Finding the perfect sugar shaker for your countertop is about more than just convenience; it’s about adding a touch of style and function to your daily routine. The right dispenser keeps your sugar fresh, provides accurate measurements for your coffee or baking, and complements your kitchen’s aesthetic. From classic glass designs to modern, portion-controlled models, the options are vast and varied.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best sugar shakers available. We’ve considered factors like material, capacity, ease of use, and design to help you find the ideal container that meets your needs and enhances your kitchen counter.
Our Top Picks for Countertop Sugar Shakers
- Gourmia POUR -N- MEASURE Sugar Dispenser
- QUALY Elephant Sugar Shaker
- Prodyne Metalla Stainless Steel Double Spoon Rest
- Fox Run Classic Glass Sugar Shaker
- RSVP International Endurance Kitchen Shaker
- PrepSolutions Sugar Keeper Airtight Storage Container
- Norpro Multipurpose Sugar Flour Powdered Sugar Shaker
- KitchenCraft Cafe Sugar Dispenser, Retro Style
- Anchor Hocking Sugar Dispenser, Clear
- Bellemain Stainless Steel Sugar Caster
Gourmia POUR -N- MEASURE Sugar Dispenser
This dispenser is designed for precision and control. Its unique mechanism allows you to choose between a measured half-teaspoon pour for consistent sweetening or a free-flow option for when you need a larger quantity. This feature is excellent for portion control and ensures your coffee or tea is never too sweet or too bland.
Constructed with a high-quality glass body and a sturdy, BPA-free dispensing head, this unit is built to last. The entire piece is dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple. With a 7.5-ounce capacity, it’s a compact and efficient choice for daily use on your kitchen counter.
QUALY Elephant Sugar Shaker
Add a touch of whimsical charm to your table with the QUALY Elephant Sugar Shaker. This unique dispenser is as much a decorative conversation piece as it is a functional kitchen accessory. The clever design is sure to bring a smile to your face during morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Despite its artistic appearance, it is fully functional for dispensing sugar. The small size makes it perfect for individual use or as a charming accent on a small coffee station. It’s a wonderful way to combine utility with personality in your kitchen decor.
Prodyne Metalla Stainless Steel Double Spoon Rest
While not a traditional shaker, this Prodyne product offers a brilliant alternative for storing and using sugar. The set includes two stainless steel cups that sit in a sleek black metal frame, keeping your sugar and stirring spoons organized and within easy reach. This setup helps maintain a clean and tidy countertop.
The stainless steel cups are removable, making them exceptionally easy to clean and refill. This design is perfect for those who prefer to scoop their sugar and appreciate having a dedicated, stylish spot for both the sugar and the utensil.
Fox Run Classic Glass Sugar Shaker
This sugar shaker embodies timeless functionality. The clear glass body allows you to see your sugar level at a glance, while the stainless steel lid features a flip-top cover to keep contents fresh and secure. Its simple and efficient design makes it a reliable choice for any kitchen or dining table.
With a 12-ounce capacity, it holds a substantial amount of sugar, reducing the frequency of refills. The lid screws off easily for filling, and the shaker holes are the perfect size for dispensing granulated sugar without clumping. It’s a versatile container that also works well for salt or other granular seasonings.
RSVP International Endurance Kitchen Shaker
For a durable and versatile option, consider the RSVP Endurance Shaker. Made from stainless steel, this shaker is resistant to rust and corrosion, promising long-term use. The tightly fitting plastic top is effective at sealing out air and moisture, which helps keep your sugar dry and free from clumps.
Its compact size is ideal for smaller kitchens or crowded countertops, yet it still offers a generous 11-ounce capacity. The shaker holes are large enough to handle granulated sugar with ease, and the sturdy construction means it can withstand the rigors of daily use in a busy household.
PrepSolutions Sugar Keeper Airtight Storage Container
If you buy sugar in larger bags, this storage container is an excellent solution. With a 2.5-quart capacity, it can hold up to four pounds of sugar, keeping it fresh and readily available. The airtight seal is key to preventing moisture and pests from spoiling your supply.
The container features a contoured body that is specifically shaped for easy, one-handed pouring. This design minimizes spills and mess, making it a practical choice for both countertop storage and use during baking or cooking projects where you need to measure out larger quantities.
Norpro Multipurpose Sugar Flour Powdered Sugar Shaker
This Norpro shaker is the ideal tool for bakers and dessert enthusiasts. It comes equipped with a fine stainless steel mesh screen that is perfect for evenly dusting powdered sugar over pancakes, French toast, or pastries. It provides a professional-looking finish with minimal effort.
With a one-cup (8-ounce) capacity, it’s well-suited for kitchen tasks beyond just sugar. You can also use it for dusting flour on a rolling surface or sprinkling cocoa powder. Its versatility and focused function make it a valuable addition to any baking arsenal.
KitchenCraft Cafe Sugar Dispenser, Retro Style
Bring the nostalgic feel of a classic diner right to your kitchen with this retro-style dispenser. Its design is not only visually appealing but also highly functional, dispensing approximately one teaspoon of sugar at a time. This helps with portion control and avoids the mess of sugar packets.
