The traditional mortar and pestle has been around for over 35,000 years and never loses its popularity even with the introduction of spice grinders or food processors. There is something so good about grinding and crushing it all by hands, right?
If you are seeking the best mortar and pestle, you have landed on the right page. Here I will review top-notch products as well as give you a detailed buying guide.
Scroll down to know!
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Top 21 Best Mortar and Pestle Reviews In 2020
HIC Mortar and Pestle
Topping today’s list is a product of HIC Harold Import Company. It strikes the perfect balance between quality and price. If you want a decent option that does not break the bank, don’t skip the HIC mortar and pestle.
The whole thing is made of fine-quality porcelain, making it smooth and durable at the same time. Plus, its all-white look promises an elegant touch to any kitchen setting.
You can use the pair to grind literally anything, from cinnamon, peppercorns, to pestos, etc. Making aromatic dry rubs, curry pastes, or preparing holistic remedies should be no sweat once you bring home this strong mortar and pestle.
I absolutely love the fact that these two things are dishwasher-safe. Feel free to put them into the dishwasher for hassle-free cleanup.
The HIC mortar and pestle is available in two sizes, namely 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches. Depending on your needs, you can pick the more suitable option.
Pros
- Fine-quality porcelain that is smooth and sturdy
- All-white design that looks modern
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- A bit small
Product Specs
| Size | 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.64 ounces |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Customer Ratings | 4.2/5 |
ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set
This mortar and pestle pair is a must-have tool in the kitchen. It will help you minimize the time spent on preparing ingredients.
The product is made of heavy granite – one of the best materials to make mortar and pestle. It is super strong to take the pressure, so you can go hard on it while grinding or crushing the ingredients. No worries about it breaking down!
Using granite offers another advantage, which is to keep the mortar from slipping on the kitchen counter. It will stand still wherever you put it.
Both mortar and pestle have the perfect form to offer you the best experience in the kitchen. In particular, the 6-inch mortar comes in a deep round shape that prevents your ingredients from spilling and making a mess. On the other hand, the pestle is broad with a rounded base to stop the content against popping out from under.
A highlight of this product is the anti-scratch protector lying in the mortar. This feature allows the thing to maintain the original condition for longer.
To top all the goodies off, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer. In case you are not 100% satisfied with the purchase, you can receive a full refund.
Pros
- Heavy granite for maximum strength and durability
- Mortar featuring non-skid base
- Both mortar and pestle have perfect shape
Cons
- Not pre-polish
- Slightly short pestle
Product Specs
| Size | 6 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 7.05 pounds |
| Material | Granite |
| Customer Ratings | 4.8/5 |
Greenco Marble Mortar and Pestle – White/Gray
Marble is a common material used to make mortar and pestle. Check out this Greenco pair! You will not be disappointed, even a bit.
The mortar and pestle are white with grey accents. The outer surface is finely polished to give a shiny finish, while the interior is not. There are a few grits for better and easier grinding. Feel free to crush herbs, spices, or even pills using this mortar and pestle. It is quick and requires little effort.
What I love is it is pretty convenient to clean with a single wipe or rinse.
This product comes in either size of 3.75 inches or 4.5 inches. Pick up one out of two sizes, depending on your needs and purposes of use.
Pros
- Nice polished finish
- Rough interior for easier grinding
- Easy to clean mortar and pestle
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty use
Product Specs
| Size | 4.5 x 4.3 x 4.5 inches |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Material | Marble |
| Customer Ratings | 4.5/5 |
Bekith Brushed Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle
Seeking top-notch mortar and pestle that look good in a modern kitchen? Then you cannot miss out on this Bekith product, which is made of brushed stainless steel. The whole thing comes in a shiny finish that you will definitely love at first sight.
Due to the 304 stainless steel construction, the mortar and pestle are durable and rustproof. Also, it is free of BPA, lead, and mercury, so it will not react with your foods or do any harm to your health.
