A salt pig is a wide-mouthed container that keeps coarse salt on the counter so you can take a pinch with your fingers. Some have lids and some are open; the choice comes down to how often you cook, how much salt you hold and the material you like.
The six below range from an open French ceramic pig to a marble cellar with a teak lid. Sizes, materials and lids come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these products ourselves. Maker claims such as guarantees are the makers’ own.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Opening | A wide mouth makes it easy to grab a pinch |
| Lid | Lidded cellars cover salt; open pigs are faster to use |
| Material | Ceramic, stoneware and marble differ in weight and care |
| Capacity | Ranges from about 5 oz to 16 oz in this list |
Specs at a Glance
| Salt pig | Material | Size or capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emile Henry | High-fired clay | 6 x 4.25 x 6 in; 1.1 lb | Made in France; 10 year guarantee per the listing |
| ZERO JAPAN | Ceramic with hinoki lid | 16 oz | One-handed flip lid; made in Mino, Japan |
| ANLYAWX pig | Ceramic | 250 ml | Pig shape; wooden spoon included |
| RSVP International | Matte stoneware | 6 oz; 3 x 3.25 x 5 in | 4 in spoon; dishwasher safe |
| Staub Salt Crock | Ceramic with bamboo spoon | 250 ml; 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.3 in | 13.5 oz; sold by Amazon.co.jp |
| Anolon | Marble with teak lid | 5.25 oz | Hand wash recommended |
The 6 Best Salt Pigs
1. Emile Henry The Salt Pig
An open ceramic salt pig made in France from high-fired clay, measuring 6 by 4.25 by 6 inches and weighing 1.1 pounds. The listing says it is dishwasher safe and carries a 10 year guarantee against manufacturing defects.
Suits: an open, easy-access pig. Strengths: a guarantee and French make. Weaknesses: no lid and no capacity figure in the part we read. Skip it if you want a covered cellar.
View Emile Henry The Salt Pig. Ceramic, Easy-Access, Made in France, Clay on Amazon
2. ZERO JAPAN Salt Cellar With Hinoki Lid
A 16 ounce Japanese ceramic salt box made in Mino with an attached hinoki wood lid that flips open with one hand. The maker notes the wood is natural, so small variations can occur.
Suits: cooks who want a lid that stays attached. Strengths: one-handed use and 16 oz. Weaknesses: a wood lid needs gentle care. Skip it if you want an open pig.
3. Ceramic Salt Pig With Spoon, Pig-Shaped
A ceramic salt cellar shaped like a pig with a speckled glaze, a wide deep opening and a wooden spoon, with a 250 ml capacity. The listing’s size entry reads oddly, so check dimensions before buying.
Suits: a playful counter piece. Strengths: a spoon is included. Weaknesses: unclear dimensions and an unknown brand. Skip it if you want a known maker.
View Ceramic Salt Pig with Spoon, Pig-Shaped Salt Cellar for Kitchen Counter on Amazon
4. RSVP International Stoneware Salt Pig and Spoon Set
A matte stoneware pig measuring 3 by 3.25 by 5 inches with a 6 ounce capacity, a 4 inch serving spoon and a wide mouth. The listing says it is dishwasher safe.
Suits: a small counter footprint. Strengths: a spoon and dishwasher care. Weaknesses: only 6 oz. Skip it if you use a lot of salt.
5. Staub Salt Crock
A 3.9 inch ceramic crock with a bamboo spoon, 250 ml capacity and a weight of 13.5 ounces, listed as dishwasher safe. This listing is sold and shipped by Amazon.co.jp as a Japanese import.
Suits: a compact crock with a spoon. Strengths: a known cookware name. Weaknesses: an import listing. Skip it if you want a domestic seller.
6. Anolon Pantryware Marble Salt Cellar With Teak Lid
A white Grecian marble cellar holding 5.25 ounces, with a Brazilian teak lid finished with a food-safe natural oil. The listing recommends hand washing.
Suits: a marble and wood look. Strengths: a lid and a stone body. Weaknesses: hand wash only. Skip it if you want the dishwasher.
Care and Setup
- Keep the pig near the stove but away from steam.
- Dry the inside fully before refilling.
- Use coarse or flaky salt for easy pinching.
- Hand wash wood and marble parts.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting wet salt into a closed cellar.
- Soaking wood lids.
- Buying a tiny pig for heavy use.
- Ignoring dimensions on listings that do not state them.
Salt Pig FAQ
Open pig or lidded cellar?
Open pigs are faster to use; lidded cellars cover the salt between uses.
Which salt works best?
Coarse or flaky salt is easiest to pinch.
The Short Version
For a French open pig, the Emile Henry. For a flip lid, the ZERO JAPAN. For a playful shape, the pig-shaped ceramic. For a small stoneware set, the RSVP. For a crock, the Staub. For marble and teak, the Anolon.
