Even though a mortar and pestle is a food preparation device that was used by ancient cultures, it is still a favorite with many 21st century cooks. So whether you need to crush seeds and spices for your favorite condiments, like a hot Indian curry, blend herbs for a tasty basil pesto, or whip up a guacamole, a mortar and pestle is the right tool for the job.
| Description | Material | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bekith Brushed Mortar and Pestle / Spice Grinder / Molcajete | Stainless Steel | $$$$ |
 | JAMIE OLIVER 6-inch Mortar and Pestle | Unpolished Granite | $$$ |
 | VonShef 5.5-inch Mortar and Pestle Spice Herb Grinder Set | Solid Granite | $ |
 | PriorityChef 4-inch Mortar and Pestle | Black Marble | $ |
 | Rusticity Mixing Grinder Mortar and Pestle Set | Rosewood | $$ |
 | Ironwood Gourmet 28341 Mortar and Pestle | Acacia Wood | $$$ |
 | Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Mortar and Pestle | Silicone & Porcelain | $ |
 | Le Creuset 10-Ounce Cerise (Cherry Red) Mortar and Pestle | Stoneware | $$$$$ |
Our Top Pick for the Best Mortar and Pestle
Our top pick for the best mortar and pestle is the VonShef Solid Granite Mortar and Pestle Spice Herb Grinder Set. Spice up your cooking with the VonShef mortar and pestle. Featuring the natural beauty of solid granite and boasting a strong and sturdy construction, the VonShef mortar and pestle set will have you crushing, grinding, pulverizing all types of herbs, spices, and seeds to create fragrant and flavorsome dishes like a professional chef. The mortar and pestle come at an affordable price and it looks fantastic, so it will make a great gift idea for family and friends who love to cook.
Bring Some Old World Charm to Your Kitchen With the Best Mortar and Pestle
In a world that is heavily saturated with all sorts of high-tech electronic gadgetry, sometimes the simple things in life are often the best. A mortar and pestle is a simple tool that gives you a hands-on approach to creating natural, healthy ingredients like a curry, pesto, guacamole, herb dressings and nut butter. You can even use a mortar and pestle set to crush peppercorns or crush pills into a powder which makes medicine easier to swallow.
If you would like to discover the many delights of using a mortar and pestle and turn your herbs and spices into fragrant and flavorsome dishes that will delight family and friends, here are a few things to consider.
How To Choose the Best Mortar and Pestle
Design
The Mortar
The mortar is the bowl that contains the ingredients to be ground, pounded, crushed, blended and muddled. The bowl features a special design, where its weight is evenly distributed throughout the middle section for stability and balance. The interior surface of the mortar/bowl will also have a slightly rough texture which helps to improve the grinding, crushing and pounding performance and makes the surface ideal for both wet and dry ingredients.
While most mortars have a round shape and a flat bottom, some mortars, like the Priority Chef, Bekith, Jamie Oliver, and the Von Chef, have a pedestal design, which allows to grasp it around the stem of the pedestal while sitting on the countertop or while holding it in your hand. The Cooler Kitchen, Rusticity, and Ironwood Gourmet mortars have a flat bottom design which allows the mortar to rest on the countertop while you hold it. There is no perfect design, it just depends on your personal preference and what type of ingredients you will be working with, soft spices and herbs or hard nuts.
The Pestle
The pestle is the tool that you use to grind, crush and pulverize the ingredients and it is also specially designed, with a gently rounded edge that increases its contact with the bowl’s surface, to improve its grinding performance and make sure that the maximum flavor and aroma is released from the herbs and spices. The unique shape of the pestle also makes it the ideal tool for grinding the hardest of ingredients like seeds, nuts, and peppercorns. Pestles come in different shapes and sizes, they can be short and stubby, like the Priority Chef’s pestle, a more elongated slimline shape, like the Bekith pestle, or feature a carved design like the Rusticity pestle.
How you choose the pestle that is right for you will depend on the size of your hand. Some people prefer a shorter pestle, to be able to get a better grinding action, while other chefs prefer a longer pestle that fits comfortably in their hand and can be easily shifted around the inside of the mortar.
Size
Mortar bowls range in size from small to medium. Some mortars are very small and fit into the palm of your hand, like the 3.25 x 6-inch Ironwood Gourmet Mortar and Pestle. Other brands range from 4.5 inches up to 6 or 7-inches.
