The 7 Best Mortar and Pestle Sets, Tested & Reviewed
The 7 Best Mortar and Pestle Sets, Tested & Reviewed
To help you find the best mortar and pestle for your kitchen, we tested top-rated sets side by side and evaluated each on design, ease of use, quality, and overall value. We made many batches of fresh pesto, pulverized spices such as cloves, peppercorns, cardamom, and fennel seeds (we even made za'atar ), and, of course, mashed a seemingly infinite amount of avocados to create delicious guacamole .
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A lot of people think that anything an old-fashioned mortar and pestle can do, a modern appliance (like a food processor or blender) can do better. But if you&#;ve gotten serious about authentic pesto or homemade curry paste , you know in many cases the grinding, blending, and emulsifying action of a hefty mortar and pestle yields a subtly but significantly better result. Not all sets are created equal, however, and not every design is right for every home cook.
Best Overall
IKEA Adelsten Mortar and Pestle
PHOTO: IKEA
What We Like
Great value
Sleek finish doesn&#;t need seasoning
Two sizes in one mortar
What We Don't Like
Fairly smooth pestle working end
This modern-looking mortar and pestle set is inexpensive without sacrificing style and quality. Made from marble, the mortar&#;s bowl has the ridged interior you&#;ll need for maximizing success while minimizing effort, especially when it comes to grinding whole dried spices and crushing raw garlic. (Crushed garlic is an upgrade in almost any recipe that calls for minced garlic.) The mortar is even reversible. Flip it over, and you&#;ll find a shallow basin for grinding half a teaspoon of freshly toasted cumin or pulverizing a little fresh ginger.
During testing, the small side of the mortar worked well for about half a teaspoon of peppercorns, cumin, or coriander; a larger portion tended to bounce out. As for the large side, an avocado for guacamole mostly filled the bowl when split into two halves. It moved around a bit during the initial mashing, but after that, we could complete the job without having to stop and cut it into smaller chunks.
The pommel handle of the pestle in this set fit nicely into our hands and was easy to hold without getting tired. The marble set did a great job of getting basil and garlic creamy in the lightly ridged bowl, but could also crush whole spices into powder.
The modest size of this product makes it a workable addition to even smaller kitchens, where you can store it on your countertop or a kitchen shelf. The polished exterior is easy to clean, and we had no problems brushing the last finely ground spice powder from the mortar&#;s rougher surface and washing it with clean water when finished. As a bonus, this set doesn&#;t need seasoning before first use. We washed it with just clean water, scrubbing lightly with a brush to remove any surface grit, and let it air dry.
Capacity: 0.75 cups | Weight: 6 pounds | Material: Marble | Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.94 x 4.72 inches
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
Best Value
Cole & Mason Mortar and Pestle
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Rough interior quickly grinds spices
Polished exterior cleans up quickly
Easy to store
What We Don't Like
Small capacity
This tidy, well-balanced mortar and pestle duo comes with a price tag that makes it a good choice for a first mortar and pestle set or one dedicated to smaller jobs. This set is attractive enough to be a permanent fixture on your counter yet compact and light enough to stash away. It is especially efficient at grinding dried spices in small quantities. We also put garlic in it and found the blunt pestle head matched the bowl shape nicely, making it ideal for crushing. We could even smash one or two avocado halves for a personal batch of guacamole.
Unlike many other mortars and pestles, this set splits the difference between a polished and an unpolished surface. The bowl&#;s exterior and top of the mortar are smooth for easy cleaning, while the bowl&#;s interior and the pestle&#;s tip are coarser for better grinding. We like that the granite pestle is rough on the working end, which helps thoroughly pulverize tough peppercorns or coriander seeds without breaking a sweat, but smooth on the end we held as we rolled it over spices and herbs.
