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7 Great Mortar and Pestle Sets for Your Kitchen

If you love flavor, then a mortar and pestle set might just be the kitchen tool you need. They’re perfect for smashing everything from spices to avocado.

If you love cooking with flavor, then a mortar and pestle set might just be the kitchen tool you’re missing. These handy duos are perfect for smashing everything from herbs and spices to avocado.

And they preserve more of the flavor than a food processor, grinder or bottled herbs can give to your cooking. These are some great mortar and pestle sets to consider for yourself or as a housewarming gift.

White stone mortar and pestle set on wooden surfacePin

Mortar and Pestle Buying Guide

When shopping for a mortar and pestle set, consider the following factors to find the perfect match for your kitchen:

Material:

🗿 Granite: Heavy and durable; great for tough grinding.

💎 Marble: Smooth and heavy; good for spices and pesto.

🪴 Ceramic: Lighter weight; good for seeds and nuts but can be brittle.

🪵 Wood: Ideal for crushing herbs; avoid strong flavors that can be absorbed.

🍴 Stainless Steel: Durable and non-porous; a modern choice.

Size:

For everyday home cooking, a medium-sized mortar (around 6 inches in diameter) is usually sufficient. If you plan on grinding large quantities or bigger items (guacamole or pesto, for example), consider a larger size.

Texture:

A rough interior helps grind more efficiently than a smooth one. The pestle should have a rough end to grip the ingredients better.

Weight:

A heavier mortar will stay put during grinding. But make sure the pestle feels comfortable in your hand and isn’t too heavy to use.

Ease of Cleaning:

Non-porous materials like stainless steel are easier to clean and won’t absorb flavors. Porous materials like granite require seasoning and careful cleaning to prevent residue build-up.

Stability:

A mortar with a non-skid base or heft enough not to slide is ideal. But it also needs to have a wide enough base to prevent tipping during use.

Design:

Consider whether you want your set to be purely functional or if it will serve as a countertop display. Some sets come with additional features like spouts for pouring.

Price:

Prices can vary widely on material and brand, although most are under $50. More expensive doesn’t always mean better, so consider which features are most important to you.

Finding the right mortar and pestle can enhance your cooking by unlocking the full potential of ingredients, so take your time to choose a set that you’ll enjoy using every time you cook.

Mortar and Pestle Sets

 

Filed in:

Last Updated:

May 14, 2025

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