Home cooks spend plenty of time thinking about pan racks, knife storage, and perfect coffee stations, but one of the hardest-working tools in the kitchen often gets overlooked: the salt cellar. Because salt seasons nearly every step of cooking, it really should a dedicated spot within arm’s reach of the stove—and a container that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Once you start using one, it’s hard to stop at just one. I keep a dual-compartment cellar for kosher and flaky salt by the cooktop, another dish on the table for finishing, and could make a case for placing one anywhere food (or cocktails) happen.
And while practicality should be top of mind, so should design. In fact, your salt cellar should be stylish if it’s getting the spotlight in your kitchen. Classic salt cellar designs usually come in two styles. The first, also referred to as “salt pigs”, commonly look like pipes growing out of your kitchen counter, with wide openings at the top that allow you to reach in and access the salt easily. This shape cleverly keeps the salt protected from dust and kitchen grease without the need for a lid that can be annoying to remove with dirty hands while you’re cooking.
Alternatively, lidded salt cellars are often have hinged lids that can either be flung upwards or swung to the side with a light finger flick. This keeps salt protected from moisture while still allowing easy access. Below, I’ve rounded up a variety of beautiful and useful options (some are both!) that I’d proudly allow to take up permanent residence on my countertop—and you should, too.
Classic ‘salt pigs’
If you want to stick with the tried-and-true, salt-pig design, these options are both stylish and utilitarian. Whether you’re reaching for a handful of cooking salt or finishing off with coarse sea salt, they’ll keep your seasoning fresh and ready for action.