Capacity: 1 cup | Weight: 3.96 pounds | Material: Granite | Dimensions: 5.12 x 5.12 x 3.15 inches
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
Best for Small Kitchens
Chef'n Mortar and Pestle
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
No-slip base
Mortar can be tilted for better access
Pestle can mash spices or wet ingredients
What We Don't Like
Requires pre-seasoning
The exterior marble surface of this mortar and pestle seems smoother than granite versions that are more obviously ridged and roughly textured. Inside, however, the mortar is filled with tiny pits that we found could grind ingredients as efficiently as craggier surfaces, especially when paired with the coarse texture on the working end of the pestle. That texturing does mean that Chef&#;n recommends seasoning the set before you use it for the first time, a process that took us about an hour.
What sets this mortar and pestle apart is the separate silicone base. It feels steady and less likely to scratch a countertop than bases made from stone if they slide around. It also slightly softens the impact of pounding with the pestle, making it comfortable to use force. In tests, we liked that we could set the rounded mortar bowl at different angles on the base for better contact in different grinding stages. This set&#;s relatively compact size and manageable weight (just under 3 pounds) are ideal for small spaces, so it won&#;t need to be stashed away after every use. That also limits its capacity, so we recommend keeping portions small and adding basil in batches.
Capacity: 1-1.25 cups | Weight: 2.92 pounds | Material: Granite | Dimensions: 4.9 x 4.9 x 6.45 inches
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
Best for Dry Spices
ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$42
What We like
Tall walls keep spices inside
Can also work wet ingredients
Doubles as a serving piece
What We Don't Like
Pestle slightly uncomfortable
This set is big and sturdy, as a mortar and pestle set should be, without being overwhelmingly bulky. The mortar has an attractive bowl with a 2-cup capacity. We like how the tall walls and rough-textured surface of the bowl let us easily grind whole spices to a fine powder without chasing them too much around the interior. (You&#;ll notice immediately that spices ground just before use are far more fragrant and flavorful than those bottles of pre-ground spices.) The set does weigh in at 7 pounds, making it heavy for its capacity.
Beyond dry spices, this versatile set is a decent size for small batches of common mortar and pestle tasks, like guacamole, salsa, curry paste, and pesto. The tool can quickly turn sharp raw garlic into a more mellow paste with a few efficient thumps. In all, it satisfies most home-cooking needs and can even move to the table for serving. It comes with a self-adhesive pad that you can stick to the bottom to keep from scratching your table or counter, and it was one of the few sets we tested that came with detailed seasoning instructions, making it a good choice for someone new to this tool. One downside: it's not the most comfortable pestle we've held. It's fine for smaller tasks, but if you've got a big batch of something, your hand might get a little sore.
In a previous version of this roundup, the ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set appeared as our best overall pick. After testing, we decided it was a better fit as the winner of our "best for dry spices" category, as grinding rice for seasoning took time and effort. Grinding garlic and spices after the rice went better and made a nice paste. For pesto, it didn&#;t take much to overload it with leaves so that they started to climb over the edges of the bowl, although they stayed inside fine once they started to break down. Finely ground spices did want to cling to the mortar&#;s rough granite surface but could be brushed out. A single avocado mostly filled the bowl, but it mashed easily without being chopped first.
Capacity: 2 cups | Weight: 7 pounds | Material: Granite | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 inches
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
The Best Spice Grinders for Making Your Own Blends
Best Design
Williams Sonoma Marble Mortar and Pestle
PHOTO: Williams-Sonoma
What We Like
On the larger side
Looks gorgeous on your counter
Smoothly emulsifies herbs and oil
What We Don't Like
Marble and wood stain easily
If you want to make a statement, this stunning white mortar with its handsome wooden pestle might be the one for you. The mortar is made in Italy from Carrara marble, so it should come as no surprise that this set is especially adept at making pesto the old-fashioned way. It&#;s pricey compared with the other models we tested, but it's still more affordable than many Italian marble imports on the market. The marble doesn&#;t need seasoning, but it is prone to stains, which Williams Sonoma recommends removing with lemon juice or vinegar.
The beechwood pestle is designed to create smooth emulsions of fragrant basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. We also used it successfully to grind dry spices, but it took a little more brute strength to work the lighter wood pestle instead of something weightier, like granite. Still, if your goal is to have a beautiful mortar and pestle or make an authentic version of pesto superior to what you can achieve with a food processor, this is a kitchen essential.
