Top 15 Best Mortar and Pestle Sets
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Mortar and pestle have been around forever, worming their way into our kitchen before claiming their spots as one of the indispensable culinary tools. As fundamental as they might be, they have proved to be a great companion to prepare herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, peppercorns,etc. Bring flavors and aromatic fragrances to your kitchen through the help of a set of mortar and pestle. Not sure which one to pick? Not to worry, this review for the best mortar and pestle will inform you of the best options available out there.
Molcajete vs. A Mortar and Pestle
Perhaps some of you have seen someone referring to a mortar and pestle set as a molcajete and vice versa. So are they interchangeable, or is there any notable difference between them? Or are they just two different ways to refer to the same product?
As far as I understand, there’s little difference between a molcajete and a mortar. However, some may argue that a molcajete tends to be shallower as well as wider than a mortar. If you want to go into technicalities, however, you can say that a molcajete is a larger version of a mortar and pestle, which is made of volcanic stone and is typically used to prepare Mexican food.
With all of that being said, there’s not that many differences between a molcajete and a mortar and pestle, and they can be used interchangeably.
Mortar and Pestle Comparison Chart
There’s hardly anything that can beat a comparison chart when it comes to quick, brief and to-the-point information. Therefore, why not take a look at this comparison chart to get a general idea as to what the key features of our top picks might be.
Here Are The Best Mortar and Pestle:
If you already have a choice in mind after glancing over the comparison chart, you can check out each product’s brief description to be more informed of what they may entail.
- Best Overall – Laevo Unique Double-Sided Mortar and Pestle
“Unique double-sided design, made of solid stone for maximum durability, easy to use, versatile, suitable for grinding several types of food and ingredients such as guacamole, curry, spices, herbs, coffee beans, etc.” - Best for Budget – HIC Spice Herb Grinder Pill Crusher Mortar and Pestle Set
“Economical yet still durable, suitable for grinding dry ingredients as well as pills, easy to use and clean, made from solid Carrara marble for durability.” - Best for Crushing Garlic – Gramercy Kitchen Company Unpolished Granite Bowl Mortar and Pestle Set
“Made of sturdy granite, heavyweight which keeps the bowl in place while being used, non-skid silicone pad at the bottom, long pestle, deep bowl, garlic peeler included.” - Best for Guacamole – UMIEN Guacamole Bowl Natural Stone Grinder Mortar and Pestle
“Made of solid granite, easy to use, and clean felt pad included to keep the mortar in place, fool-grip pestle, unpolished interior, the generous capacity of up to 3 cups.” - Best for Spices – HIC Fine-Quality Porcelain Mortar and Pestle Set
“Made of fine-quality porcelain, dishwasher-safe, deep mortar bowl, and long pestle design, well suited for grinding dry ingredients into a fine powder.” - Best for Children – Amazing Child Montessori Mini Mortar and Pestle
“Small, lightweight, ideal for crushing spices and pills, fits into the palm of your hand, made of porcelain, roughened interior.” - Best for Herbs – ChefSofi Unpolished Heavy Granite Mortar and Pestle
“Versatile, unpolished interior for optimized grinding, durable, slip-free, foolproof grip pestle, made of heavy granite.” - Best for Crushing Pills – Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Silicone and Porcelain Mortar and Pestle
“Made of apothecary-grade porcelain, non-porous, suitable for grinding medication, suitable for people with arthritis and wrist problems, EZ-grip pestle, slip-free base, dishwasher-safe.” - Best Marble – Greenco Marble Mortar and Pestle
“Made of durable marble with grey accents, non-porous, suitable for grinding several dry ingredients as well as supplements and medication, rough interior, long pestle.” - Best for Pesto – Kota Japan Large Black Granite Mortar and Pestle
“Made of beautiful natural granite, praiseworthy durability, sturdy construction, premium quality set, ideal for grinding and mixing dry ingredients and food, perfect for pesto.” - Best for Coffee Beans – Tera 2-in-1 Double-Sided Mortar and Pestle
“Unique double-sided mortar design, sturdy and durable, easy to use and clean, double-sided pestle design, silicone placemat included.” - Best Stainless Steel – Tera 18/8 Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle
“Made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, completely BPA-free, resistant to corrosion caused by acidic food, sturdy and durable, easy to use and clean.”
