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We Tested 6 Mortars and Pestles. These 3 Crushed the Competition.
Crush garlic, grind spices and herbs, or mash avocado with these top mortar and pestle sets.
A mortar and pestle is one of the oldest kitchen tools still in use today—and for good reason. The simple combo of a heavy bowl and a matching grinder makes quick work of everything from crushing whole spices to mashing garlic and herbs into pastes, or even whipping up a fresh batch of guacamole. Unlike a food processor or spice grinder, a mortar and pestle gives you more control over texture, whether you want a fine powder or a rustic mash.
They also come in a range of sizes and materials. Granite and marble are the most popular for their weight and durability, but you’ll also find options in metal and even traditional lava rock, among others. Some are best suited for smaller jobs, such as grinding spices, while others are designed for larger tasks, like making dips and salsas.
To find the best ones, I worked with the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab to pick six of the most popular mortars and pestles in a variety of materials and sizes, then tried them in my own kitchen, using them to grind a spice rub for pork tenderloin, crush garlic, and mash avocado. After testing, three models stood out for their balance of function, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Pros
- Attractive and functional design
- Versatile size
- Doubles as a serving piece
Cons
- Some debris tends to get stuck in grooves
- Pricey
Made from heavy, textured granite, Holcomb Studio's mortar and pestle is substantial enough to handle everything from grinding whole spices to create a rub to mashing up guacamole or even preparing a rustic pesto with a capacity of 16.9 ounces (a little more than 2 cups), it hits the sweet spot between compact and roomy, making it one of the most versatile options I tested. It also comes with a beautiful ash wood base that not only protects your countertops from the rough stone but also allows the mortar to pivot, theoretically giving you more leverage. While I didn't find that feature dramatically changed the grinding experience, it does double nicely as a serving stand. The base also has sound-dampening and slip-proof feet.
I also liked the design of the pestle. Unlike most, which either dangle inside the bowl or roll around in your drawer, this one rests neatly in its stand. I found the elongated shape especially comfortable to hold, and it provided the leverage I needed to crush firm spices like peppercorns with minimal effort. Inside the bowl, subtle ridges help break down ingredients, though very fine spices or bits of garlic sometimes cling to the grooves.
Overall, this set is expensive, but it stood out for its combination of functionality, durability, and design. It's easy to use, versatile enough for multiple tasks, sturdy, and attractive enough to leave out on your counter or even use on the dining table.
Features at a Glance
| Material | Granite, wood |
| Capacity | 16.9 oz (about 2 cups) |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs |
Pros
- Deep bowl keeps ingredients well contained
- Smooth exterior and pestle
- Elongated, tapered pestle provides good leverage
Cons
- Non-slip pad doesn't cover the entire base
- Heavy
Weighing in at 9.2 pounds, this mortar and pestle from Gorilla Grip is bulkier than our top pick, but it also holds almost double the amount—perfect for larger batches of dips, guacamole, or other recipes you might be serving to a group. It also comes in smaller 1.5- and 2-cup versions if you don't need quite that much capacity. And even though it's larger than you'd need for tasks like grinding spices, it still works well for smaller jobs if you don't mind lugging it out.
While testing, I appreciated the bowl's shape, which is deeper than it is wide, allowing wetter ingredients like guacamole or pesto to be contained. I also liked its smooth exterior, which is attractive enough for serving, and the elongated, tapered pestle, which provided good leverage and made it more comfortable to handle. The set comes with a non-slip pad to protect your countertop, which you do need to position yourself. While it doesn't cover the entire base, it still provides enough protection. When I pushed it across a wooden table, there wasn't any tension or skipping, and I didn't notice any scratches.
Overall, this mortar and pestle stands out for its capacity and practical design at an affordable price. It’s ideal for anyone who prioritizes function over looks and frequently makes larger batches of dips or other recipes.
Features at a Glance
| Material | Granite |
| Capacity | 4 cups |
| Weight | 9.2 lbs |
Pros
- Compact design is easier to store
- Bowl pivots on base
- Sleek design
Cons
- Not as versatile as other options
The Chef'n Marble Mortar and Pestle is a compact and stylish tool designed specifically for grinding spices and herbs. Its 1-cup capacity is ideal for small batches, making it perfect for those who frequently prepare spice blends, although you can use it to make a single serving of sauce in a pinch.
The smooth, polished marble bowl comes with a no-slip silicone base, which not only protects countertops but also allows the mortar to pivot, providing leverage during use. I do wish the base were white to match the bowl better, but the darker color isn't a deal breaker—plus it's also likely to resist stains in the long run.
