The Best Salt Cellar

Buying Guide

Salt shakers have become kitchen standards in recent years, but there are benefits to an old-fashioned salt container. These containers go by two different names: salt cellar and salt pig. They each serve the same purpose, though. They keep salt tucked away under a lid, where they resist moisture and contaminants.

The best thing about a salt cellar is that it doesn’t limit you to grain sizes. When you’re shopping for salt, you’ll see fine, kosher, coarse and powder, but traditional salt shakers limit you to fine unless you want to grind the salt. A salt cellar is a container with a lid, so you can fill it with any size you want.

But you’ll find salt cellars in three different material types, each with its own benefits:

• Wood: The most popular type of salt cellar, wood naturally resists moisture, helping keep the interior contents dry. This type of cellar may be made from a variety of woods, each varying in durability, but overall, this type of container holds up well because it can easily survive being dropped and banged around.
• Ceramic: Made from clay, this type of salt cellar typically features fun designs. They’re usually less expensive than porcelain, but the lid doesn’t always seal well enough to keep moisture out.
• Porcelain: Another popular option is porcelain, which is made from clay fired at a higher temperature, giving it more durability than ceramic. Porcelain can be easier to clean than wood or ceramic. However, you’ll need to check the seal to ensure it will keep moisture at bay.

It’s important to look at a salt cellar’s protection against moisture, though. Salt can tend to absorb moisture in the surrounding air, which is why you’ll sometimes see grains of rice in salt shakers. The rice also keeps the salt from clumping, letting you enjoy a fresh seasoning experience each time.

• Cleanup can be a challenge with wood salt cellars. When you do need to clean it, wipe it down with a wet cloth. Don’t soak it in water or run it through the dishwasher.
• If you’re going for a wooden salt cellar, pay close attention to the type of wood. Bamboo and acacia are particularly popular thanks to their durability and moisture resistance.
• Consider the way the lid attaches to the container. Some have magnets that hold them in place while also allowing you to slide them out of the way with one hand.
• Salt cellars are typically fairly small, but make sure you’re getting the capacity you need. You’ll need to balance that against the space they’ll take up. Whether you’re storing it on your table or one of your counters, you’ll want to make sure it fits into your existing setup.
• You’ll need to be able to reach your thumb and fingers inside to grab a pinch of salt. Keep that in mind. The base should be wide enough to comfortably accommodate that.
• The duration of your salt will depend on the type. Iodized salt has an expiration date of typically about five years. Regular salt won’t expire, though.
• It’s important to avoid contaminating the salt inside your cellar. Oils and sauces from your fingertips can shorten salt’s shelf life and introduce moisture that you then seal inside. This could cause the clumping that you’re trying to avoid.
• Handcrafted construction can add that extra touch while also boosting your salt cellar’s durability.
• If you prefer to dole out your salt with a small spoon, look for a salt cellar that has one included. Some fit snugly beneath the lid to seal them in with the salt and ensure they’re always ready. This will help keep you from accidentally inserting a wet spoon and introducing moisture to the internal contents.