What is The Best Mortar and Pestle?
Buying something new is never an easy task. There are so many things to consider, be it prices, special features, advantages, disadvantages, sizes, materials, etc. Understanding the struggle, I’ve tried to write my reviews for the best mortar and pestle as thoroughly as possible.
Laevo Unique Double-Sided Mortar and Pestle
(Best Overall)
Arguably one of the best choices when it comes to mortar and pestle sets, this product from Laevo has a unique design that allows it to be used on both sides. If you need to grind several types of ingredients, I believe you will benefit from this double-sided design as it will allow you to separate the flavors and smell.
Highly versatile, this set can be used for grinding and mixing several types of food and ingredients such as guacamole, curry, pastes, herbs, spices, salts, coffee beans, pills, etc. Whatever you’re planning to use a mortar and pestle for, chances are that this set will be able to meet your needs.
Furthermore, included with this set are a wooden spoon and silicone lid. You can use the silicone lid to cover your mortar if needed while the wooden spoon can be used to scrape the ground ingredients from the mortar bowl.
Key Features
- Both sides can be used to separate the flavors and smells
- Crushes and grinds spices, salt, herbs coffee beans and many more
- Wooden spoon and silicone lid included
- Eco-friendly and natural set
- Good assurance
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 5.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 6 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Laevo |
| Material Type | Solid Stone |
| Capacity | 2.2 cups |
Pros
- Possesses a unique design that brings both durability and convenience
- Highly versatile and easy to use
- 100% solid stone that guarantees a long-lasting use
- Unique double-sided design
- Eco- and user-friendly
Cons
- Some users might find the product a bit on the heavy side
HIC Spice Herb Grinder Pill Crusher Mortar and Pestle Set
(Best for Budget)
A choice that is suitable for a tight budget looking for something durable, this mortar and pestle set is highly efficient in breaking down and grinding a variety of ingredients. With this product, you can easily make curry pastes, nut butter, pestos, ground cinnamon, and many things more.
Additionally, this set is very easy to clean. Even though it is not dishwasher-safe, it can simply be hand washed in warm water before storage.
Key Features
- Highly suitable for grinding items into powder or fine paste
- 100% made of Carrara marble
- Can quickly break down or grind ingredients
- Easy to use and clean
- Can be used for nut, butter, ground cinnamon/peppercorns, pesto, curry pastes and more
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 2.5 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | HIC Harold Import Co. |
| Material Type | Solid Carrara Marble |
| Capacity | 6 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 2.5 x 4 inches |
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Goes well with most of the kitchen’s decorators
- Safe cooking time
- Highly versatile
- Durable
- Economical
Cons
- Product’s capacity is not very large
Gramercy Kitchen Company Unpolished Granite Bowl Mortar and Pestle Set
(Best for Crushing Garlic)
Sturdily built, this mortar and pestle set’s heavyweight ensures that the mortar stays in place when being in use. Furthermore, with its non-skid silicone pad at the bottom of the bowl, your kitchen counter will be protected from any possible scratches and damage.
With this product, you will not have to worry about banging your hand against the side of the mortar while working. Compared to most other products, Gramercy Kitchen’s pestle is considerably longer. Additionally, the pestle is specifically designed to have a wide, broad head that will minimize the work needed to grind ingredients.
To prevent food from splattering out of the bowl while being ground, the bowl is shaped to be of a considerable depth while its grooved interior makes grinding more efficient.
Included with the mortar and pestle set is a garlic peeler that will help you strip garlic like a pro. Save your precious knives and get this product instead of brutally slamming the garlic cloves with the side of your beloved blades.
Key Features
- Heavy design,
- 5 pounds in weight.
