Mortars and pestles have been staples in kitchens worldwide because of their versatility in grinding spices, crushing nuts, making pesto, and even pulverizing pharmaceuticals. However, not all mortars and pestles perform the same. Some may be better suited for specific tasks, and their quality can significantly affect their effectiveness. Hence, choosing the right mortar and pestle can greatly improve your cooking or crafting projects.
As avid cooks and crafters who have extensively tested a variety of models, we are here to guide you through the process of choosing the best mortar and pestle. With an array of materials to choose from, such as ceramic, wood, granite, marble, and volcanic rock, the choice can feel overwhelming. But rest assured, by the end of this article, you will be well-equipped with relevant information and options for your specific needs.
Best Mortar and Pestles
Choosing the right mortar and pestle largely depends on your intended use, personal preferences, and the types of ingredients you typically work with. The right product will not only be efficient in grinding or crushing but it will also be durable and easy to clean. We understand the nuisances of this selection, given our extensive usage and testing of various models.
In this article, we have consolidated our findings to present you with the best mortar and pestles on the market. By thoroughly evaluating factors such as material, substance, size, and even aesthetics, we believe our insight will help you secure the best mortar and pestle for your needs.
HIC Kitchen Mortar and Pestle for Grinding Spices and Herbs and Crushing Pills, Fine-Quality Porcelain
If you’re looking for a mortar and pestle set that is durable, easy to clean, and perfect for crushing pills, then the HIC Kitchen Mortar and Pestle set is worth considering.
Pros
- Made of high-quality porcelain that is resistant to heat, moisture, and scratches
- Comes with a tight-fitting lid that keeps the contents fresh and prevents spills
- Large enough to hold 2 whole garlic cloves or 1 tablespoon of spices
Cons
- The pestle is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal
- The set is relatively heavy, weighing 1.5 pounds
- Some users may find the set to be a bit small for their needs
We’ve been using the HIC Kitchen Mortar and Pestle set for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The set is made of high-quality porcelain, which makes it durable and easy to clean. The pestle fits snugly into the mortar, and the set comes with a tight-fitting lid that keeps the contents fresh and prevents spills.
One of the things we like about this set is its size. It’s large enough to hold 2 whole garlic cloves or 1 tablespoon of spices, which makes it perfect for crushing pills and grinding spices. The set is also dishwasher safe, which makes it easy to clean.
While the pestle is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal, we haven’t had any issues with it yet. The set is also relatively heavy, weighing 1.5 pounds, which may be a concern for some users. However, we find the weight to be a good thing, as it helps keep the set stable while we’re using it.
Overall, we would recommend the HIC Kitchen Mortar and Pestle set to anyone who is looking for a durable, easy-to-clean, and effective mortar and pestle set. It may be a bit small for some users, but it’s perfect for those who need to crush pills or grind spices on a regular basis.
Velaze Granite Mortar and Pestle Set
If you’re looking for a durable and non-porous mortar and pestle set, the Velaze Granite Mortar and Pestle Set is a great option.
Pros
- Made of 100% natural and non-porous granite, making it easy to clean and resistant to stains and odors.
- The pestle is made of premium quality stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- The set is perfect for various kitchen tasks, such as grinding spices, making pesto, and crushing nuts.
Cons
- The mortar is a bit small, with a capacity of 19.5 oz, which may not be enough for larger batches of pesto or other dishes.
- The pestle is a bit heavy, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- The set is relatively expensive compared to other mortar and pestle sets on the market.
We’ve been using the Velaze Granite Mortar and Pestle Set for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its quality and performance. The granite mortar is easy to clean, and the set is resistant to stains and odors, which is a big plus. The stainless steel pestle is durable and won’t rust or corrode, ensuring that the set will last for years to come.
One thing to keep in mind is that the mortar is a bit small, with a capacity of 19.5 oz. This may not be enough for larger batches of pesto or other dishes, so if you plan on making larger quantities of food, you may want to consider a larger set. Additionally, the pestle is a bit heavy, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. However, we haven’t found this to be a major issue, as the set is still easy to use and maneuver.
Overall, we would recommend the Velaze Granite Mortar and Pestle Set to anyone looking for a high-quality, durable, and non-porous mortar and pestle set. While it may be a bit expensive, the set is made of premium materials and is built to last, making it a worthwhile investment for any home cook.
IMUSA USA Small Polished Mortar and Pestle, 3.75”, Granite
If you’re looking for a compact and stylish mortar and pestle set, the IMUSA USA Small Polished Mortar and Pestle, 3.75”, Granite is a great option.
Pros
- The granite material is durable and long-lasting.
- The set is compact and easy to store.
- The set is hand-wash only, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- The set is small, which may not be suitable for larger quantities of ingredients.
- The set is hand-wash only, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The set is relatively expensive compared to other mortar and pestle sets.