When you buy this Bekith mortar and pestle, you will receive a translucent lid that will keep flying debris from making a mess. Or it will stop your tears when you grind onions.
The two tools are easy to clean as no residue will stick to the surface. Just rinse it under the tap to prepare it for the next use.
Pros
- Brushed stainless steel construction
- BPA, lead, and mercury-free
- Translucent lid
Cons
- Fairly small and shallow
Product Specs
| Size | 5.2 x 4.9 x 4.1 inches |
| Weight | 14.1 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Customer Ratings | 4.6/5 |
Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Mortar and Pestle
Compared to other traditional mortars and pestles, this pair of Cooler Kitchen is a bit thinner and taller. This change in design allows for more pressure, hence getting your task done faster and easier.
It is mostly made of porcelain with a little silicone to increase the ease of use.
To be specific, the mortar features a silicone base, making it non-slip and safe when grinding ingredients. Likewise, the pestle boasts a non-slip silicone cap.
These features make this pair ideal for all people, even the elderly or those suffering from arthritis or wrist injuries. Or if you simply want a top-notch pair of mortar and pestle to prepare spice blend, don’t skip such an excellent option.
Both tools are food-safe, and no flaking or rusting will affect the quality of your foods. Rest assured then!
For added convenience, this Cooler Kitchen mortar and pestle is dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Slim and tall design for more pressure
- Ergonomic silicone features
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Concave bottom that may not dry fully
Product Specs
| Size | 5.1 x 4.7 x 5.1 inches |
| Weight | 2.51 pounds |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Customer Ratings | 4.8/5 |
Tera Mortar and Pestle
Over 80% of customers gave this Tera product a 5-star rating. Are you curious as to why it earns so many positive reviews?
At first glance, the mortar and pestle look sleek with shiny silver finish. If you have stainless steel cookware at home, you might want to add this to the set.
Stainless steel mortar and pestle comes with many advantages.
For example, it is resistant to rust and corrosion caused by acidic foods.
Next, stainless steel does not absorb residue or odor, so it is super easy to clean. All you need to do is to rinse the unit under the tap and leave it to dry completely. Then, it is perfectly ready for the next use.
The manufacturer is so thoughtful to put padding at the bottom of the mortar to prevent it from slipping off the counter accidentally.
Plus, the purchase comes with a translucent lid that will keep all the crushed content from flying off around the kitchen. Great!
Pros
- Sleek silver finish
- Durable and stable
- Translucent lid included
Cons
- Small size
- Very smooth interior
Product Specs
| Size | 3.9 x 3.3 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.8 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Customer Ratings | 4.7/5 |
Fox Run 3822 Mortar and Pestle
This mortar and pestle of Fox Run are entirely made of marble with unique patterns and colorations. The traditional design in dark green color will surely look great in any setting.
It is deep enough to reduce herbs, spices, and nuts to powders or pastes. The thick walls prevent the content from flying off and making a mess in the kitchen. Meanwhile, the base is non-skid, helping the whole thing to stay put wherever you place it.
If you find 3-inch rather small, you can buy bigger versions of 4-inch and 8-inch mortar and pestle as well. The product is also available in different colors, from white, black to green.
Pros
- Multiple sizes and colors
- Solid and stable
- Elegant pattern and coloration
Cons
- Small size
- Not for heavy-duty use
Product Specs
| Size | 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.7 inches |
| Weight | 1.52 pounds |
| Material | Marble |
| Customer Ratings | 4.5/5 |
Jamie Oliver Mortar and Pestle
Granite is a widely loved material when it comes to making mortar and pestle. Don’t be surprised when we have another granite product here. This time, it comes from Jamie Oliver.
The mortar boasts thick walls and base to form a generous 2-cup capacity. Its sturdy construction leaves the impression that the thing can offer lifetime service.
Unlike other products on the market, both the interior and the exterior of the Jamie Oliver mortar is unpolished for a traditional look and effective grinding. Likewise, the unpolished pestle feels great on your hand.