- Wider and broader head compared to other products
- Longer pestle compared to an average one
- Garlic peeler included
- Non-skid silicone pad
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 5.5 x 7 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.85 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Gramercy Kitchen Company |
| Material Type | Granite |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
Pros
- Product is well-kept in place
- User’s knuckles are protected from banging against the side of the mortar
- Easy to use
- Can save your cooking-time
- Suitable for crushing garlic
- Durable
- Product has a non-skid silicone pad that protects your countertop
Cons
- The product may be too heavy for some users
UMIEN Guacamole Bowl Natural Stone Grinder Mortar and Pestle
(Best for Guacamole)
Make the best of guacamole with this mortar and pestle set. This set comes with an extra avocado tool that allows you to prepare the fruit in mere seconds. Additionally, with its generous capacity of up to 3 cups, you can make your food without having to refill the ingredients constantly.
What’s more, the mortar has a felt pad at each of its legs to prevent the bowl from slipping when being in use or scratching all over your kitchen counter.
While the pestle might seem to be small at first glance, it has been designed with a foolproof grip that offers the perfect grip so that you can freely grind your food without any problem. Furthermore, the interior of the mortar is left unpolished to minimize the work needed for grinding your food.
Key Features
- A must-have kitchen appliance that works well with spice, herb, and more
- Can be used to grind, crush, mix, grain, and mash
- Made of durable granite
- Foolproof grip pestle
- Generous capacity of 3 cups
- Unpolished granite for efficient grinding
- Felt pad to prevent the mortar from slipping
- Authentic design that includes a beautiful color pattern
- Comes with a bonus avocado tool
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 8.9 x 8.9 x 4.6 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.85 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Umien |
| Material Type | Granite |
| Capacity | 3 cups |
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Goes well with most of the kitchen decorators
- Felt pad to prevent the mortar from slipping
- Highly efficient
- Foolproof grip
- Easy to use and clean
- Generous capacity
Cons
- Must be ground down a bit at first use to avoid stone dust
HIC Fine-Quality Porcelain Mortar and Pestle Set
(Best for Spices)
Make fine paste and powder with this fine-quality porcelain mortar and pestle set. With its deep bowl construction and long pestle design, the product is suitable for grinding many types of ingredients without spilling the content out to the countertop.
As much as it is easy to use, the set is also effortless to clean as well. Because it is dishwasher safe, you know you can count on the dishwasher to clean up this set of mortar and pestle for you.
Key Features
- Can quickly breakdown or grind ingredients
- Well-suited for grinding item into powder or fine paste
- Made of high-quality porcelain
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be used for dry rubs, pestos, curry pastes, ground cinnamon/peppercorns, and more
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.64 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Harold Import Company |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Material Type | Fine-quality porcelain |
| Capacity | N/A |
Pros
- Save your cooking time
- Easy to use and clean
- Highly versatile
- Suitable for spices
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy
Cons
- Users may find product’s size too small for guacamole
Amazing Child Montessori Mini Mortar and Pestle
(Best for Children)
Are you trying to get your children into the kitchen? Are you looking for a mortar and pestle set that even your children can use? Or are you simply looking for a small, lightweight set that can fit into the palm of your hand? Whichever the case, this product is the answer you’re looking for.
Small and lightweight, this cute little mortar and pestle set can be reliably left in the hands of children without you stressing over safety issues. It’s also ideal for crushing pills and grinding small doses of spice as it has a roughen interior, which optimizes grinding efficiency.
Key Features
- Small and lightweight
- Made of porcelain
- Ideal for grinding spices and pill
- Roughed interior and glossy exterior
- Great for children
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | N/A |
| Item Weight | 0.32 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Amazing Child Montessori |
| Dishwasher-safe | Top-rack dishwasher safe |
| Material Type | Porcelain |
| Capacity | 2 oz |
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to use and clean
- Dishwasher safe
- Perfect choice for children
- Ideal for crushing small doses of pills
Cons
- Product is a bit on the delicate side
ChefSofi Unpolished Heavy Granite Mortar And Pestle
(Best for Herbs)
Are you looking for the best mortar and pestle for herbal medicine? Why not have a look at this heavy granite set of mortar and pestle?
