Flap, Spout or Flip Top? How to Pick the Best Sugar Dispenser

A sugar dispenser is the sort of thing you stop noticing, until it clumps, jams or leaves a sticky ring on the table. Restaurants settled on the glass pourer long ago, because it’s quick and doesn’t need a spoon. At home, you have more choice.

These eight run from the classic diner shape to self-closing spouts, in glass and in plastic. Most are simple enough that a listing tells you much of what you need, so we also say where the listing goes quiet.

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Quick verdict: which sugar dispenser to buy

Five sugar dispensers at a glance

The five that cover most kitchens. All eight are reviewed below.

Our picks for the best sugar dispenser

How to choose a sugar pourer

Start with the opening, because that’s what you’ll deal with every morning. A classic flap gives a fast pour but can trap sugar. A pop-up spout or an easy-open spout gives you more control. A self-closing lid or weighted flap means less fuss, but it’s a moving part that can stick if sugar gets damp. Think about how you use it: a teaspoon in a cup needs more control than a heavy pour into a bowl of cereal.

Next, choose your body. Plain glass shows the level, feels solid and is usually dishwasher friendly, but it can break on a hard floor. Plastic is a better choice for a table with children. We’ve kept to plain glass and plastic here, so there’s no glaze to think about. If you prefer a lidded bowl and a spoon, see our sugar bowl guide.

Consider the size, too. Twelve ounces is the classic restaurant size and takes about one and a half cups, according to Tablecraft. Seven or nine ounces is better for a compact coffee station, but you’ll refill it more often. Refilling is easier with a wide mouth, and easier still if you use a funnel.

Last, think about moisture, the enemy of any dispenser. Keep it away from a kettle or an espresso steam wand, and let a washed jar dry fully before you refill it. OXO and Tablecraft both describe their tops as keeping moisture out, but sugar in a humid kitchen will still clump over time.

How we picked these eight dispensers

We haven’t used these dispensers. We looked for single units suited to a home, not restaurant case packs. Most Winco and several other restaurant pourers were low in stock or only sold by the dozen, so they aren’t here. Specs come from each listing, and all were in stock when we checked.

We read the BestReviews guide to sugar shakers by Ade Hennis, last updated in September 2021, which is based on research rather than a described comparison at a table. It covers the plastic OXO and the GoodCook here. Other results were affiliate roundups, or retailer pages we didn’t rely on. The other picks rest on listing and maker details. Aelga and Tebery are the two brands that sell mainly through Amazon, and they’re at the bottom of the list on purpose.

The pair of OXO dispensers and the pair of Tablecraft pourers are different designs, in different materials or shapes, not the same product twice.

Sugar dispenser questions, answered

How do I stop sugar from clumping in a dispenser?

Keep moisture out. Dry the jar fully after washing, keep the dispenser away from steam, and close the top. OXO says its side spout minimizes moisture, and Tablecraft says its hinged lid keeps moisture out, but a humid kitchen can still cause clumps.

Glass or plastic?

Glass gives a classic look and usually washes easily. Plastic won’t shatter, and BestReviews notes the OXO plastic is heavy for its material. Choose based on who’s using it and what your floor is made of.

Can I use these for other things?

Tebery suggests salt, pepper and spices, as well as Parmesan. Clean out the jar when you switch. Coarse sugars may not flow well, as BestReviews says the GoodCook suits fine sugar best.

How much does a standard sugar pourer hold?

Twelve ounces is the most common size here. Tablecraft gives that as one and a half cups. The OXO plastic holds 9 ounces, and the Aelga holds 7.

Are sugar pourers dishwasher safe?

Some are. Tablecraft and American Metalcraft say so, though Tablecraft’s Beehive says to hand wash the metal top. Both OXO models are hand wash only.

Our final pick for the sugar on your table

For most homes, the GoodCook is the sensible choice, with a simple spout and enough room for a good while. Choose the OXO glass for an easier spout, the plastic OXO for a table with children, and the Tablecraft if the dishwasher matters. Our creamer pitcher guide covers what goes beside it. And if the coffee is ready and breakfast isn’t, call to order from Julia’s.