Cheese & Red Pepper Shakers

Red Pepper Shakers: What You Need to Know

Red pepper and cheese shakers usually conjure images of pizza joints and checkered vinyl tablecloths, but clever restaurateurs can find a plethora of menu items that can be spiced up by these additions. Parmesan cheese shakers can add a burst of flavor to pasta, lasagna, and most other Italian cuisine, of course, but you won't find many customers that don't like cheese. Spiciness is a trickier measurement to get right. Some customers will want plenty of heat on their taste buds, while others are sensitive to spice and need very little – a red pepper shaker enables your customers to give themselves the exact amount of spice they want.

Cheese shakers come in a variety of materials – primarily glass, plastic, and metal – with lids of either plastic or metal. We'll go over the benefits and drawbacks of each material below. The shakers in this category can be used for a variety of different flavorings and condiments, though parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes are by far the most common. With a variety of opening sizes and shaker configurations, you're sure to find a shaker to fit your needs here.

Common Questions About Cheese Shakers

What's the difference between a parmesan cheese shaker and a red pepper shaker?

Typically, a parmesan shaker will have smaller, more numerous openings in the lid than a pepper shaker. Particles of grated parmesan are much smaller than dried pepper flakes, so the cheese needs a smaller opening to be distributed. Smaller openings also give better control over the amount of cheese or condiment dispensed at a time, which is especially important with strong flavors that might overwhelm the dish if too much is applied.

On the other hand, pepper shakers need larger openings so the pepper flakes don't get stuck and block the flow. Pepper shakers frequently have elongated slits that are better suited to distributing peppers than the small round holes on cheese shakers. However, when choosing a dispenser style, the openings can be mixed and matched depending on the condiment you want to use. Consider which style of opening will work best with the consistency and shape of condiment you'll be dispensing.

Should I get glass, plastic, or metal shakers?

The shaker's body can be glass, plastic, or metal – usually aluminum or stainless steel. Glass and plastic options are almost always transparent, which helps operators check at a glance whether the shaker needs to be refilled or cleaned. A transparent body also ensures your customers know what they're pouring onto their food – no mistaking red pepper flakes with sugar. Glass options are going to be heavier than plastic and present a more high-end feel to your guests. If your establishment is already leaning towards the fancy end, glass options would be your best bet. However, if the rest of your dining room is using plastic equipment, plastic dispensers will be cheaper and less prone to breaking.

Opaque metal options might also fit your aesthetic. Some of our shakers have the name of the spice listed on the outside to avoid confusion, which might be more the look you're going for. Metal options will typically last the longest out of the three, though you'll have to be careful about corrosion.