Guaranteed to be able to “bring out their full flavor and aroma profiles”, this mortar and pestle set allows you to control the texture of your ingredients, ensuring that you can make your dishes to your liking.
With its deep bowl structure and long pestle design, the product allows you to have the easiest of time using it. Furthermore, with its grooved interior that provides metate-like natural frictions, you won’t have to fumble and grind the ingredients with all your might.
Key Features
- Highly versatile
- The capacity of up to 2 cups
- Foolproof grip pestle
- Grooved interior for metate-like nature frictions
- Ideal for grinding herbal medicine
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 7.05 pounds |
| Manufacturer | ChefSofi |
| Material Type | Granite |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
Pros
- Large capacity
- Grooved interior for optimized grinding
- Easy to wash and clean
- Slip-free base
- Highly durable
Cons
- Some people might find the product a bit too heavy
Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Silicone and Porcelain Mortar and Pestle
(Best for Crushing Pills)
Are you looking for a porcelain mortar and pestle that can handle crushing large doses of pills? Are you sick and tired of handwashing your mortar and pestle and are looking for a dishwasher-safe one? If that is the case, then this product from Cooler Kitchen might have the answer you’re looking for.
Made of apothecary-grade porcelain, this set is ideal for grinding medicine as it is completely non-porous. Unlike other materials that can absorb the taste of the previous grind or leave powder residues in your medicine, porcelain is a go-to choice for pharmacies looking for a mortar and pestle set.
Even though the mortar is not particularly heavy, it can stay firmly in place thanks to its silicone base. This base also ensures that you’ll leave no scratches or visible damage to your kitchen counter after each use.
If you happen to be suffering from arthritis or wrist injuries (like I currently am), you will come to appreciate the EZ-grip pestle that makes it considerably easier to grind.
Another feature of this set of mortar and pestle is that it is completely dishwasher-safe. Therefore, you can sit back, relax and let this modern appliance do the hard work for you.
Key Features
- Made of durable apothecary-grade porcelain
- Slip-free silicone base
- EZ-grip pestle
- Dishwasher safe
- Unglazed grinding surface
- Suitable for grinding medication
- 1 cup capacity
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 5.1 x 4.7 x 5.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.51 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cooler Kitchen |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Material Type | Apothecary-grade porcelain |
| Capacity | 1 cup |
Pros
- Suitable for people with arthritis or wrist injuries
- Ideal for grinding medicine
- Slip-free base
- EZ-grip pestle
- Dishwasher-safe
- Does not absorb the taste of the previous grind
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy grinding
Greenco Marble Mortar and Pestle
(Best Marble)
Made from solid marble with grey accents, this set of mortar and pestle is guaranteed to be durable enough to stand up to years of use.
A great addition to your kitchen (or restaurant), this product is ideal for herbs, spices, ginger, tea, garlic as well as supplements and pills.
To ensure that you will have the easiest time grinding, the product has a rough, unpolished interior for better grinding. Furthermore, the pestle is of an adequate length so that you will not bang your knuckles against the bowl edge while grinding.
Key Features
- Made of solid marble with grey accents
- Unpolished interior for optimized grinding
- Easy to clean and use
- 6 oz capacity
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.3 x 4.5 |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Greenco |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
| Material Type | Marble |
| Capacity | 30.6 oz |
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to hold
- Easy to clean
- Rough interior for better grinding
- Ideal for grinding pills and spices
Cons
- Some may find the mortar a bit too small
Kota Japan Large Black Granite Mortar and Pestle
(Best for Pesto)
Make pesto with professional results right within your home with this large granite mortar and pestle set.
Made of 100% nature granite for maximum durability, this product is of premium quality and ideal for grinding spices, herbs, seeds, nuts and other supplements.
For better grinding, the interior of the bowl is left rough and unpolished. Therefore, you will only have to spend minimum effort while crushing and mixing ingredients.
Despise banging your knuckles against the bowl while grinding? This will no longer be a big concern for you as the pestle is designed to be of an ideal length.