Short, sharp pounds were most effective and less tiring when breaking down basil leaves. After the first couple of drizzles of oil, the vertical pounding motion would just get splashy, so circular grinding and stirring worked best to finish off the pesto.
Capacity: 2.5 cups | Weight: 7 pounds | Material: Marble | Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 7 inches
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
Best Large
Vasconia Granite Molcajete Mortar and Pestle
PHOTO: Amazon
$40
$34
What We Like
Wide, shallow surface
Works for mixing and serving
Large capacity means less mess
What We Don't Like
Heavy
Harder to store
There are times when you want to whip up a party-size batch of salsa. Or, maybe you want to make enough curry paste to last you the rest of the year. For kitchen projects like these, a dainty mortar and pestle simply will not work. You&#;ll need a seriously sizable mortar and pestle, and this set will not let you down. However, we still liked this set for smaller jobs, since mortars make less mess if they&#;re only filled to about a third of their capacity when pounding and grinding.
This big boy warrants pride of place on your countertop. It&#;s so heavy (almost 9 pounds) that you may not want to haul it in and out of the cabinet every time you need it. The bowl holds 4 cups, so you&#;ll have the room you need to pound out plenty of pesto. We found the wide surface quickly emulsified herbs and oil to a creamy texture. The molcajete&#;s sturdy sides will hold all your ingredients where you want them&#;in the bowl and not on the floor. The weight of the pestle means grinding up spices requires less elbow grease.
We tested this set long-term, and it's still going strong over a year later. It's perfect for guacamole, of course, but we also love it for small batches of peppercorns. As a bonus, it's attractive enough to use as a serving vessel for dips&#;simply place it on the table with a napkin or dish towel underneath and dig in. While it definitely requires a dedicated spot in the cupboard (or counter) due to its size, we think it's a small price to pay for such a fantastic tool.
Capacity: 4 cups | Weight: 8.9 pounds | Material: Granite | Dimensions: 8.8 x 9.2 x 13 inches
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
How to Choose the Right Concrete Floor Grinder for the Job
When it comes to concrete polishing and surface preparation, a good quality, reliable grinder is absolutely essential. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. As a professional, it's important to consider several factors before purchasing a concrete grinder to ensure that it meets your needs, such as power requirements, unit size, dry versus wet grinding, the availability of parts, and the support you can expect from your supplier.
In this article, we will discuss the key things to consider when selecting a concrete grinder.
Understand Your Power Needs for Concrete Grinding
The power requirements for your grinder as well as other equipment on the job site are the first and most important considerations.
Single-Phase 110V, Under 20" (Small Grinders)
Single-phase 110V electric grinders are typically under 20 inches in width. These smaller machines are ideal for grinding in small spaces or hard-to-reach areas. For many contractors, these smaller machines produce similar results when compared to a hand grinder, only they keep the operator off their knees. While these machines do have their usefulness, it is generally recommended for professional concrete contractors to invest in a larger machine that provides better productivity.
Single-Phase 220V, 20-26" (Medium Grinders)
Single-phase 220V electric grinders are an ideal (and Jon-Don recommended) choice for many small to mid-size jobs. Most 220V grinders are significantly heavier than a 110V unit, and jumping to a 220V circuit allows for a more powerful motor to spin the diamonds across the substrate. Single phase 220's offer dramatically better ROI on your time and often produce a better grind overall.
These middle-of-the-road machines are great choices for residential garages, small commercial settings, and other moderately-sized spaces.
Three-Phase, 220V or 480V, 30" (Large Grinders)
Three-phase 220V or 480V grinders typically offer a larger head size (30" or more) and are best suited for large spaces, such as warehouses or big retail centers. These larger, heavier models can offer greater productivity rates for big areas, allowing you to polish more with fewer workers.
It's important to know if your job site offers power, and what the available connections are. You may need to invest in a generator or be prepared to work with an on-site electrician to configure the electrical hookups your equipment requires.