Small sized mortars, like the Rusticity, Priority Chef and Cooler Kitchen mortars, give you a good amount of space to grind up spices to make a paste or grind and crush seeds. Medium-sized models, like the Bekith, Jamie Oliver, and Vonshef mortars, give you more room and a greater bowl depth to mix more ingredients like whipping up a guacamole or crushing a lot of herbs.
Material
A mortar and pestle can be made from granite, marble, porcelain, apothecary-grade ceramic, stainless steel, or wood.
Granite
Natural granite not only looks good, but it is solid, strong and sturdy. The best type of granite is unpolished granite with a textured surface, like the Jamie Oliver mortar and pestle. The unpolished textured surface maximizes grinding efficiency, which is especially useful for working with hard seeds and nuts. Another good aspect of granite is that it does not absorb the flavors of the spices so it is the perfect choice for preparing a hot curry. The downside of using granite is it usually needs to be seasoned before you use it.
Marble
Like granite, marble is super strong and one of the most long-lasting materials on earth. A mortar and pestle that is made out of marble not only looks fantastic, like the PriorityChef Black Marble Mortar and Pestle, but it offers you a lot of versatility, for grinding, pounding, crushing and mixing a lot of different ingredients, wet and dry.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a good choice as it is quite easy to keep clean and does not absorb odors or transfer flavors. The problem with porcelain is that it can break easily and small bits of mortar and pestle might come off and mix with your ingredients, so it may not be the best choice for grinding hard ingredients.
Apothecary-grade Ceramic
Like porcelain, apothecary-grade ceramic is a very good choice. As well as looking elegant and stylish, with a smooth exterior and a slightly rough interior surface, like the Cooler Kitchen Mortar and Pestle, you can grind all types of ingredients like spices, garlic, nuts and especially wet ingredients like pesto. But it is not as solid as granite or marble and can break easily.
Stainless Steel
A favorite material in many kitchens, stainless steel looks super stylish, is very strong, and easy to keep clean. A stainless steel mortar and pestle is a good choice for grinding and mixing herbs and spices and crushing pills. The downside of stainless steel is that its interior surface may be too smooth or slippery to get any real traction, especially if you are grinding hard nuts and ingredients that can stick to the surface. Also, if you do not look after it, a stainless steel mortar and pestle can rust.
Stoneware
High-fired stoneware is super strong and highly resistant to chipping and cracking. A stoneware mortar and pestle, like the Le Creuset, has an unglazed interior surface, so you will be able to get a good amount of traction, which makes it a great choice for grinding and pulverizing herbs and spices, but it may be harder to work with tougher ingredients like peppercorns or hard nuts.
Wood
A wooden mortar and pestle will add a special touch of rustic charm to your kitchen. Mortar and pestles, like the Rusticity, which is carved out of rich brown rosewood, or the Ironwood Gourmet set which is made from exquisite acacia wood, are stunningly beautiful and will make excellent gifts. Wood is more lightweight and easier to hold in your hand which makes it a good choice for mixing and blending and grinding small seeds or nuts. It might be too soft for grinding tougher nuts and the pestle can damage the wood. Also, a wooden mortar and pestle have to be maintained to keep it looking fabulous.
Out of all these materials, wood tends to retain the flavor of herbs and spices, so if you want to use a wooden mortar and pestle, consider buying more than one so that can use one for spices and the other for mixing pesto or guacamole.
Best Mortar and Pestle Reviews
1. Bekith Brushed Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle / Spice Grinder / Molcajete
If you are a lover of stainless steel, why not add the Bekith Brushed Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle Spice Grinder to your kitchen appliance entourage?
The Bekith mortar and pestle measure 5 x 4.8 x 4.3 inches and not only does it looks fantastic, it is strong and durable, which is a classic signature of stainless steel construction. Bekith has made their mortar and pestle set even more durable as it is made from double heavy-gauge stainless steel that makes it highly resistant to cracks and breaks that other types of mortar and pestles can be susceptible to over time and it is BPA and lead-free.
As well as having a functional design that is low maintenance and eco-friendly and super attractive, the mortar and pestle allow you to crush and grind seeds and mix herbs and spices and will not leave any residual taste. The non-skid base keeps the bowl securely on the countertop and the pestle fits comfortably into your hand while you prepare a pesto or a curry.
The mortar and pestle have a smooth and non-porous, non-staining surface which is very easy to keep clean.
