Nothing beats the taste of homemade guacamole, with fresh cilantro and garlic swirled in bright green avocado. Or the smell of toasting spices, ground from whole and warming in a hot pan. The key to these delicious dishes? A granite mortar and pestle that makes short work of all of your grinding and smashing needs.
When you are cooking for a crowd, nothing beats the ChefSofi Extra Large Mortar and Pestle Set. It comes with two pestles and a huge mortar to grind large bunches of herbs and overflowing handfuls of spices.
What to know before you buy a granite mortar and pestle
Size
The size you select will depend on how you plan to use your mortar and pestle. If you expect to feed a crowd or use your granite mortar and pestle to grind large bunches of herbs, you’ll want to look for a larger, deeper mortar and pestle (8-inches wide or more). For grinding small amounts of whole spices and the occasional small batch of dip, a 6-inch mortar and pestle should be fine.
Keep in mind that your needs may change over time, and this is one kitchen tool that lasts. If you have space, buy the largest, deepest mortar and pestle you might need.
Base design
Along with the weight, the base design is what keeps your granite mortar and pestle from sliding all over the counter. A wide base will keep your mortar stable when grinding nuts or hard spices. Only using softer herbs or other ingredients? You can look for a base that is more narrow or has three or four legs (instead of one solid base).
Material
Although granite mortar and pestles are the topic here, there are other material options available. You can find mortar and pestles in stainless steel, wood, porcelain and even plastic.
For more options and a complete buying guide, check out BestReviews’ take on finding the best mortar and pestle for you.
Granite mortar and pestle features
More than one pestle
Sometimes you only need to grind a small amount of spices, and other times you need to break down a hefty bunch of herbs. It can be helpful to have multiple sizes of pestles to tailor it to the task, and some sets of mortar and pestles come with multiple, different-sized pestles.
High sides
A deep mortar means no ingredients spilled on the counter. You can also use the high sides as a grinding surface for your pestle to help get the job done.
How to use a granite mortar and pestle
A mortar and pestle comes in handy for all kinds of kitchen applications, including:
Grinding fresh spices for cooking and baking
Making bright, fresh pesto
Creating homemade salsa
Making curry paste
Crushing medications for people and animals (clean carefully afterward)
Grinding fresh herbs for immediate use (or storing in the freezer)
Grinding nuts into powder or paste
Making salad dressings
Creating spice blends
Preparing fresh dips
Combining herbs and spices to make chimichurri
Making flavored salts and sugars
Custom grinding coffee (and you can add flavorful, freshly ground spices)
Creating tea blends from dried tea
The ways you can use a granite mortar and pestle is limited only by your creativity in the kitchen.
Granite mortar and pestle cost
A basic, small-capacity granite mortar and pestle can be purchased for around $20. Need something larger? Expect to pay around $70.
Granite mortar and pestle FAQ
How do you care for a granite mortar and pestle?
A. Other than an initial seasoning (if needed), caring for your mortar and pestle is simple. Rinse after each use and dry carefully. Do not use soap or put your mortar and pestle in the dishwasher. If you find that odors or flavors are lingering, re-season using the method detailed below.
Does my granite mortar and pestle need to be seasoned?
A. Depending on the manufacturer, the answer could be yes. Natural rock mortar and pestles have open, porous surfaces that need to be sealed and smoothed in some way to keep food odors and small bits of food from getting trapped. Seasoning smooths rough edges that can flake spices and herbs and trap them in the rock.
To season, rinse your mortar and pestle with water, and then add a handful of dry rice. Crush and move the rice around until it becomes a powder, then dump it out and feel the inside of the mortar. If it is not smooth, add another handful of rice and repeat the process until the surface is smooth.
Which granite mortar and pestle should you get?
Best of the best granite mortar and pestle
ChefSofi Extra Large Mortar and Pestle Set: available at Amazon
Our take: This large mortar can handle all of your spice and herb grinding needs.
What we like: For versatility and ease of use, this mortar and pestle cannot be beat. It has a 5-cup capacity and comes with two pestles (8.5 inches and 6.5 inches). Its rough granite surface makes quick work of hard spices.
What we dislike: This is an expensive option, but it will last you a lifetime.
Best bang for your buck granite mortar and pestle
Imusa Granite Molcajete: available at Amazon
Our take: This mortar and pestle has a classic look and a wide, open bowl.
What we like: The Imusa is a versatile, weighty option that allows you to really get in there to grind herbs and spices in the open bowl. It’s also beautiful as a serving dish and has a comfortable pestle with a rounded top.
What we dislike: The bottoms of the heavy legs are rough and can scratch counters during use.
Honorable mention granite mortar and pestle
HiCoup Mortar and Pestle Set: available at Amazon
Our take: The HiCoup is an affordable option that works well while as it looks.
What we like: This is a sturdy mortar and pestle that gets high marks for good design. The mortar is a nice size and works well for grinding even the hardest spices. It stays put on the counter when in use.
What we dislike: You cannot use this right out of the box — it must be seasoned first. Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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