Key Features
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Well-suited for spices, herbs, seeds, nuts
- Ideal size for home cooking and even professional chef
- Is made of non-porous, solid granite
- Long pestle design
- Rough interior for better grinding
- 2 cup capacity
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 7.4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Grade-A Global, LLC |
| Material Type | Granite |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
Pros
- Suitable for amateur as well as professional use
- Highly durable
- Highly versatile
- Easy to use and clean
- Long pestle design to keep your hands from banging into the bowl
Cons
- Some users may find the product too heavy
Tera 2-in-1 Double-Sided Mortar and Pestle
(Best for Coffee Beans)
Are you looking for a set of mortar and pestle that can be used for grinding coffee beans so that you can quench that seemingly insatiable thirst for coffee? As it happens, this set is ideal for grinding coffee beans as well.
With its double-sided design, you can grind coffee beans on one side and crush spices and herbs on the other side so that their flavors and smell won’t be mixing together. Furthermore, the pestle is also designed to be double-sided as well so that it’s suitable for different granule ingredients.
Additionally, with the silicone placemat that is included in the package, you can grind all you want without worrying that you will end up scratching the countertop or that you make noises too loud.
Grab one for yourself and experience this premium-quality product today.
Key Features
- Reversible, which both sides can be used to make recipes or crushing pills
- Both sides have different sizes that are suitable for various uses
- Double-sided pestle
- Made of purely natural granite
- Silicone placemat is included in the package
- 2 cup capacity in total (top bowl 1.5 cups and bottom bowl 0.5 cups)
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 9.8 x 7.8 x 7.7 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Tera |
| Material Type | Polished Granite |
| Capacity | 2 cups (Top bowl 1.5 cups and bottom bow 0.5 cups) |
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Easy to use and clean
- Silicone placemat can be used to protect your countertop and avoid making too much noise
- Double-sided mortar to separate flavors and smells
- Double-sided pestle for different purposes
- Highly durable
Cons
- May take some time to grind the rough surface until the product is usable
Tera 18/8 Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle
(Best Stainless Steel)
Arguably one of the best stainless steel mortar and pestle available on the market, this set can accommodate virtually any use, from grinding medical pills to herbs and spices. Highly versatile, it can fit right into your kitchen or your pharmacy.
Made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, the product is highly resistant against rust and corrosion caused by acidic food. Not only that, this material makes cleaning easy as it is non-porous and, therefore, does not absorb smell, flavor, or moisture from ground ingredients or medical pills. All you need to do after each use is to rinse the mortar and pestle thoroughly with warm water.
Hate causing a mess in your kitchen while grinding? While a lot of mortar and pestle sets are not sufficient enough to keep food from flying out of the bowl when grinding, this product has a translucent lid that prevents food from jumping out. Because the lid is see-through, you can easily gauge whether your ingredients are ready.
Furthermore, while a lot of stainless steel mortars tend to slip a lot while being used, this is not the case for this set from Tera. With its silicone-padded base, it will stay firmly in place despite your rough handling.
Key Features
- Made of stainless steel that is 18/8 in food grade
- Made of solid metal with padding on the bottom
- Translucent lid fits that pestle
- Rust-resistant
- 1-cup capacity
- Food-safe
- Well-suited for herbs, spices, pills, and more
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 3.9 x 3.3 x 3.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.8 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Tera |
| Material Type | 18/8 Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 1 cup |
Pros
- Easy to use and food-safe
- Durable and stable when it is used
- No lead and BPA-free
- Can avoid unnecessary messes
- Highly versatile
- Can stay firmly in place while being in use
Cons
- User may find the pestle head too small
Health Smart Granite Mortar and Pestle
There’s hardly anything that can beat freshly-ground spices to add flavors to your food. This eye-catching beauty will bring mouth-watering flavors and aromatic fragrances to your kitchen while improving its décor.
Made of solid granite and weighing in at a hefty 5 pounds, this product is undoubtedly able to withstand years of use. Furthermore, its heavyweight makes sure that it will stay in place while being in use.
To optimize abrasives for maximum grinding efficiency, this granite mortar and pestle set has a rough interior that will create friction as you grind.