Propane Grinders
While propane grinders advertise higher peak horsepower and better portability, site-and region-specific regulations may apply to this power source. In some areas, propane is not allowed inside building due to the noise and exhaust that they produce. Users should also prepare for increased maintenance needs, such as oil changes, air filters, break-in periods, and valve adjustments.
OSHA outlines proper storage practices for propane, which should be followed at all times.
Wet Versus Dry Concrete Floor Grinding
For concrete polishing, there are two standard methods for concrete grinding: dry grinding and wet grinding. Both types of grinding produce the same results, so it's often a matter of personal preference when it comes to choosing between the two. Here's what to keep in mind:
Wet floor grinders feature an onboard water tank or water inlet where a hose can be attached. Water helps keep the diamond tooling cooler and prevents dust and debris from kicking up in the air. Grinding concrete can expose silica dust particles to the air, so keeping your grinding surface wet prevents those particles from becoming airborne. However, wet grinding produces a lot of slurry, which can require additional cleanup procedures. If you are prepping a floor to receive a resinous coating, your job time may be extended as you wait for the concrete to dry.
- Dry concrete grinders are ideal for most applications, but especially for removing coatings, such as mastic, glue, paint, or adhesive residue from glue-down carpet. These machines must be paired with an
are ideal for most applications, but especially for removing coatings, such as mastic, glue, paint, or adhesive residue from glue-down carpet. These machines must be paired with an OSHA-compliant dust collector to extract the dust for safe disposal.
Other Important Considerations When Choosing a Concrete Floor Grinder
Your concrete grinder is an important equipment investment that you'll have for a long period of time. That means it will eventually require maintenance and support to keep it in top performing shape. With that in mind, before you make your concrete grinder investment, consider the following:
Parts Availability
When choosing a concrete grinder, it is important to evaluate the availability of replacement parts. Grinders have many moving parts that can wear out or break over time. It is essential to choose a grinder that has readily available replacement parts to ensure that downtime is minimized in case of a breakdown. Jon-Don has unmatched parts availability with more than 10,000 replacement parts in stock.
Supplier Support
The supplier you choose to buy your grinder from can make a significant difference in terms of support and service. A good supplier will provide training and support to ensure that you get the most out of your grinder. They should also have a reliable supply of parts and offer maintenance services. Choosing a supplier with a good reputation for customer service and support means you won't be left in the lurch if something goes wrong.
Jon-Don: Concrete Floor Grinder Experts
The concrete experts at Jon-Don know their stuff and will take time to match you with the right machine for the job. We'll walk through all the most important considerations to help you make a more informed decision on your concrete grinder purchase. With us, you can expect:
Trusted Experts. Our team of knowledgeable experts are invested in your success and will guide you to the right products and procedures for your business
- Live Demos. See the machine in action before you buy so you can be confident you're getting exactly what you need.
See the machine in action before you buy so you can be confident you're getting exactly what you need.
- One-stop shop. Not only do we sell walk-behind grinders, but you can also find hand grinders, densifiers, concrete stains, poly sheeting,
Not only do we sell walk-behind grinders, but you can also find dust collectors tapes , and everything else your business needs all under one roof.
- Service and support. Jon-Don offers factory-trained service techs who can repair and maintain your equipment, whether you bought it from us or not! If you prefer DIY solutions, our experts are a call away and can help you troubleshoot in the field.
Jon-Don offers factory-trained service techs who can repair and maintain your equipment, whether you bought it from us or not! If you prefer DIY solutions, our experts are a call away and can help you troubleshoot in the field.
- Training. Get your crews up to speed and build their technical knowledge in our classrooms. Jon-Don provides seminars and workshops on topics like concrete repair, polishing, and epoxy installation.
Get your crews up to speed and build their technical knowledge in our classrooms. Jon-Don provides seminars and workshops on topics like concrete repair, polishing, and epoxy installation.
- Finance. Your new equipment is more affordable than you think! Financing options are available to help you get the equipment you need while keeping your cash lines open.
Your new equipment is more affordable than you think! Financing options are available to help you get the equipment you need while keeping your cash lines open.
Ready to learn more? Shop our full selection of concrete grinders or call 800-556- to speak with a Jon-Don concrete rep today!
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