Having this mortar and pestle at home, crushing and grinding ingredients should be no sweat. You can finish the preparation process quickly.
Don’t forget to season the pair before using it to have the best experience.
Pros
- 2-cup capacity for plenty of space
- Unpolished exterior and interior
- Granite mortar and pestle
Cons
- May scratch the countertop
- Needs seasoning
Product Specs
| Size | 6.9 x 6.1 x 6.4 inches |
| Weight | 7.47 pounds |
| Material | Granite |
| Customer Ratings | 4.6/5 |
Hicoup Kitchenware Mortar and Pestle
This mortar and pestle from HiCoup Kitchenware is a real steal. It would be a pity if you missed it by any chance.
Made of granite, the mortar is rock hard to bear a lot of pressure. Therefore, it is ideal for both soft and hard grinding. Or just say, feel free to grind ANYTHING you want!
Aside from the mortar and pestle itself, the purchase also includes a free guacamole recipe. You can refer to it to make delicious dishes.
And the best part?
It is the lifetime warranty provided by the manufacturer. If you are not satisfied with the product (unlikely, though!), you are fully covered and eligible for a full refund. Rest assured then!
Keep it in mind that you must season this mortar and pestle before using it. Follow the instructions! After being seasoned properly, the pair will perform perfectly.
Pros
- Rock-hard granite for both soft and hard grinding
- Will not absorb flavors and odors
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Very heavy
- Needs seasoning before using
Product Specs
| Size | 4 x 6 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 7.3 pounds |
| Material | Granite |
| Customer Ratings | 4.8/5 |
Health Smart Granite Mortar and Pestle
This Health Smart mortar and pestle comes with a solid granite construction, which can surely hold up for a long time.
I bet you will love the traditional design of this mortar and pestle. It looks stylish with a black finish without being too modern.
The mortar offers a large capacity of 9 ounces, leaving plenty of space for your ingredients, herbs, and spices. You will have a reliable assistant to help create mouth-watering meals.
On top of that, the mortar is heavy, hence staying firmly where you put it as you grind aromatic spices and nuts. Meanwhile, the 5-⅛ pestle provides a comfortable and easy grip. Both tools promise you relaxing moments in the kitchen.
To ensure your satisfaction, the manufacturer covered this product with a limited lifetime warranty. Yay!
Pros
- Professional-grade granite
- 9-ounce capacity
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- The sides are too low, leading to spills
Product Specs
| Size | 5 x 5 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Material | Granite |
| Customer Ratings | 4.7/5 |
Vasconia 5031764 Mortar and Pestle
In need of a large mortar for everyday grinding? This Vasconia granite product is the ideal option.
The granite mortar has a 4-cup capacity, which is large enough to cater for all your needs in the kitchen. Unlike other products that only allow you to grind grains or spices, this Vasconia model is available for making salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo as well. And if you want, you can use it to mash up banana, avocado, pumpkin, etc.
There is simply no limit to what this mortar can hold!
Both tools are made of granite with a classic design. As you know, granite is strong to take the pressure. It will not break easily.
Note that the Vasconia mortar and pestle are not dishwasher-safe. To make up for that, they are pretty easy to clean. Simply rinse or wipe it and you are good to go!
Pros
- Large volume of 4 cups
- Strong and durable
- Classic design
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
- A bit short mortar
Product Specs
| Size | 9 x 9.3 x 4.4 inches |
| Weight | 8.9 pounds |
| Material | Granite |
| Customer Ratings | 4.5/5 |
Ironwood Gourmet 28341 Mortar and Pestle
The next product comes from Ironwood Gourmet. Can you guess what the pair is made of?
Yes, this mortar and pestle is made of acacia wood, which is known for its unique contrasting patterns. You can see that the pair looks stunning in a classic pre-Columbian design with interwoven dark and light tones of brown on the surface. The whole thing will certainly add natural charm to any kitchen.
