What is a mortar and pestle exactly, and what is its purpose? It’s a set of tools that date back to the Stone Age that helps crush products into fine powder. Mortar and pestles are mainly used for cooking nowadays, but the two-piece set could be used to prep ingredients for a science experiment. So if you’re looking to add a vintage set of kitchen tools to your home setup, it is a fun touch.
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top 3 quick picks for the best mortar and pestles:
- ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set
- Gorilla Grip Original Mortar and Pestle Set
- Granite Mortar and Pestle by HiCoup
Selecting a Top-Notch Mortar and Pestle Set That’s Right For You
Finding the right mortar and pestle set shouldn’t be difficult. What really matters is what you’re looking to get out of your new mortar and pestle set. Do you want something that makes a nice centerpiece for your kitchen but doesn’t have to actually crush spices that well to a fine powder?
Here are some things to consider before purchasing a set.
- The size: A lot of these sets have a certain cup capacity. Would you prefer a 2-cup or 3-cup capacity? Some even have a 4-cup capacity.
- The material: Mortar and pestles are actually made from similar materials that make up your kitchen countertop. Try a granite set or marble, or even a porcelain set. Match it to your countertop for a clean and sleek kitchen setup.
- Dishwasher safe: Can you wash your new set in the dishwasher, or do you have to do it the old-fashioned way? The question is convenience.
The main things to remember before clicking “Buy Now” are the cup capacity and the material. Everything else isn’t exactly necessary but keep in mind certain factors like color and convenience.
The 9 Best Mortar and Pestle Sets
There are a multitude of mortar and pestle sets available for purchase from every store imaginable. Here are the top-rated picks that won’t break the bank and will make a nice addition to your kitchen.
ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set
The ChefSofi mortar and pestle set is top-ranked for a reason. With over 10,000 reviews, a sleek unpolished grey granite look, and a decent price, this is, without a doubt, the best set. This product set comes with a free virtual cookbook, a self-adhesive anti-scratch protection pad, and more.
PROS
- Versatile cooking tool.
- Enhances flavor profiles.
- Durable and heavy.
CONS
- Not dishwasher safe.
Gorilla Grip Original Mortar and Pestle Set
The Gorilla Grip original mortar and pestle set is also made from 100 percent unpolished granite and comes in a small, medium, or large size. The small size holds 1.5 cups, the medium holds 2 cups, and the large holds 4 cups total. The Gorilla Grip set also comes decently priced and has generally positive reviews.
PROS
- Gorilla Grip Tough.
- Natural granite material.
- Large capacity.
CONS
- Potential surface scratching.
- Heaviness may be unwieldy.
Granite Mortar and Pestle by HiCoup
This is the first highly-rated mortar and pestle set with a different look. The HiCoup set touts that it is non-porous and easy to clean. Reviewers praised this set for being sturdy and easy to use. The set also has a rough matte texture and an extra deep sloped shape that helps keep ingredients in the center of the mortar.
PROS
- All-purpose usability.
- High-quality stone.
- Easy to clean.
CONS
- Heavy to handle.
- Absorbs flavors and odors.
Laevo Marble Mortar and Pestle Set
The Laevo mortar and pestle set is the first non-granite option on the list and has a sleek and polished design. Laevo says it has the only reversible set on the market, which allows the user to separate the flavors and smells for more versatility. This set is eco-friendly and has a risk-free warranty for peace of mind after purchase.
PROS
- 100% solid marble.
- Reversible design.
- Bonus items included.
CONS
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Heavyweight may be cumbersome.
Sagler Marble Grey Mortar and Pestle Set
This beautiful mortar and pestle set from Sagler is the least expensive product on this list so far, but it still remains a good quality purchase. The interior is unpolished and rough, which allows for better grinding. This is the lightest set on the list, weighing in at 1.35 pounds.
PROS
- Aesthetic marble finish.
- Compact size.
CONS
- Small capacity.
- Unfinished exterior.
Tera 18/8 Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle With Brush
The Tera Stainless Steel mortar and pestle set is one of the rare genuine stainless steel options on this list. The genuine stainless steel material means that this set won’t rust, and the Tera set is also BPA-free. Anyone who purchases this set will also get a translucent lid with a built-in hole for the pestle so you can crush spices without fear of making a mess.
PROS
- Rustproof stainless steel.
- Non-absorbent.
- Translucent lid included.
CONS
- No non-slip base.
Vasconia 4-Cup Granite Molcajete Mortar and Pestle
In terms of visuals, this Molcajete mortar and pestle set from Vasconia is a winner. As the company says in the notes for the product, this would make a great centerpiece for serving chips and salsa during a party, for example. This set weighs about 8.9 pounds in total and has a 4-cup capacity with a smooth interior for the mortar.
PROS
- Large grinding capacity.
- Authentic design.
- Easy to clean.
CONS
- Heavyweight.
- Single functionality.
Gramercy Kitchen Company Marble Mortar and Pestle Set
The Gramercy Kitchen Company mortar and pestle set has a sleek marble look that is accompanied with a non-skid protective pad to keep your countertop from getting scratched, a complementary garlic peeler, and also a downloadable recipe guide. The Gramercy set has a 1.5-cup capacity with a longer pestle to make grinding and masking products easy and painless for the purchaser.
PROS
- Hefty, solid build.
- Complementary garlic peeler.
- Non-scratch skid proof pad.
CONS
- Heavy to handle.
The Cooler Kitchen Store EZ-Grip Silicone and Porcelain Mortar and Pestle Set
For the person interested in purchasing a mortar and pestle set that doesn’t require a lot of pre-prep time and clean up after must buy this Cooler Kitchen Store set. Made from porcelain with an EZ-grip handle, this set is dishwasher safe and comes with a break-free base for extra ease of use.
PROS
- Non-slip gripped handle.
- Silicone bowl for stability.
- Apothecary grade porcelain.
CONS
- Potential lack of durability.
In Conclusion
The main question to ask when purchasing a mortar and pestle set is this: Are you looking for a classic, vintage look or something more modern? All of the granite and marble sets on this list require the user to season the set before even starting to use it.
This is to ensure the interior is prepped for use. If you don’t want a product that requires pre-prep and hand washing consider the porcelain set. It’s all about personal preference and getting the most for your money!
Other Kitchen Items to Consider
We hope you enjoy these products! But keep in mind, Grit Daily might take a small commission on the items recommended here—but that doesn’t mean we don’t believe in them. We only recommend products that we would buy or use ourselves, so don’t be wary of our suggestions.