During testing, I appreciated the heft and durability of the marble. It made quick work of crushing firm spices like peppercorns, and it ground garlic into a smooth paste in no time. The elongated pestle fits comfortably in the hand, and the silicone base prevents slipping while grinding. Its compact size also makes it easy to store in smaller kitchens, and the marble design is attractive enough to leave out on a counter if you want.
If you mostly need a mortar and pestle for small-scale spice work, this is a reliable choice that's both sturdy and stylish.
Features at a Glance
| Material | Marble |
| Capacity | 1 cup |
| Weight | 2.92 lbs |
How we test the best mortars and pestles
Working with the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, I reviewed top-selling products, cross-checking recommendations from other expert lists and reading through customer reviews and product specifications to identify which products stood out. I then selected six products in a variety of materials and sizes, putting each mortar and pestle through a handful of real-world tasks—grinding whole spices, crushing garlic, and mashing avocados in my home kitchen—to see how they performed. The picks we recommend stood out for their balance of ease of use, performance, durability, and design.
What to look for when shopping for the best mortar and pestle
✔️ Capacity: Capacity is arguably the most important factor when choosing a mortar and pestle, because it determines the quantity you can make and how versatile the tool will be in your kitchen. Small options (1 to 2 cups) are best suited for grinding spices or small amounts of herbs. They're also ideal for compact kitchens, since they're easier to store. Medium sizes (2 to 3 cups) are more versatile, as they handle spices, pastes, and small dips, making them a good choice for most households. Large mortars (4 cups or more), although the heaviest and bulkiest, are best suited for making guacamole, pesto, or other larger batches.
✔️ Material: Mortars and pestles come in a variety of materials, each with its advantages.
- Granite and marble are the most common because they're durable, heavy, and great for grinding spices or herbs, though they often require preseasoning.
- Metal options are long-lasting and sturdy, but may react with acidic ingredients and can also be quite heavy.
- Lava rock is a traditional and porous material, adding texture that's particularly effective for grinding, although it usually requires more careful cleaning.
- Ceramic is smooth and attractive but lighter and less durable than other options, making it ideal for herbs.
- Wood is less common but lightweight and works well for softer ingredients—hard spices or wet pastes can stain or leave lingering odors and flavors.
✔️ Design: Wide, shallow bowls make it easier to scrape out food and are great for serving, but deep, narrow bowls help contain wetter ingredients like dips or sauces, preventing spills. Rounded-bottom bowls often require a base for stability and can sometimes tilt to provide extra leverage. The pestle’s shape also matters. Longer, tapered designs offer better leverage and a comfortable grip, while shorter, thicker pestles may feel more stable but can be harder to maneuver for some tasks.
What are the main types of mortars and pestles, and what are they used for?
- Molcajete: Traditionally carved from volcanic rock in Mexico, this wide, textured mortar is ideal for grinding chilies and spices or making guacamole, salsa, and other sauces.
- Marble or granite: These deep mortars are versatile and used for crushing herbs, spices, and making sauces like pesto or aioli.
- Metal: Typically made of brass or stainless steel, these durable mortars are well-suited for crushing spices and seeds.
- Suribachi: A Japanese ceramic bowl with a ridged interior, paired with a wooden pestle, designed for grinding sesame seeds and other softer ingredients into pastes and seasonings.
- Wooden: These mortars are typically larger and wider for mashing grains, potatoes, and more delicate herbs and spices.
Which tasks can a mortar and pestle perform in the kitchen?
- Grinding whole spices into powders (peppercorns, mustard seed, coriander)
- Crushing herbs for seasoning or marinades (rosemary, thyme, basil)
- Making pastes (garlic, ginger, chili)Preparing fresh sauces like pesto or chimichurri
- Making dips or spreads (guacamole, hummus, tapenade)
- Grinding nuts or seeds for sauces or toppings
- Crushing grains or small amounts of rice
How do you season a mortar and pestle?
Seasoning a mortar and pestle is important if it’s made of porous stone, such as granite or lava rock, since it helps remove stone dust from manufacturing and seals the surface, preventing it from absorbing flavors or odors from the foods you prepare. Many manufacturers include instructions, but here are general guidelines:
- Rinse it with warm water, then allow it to air dry completely.
- Once dry, grind 1/2 cup of white rice inside the mortar using the pestle.
- When the rice is ground, add four cloves of garlic and mash them together with the rice.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns.
- Grind all of the ingredients together using the pestle.
- Discard the mixture and rinse thoroughly.
- Let dry completely before using.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley has been testing household products, including kitchen tools like mortars and pestles, for more than 15 years. She holds a culinary degree from the French Culinary Institute, plus cooks three meals a day for her family of six. Using this hands-on experience, she worked under the guidance of Nicole Papantoniou, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, to create this list of the best mortars and pestles.
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