The tough nature of acacia wood makes it perfect for reducing herbs, spices, and nuts to powders or pastes. Also, the wood gifts you a natural non-skid base at the bottom of the mortar.
Great!
It is quick to clean the mortar and pestle from Ironwood. Simply wash with soap and let them dry fully afterward.
Pros
- Pre-Columbian design that looks stunning
- Natural non-slip base
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Adhesive sticker at the bottom
Product Specs
| Size | 5.8 x 5.8 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Material | Acacia wood |
| Customer Ratings | 4.4/5 |
3S Mortar and Pestle
Stainless steel cookware is everywhere nowadays. How about getting a stainless steel pair of mortar and pestle? Are they that good?
Well, using stainless steel to make mortar and pestle has some clear benefits.
First, the mortar and pestle are durable against extended use. You can surely expect them to last for years to come.
Second, the product will not be prone to breaking, flaking, peeling, or chipping like those made of other materials. Plus, it is resistant to rust as well.
Last but not least, it is 100% easy to clean. After every use, just wipe it off using a soft towel to bring back the shiny finish.
The best part must be the glued rubber ring at the bottom of the mortar. It prevents the whole thing from slipping on your kitchen countertop, making grinding a lot safer to do.
Pros
- Sleek and modern shiny finish
- Rustproof
- Rubber ring to avoid slipping
Cons
- Hollow design
- A bit small
Product Specs
| Size | 5.9 x 5.2 x 4.5 inches |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Customer Ratings | 4.6/5 |
eBoTrade Dirct Mortar and Pestle
This eBoTrade Dirct mortar and pestle is a brilliant product to bring home if you love stainless steel cookware.
It does more than just looking great on your kitchen countertop.
This mortar and pestle is sturdy, non-toxic, and anti-rust. It is able to withstand the test of time and extended use. In other words, you can expect it to last for decades.
Unlike the exterior, the inside of the mortar is not too smooth, which is ideal for grinding. It also comes with a non-skid base for secure placement while grinding.
The grinder is perfect for grinding herbs, tablets, and pills into fine powders with little effort. Just don’t overfill the bowl as it is quite small.
Pros
- Sleek shiny look
- Anti-rust and non-toxic
- Rough interior for effective grinding
Cons
- Small size
- High price tag considering the capacity
Product Specs
| Size | 3.9 x 3.4 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.37 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Customer Ratings | 4.6/5 |
Cole and Mason H100279USA Mortar and Pestle
The Cole & Mason mortar and pestle is another excellent option made of granite. It has a shiny black finish that will capture the attention of everybody in the room.
The mortar has a deep round shape, offering a generous 2-cup capacity. While the exterior is finely polished, the interior is rough with a few grits for effective grinding. In other words, it allows you to quickly crush spices, herbs, and many more.
As stains can hardly stick to the surface of the mortar and pestle, it is quite hassle-free to clean. Note that you should rinse it with warm water only. Don’t use soap!
Before using, you need to season the mortar with white rice, followed by garlic, then cumin with salt and pepper. The process is easy but may take a while to do.
Pros
- Finely polished black surface
- Rough interior for effective grinding
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Needs seasoning before using
- Prone to chipping
Product Specs
| Size | 6.7 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches |
| Weight | 9 pounds |
| Material | Granite |
| Customer Ratings | 4.2/5 |
StainlessLUX 75552 Mortar and Pestle
If you just want a small mortar and pestle for grinding pills sometimes, this product of StainlessLUX is undoubtedly the go-to option. It offers 1-cup capacity.
The whole thing is made of 18/8 stainless steel with fine craftsmanship, bringing about a stunning finish. It looks absolutely elegant and will complement any kitchen countertop.
Of course, this spice grinder is durable against the abuse of grinding. Feel free to use it to reduce herbs and tablets into fine powders.
Maintaining this stainless steel mortar and pestle is easy as pie. As it does not stain or rust, simply wash it under the tap to rid any leftover off the surface.