Pros
- Good quality
- Solid and sturdy
- Heavy-gauge brushed stainless steel
- BPA and lead-free
- Attractive silver finish
- Satin smooth internal surface
- Ideal for herbs and spices
- Non-skid base
- Non-porous surface does not leave any residual taste
- Non-staining
- Comfortable to hold
- Heavy-duty pestle
- Easy to keep clean
Cons
- Pestle is little short
- Mortar is not very deep
- Not ideal for crushing hard nuts
2. JAMIE OLIVER 6-inch Unpolished Granite Mortar and Pestle
Jamie Oliver is the man with the magic cooking hands and his endorsed cooking products are pretty top notch as well. The beautiful rustic-looking 6-inch mortar and pestle is crafted from naturally sourced speckled grey granite and the unpolished granite inner surface is designed for maximised grinding efficiency for both dry and wet mixes, so you can quickly crush spices, herbs and so much more. As well as being a highly effective mortar and pestle, the bowl is constructed with thick walls and base to form a generous 2-cup capacity that can hold a lot of ingredients.
The sturdy polished pestle with unpolished ends allows for a greater grinding performance so that you can release the full, true flavor of herbs and spices to enhance your cooking.
Before you use the mortar and pestle, it needs to be seasoned in just a few easy steps:
Step 1. Rinse with clean water (no soap) and let it air dry.
Step 2. Grind a small handful of white rice. Discard and repeat until the rice grinds white.
Step 3. Next add 4 cloves of garlic, mash and muddle them together.
Step 4. Add some cumin, salt & pepper. Grind it all together and discard.
Step 5. Rinse once more (without soap) and allow to air dry.
To keep Jamie Oliver’s mortar and pestle in good condition, it should be washed in warm, soapy water. After washing rinse and dry thoroughly.
The mortar and pestle set is also available in polished granite.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Attractive natural unpolished speckled grey solid granite
- Thick wall construction
- Unpolished interior for better grinding
- Generous 2-cup capacity
- Can be used for both dry and wet mixes
- Ideal for crushing, grinding and muddling herbs, spices, seeds and nuts
- Sturdy polished pestle with unpolished ends
- Releases the full, true flavor of herbs and spices
- Very good size
Cons
- Needs to be seasoned before use
- Hand washing only
3. VonShef 5.5-inch Solid Granite Mortar and Pestle Spice Herb Grinder Set
VonShef has a wide range of exciting cooking products to suit everyone from the at-home culinary beginner to advanced chefs and their Mortar and Pestle Spice Herb Grinder Set is the perfect choice for preparing delicious hot curries, pestos or sauces, salsa, and guacamole.
Sturdy, strong and stunningly beautiful, the VonShef mortar and pestle are made out of solid 100% black granite. Its tough granite construction is due to its interlocking crystal structure, which makes it one of the hardest rock materials, so the VonShef has a high level of durability and its abrasive inner surface is just right for grinding both hard and soft ingredients. The sturdy pestle makes it quick and easy to crush the freshest of herbs to create the most fragrant of spices; and the toughest of seeds to create the most aromatic of curry pastes.
As well as looking fantastic in your kitchen, it will also make a great gift idea for other family members or friends who are cooking enthusiasts.
Like a lot of high-quality cookware items that are made from granite, the mortar and pestle have to be seasoned so that they will continue to give you a high performance for long-term use. Simply wash the pestle and mortar in warm water, using a brush to remove any granite particles and leave it to air dry. Grind a handful of rice, remove and discard and then wash again. For everyday care, wash the mortar and pestle with warm water and leave to air-dry.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Stunningly beautiful design
- Made out of solid and durable 100% black granite
- Polished exterior
- Abrasive interior is just right for grinding and crushing herbs and spices
- Can be used for wet and dry ingredients
- Ideal for making pastes, pestos, guacamole, salsa, and dressings
- Specially designed for crushing tough seeds and nuts
- Strong and sturdy pestle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heavy
- Needs to be seasoned before first use
- Not dishwasher safe
4. PriorityChef Black Marble 4-inch Mortar and Pestle
For a special touch of elegance to your kitchen, the premium 4-inch PriorityChef Mortar and Pestle will have you grinding and mixing your favorite herbs and spices in style. The mortar and pestle are constructed out of natural high-quality solid black marble. This mortar and pestle set is such a work of art that you will even want to show it off at the dinner table to friends and family, and will also make an excellent housewarming gift.
Whatever type of dish you need to create, the PriorityChef mortar and pestle will have you grinding and blending all sorts of herbs and spices, from garlic to pesto, and crush hard nuts, and the marble textured surface will release the full flavor and aroma to create delectable, mouth-watering dishes that will rival a professional chef.