The glass construction allows for easy monitoring of sugar levels, and the sealed lid helps maintain freshness. It’s a charming and practical way to serve sugar to guests during coffee or tea, adding a fun, vintage aesthetic to your table setting.
Anchor Hocking Sugar Dispenser
Anchor Hocking offers a straightforward and reliable sugar dispenser built with quality materials. The clear glass jar provides visibility, while the stainless steel lid with a built-in spout ensures smooth pouring. This no-fuss design focuses on essential functionality and durability.
With a 12-ounce capacity, it strikes a good balance between size and countertop footprint. It’s easy to fill and clean, making it a low-maintenance option for everyday use. This dispenser is a solid, trustworthy choice if you prefer a simple and effective classic design.
Bellemain Stainless Steel Sugar Caster
For those who appreciate a more formal or professional presentation, a stainless steel caster is an excellent option. The Bellemain caster is designed for elegance and precision, often featuring a rotating or flip-top lid for easy access. The metal body protects contents from light and moisture.
This type of dispenser is perfect for dining tables or entertaining, offering a sophisticated way to serve sugar. The fine holes typically found on casters provide a controlled, even sprinkle, making it suitable for both granulated sugar and finer substances like powdered sugar for a polished look.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Countertop Sugar Shaker
Finding the right sugar shaker for your countertop is more than just picking the first one you see. I think it’s about matching the container to your daily routine and your kitchen’s style. The goal is to make your life easier, not add another item you have to fuss with. Let’s walk through what I consider the most important factors.
First, consider the material. This affects durability, weight, and how easy it is to clean. Glass shakers are my go-to for visibility; I can always see when I’m running low. They’re also generally dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus. Ceramic options are fantastic for adding a pop of color or a decorative touch to your kitchen. They can be a bit heavier and more fragile, but they often feel more substantial. For a nearly indestructible choice, especially in a busy household, stainless steel or durable plastic is the way to go. They’re lightweight and perfect for outdoor use or if you have kids.
Next, pay close attention to the lid and the dispenser mechanism. This is where functionality really matters. For powdered sugar, you absolutely need a shaker top with small, evenly distributed holes to get that fine, snow-like dusting. If you’re using granulated sugar for coffee or cereal, look for a shaker with slightly larger holes or a flip-top lid for a quicker pour. Some lids even have a rotating mechanism to switch between open, closed, and sift, which I find incredibly handy. Make sure the lid seals tightly; there’s nothing worse than clumpy sugar from moisture getting in.
Capacity and design are the final pieces of the puzzle. Think about how much sugar you go through. A large, 32-ounce shaker might be perfect if you bake frequently or have a big family, while a smaller, 8-ounce one is ideal for a single person or for keeping at your office. As for design, your sugar shaker sits on the counter, so you want it to look good! Whether your style is modern minimalist, rustic farmhouse, or colorful retro, there’s a design out there for you. I always recommend choosing something that makes you happy to look at. Ultimately, the best sugar shakers for your countertop combine practicality with personal taste, making your kitchen routine just a little bit smoother.
FAQ
What is the best way to clean a sugar shaker?
For most shakers, a simple rinse with warm, soapy water does the trick. If you have a glass or stainless-steel model, it’s often dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The real challenge can be the lid. For shaker tops with tiny holes, I use a small brush, like a clean toothbrush or a dedicated bottle brush, to dislodge any stuck sugar or clumps. Make sure the shaker is completely dry before refilling to prevent new sugar from clumping.
Can I use a sugar shaker for other things besides sugar?
Absolutely! These containers are very versatile. I use them for all sorts of dry goods. They are perfect for dusting desserts with cocoa powder or cinnamon, sprinkling flour on a rolling pin to prevent sticking, or even dispensing Parmesan cheese over pasta. Just make sure the hole size on the lid is appropriate for what you’re putting inside—finely grated cheese needs different holes than coarse sea salt.
Why does my sugar keep clumping inside the shaker?
Clumping is almost always caused by moisture. This can happen if the shaker isn’t sealed properly or if it’s stored in a humid environment, like right next to a steaming kettle. To fix clumpy sugar, you can add a few grains of uncooked rice to the shaker; the rice acts as a natural desiccant and absorbs excess moisture. For a more thorough solution, you can spread the sugar on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at a low temperature for a short time to dry it out before returning it to the shaker.
Are there specific shakers for powdered sugar versus granulated sugar?
Yes, and the difference is in the lid. For powdered (confectioner’s) sugar, you need a shaker top with very fine, small holes to create a light, even dusting. Using a shaker meant for granulated sugar will result in too much coming out at once. For granulated sugar, the holes can be a bit larger, or a flip-top pour spout often works well. Some of the best sugar shakers for your countertop come with interchangeable lids so you can use them for multiple purposes.
How full should I fill my sugar shaker?
I recommend not filling it all the way to the top. Leave a little bit of air space, about an inch or so from the rim. This makes it easier to shake the sugar out without it being too packed down. If the shaker is completely full, the sugar has no room to move around, which can make dispensing difficult and lead to clumping. A little headspace makes the whole process much smoother.