The pestle feels great on your hand, except for the fact that it is very curved on the inside. So if you push the pestle against the mortar, only the edges of the pestle touch the mortar, not the whole bottom.
Pros
- Solid and durable 18/8 stainless steel
- Low-maintenance product
- The pestle is weighted
Cons
- Flaw design in the shape of the pestle
Product Specs
| Size | 4 x 4 x 2.4 inches |
| Weight | 13.6 ounces |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Customer Ratings | 4.3/5 |
Wirezoll Mortar and Pestle
This is a classic marble mortar and pestle that almost everybody should come across at least once. Any traditionalist would definitely want to have one at home.
Marble and granite are comparable in terms of durability. However, unlike granite mortars and pestles, this marble pair does not grind dust into your foods. Hence, you can rest assured about its safety.
I also love that cleaning this mortar and pestle is a breeze. After every use, just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. That’s all you need to do!
Beware that this product is pretty heavy. You cannot carry it around with a couple of fingers. Nonetheless, being heavyweight keeps it from flying off the counter or slipping when you are preparing the ingredients.
Pros
- Classic design and finish
- Strong and durable mortar and pestle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not for large food items
Product Specs
| Size | 7.1 x 5.7 x 10.1 inches |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Material | Marble |
| Customer Ratings | 4.4/5 |
Emile Henry Mortar and Pestle
Clay mortars and pestles are rare to find, but they do exist. If you are interested, check out this Emile Henry pair. It is made of high-fired clay using high resistance technology of the brand.
The mortar and pestle comes in a French design that brings classic beauty to your kitchen. More notably, the bowl of the mortar is 5.5 inches in diameter, leaving plenty of space for grinding and crushing spices or herbs. You can use it to extract the flavor and oils from different spices such as fennel, cumin, cloves, etc.
Rest assured that this pair will not scratch or craze. It is able to hold up well, even with everyday grinding.
The manufacturer introduced a lot of colors for this product. You can choose between green, blue, burgundy, charcoal, flint, white, and oak. So many options!
Pros
- French classic beauty
- Large bowl for grinding
- Anti-scratch and anti-craze
Cons
- Not ideal for making pesto
Product Specs
| Size | 5.5 x 5.5 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 1.28 pounds |
| Material | Clay |
| Customer Ratings | 3.8/5 |
IMUSA USA BAM-10004 Mortar and Pestle
When it comes to bamboo mortar and pestle, you cannot miss out on this IMUSA product. It is the best bet of a cook in the kitchen.
The whole thing looks natural and classic. The bowl of the mortar is deep, which is ideal for crushing herbs, spices, garlic, etc. However, the bottom of the mortar is square rather than round, making it difficult to get everything crushed as the spices will bunch up in the corner.
Both tools are easy to clean with water.
A big advantage of this product is it does not require seasoning. You can use it right out of the box.
Pros
- Traditional design with natural look
- Deep bowl for effective grinding
- No seasoning required
Cons
- Square bottom making it hard to crush things in the corner
- Small size (for one person serving only)
Product Specs
| Size | 3.9 x 12.4 x 9.4 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Material | Bamboo |
| Customer Ratings | 3.8/5 |
TastePadThai Mortar and Pestle
TastePadThai is a lesser-known brand in making mortar and pestle. But trust me, this product will not let you down with its quality.
It is made of 100% hand-carved solid granite for classic beauty and maximum durability. Buy it and you will never have to spend money on a mortar and pestle again..
The pestle and the inside surface of the mortar are polished smooth, so it will not absorb odors from foods. That allows for hassle-free cleanup as well.
This mortar and pestle is available in different sizes, including 5’’, 6’’, 7’’, and 8’’. Choose the suitable capacity depending on your situation.
Pros
- Classic design that looks sturdy
- Great durability
- Polished pestle and mortar (inside)
Cons
- Expensive
Product Specs
| Size | |
| Weight | |
| Material | Granite |
| Customer Ratings |
GoodGoodsThailand Mortar and Pestle
Last but not least, I would love to recommend the spice grinder from GoodGoodsThailand.
