How to Fill Salt and Pepper Shakers

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Filling salt and pepper shakers may or may not be self-evident, depending on the type of shakers used. Even if you think you've got this task sorted, there is always the issue of unwanted spillage while you pour––it's annoying! This article explores a few tricks that will help you to fill shakers with ease.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Identifying Any Special Needs of Your Particular Shakers

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Read the instructions accompanying more complicated shakers. If there are various levels or layers to untwist and open out, the shakers likely came with instructions.
    • Scan the instructions to your computer for permanent easy retrieval.
    • Reread these whenever needed to remind you.
    • Follow the instructions for disassembling and reassembling the shakers.
    2. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Filling Shakers According to Hole Size and Amount

PDF download Download Article
  1. This may seem basic but it's actually subject to considerable controversy and depends on your preferences:
    • Some say that salt needs the container with less holes but larger ones, because it's the bigger grain to get through the holes. Others prefer the salt to have more holes but smaller because it allows for more of the seasoning to flavor the dish.
    • Some say that pepper needs to container with larger and more holes because it's a bigger grain that is harder to shake through.
    • The answer probably falls into a gray area––it depends on the size of the grains (really finely ground or chunkier), family/restaurant preference and the tradition you've been raised with. Complicating the answer is the fact that there seem to be different standards in different countries. Go with the flow that works best for you!
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Preventing Spillage When Refilling

PDF download Download Article
  1. The fine grains will easily slip through when you tip the shaker upside down to fill and the tape will prevent this from happening.
  3. To make this easier, use a small funnel to transfer from the original container to the shaker. A funnel can be purchased from the store or one can be made simply from paper (see How to make a cone or funnel from paper ).
  4. Leave enough space for movement of the grains through the holes.
  5. Tip the shakers back up the right way. Done!
    6. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Opening Stubborn Stoppers or Plugs

PDF download Download Article

Some stoppers or plugs at the base of shakers can be really hard to budge. While that's great for during use, it's a bother when trying to remove it for a refill. Here are some helpful suggestions:

  1. Gently lift the knife up and ease open the stopper. This method is best for hard plastic stoppers; the knife may mark or cut into softer stoppers.
  2. In some cases, there is nothing for it but brute force. Get someone who has a strong grip to place their fingers and thumb around the edges of the stopper and to pull really hard a few times. Eventually the stopper will begin to loosen and can be pulled out.
  3. This will only work if you're happy to let existing contents get washed away. Also, the container needs to be washable, so it's not ideal for untreated wooden shakers.
    • Let the shaker soak for 10 minutes or so in warm water. See if it will ease out while in the water still. If not, proceed to the next step.
    • Remove from the water and let dry or hand dry with a soft tea towel. Try removing the stopper again; hopefully the warmer water has softened it a little.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Should I wash the inside of new shakers before I fill them?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but make sure that the shaker is dried completely. If it is not dried properly, it will cause the salt/pepper to clump or the holes to plug.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How can I get more to come out of the shaker?
    Community Answer
    Make sure the holes are free from obstructions and are dry.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Should rice go in a pepper shaker as well?
    Community Answer
    Rice is added to salt to absorb excess moisture (and shouldn't be put in a shaker with holes large enough for rice to slip through them). Pepper doesn't usually need it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Take care not to lose the stoppers or plugs. Place them on a saucer or small plate while filling the shakers, so you can retrieve them easily.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • Mix a few grains of raw rice in to salt and pepper and fill the shaker.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Tape
      • Ground salt and pepper
      • Shakers

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Reduce Pepper Taste in Food
      Simple Ways to Prevent Salt from Absorbing Moisture
      How to
      Make Sea Salt
      How to
      Extract Salt from Plants
      How to
      Make Lemon Salt
      How to
      Use Epsom Salt
      The Complete Guide to Harvesting, Preparing, and Drying Black Pepper
      How to
      Separate Sand and Salt
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 73,938 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Marsha Goldstein

        Jun 10, 2019

        "Didn't know the step about soaking salt and pepper shakers in warm water to help loosen the plug to refill. ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement