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10 Best Mortar and Pestle Sets (2023 Version) for the Old-Fashioned You

Have you ever found yourself with an affinity for a piece of kitchenware (or other homeware) that you know is slightly outdated but that you just can’t help but love? We’ve been feeling that way lately about the mortar and pestle.

Best mortar pestle

Sure, some people think it’s old fashioned and don’t see much use for it, but we find that the piece has a certain charm and also that it can actually still be quite useful for plenty of things like grinding spices, crushing things for cooking and baking, or powdering pills for easier ingestion. That’s why we’ve been thinking about buying a new set!

Best Mortar and Pestle Sets

As with anything, we decided to do a bit of research before we make our purchase. We’ve always found seeing other people’s potential buying lists helpful when we’re interested in something and want recommendations, so we decided to share out own too! Check out the 10 best mortar and pestle sets that we came across in our search.

1. Granite Mortar and Pestle by HiCoup

Granite mortar and pestle by hicoup

If you’re going to invest your money in a new mortar and pestle set, would you really like one that both looks classic and can also withstand essentially anything you want to put it through, since you now you can be hard on your things? ThenHiCoup Kitchenware might have just what you’re looking for right off the bat!

In addition to the ability to withstand essentially any use, the granite finish of this particular mortar and pestle set is nothing short of stunning. It’s a little bit of an investment compared to some models you’ll see, but it’s worth the price for how easy the shining granite surface is to clean.

Pros

  • The smooth surface makes it easy to clean.
  • Looks good enough to also be a serving bowl.

Cons

  • Breaks easily.
View price on Amazon

2. HIC Mortar and Pestle Spice Herb Grinder Pill Crusher Set

Hic mortar and pestle spice herb grinder pill crusher set

Were you actually checking out our list in the hopes of finding something much simpler and also much more affordable, since you’ve been doing things on a budget lately and don’t mind a but of minimalism? Then we’re pretty sure this set fromHIC Harold Import Co. would be a better match for you.

Like the one before it, this design’s shining porcelain surface makes it very simple to clean, and also quite durable. It’s true that porcelain is slightly more prone to cracking or chipping than granite is, but the set costs less than $10, making it worth the very low risk.

Pros

  • Dishwasher safe.
  • Made out of porcelain, so it looks great.

Cons

  • Some find it to be a bit too small.
View price on Amazon

3. Bekith Mortar and Pestle Sets 18/8 Brushed Stainless Steel

Click image to open expanded view video bekith mortar and pestle sets 18:8 brushed stainless steel

Are you intrigued by the idea of something that’s very affordable but you’re also putting durability and a slightly more modern style in high priority? In that case, we’d suggest taking a good look at this set offered byBekith.

Rather than more traditional materials, this mortar and pestle set is made from strong brushed stainless steel. This makes it very strong, once again extremely simple to clean, and the set actually even comes with a lid that you can place over the opening while you work so that debris doesn’t flu out over the brim.

Pros

  • Easy to clean and durable.
  • Comes with a non-skid base.

Cons

  • The plastic cover is not so durable.
View price on Amazon

4. EZ-Grip Silicone & Porcelain Mortar and Pestle With Non-Slip Detachable Silicone Base

Ez grip silicone & porcelain mortar and pestle with non slip detachable silicone base

Have you always loved what you get by using a mortar and pestle but you find that some models slide around a little on the counter or table and you’ve never liked that? Then we think you’ll get along a little better with something like this duo fromCooler Kitchen, which is designed to avoid that very problem.

Like one of the other designs you saw, this decently affordable piece is made from porcelain at its base. To stop it from sliding and make grinding easier, however, these manufacturers took the steps of covering the bottom of the mortar and the handle of the pestle in a layer of silicone, giving them better grip on both your hand and the surface you’re working on.

Pros

  • Has a non-slip detachable silicone base.
  • Dishwasher safe.

Cons

  • Ground powders tend to stick to the bottom.
View price on Amazon

5. Marble Mortar and Pestle Set

Anzone natural texture stone grinder bowl

Were you originally hoping for something much more high-quality looking and classic, nearly fancy, when it comes to your set, but you are still working on a budget, so you need a piece that’s more affordable? In that case, we’re pretty sureAnzone has just the kind of thing you’re looking for.

This particular design is made from marble, giving it a more old-fashioned look that feels quite authentic while you’re using it. We quite like the idea that any chips or scratches made to it simply reinforce the traditional aesthetic of the piece, but in reality, the marble is quite durable, even on this affordable piece.

Pros

  • Sturdy and fairly large.
  • Works for vegetables, spices, or even pills.

Cons

  • The packaging leaves to be desired.
View price on Amazon

6. ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set

Chefsofi mortar and pestle set

Are you actually still thinking about how much you loved the idea of using a granite mortar and pestle but you’re also the kind of person who likes a more naturally rough and unfinished look over the high glossed appearance of the other piece we showed you above? Then we’d suggest giving this alternative fromChefSofi some consideration!

Although this piece is also made from granite, like the first, it is unpolished, giving it a much more matte appearance and a slightly rougher texture that feels like stone. It’s a little cheaper than the first design but just as durable.

Pros

  • Features non-slip bottom.
  • Works great with veggies, greens, and more.

Cons

  • The pestle may be a bit uncomfortable to hold.
View price on Amazon

7. Granite Mortar and Pestle Set

Granite mortar and pestle set

Do you actually use a mortar and pestle quite frequently indeed, so you’re interested in a design or set that’s got all the features you could possibly want, and maybe a combination of many you’ve seen so far? Then we think you simplymust take a look at the wayLaevo made this impressive granite piece!

Besides looking very nice indeed with its unpolished rock finish and its dual colour, this set is very useful for several reasons. Firstly, it comes with a non-slip mat to set it on while you work so it doesn’t go sliding, but also so you don’t have to try and clean something with an external cover on it like the other silicone piece. This mat can also be used as a lid. Finally, the pestle is double ended so you can use a smaller or larger size, depending on what you’re grinding.

Pros

  • Double-sided set.
  • Features a silicone lid that doubles as a mat.

Cons

  • It’s super heavy.
View price on Amazon

8. Naturally Med Olive Wood Rustic Mortar and Pestle

Naturally med olive wood rustic mortar and pestle

Did we really catch your attention when we started talking about traditional looking and authentically built pieces but you just had something a little more rustic in mind? Then perhaps this beautiful set fromNaturally Med will be a little more up your alley.

Rather than being rendered from any of the very hard substances you’ve seen so far, this particular mortar and pestle is made from a very hard type of wood that can withstand the grinding action you’ll use it for so frequently. The piece is a slight investment, but the fact that it’s handmade from Mediterranean olive wood accounts for this cost.

Pros

  • Handmade out of Mediterranean olive wood.
  • Great for spices and herbs.

Cons

  • Since it’s handmade, it can be a bit rough for some people’s liking.
View price on Amazon

9. Multi Green Onyx Mortar & Pestle

Multi green onyx mortar & pestle

If you’re going to go the old fashioned and more traditional looking route with your mortar and pestle, would you rather do so with a material that’s a little more glamorous looking, or beautiful in a different way? Then we’d suggest taking a look at this piece offered byNature’s Artifacts.

Despite it’s impressively low price, this multi-coloured green onyx piece is actually one of the strongest options on our list. Besides its durability, we quite enjoyed the fact that the colour of this set also makes it a lovely decor piece even if you don’t plan on actually putting it to practical use.

Pros

  • Looks stunning.
  • Works great to grind herbs, spices, and medicine.

Cons

  • It’s rather small.
View price on Amazon

10. Run 3822 Marble Mortar and Pestle

Click image to open expanded view fox run 3822 marble mortar and pestle

Did we catch your attention with both the idea of a beautiful green pieceand the idea of a marble mortar and pestle set, but you’re having trouble deciding which? Well, thanks toFox Run, you don’t actuallyhave to choose between the two!

Instead, we’d encourage you to take a look at this stunning green marble piece that’s reasonably priced and more than comparable to the others in terms of durability. This is another piece that will look nice even simply put on display in your kitchen between uses.

Pros

  • Made out 100% marble, so colors will vary.
  • Works for herbs, spices, nuts.

Cons

  • It’s fairly small.
View price on Amazon

Conclusion

Do you know a fellow DIY and kitchen enthusiast who has been thinking about investing in a mortar and pestle set but they feel like they could use some guidance when it comes to what kind? Share this post with them so they have all kinds of information to work with!