fill level and stays clear; plastic will not break but can cloud; steel is tough; ceramic adds color. For ceramic, buy only from makers who state that the glaze is lead free, and read it as the maker’s claim.
Capacity. Small shakers look neat but empty fast. For a family table, 3 ounces or more saves refills; by the stove, 8 to 10 ounces is handy.
Telling them apart. Different hole patterns, colored lids or labels stop guests from peppering their eggs by accident.
What to put in your shakers
Shakers are for fine-grained salt and finely ground pepper. Table salt and fine sea salt flow evenly through small holes; coarse kosher salt and flaky salt are better in a salt cellar, where you pinch them, or in a shaker with large or adjustable holes. Cole & Mason, for example, says its London acrylic shakers are for pre-ground salt and pepper only.
For pepper with real aroma, many cooks grind it fresh in a mill and keep a shaker of pre-ground pepper for quick seasoning. A shaker of chile-lime salt or chile powder also earns a spot on a Mexican table, for fruit, corn and the rim of a margarita glass; our guide to salt for the rim of a margarita glass covers the salts, and our spice jar guide lists jars with shaker lids for spice blends.
How we chose these nine shaker sets
We looked at shaker sets and adjustable shakers from OXO, Cole & Mason, HOME EC, RSVP, TableCraft, Fiesta, Bico, Norpro, Le Creuset, Bormioli Rocco, Libbey, Kamenstein, Zassenhaus, Nambe and others, and kept only sets showing as in stock on Amazon when we checked. We chose a range of materials, capacities and lid types rather than nine near-identical glass pairs. Specifications come from the Amazon listings, and for Fiesta, from the maker’s FAQ.
We left out Le Creuset’s stoneware shakers because we could not find a lead-free glaze statement from Le Creuset, and any ceramic or talavera-style set without a maker’s glaze statement. The Libbey glass shakers we found are sold by the case and showed limited stock, and the Zassenhaus and Kamenstein products we found were mills or showed limited stock. Bormioli Rocco’s shaker jars were sold in a case of twelve sets. We found no America’s Test Kitchen, Serious Eats or Wirecutter review of salt and pepper shakers to cite, and we have not used these shakers ourselves.
Salt and pepper shaker questions, answered
What are the best salt and pepper shakers for everyday use?
The OXO Good Grips Salt & Pepper Shaker Set: it shakes at the table, pours at the stove, shows the fill level and refills from the top. For a sealed, adjustable pair, choose the OXO glass adjustable set.
What are the best quality salt and pepper shakers?
Look for glass or steel bodies, stainless steel lids, a top that closes against moisture and a maker’s warranty. For ceramic, look for a maker’s lead-free glaze statement, such as Fiesta’s.
Are there good green or pink salt and pepper shakers?
Fiesta’s ceramic shakers come in several colors, and TableCraft sells jadeite-green glass shakers. Colored glass and painted ceramic both work; for ceramic, check the maker’s glaze statement.
What are the best modern salt and pepper shakers?
Clean glass and stainless designs, like the OXO glass adjustable set or the HOME EC shakers, suit a modern table and add an adjustable top.
How do I stop salt from clumping in a shaker?
Use a shaker that closes, keep it away from the steam of the stove, and make sure it is completely dry before refilling. Many cooks also add a few grains of uncooked rice to absorb moisture.
What is the difference between a salt shaker and a salt cellar?
A shaker dispenses fine salt through holes; a cellar is an open or lidded container you pinch coarse salt from. Many kitchens keep both: a cellar by the stove and shakers on the table.
The shakers we would set on the table
Buy the OXO Good Grips Salt & Pepper Shaker Set for everyday use, or the OXO glass adjustable set if you switch between fine and coarse salt. Choose TableCraft’s flip-tops for a humid kitchen, Fiesta or Bico for color with a maker’s glaze statement, and the Norpro set for the stove.
More for the spice shelf and table: measuring spoons.
Shakers sit alongside the salsa bowls and tortilla warmers in our taco bar supplies guide and the other basics in our guide to Mexican cooking tools. If you would rather someone else set the table, see the menu or call to order.