Key Features
- Gray in color
- Made of solid granite stone and weighing at 5 pounds
- Measuring at 5-⅛ inch
- 9-ounces capacity
- Unpolished interior
- Well-suited for a housewarming idea, newlyweds
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 5 x 8 inches |
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Luxury Home |
| Material Type | Granite |
| Capacity | 9 ounces |
Pros
- Eye-catching and suit with most of your kitchen appliances
- Highly durable and stable when in used
- Save your kitchen space
- Highly versatile
- Unpolished interior for better grinding
Cons
- Some users complained that the sides are too low
Cole & Mason H100279 USA Granite Mortar and Pestle
Another excellent choice for a set of granite mortar and pestle, this product makes crushing and mixing herbs, spices, garlic, salts, etc. as easy as ABC with its rough interior and unpolished pestle tip.
With its generous 2-cup capacity, you can grind large doses of food without fussing over constantly loading more ingredients into the bowl. Furthermore, thanks to its thick built and sturdy construction, this product can stay firmly in place while you grind.
However, as is the case with most other mortar and pestle, you need to remember to season the set before using it and that you should not use soap directly on the product.
Key Features
- Well-suited for quickly crushing herbs, spices, and more
- Unpolished mortar interior and pestle tip
- Built with thick walls and base
- Made of solid granite
- 2-cup capacity
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 6.7 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches |
| Item Weight | 8 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cole & Mason |
| Dishwasher-safe | Bottom rack dishwasher-safe |
| Material Type | Granite |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Effectively grinding
- Unique design brings a generous 2 cups of capacity
- Rough interior for better grinding
- Durable
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- There have been complaints that the pestle’s quality is not as good as the mortar itself
Imusa USA MEXI-2013 Granite Mortar and Pestle
Shaped like a molcajete, this mortar and pestle set is ideal for preparing authentic Mexican food. Made of beautiful and durable granite with an unpolished interior, the product is undoubtedly highly efficient in crushing and grinding food.
With its beautiful, eye-catching design, this mortar and pestle set can be used to serve food directly from the kitchen to the table. Why waste your time cleaning more dishes when you can simply serve food right on the mortar? Grab this product for yourself and make delicious dishes right today.
Key Features
- Made of solid natural granite
- Can be used for spices, nuts, herbs, nuts, medicine and more
- Eye-catchy
- Ideal diameter of 6 inches
- Beautiful serving size
- Generous 2-cup capacity
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 3.9 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Imusa USA |
| Material Type | Granite |
| Capacity | 2 cup |
Pros
- Durable and stable
- Highly versatile
- Food can be served directly on the mortar
- Goes well with most of your kitchen appliances
- Easy to grind things
- Easy to clean
- Ideal to prepare salsa, guacamole, spices, etc.
Cons
- There have been complaints that the pestle is a bit too short
Buying Guide
If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re not too familiar with how to pick a suitable mortar and pestle. That’s okay; I’ll go through some specific features and aspects that you need to pay attention to when buying a set of mortar and pestle.
Price:
The general price range for a full set of mortar and pestle usually ranges from as low as $10 to as high as $50. Of course, it goes without saying that the higher the price is, the more likely the products will be of a higher quality and durability.
This begs the question, should you go for a set of the highest price possible to ensure that you’ll get a high-quality product? Well, the answer is no – you shouldn’t. Before making the decision as to what set to get, you should first take into account what you will be using a mortar and pestle for.
If you’re only using a mortar and pestle for simple purposes like crushing pills or grinding spices, you can get a small set made of porcelain or ceramics, which usually cost around $10 or so. Of course, you need to handle the set with care if it’s made of porcelain or ceramics.
If you have durability in mind, and you’re planning to use a mortar and pestle for purposes such as making guacamole, grinding herbs,… then you should get a high-quality granite set, which can fall somewhere in the range of $25 to $50.
Size:
Like price, to determine which size is the best for you, you first need to think about for which purpose you’ll be using your mortar and pestle.
As mentioned above, if you only need the mortar and pestle for pills or spices, you’re better off buying a small set, which usually will be cheaper and take less space. However, if you need more versatility, then you’re recommended to get a bigger set.
