The 10 Best Salt Pigs

Editor's Notes

August 07, 2019:

If you prefer to keep your salt in an open container with no lid, it's hard to beat the Emile Henry Modern Classics. It's made from high-fired clay with a hard glaze that won't crack or chip, and unlike many others, its opening is wide enough to accommodate most users' hands. The Le Creuset 10-Ounce Crock has a classic style that's modeled after salt containers found in old-world kitchens and is available in a bold red or blue finish, or solid white if you prefer neutral tones. It's made from durable stoneware with a nonporous enamel finish that's scratch- and stain-resistant, and it can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Both cute and functional, the RSVP Stoneware is designed to look like an actual pig, with ears, a curly tail, and a snout. However, the opening is a bit small for many users' hands, so you may have to use the included spoon to scoop out salt.

While open containers offer easy and convenient access, they don't protect spices from moisture, and since most of us keep our salt next to the stove, grease splatter is also a concern. A salt cellar with a lid will ensure that your salt stays clean, dry, and clump-free, which is especially helpful if you live in an area with high humidity. The Berard Concrete has a simple white base with an olive wood lid that's treated to prevent it from drying out and cracking. The lid swivels open, so you can open it with one hand, and has a built-in magnet to keep it closed. If you do a lot of cooking, you'll appreciate the Bee House by Zero Japan's two-cup capacity. The lid absorbs moisture to help keep your salt dry, and the handle makes it easy to hold onto. The RSVP Endurance is very similar to the salt cellar used by Alton Brown on "Good Eats." Made from polished stainless steel with a glass bowl, it will look great on your counter or dining table, and the small spoon comes in handy when serving guests.