The key difference between shakers and grinders lies in how they handle the seasoning and the mechanism they use. The difference may not seem important, but for professional chefs and hosts, using the right tool elevates the dish.

Shakers are typically made of glass or plastic and have pre-ground salt or pepper inside. They dispense the seasoning through small holes on the top. Shakers are convenient but offer limited control over the fineness of the grind, which can affect flavour.

Grinders come in various materials like wood, metal, or glass. Unlike shakers, they contain whole peppercorns or coarse salt crystals. A grinding mechanism inside crushes the contents when you turn a knob or press a button. Grinders allow you to adjust the grind size for a more customized flavour experience.

Shakers are for convenience, while grinders offer more control over flavour and freshness. If you run a takeaway or small cafe, shakers are your best option, thanks to their ease of use. For higher-end restaurants, grinders not only add a level of taste, but they add an air of elegance to the meal and dining experience.

Shakers

• Pre-ground salt and pepper
• Convenient and easy to use
• Usually made of glass or plastic
• No flavour control

Grinders

• Contains whole salt crystals and peppercorns
• Includes a grinding mechanism
• Comes in a variety of materials and finishes
• Adjustable grinding for flavour control

Genware & Grunwerg Grinders

GenWare's extensive collection of salt and pepper mills are culinary essentials that allow you to freshly grind your seasonings, bringing out the maximum flavour and aroma in every dish. Grinding your seasoning to the perfect coarseness allows you to create a wide variety of perfectly seasoned dishes for your customers.

Genware has a wide range of colours and sizes, so no matter your establishment or theme, you can find the perfect salt/pepper grinder. For a more classic look, the Antique Copper or Chrome Grinder adds class and style, allowing the customer to view the salt or pepper inside, with the high polish finish. The Heavy Wood Pepper Mill features a high quality carbon steel mechanism for grinding peppercorns and truly elevates the tabletop.

Grunwerg salt and pepper mills bring precise control over your seasoning. The advanced grinding mechanisms ensure consistent grinding results, from fine to coarse textures, enabling you to enhance your dishes with the perfect amount of seasoning. The Antique Bronze, Copper Plated and Gun Metal Plated mills are incredibly stylish and durable, and at a cost-effective price, they make your tabletops stand out.

Salt & Pepper Sets

Having a salt and pepper shaker set readily available saves your customers from asking for these seasonings. A nice salt and pepper shaker set can also enhance the look of your table setting. Buying them in a set saves you money and time, and also ensures you have a matching set for every tabletop/counter. Here at Cooksmill, we have several options available, depending on the theme and aesthetic of your establishment. For a simpler look, the Basic Salt and Pepper Shaker Set makes it easy to keep them topped up, thanks to the glass construction. Keeping with the clear glass theme, we also have the Lighthouse Tower set, for a more eye-catching look.

Ceramic and melamine sets are some of our best selling options, including the Olympia Ying Yang Set. The Ying Yang design is an attractive feature, making it more unique than other salt and pepper shakers available. The Melamine Salt & Pepper Set in White is simple and universal, sure to fit in with a wide range of establishments. Both of these sets are durable for everyday use and are easy to clean as well.

The Sunnex Steel Conical Set is modern and sleek and finished in stainless steel. This set would blend well with both domestic and professional settings, and the stainless steel finish makes these shakers highly durable. Another stainless steel option is the GenWare Straight Sided set, which compliments both modern and rustic styled restaurants, bars and hotels.

Singular Shakers

Singular shakers are handy for establishments that see frequent use of one seasoning over the other, for example, fish shops. We have a salt/sauce/vinegar bottle which is fantastic for this use, allowing the lids to be swapped out to fit whatever use you need. Similarly, the Plastic Salt Shaker (Large) is also perfect for takeaways and fish shops. The large bottle is ergonomic and easy to hold and makes it extremely easy for customers to add their preferred salt amount to their meal.

We also have stainless steel shakers with “P” and “S” shaped holes. The Stainless Steel Pepper Shaker features a P at the top, whereas the Salt Shaker features a S. These shakers are made from stainless steel, making them a great addition to any tabletop as they can withstand the general wear and tear and movement that is expected on a busy tabletop. The letter at the top also alerts customers as to which shaker they need.

For a more eye-catching look, we have several shakers to meet this need. The Authentico Shaker is made from 100% recycled glass, showcasing the classic green colourway. This shaker can be used to store pepper and salt, and also other condiments like chilli flakes. The glass design adds an interesting dynamic to the tabletop. The Tablecraft Mason Salt & Pepper Shaker Glass captures the essence of rustic charm, and levels up the condiment serving. The classic mason jar design brings a touch of nostalgia to meals, while the clear glass allows for easy identification of contents and monitoring of levels.

How To Clean Your Shakers/Grinders

Keeping your shakers and grinders is key for longevity. First, empty all the contents, and throw away any old salt or pepper. For most shakers (glass, ceramic, metal), fill a bowl with warm soapy water and wash the shaker, lid included. If the shaker has a narrow opening, you can use a pipe cleaner or a thin bottle brush to reach inside. Avoid submerging shakers completely, especially if they have metal parts that can rust, which is common with grinders. Rinse the shaker with clean water to remove soap residue, and dry completely. This is especially important to prevent rust or mould growth. Leave the shakers upside down on a clean dish towel or drying rack to air dry completely. You can also use a paper towel to wipe any remaining moisture inside.

If your salt shaker is clogged, you can try tapping it gently on a counter or running a warm spoon handle through the holes to loosen the salt. For a clogged pepper shaker, fill it with uncooked white rice and shake vigorously. The rice will help to dislodge any peppercorns stuck in the holes. You can also try using a toothpick to carefully remove any large pieces. Clean toothbrushes can also be used to dislodge pieces from the top/bottom of the shaker and grinder.

Condiments, Shakers and Grinders with Cooksmill

Salt and pepper are the unsung heroes of meals, and providing your guests with the right tools to enjoy their food to their specifications is key. Here at Cooksmill, we have every type of shaker, grinder, and condiment dispenser you could need. Look no further for your perfect shaker set or restaurant quality grinder.