It is made of high-quality plastic, hence being lightweight and easy to carry around. You will not worry about it damaging the floor in case it falls down from the countertop.
Also, the plastic mortar and pestle is extremely easy to clean. Bring it under the tap and let the water wash away the stains easily.
On the whole, it is good for domestic use. However, I think the price is a bit too high considering the plastic material.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Prone to chipping and breaking
- A bit overpriced
Product Specs
| Size | |
| Weight | |
| Material | Plastic |
| Customer Ratings | 3.8/5 |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Mortar and Pestle In 2020
Before you jump to buy the best mortar and pestle out there, read on to know some essential factors that you need to consider.
Material
There is a variety of materials used to make mortars and pestles. Below are some popular names.
Ceramic
Ceramic is commonly used in making Italian mortar and pestle. You can also find ceramic mortar and pestle in other areas of Europe as well. It is best for making guacamole. However, it has a few downsides, including difficult maintenance and fragility.
Wood
Wooden mortar and pestle is sturdy and adds a traditional touch to the kitchen. Nonetheless, its interior is slightly porous, which can be stained easily. What’s worse, it might absorb the odor of your foods.
Hard Stone
Hard stone like granite is a popular option when it comes to choosing mortar and pestle. This is because granite is sturdy, reliable, and easy to clean. It will make pulverizing ingredients a lot quicker and easier. On the other hand, granite particles can get into your foods while crushing.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a brilliant material for making mortar and pestle. It does not bend, break, or contaminate your ingredients. Cleaning a stainless steel mortar and pestle is super easy as it does not stain, either. However, traditionalists may not prefer such an option.
Shape
The shape of the pair will determine its performance in the kitchen.
The mortar bowl should be circular and deep enough for the pestle to roll around easily. Meanwhile, I highly recommend round pestles that are easy to hold.
Size
I will not say the larger the better, because in the end, it all boils down to your needs. If you live alone and don’t have to prepare ingredients often, it is best to choose a small or medium-sized mortar and pestle. On the other hand, those living in extended families can consider larger mortars and pestles.
Ease Of Use
This refers to the additional features of the mortar and pestle.
For example, a mortar is easier to use if it sits still while you are crushing ingredients. Therefore, you should find one with a non-slip base.
With pestles, those with ergonomic handles are highly recommended. Your hands or wrists will not feel sore even after holding the pestle for a long time.
FAQs
What is the best material for a mortar and pestle?
The ideal material for mortar and pestle is something hard and hefty. It should be nonporous and easy to clean as well. I highly recommend some premium materials like granite, marble, or agate.
What is the best size of mortar and pestle?
You don’t need too large mortars and pestles, but they shouldn’t be too small, either. Otherwise, it would be difficult to handle all the content. An ideal range for all-purpose mortar and pestle is about 6-8 inch.
What is the best mortar and pestle?
According to my experience, the best mortar and pestle should be:
- HIC mortar and pestle spice herb grinder
- ChefSofi mortar and pestle set
- Bekit brushed stainless steel mortar and pestle
- Vasconia 4-cup mortar and pestle
How should I wash my mortar and pestle?
Refer to the instructions to know exactly how you should wash the mortar and pestle. Some products are dishwasher-safe, while others require washing by hands. Most mortars and pestles should be rinsed with water or wiped only, and the use of soap is not recommended.
Are granite mortar and pestle safe?
Rest assured that granite mortar and pestle is safe for foods, although it might grind into dust when you are crushing the ingredients. For the best experience, you should season it well before using.
The Bottom Line
Mortar and pestle is a handy tool that makes preparing ingredients much easier and faster. I hope with the detailed review and buying guide above, you can bring home the best mortar and pestle which suits your budget and demand.
In case you have any question, feel free to ask me in the comment section. I am more than willing to help. Thanks for reading!
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