The best granite mortar and pestle we tried was easily the ChefSofi Granite Mortar and Pestle Set, which is made entirely from high quality unpolished granite and features 500 ml of space, around two cups. We also loved that it comes with a free anti-scratch protector and that it is extremely easy to clean. A mortar and pestle is one of the useful kitchen products that you can have as it comes in handy when cooking sumptous meals.
To help you find the best granite mortar and pestle for your cooking needs and for the preparation of herbal medicine, we have tried out plenty of top products, testing to ensure they were manufactured with high quality components, typically unpolished granite. We also liked items that featured plenty of room for the crushing of ingredients and those that come with long-lasting warranties. Keep reading to learn more about the Kitchendise Granite Mortar and Pestle Set and the other models on this list.
Top 7 Best Granite Mortar and Pestles
#1 ChefSofi Granite Mortar and Pestle Set
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Large 500 ml capacity, 2 cups, with 3 inches of depth and a minimally-porous design that is easy to clean, shipping with a free anti-scratch protector.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Included anti-scratch protector
- Easy to clean
- Depth of 3”
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- 2 year warranty
- Needs to be seasoned with garlic
- Must be properly air dried
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The ChefSofi Granite Mortar and Pestle Set is made from unpolished granite that is minimally-porous, making it easy to clean as food particles do not linger inside. It features two cups of space, 500 ml, with a depth of three inches, which we found to be plenty of room for just about any task. We also liked the included anti-scratch protector, helping to protect any countertop you place it upon.
Though this product is of a high quality, it only comes with a two year warranty, whereas our top pick ships with a lifetime warranty. Also, the company recommends you first season the mortar with garlic, as this helps with the cleaning process later on. If you’re also looking to spruce up your oven, check out the best oven cleaner.
#2 Laevo Granite Mortar and Pestle Set
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Unique double-sided design, allowing for the grinding of herbal medicines in addition to standard foodstuffs, with plenty of space, over 2 cups, and shipping with a silicone lid for storage.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best for herbal medicine
- Includes silicone lid
- Plenty of space, 2.1 cups
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Cannot purchase pestles separately
- Requires thorough seasoning before first use
- No warranty, though solidly built product
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This Laevo Granite Mortar and Pestle Set features a unique double-sided design, with two seperate grinding areas, making it the best mortar and pestle for herbal medicine in addition to being a standout for traditional foodstuffs. The larger side boasts over two cups of space, which is great, and it ships with a silicone lid, for storage, that can also double as a placemat.
Though this is a solidly built product, it does not come with an actual warranty, though the customer service is rather responsive. Also, it requires a thorough seasoning before the first use, which requires rice, cumin, salt, pepper and garlic. You could also use this chia seeds/protein powder for smoothies from one of the best personal blenders.
#3 Vasconia Granite Molcajete Mortar and Pestle
Award: BEST LOOKING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely attractive and classic design, with a wide 6 inch mouth that can hold nearly 4 cups of ingredients and a heavy base that does not move during rigorous use.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Near 4 cup capacity
- Includes silicone lid
- Heavy base does not move during use
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Not dishwasher safe
- Short 4” pestle
- Arrived with odor, though it faded after cleaning
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This Vasconia Granite Molcajete Mortar and Pestle is one of the larger items on this list, offering nearly four cups of space for ingredients and a wide six inch mouth, which is perfect for making guacamole and similar recipes. The mortar features an extremely sturdy and heavy base, which should not move as you use it, helping to minimize messes. We also found the classic design to be aesthetically pleasing.
Though the included pestle is on an extremely high quality, it is on the short side, at around four inches. Additionally, it had something of an odor upon receipt, but it faded after an initial cleaning. If you’re looking for new kitchen equipment, you could also consider the best upright freezer.
#4 Tera Granite Mortar and Pestle Set
Award: BEST MULTIPACK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships with a bunch of neat extras, including 2 pestles, a silicone garlic peeler and 2 non-slip pads, with a 2 cup capacity, an easy-to-wash design and over 3 inches of depth.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Over 3 inches of depth
- Easy to clean
- Attractive design
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Over 8 lb
- Needs a good cleaning before first use
- No warranty, though solidly built product
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This Tera Granite Mortar and Pestle Set is a large multipack that ships with a mortar, two pestles, two anti-slip pads, for the bottom, and a silicone garlic peeler. The mortar boasts two cups of space for ingredients, with over three inches of depth, and is made from minimally-porous granite, making it easy to clean with just warm water. All you’d need for it to be clean is the best small microwave. We also found the design to be aesthetically pleasing.
The mortar is extremely sturdy, though heavier than average at more than eight pounds. Additionally, it needs a thorough cleaning before the first use, as we found there to be a light film of granite powder upon receipt. You can get the best glass cleaner to clean it before your first use.
#5 Flexzion Granite Mortar and Pestle Set
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly item with plenty of high end features, including a 4 inch depth, which is perfect for grinding up pills, and an extremely heavy bottom half, which helps with stability.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best for pills
- 4 inch depth
- Extremely stable, thanks to heavy bottom half
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Small size not ideal for guacamole
- Does not come with anti-slip pads
- Requires thorough seasoning before first use
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This Flexzion Granite Mortar and Pestle Set comes in a budget-friendly price point while offering several unique functionalities. The four inch depth and extremely stable bottom half make it the best mortar and pestle for pills and the minimally-porous granite interior is easy to clean. We also liked the relatively compact form factor, which allows the pestle to easily grind materials without having to move around too much.