The mortar measures 4-inches tall, 4-inches wide with a 3-inch opening which is big enough to allow you to work comfortably and its pedestal-style design allows you to maintain a good grip while you use the mortar to prepare your herbs and spices. To clean it, you can use a damp cloth or wash it with soap and warm water.
PriorityChef guarantees that you will enjoy 100% customer satisfaction on their amazing mortar and pestle, but if you think you have made a wrong purchase, they will gladly return your money. No questions asked!
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very good price
- Made from natural solid black marble
- Solid and sturdy pedestal design
- Good surface area
- Ideal for hard and soft ingredients
- Perfect for seeds and nuts
- Textured surface releases the full flavor and aroma of herbs and spices
- Strong pestle
- Easy to clean
- 100% customer satisfaction or money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not ideal for grinding or crushing a lot of ingredients
5. Rusticity Rosewood Mixing Grinder Mortar and Pestle Set
If spicy, aromatic Indian food is the number one dish on your weekly menu, then the Rusticity Indian Rosewood Antique Mortar & Pestle Mixing Grinder Set is destined to be the mortar and pestle for you. The Rusticity multi-purpose mortar and pestle is made from rich brown Indian (Sheesham) Rosewood and features an intricate floral design with a glossy finish, which has been skilfully hand-crafted by rural artisans from remote villages in India.
The traditional grinder bowl not only makes grinding and crushing all sorts of herbs and spices and seeds quick and easy, but its attractive appearance will look amazing at the dinner table and it will make the ideal gift for family and friends. Its round ergonomic shape feels comfortable in your hand and the palm pestle’s knob has a round shape that it is comfortable to hold and helps you to easily grind or mince garlic and ginger or whatever type of spice you would like to add to your food.
As the mortar is made of premium food-grade quality hardwood, it is safe to use for any edible substance, like medicine, herbs, spices, and its smooth polished interior surface allows for quick and easy condiment preparation and promotes natural taste and unlocks the full flavors of herbs and spices.
Each of the Rusticity mortar and pestle bowls is individually hand-crafted so their design may differ slightly from each other.
To maintain this elegantly decorative bowl, just wipe it out with a damp cloth.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Beautiful hand-carved floral design
- Glossy finish
- Made from rich brown Indian (Sheesham) Rosewood
- Premium food-grade quality hardwood
- Ideal for grinding and crushing herbs and spices
- Can be used to crush pills for medicine
- Smooth polished surface promotes natural taste and unlocks flavors
- Traditional bowl grinder
- Round ergonomic shape
- Palm pestle feels comfortable to hold
- Compact shape
- Easy to use
Cons
- Washing with soap can cause the finish to come off
- Small surface area
- Not ideal for crushing tough ingredients like hard nuts
- Tends to retain the flavor of herbs and spices
- Designs may vary
6. Ironwood Gourmet 28341 Acacia Wood Mortar and Pestle
If you grow your own herbs and spices, why not consider using the Ironwood Gourmet Acacia Wood Mortar and Pestle to prepare them? The cute 3.25 x 6-inch mortar and pestle will introduce some country rustic feel to your kitchen while you prepare your ingredients. Featuring a pre-Columbian design and made out of gorgeous natural acacia hardwood that is well known for its unique, contrasting colors and decorative patterns, and a carved pestle, the Ironwood Mortar and Pestle Set looks amazing.
Whether you need to grind or crush herbs, nuts, and spices into powders and pastes, the Ironwood mortar and pestle will release their full flavor and fragrance to enhance your cooking and the carved pestle is strong enough for crushing seeds.
A highly versatile mortar, you can also use the mortar as a condiment cup to set before your delighted guests at the dining table.
To keep the mortar and pestle in optimal condition, Ironwood Gourmet recommends that you wash it with warm, soapy water and thoroughly rinse with clean water. Do not soak. To dry, prop it up on the counter to allow all surfaces to air dry evenly, and it should never be washed in the dishwasher. After drying, rejuvenate and protect the wood by rubbing it down with Ironwood Butcher Block Oil. Apply the oil liberally and allow it to soak in thoroughly before use. Regular application of Ironwood’s Butcher Block Oil (or food-safe mineral oil) will prevent cracking and preserve the rich natural colors of the wood. If you take extra special care of your acacia wood mortar and pestle it will be long-lasting and even become an heirloom.
