The 13 Best Salt and Peppers Shakers, Mills, Cellars, and Wells

When it comes to ever-present table accoutrements that make an impression, salt and pepper shakers are where we can really let our personality and preferences shine. These Memphis Design-style salt and pepper mills were whimsical additions to the dinner table at my parents’ house, and I blame this salt cellar episode of Frasier for driving my obsession with the idea of owning a tiny little pinch pot with an equally tiny spoon.

We reach for my salt and pepper shakers at nearly every meal, so it only makes sense that such a frequently used item should beget a design that’s not just efficient, but cool. Imagine pulling up for dinner at your friend’s house, and they greet you with this lemon wedge juicer and chic salt server:

Of course, the way you store and serve your salt and pepper varies according to your spice specifications. There are grinders, cellars, shakers, and combination sets; there are folks who shop for functionality, and folks who want to dazzle guests with a pair of salt and pepper shakers shaped like rabbits. I’m a big proponent of letting kitsch options add some ambiance to your breakfast nook or dinner party in lieu of, say, towering flowers and candles that block guests’ views (it’s all about cutting a low profile, decor-wise). But if you want to crank your workhorse Peugeot pepper mill like Jacques Pepin reincarnate, that’s cool too.

Below, I have rounded up the coolest salt and pepper vessels that the internet can offer — starting with an explainer on figuring out which shakers, pots, and grinders are perfect for you.

Salt and Pepper Grinders vs. Shakers and Pinch Pots

While some of us like our salt and pepper freshly ground, others prefer a quick shake or even a few pinches. Much of this comes down to personal preference, and is enacted via the kind of salt and pepper you’re using. Cooks who favor convenience and pre-ground salt and pepper will reach for shakers, while those who want a fresh, often coarser grind will opt for grinders or mills (many of which have adjustable settings for varying degrees of coarseness). Pinch pots or salt cellars, on the other hand, are ideal for finishing salts (like the popular varieties by Jacobsen or Maldon, beloved for their flaky, pyramid-shaped crystals).

The Best Salt and Pepper Mills and Grinders

The chicest set on a budget

Equal parts romantic and practical

Peugeot Salt and Pepper Mill Set

Prices taken at time of publishing.

The French brand Peugeot makes beautiful cars and beautiful salt and pepper mills, which is an unexpected but wonderful combination of passions. The pepper mills debuted in 1874, and they’re still beloved for their ergonomic, easy-to-grip shape and every mill is made with PEFC-certified beechwood. 

You’re a Le Creuset collector

Le Creuset Salt and Pepper Mill

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Le Creuset’s flame-colored salt and pepper mills are a cheery nod to the brand’s colorful, iconic enameled cookware, and brighten up any tablescape or countertop. Trends come and go, but this is one of those brands that will never tire. 

An elegant grinder and shaker combo set

French Kitchen Marble Salt and Pepper Set

Prices taken at time of publishing.

For the best of both worlds, I suggest this stately marble pepper grinder and salt shaker duo from Crate & Barrel. They’ll have a bit of weight to them, too, which means they won’t topple over easily and spill. 

You’re all about the chrome dishware trend

You’re into Japandi design

Bodum Nissen Ball Salt and Pepper Pinch Pots

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Like kettlebells, but cooler, this Richard Nissen-designed set of Bodum salt and pepper grinders offers Scandi postmodern flair for your next dinner party.

The Best Salt and Pepper Shakers

For the proud tinned fish folks

You have tried every Sfoglini shape

You have a MoMA Design Store membership

Dusen Dusen Pattern Shakers

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This beechwood set is modeled after the salt and pepper shakers in brand designer Ellen Van Dusen’s home, and its playful but grown-up design feels like the perfect way to dip into the brand’s signature aesthetic with staying power. 

You used to play with your food (a lot)

The Best Salt and Pepper Pinch Pots and Cellars

The pinch pot with a lid that’s impossible to lose

Demigo Acacia Salt Cellar

Prices taken at time of publishing.

I owned a little acacia wood salt cellar for years, and found that it looked great with practically every kind of tablescape. This pot wins bonus points for its magnetized swivel lid.

You’ve seen Dune several times

Zetes Tan and Red Marble Salt Cellars and Tray

Prices taken at time of publishing.

The warm, red marble material of this set is delightful, but it’s the thoughtful inclusion of a tray (for catching stray salt and pepper) that seals the deal. 

You want ‘The Brutalist’ to win Best Picture