Interior:
For the maximum efficiency and optimized results, you should look for mortar with an unpolished, grooved interior. A mortar with too smooth an interior will not have enough abrasive qualities needed to sufficiently grind food. Furthermore, if you’re grinding “slippery” ingredients in a polished-interior mortar, you’ll notice that the ingredients will be more prone to “jumping” out of the bowl and thus, causing a big mess on the kitchen counter.
Pestle Size:
Who says length doesn’t matter? When it comes to mortar and pestle, the length of the pestle can determine the set’s ease of use as well. A pestle that is too short for the bowl will prove problematic to use as you’ll constantly be banging your hand against the mortar to get the job done.
Material:
While stone is the traditional material for mortar and pestle, there are several others currently available as well. Below is a side-by-side comparison chart that should be able to give you a general idea as to what a particular material’s advantages and disadvantages might be.
| Material Type | Pro | Cons |
| Stone (Granite, Marble) | ➢ Durable
➢ Non-porous, which prevent mortar and pestle from absorbing moisture and flavors from food ➢ Rather easy to clean | ➢ Heavy, can be dangerous if dropped |
| Porcelain | ➢ Easy to clean
➢ Non-porous ➢ Ideal for crushing oily, wet ingredients | ➢ Can be a bit on the delicate side |
| Ceramics | ➢ Easy to clean
➢ Ideal for crushing soft ingredients ➢ Lightweight | ➢ Can be a bit on the fragile side |
| Wood | ➢ Lightweight | ➢ Porous, which makes it absorb moisture from food
➢ Not very durable |
| Stainless Steel | ➢ Easy to clean
➢ Non-porous ➢ Lightweight | ➢ Can be susceptible to rust if not maintained properly |
FAQs
My Top Pick
If by this point, you’re still undecided as to what mortar and pestle to get, then I’d recommend the Laevo Unique Double-Sided Mortar And Pestle. The mortar is of a decent size, large enough to cover many uses in the kitchen but not too big that it will take up too much space in your kitchen. Furthermore, with its reversible, double-sided design, you can separate the flavors and smell of food and ingredients you wouldn’t want to mix. Versatile, durable, and of a reasonable price, this mortar and pestle set is also 100% natural and eco-friendly and, therefore, will not pose any health risk to its users. What a bargain, right?
Hello I have spent hours searching for the best pestle and mortar an d am still none the wiser. Each one you recommended is either unavailable and every one of them has negative reviews from previous customers.
I need a pestle and mortar for grinding spices and garlic mainly. I want a tall heavy one with a long pestle that is quite rounded at the bottom. Customers complaints about the granite ones is mainly that they crack, the marble one is that the spices jump around and you have to chase them in order to grind them if that makes sense. Some are too shallow or too wide, or the pestle is too short, or bits of granite peel off which of course is not good to put in your food. Is there a pestle and mortar that is absolutely perfect in every sense of the word. I don’t mind paying a good price, but of course if its faulty I want to buy from a reputable seller who has a decent returns policy. Thank you.
Dear Rita,
Thank you for your comment!
It has come to my notice that the double sided mortar and pestle from Laevo I’ve recommended are no longer available.
However, there is an alternative granite set of mortar and pestle from the very same brand that offers similar features as well as quality. If price is not the problem for you, I’d recommend getting this Laevo Mortar and Pestle Set Granite.
As you can see, this set is very durable. It has a thick and sturdy construction that I doubt if there’s anything can break it. It’s also worth mentioning that granite is, in fact, one of the more durable options when it comes to mortar and pestle materials.
Even though I’m not too sure what you plan to use the set for, I’m fairly certain that the sizes of this set are suitable for you. It has two sides of different capacities to accommodate your needs.
To prevent granite from peeling off, you need to thoroughly season your set first. If you don’t know how, you can see my instructions in the article.
Of course, in the worst case scenario where you find this product unsatisfactory, there’s a guaranteed return policy.
I hope I’ve answered your question, Rita.
Cheers,
Amanda.