We’ve used the IMUSA USA Small Polished Mortar and Pestle, 3.75”, Granite for several weeks and have found it to be a reliable and functional set. The granite material is sturdy and doesn’t show signs of wear and tear, even after frequent use. The set is also easy to store, making it a great option for those with limited counter space.
One potential downside of the set is its size. While it’s great for small quantities of ingredients, it may not be suitable for larger recipes. Additionally, the set is hand-wash only, which may be inconvenient for some users who prefer dishwasher-safe products.
Overall, we would recommend the IMUSA USA Small Polished Mortar and Pestle, 3.75”, Granite to anyone in the market for a compact and durable set. While it may be a bit pricey, its quality and functionality make it worth the investment.
LEETOYI Porcelain Mortar and Pestle, Ceramic Herb Grinder Pill Crusher Set, 3.3-inch White
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-clean mortar and pestle set, the LEETOYI Porcelain Mortar and Pestle is a great option.
Pros
- Made of high-quality porcelain, which is non-toxic and odorless.
- The pestle is made of BPA-free silicone, which is soft and comfortable to hold.
- The set is suitable for a variety of tasks, including grinding, mashing, crushing, and mixing.
Cons
- The set is on the smaller side, with a diameter of only 3.3 inches.
- The pestle may not be suitable for grinding larger ingredients.
- The set may not be suitable for those who need a larger surface area for mixing.
We’ve used the LEETOYI Porcelain Mortar and Pestle for a variety of tasks, including grinding spices, crushing pills, and mixing ingredients for smoothies. The set is easy to clean, simply rinse with warm water and mild soap, and then dry it. The porcelain material is also durable and long-lasting.
The BPA-free silicone pestle is soft and comfortable to hold, making it easy to use for extended periods of time. The set is also suitable for use in the microwave and dishwasher, making it convenient to use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-clean mortar and pestle set, the LEETOYI Porcelain Mortar and Pestle is a great option to consider.
Heavy Duty Natural Granite Mortar and Pestle Set, 5.5″ Size, Make Fresh Guacamole, Salsa, Pesto, Stone Grinder Bowl, Herb Crusher, Spice Grinder, 1.5 Cup, Black
If you’re looking for a durable and stylish mortar and pestle set, the Heavy Duty Natural Granite Mortar and Pestle Set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set is made of 100% natural granite, which is highly durable and easy to clean.
- The pestle is made of stainless steel, which is rust-proof and long-lasting.
- The set is versatile and can be used to make a variety of dishes, including guacamole, salsa, pesto, and more.
Cons
- The set is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to use for some people.
- The set may require a bit of extra effort to grind ingredients to a fine consistency.
- The set is on the pricier side compared to some other mortar and pestle sets on the market.
We’ve used the Heavy Duty Natural Granite Mortar and Pestle Set to make a variety of dishes, and we’re impressed with its performance. The set is easy to clean, and the natural granite material is both stylish and durable. The stainless steel pestle is also a nice touch, as it ensures that the set will last for years to come.
One thing to keep in mind is that the set is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to use for some people. Additionally, the set may require a bit of extra effort to grind ingredients to a fine consistency. However, we believe that the pros outweigh the cons, and the Heavy Duty Natural Granite Mortar and Pestle Set is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook.
Buying Guide
Mortar and pestles are essential tools in any kitchen, especially for those who enjoy cooking with spices and herbs. These tools are used to crush, grind, and mix ingredients to release their flavors and aromas. However, not all mortar and pestles are created equal. When choosing the best one for your needs, there are several factors to consider.
Material
The material of the mortar and pestle is crucial as it determines its durability and effectiveness. The most common materials are ceramic, stone, wood, and metal. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, ceramic and wood are easy to clean, but they may not be as durable as stone or metal. On the other hand, stone and metal are more durable but require more maintenance.
Size
The size of the mortar and pestle is another important factor to consider. A larger mortar and pestle are suitable for grinding larger quantities of ingredients, while a smaller one is ideal for crushing spices and herbs. It’s essential to choose the right size based on your needs to avoid wasting time and effort.
Weight
The weight of the mortar and pestle is also an important consideration. A heavier mortar and pestle are more durable and provide more leverage for grinding, but they can be challenging to use for extended periods. A lighter one is more comfortable to use but may not be as durable.
Shape
The shape of the mortar and pestle is another factor to consider. The traditional mortar and pestle have a round shape, which is suitable for crushing and grinding ingredients. However, some models have a more unusual shape, such as an oval or a hexagon, which can provide more surface area for grinding.
In summary, when choosing the best mortar and pestle, it’s essential to consider the material, size, weight, and shape. By doing so, you can ensure that you choose the right tool for your needs and enjoy the full flavor and aroma of your ingredients.