Pros
- Elegant mortar and pestle
- Ideal for grinding and crushing herbs and spices to powders or pastes
- Pre-Columbian design
- Gorgeous natural Acacia hardwood
- Mortar has unique contrasting decorative patterns and colors
- Attractive rustic appearance
- Beautifully carved pestle
- Strong pestle can crush seeds
- Can be used a condiment cup
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Very small surface area
- Short handle
- Not ideal for grinding hard nuts
- Needs to be maintained to protect the wood grain finish
- Not dishwasher safe
7. Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Silicone & Porcelain Mortar and Pestle
This sleek and smart looking white mortar and pestle from Cooler Kitchen features a modern twist on the traditional mortar and pestle. Made from Apothecary-grade porcelain, the 4.5-inch ceramic mortar and pestle is a great choice for crushing the fibers of herbs, grinding grains, spices, nuts, seeds, teas, bread, biscuits (for making home-made breadcrumbs), and even crushing pills into powdered medication.
The reason why porcelain is a popular choice, not only with cooks but also pharmacists who use it grind their medications, is because the ceramic surface is long lasting, will not absorb any odors or transfer flavors and it is very easy to keep clean.
Cooler Kitchen’s special unglazed grinding surface also prevents flaking or powdering so you do not have to worry about your spices or herbs being tainted by the ceramic material. Porcelain is super strong so it really is the perfect material to use to grind anything. The mortar also has a new reinforced bottom to prevent any breakage, which adds to its durability.
One of the standout features of this quality mortar and pestle is the food-grade EZ-Grip black accents on the rim of the bowl and the EZ-grip pestle handle, so if you suffer from arthritis or a wrist injury, you will not have any trouble maintaining a firm, strong grip on the bowl and pestle. The mortar has also been redesigned with a new non-slip detachable silicone base to keep it securely on the countertop while you grind and mix your spices.
The Cooler Kitchen is one of the easiest mortar and pestles to clean and it can go straight into the dishwasher and it is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Apothecary-grade white porcelain
- Sleek and modern design
- Versatile: can be used for crushing and grinding all sorts of ingredients
- Ideal for crushing pills into powdered medication
- Strong and sturdy
- Unglazed grinding surface also prevents flaking or powdering
- New reinforced bottom
- Ceramic surface will not absorb any odors or transfer flavors
- Food-grade EZ-Grip black accent on the bowl and EZ-grip pestle
- Ideal for arthritis suffers or for those with wrist injuries
- Non-slip detachable silicone base
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for a lot of ingredients
8. Le Creuset Stoneware 10-Ounce Cerise (Cherry Red) Mortar and Pestle
Le Creuset are famous for their cooking products that are not only stunningly beautiful but also highly functional and their elegant brightly colored mortar and pestle, like all of their cookware, is made of high-fired stoneware with a durable enamel exterior that resists chipping and cracking.
Preparing all sorts of ingredients for your culinary delights has never been so easy as the pretty Le Creuset Cerise cherry red 10-ounce mortar with an unglazed interior which creates the perfect surface for efficient grinding and crushing of fragrant herbs and spices.
The pestle is extra long and the elongated tip also has an unglazed surface that helps you to grind and pulverize all sorts of ingredients, wet and dry.
As Le Creuset design their stoneware cookware with an extra hard-wearing layer of enamel that resists damage from heat, freezing temperatures, and utensils, the mortar is freezer, microwave, broiler and oven-safe (up to 500° Fahrenheit); and dishwasher-safe. Le Creuset offers a 5-year warranty on all their stoneware products.
Pros
- High quality
- Unglazed interior surface
- Efficient grinding and crushing performance
- Pretty Cerise cherry red color
- Durable enamel exterior
- High-fired stoneware construction
- Extra long elongated pestle
- Pestle has an unglazed surface
- Freezer, microwave, broiler safe
- Oven safe up to 500° Fahrenheit
- Dishwasher safe
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Can break if you drop it
- The end of the pestle is small and does not cover much surface area
- Not ideal for grinding hard ingredients like peppercorns
Our Top Pick for the Best Mortar and Pestle
Our top pick for the best mortar and pestle is the VonShef Solid Granite Mortar and Pestle Spice Herb Grinder Set. Spice up your cooking with the VonShef mortar and pestle. Featuring the natural beauty of solid granite and boasting a strong and sturdy construction, the VonShef mortar and pestle set will have you crushing, grinding, pulverizing all types of herbs, spices, and seeds to create fragrant and flavorsome dishes like a professional chef. The mortar and pestle come at an affordable price and it looks fantastic, so it will make a great gift idea for family and friends who love to cook.