Though this is a truly splendid product for grinding up pills, the relatively small size of the mortar is not conducive to making guacamole or similar recipes. Or, you could throw it into a juice with the best self masticating juicer. Additionally, it does not ship with anti-slip pads, which many of our picks include.
#6 Gorilla Grip Original Granite Mortar and Pestle
Award: LARGEST SIZE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Available in a wide variety of size options, the largest featuring more than 4 cups of space, shipping with a removable foam underside, for minimizing damage to countertops, and a 10 year warranty.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Heavy granite helps with stability
- 10 year warranty
- Foam underside doesn’t harm countertops
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Must season before first use
- Pestle had tape mark upon opening
- Can create granite dust if you aren’t careful
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This Gorilla Grip Original Granite Mortar and Pestle is available in a number of size options, with the largest model coming with four cups of space for ingredients, the biggest to be found on this list. We also loved the removable foam underside, which helps to protect countertops, and the heavy granite design, which helps keep the whole thing sturdy as you go about grinding.
This set is made from non-porous granite, however, and must be thoroughly cleaned and seasoned before your first use, though the process is outlined in the instructions. Also, the pestle itself had a large tape mark upon opening, requiring additional cleaning. If you like this motar and pestle take a look at the best salt and pepper shakers too.
#7 Kitchendise Granite Mortar and Pestle Set
Award: LONGEST WARRANTY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Made from unpolished granite, with a large pouring lip and shipping with a free anti-slip pad and a lifetime warranty, which is the longest warranty to be found on this list.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Does not absorb flavors or odors
- Large pouring lip
- Free anti-slip pad
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Only 2.5” deep
- Cannot purchase mortar or pestle separately
- On heavy side, at nearly 8 lb
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This Kitchendise Granite Mortar and Pestle Set is an ergonomically designed product that offers a smooth and effortless grind. It is made from unpolished, non-porous granite and features a large pouring lip, helping to minimize messes, and ships with a free anti-slip pad. We also loved the lifetime warranty, which is the longest warranty to be found on this list.
Though the two cup capacity is fantastic and perfect for multiple ingredients, there are deeper products on this list, as this item features only 2.5 inches of depth. Additionally, it is slightly heavier than other picks on this list, at nearly eight pounds, though the weight does help it stay in one place. For your kitchen cleanup needs at the end of the night, consider upgrading to the best garbage disposal.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we ensured that our chosen products, first and foremost, were made from non-porous and unpolished granite. This manufacturing process eliminates much of the risk that food particles and odors will linger with prolonged use, though mortars and pestles typically do require an initial cleaning and seasoning process before initial use. We avoided stainless steel, brass, or wooden mortar pestles mostly due to limitations in usability. Although a stainless steel mortar pestle is dishwasher safe, it’s usually slippery and makes ingredients jump off while grinding spices. A marble mortar and pestle spice grinder is solid, dense, and strong, just like the granite mortars and pestles on our list.
We also liked items with plenty of space for a wide variety of ingredients, herbal medicine materials, or pills. The average mortar holds around two cups, 500 ml, though we included items that hold up to four cups, the latter being great for making a large amount of guacamole at one time. We also liked mortars with some depth, as much as four inches, which can make sure you won’t make a mess as you grind spices.
Many included products also shipped with plenty of additional features, such as non-slip pads, to help keep things sturdy, and removable foam undersides, which can help minimize the risk of damage to countertops. Finally, we liked items that shipped with long-lasting warranties, as long as a lifetime in the case of our top pick.
See Also: You may also want to take a look at the best lunch boxes where you can store your food for later use.
Granite Mortar and Pestle Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Non-porous Granite
The main benefit of purchasing a granite mortar and pestle is that, due to the non-porous nature of the design, they do not hold on to food particles, making them safe for prolonged use across a wide spectrum of ingredients, herbs and even pills. The only drawback is that you typically have to season these items before the initial use, which usually requires grinding up a mixture of rice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper and then washing it out with warm water. Please note: Do not use soap with any of the above products, or any other one made of granite. - Depth and Capacity
Larger sized mortars, as big as four cups, can be great for preparing guacamole, curry paste, or other recipes that need a lot of real estate. If you are crushing up pills or small amounts of herbs and dry spices, however, you might want to consider a mortar with a slightly smaller capacity, around two cups. Additionally, you are going to want a mortar with plenty of depth, at least 2.5 inches, and as much as four inches, ensuring that ingredients won’t splash out onto the countertop as you grind. - Additional Features
Many of these sets come with some manner of additional feature. These include non-slip pads, which are to be placed under the mortar during use, and help keep it in place as you go about crushing ingredients. Some also come with removable foam bottoms, which serve a similar purpose with the added functionality of helping to keep the countertop safe from scratches. Finally, some come with extra pestles and related knick-knacks, such as garlic peelers and lids.
