Salt shaker

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Salt shaker (disambiguation).

Salt and pepper shakers, along with a sugar dispenser.

A salt shaker is a small container filled with salt that is used to sprinkle salt onto food. Salt shakers were invented in the 19th century. Generally, salt shakers have several small holes on top of container, which are small enough to require a shaking action to get an appreciable amount of salt to pour out.

The screw-top salt shaker was invented by John Mason in 1858. Around 1871, when salt became more refined, some ceramic shakers were molded with perforated tops. Today, salt shakers can be made from any material imaginable, such as plastic, wood, or stainless steel. Often, salt shakers come in sets with a complementary pepper shaker.

Traditionally, the pepper shaker in the set can be identified from the salt shaker as having five holes as opposed from the salt shaker's four holes. There is a debate, however, as to the authenticity of this notion.^{[citation needed]} Sometime the holes form the letter S or P.

The shakers are usually refilled by removing a plug in the bottom, or screwing off the top. Many diners and cafeterias use disposable salt shakers that are made out of molded plastic, which are disposed of when empty instead of refilled, as they are cheaper and less of a health hazard.

[edit] Collecting

Rare, unique and decorative salt (and pepper) shakers have become a collector's item over the years. Many shaker sets are produced for the sole purpose of being a collectible and are rarely used to hold the condiment. During each of their respective retirements, Hollywood actors Glenn Ford and Bob Hope concentrated on their interest in collecting salt and pepper shakers. Writer and poet Dorothy Parker also had a keen interest in collecting them during her later years.