10 Best Mortar and Pestles 2024 | UK Chef Reviewed
We’ll break everything down and reveal our top 10 buys for granite, marble, ceramic and wooden options available in the UK. We’ve scoured Amazon and John Lewis so you can find your way to flavour nirvana with the click of a button. Moreover, we have partnered with chef Ryan Yen for reviewing and fact-checking the article to deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Mortar and Pestles
COSYLAND
A Practical Addition to Your Kitchen That's Just the Right Size
Ryan is a trained chef with experience in several restaurants (with various kitchen supplies across the restaurant experience) and hotels, he also attended le cordon bleu to further his training in cuisine and patisserie and focus on creating simple and delicious dishes. Ryan is now formally working as a chef tutor.
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Fact-Checked & Approved by Chef Ryan Yen
Ryan is a trained chef with experience in several restaurants (with various kitchen supplies across the restaurant experience) and hotels.
He also attended le cordon bleu to further his training in cuisine and patisserie and focus on creating simple and delicious dishes. Ryan is now formally working as a chef tutor.
How to Choose a Mortar and Pestle in the UK
- Select the Material Based on the Ingredients and Meals You Cook Often
- Estimate the Size According to Your Usage and Desired Quantities
- Search for Stable Yet Manageable Mortars Weighing Between 4-5 kg
- Get a More Secure Grip on Ingredients With an Unpolished or Pebbled Inner Surface
Choose the Material Based on the Ingredients You Want to Use It for and the Meals You Like to Cook
Pick Granite or Marble if You Want to Crush Tough Ingredients Like Dried Spices, Nuts and Roots
The mortar itself will be strong enough to take a bit more force when faced with these hardier items and will be stable enough on the worktop while you put the work in. So, if you like to cook with these kinds of ingredients, follow in the footsteps of tradition and consider a granite or marble set.
All in all, they are known as the preferred option when it comes to mortar and pestles, and as a plus, they don't absorb odours but can be stained, so be careful when switching from paste to paste due to colouration and cross-contamination. Another reason is they produce heat from the friction of the pestle and mortar to release essential oils from aromatics and spices to create a well-rounded, smooth paste.
Ceramic Is Best for Emulsifying Creamy Dressings and Creating Authentic Pesto
However, they come into their own when used for whipping emulsified wet sauces such as mayo, salad dressings and pesto as well as crushing garlic. Ceramic is used in Mediterranean countries where these types of sauces are popular, so it's a great choice if you have a particular penchant for foods from this region and want to master an authentic handmade pesto.
Another well-known mortar and pestle are the Suribachi from Japan, with ridged edges in the bowl and wooden pestle. These are known for grinding sesame seeds and can also be used to make guacamole or pesto.
Ceramic mortar and pestles are also dishwasher safe and do not need special care, so are a popular choice for busy cooks or even those who want to use them simultaneously to crush up medicinal pills and tablets.
Opt For Wood as a Handsome Choice for Occasional or Light Use
Unfortunately, the mortars aren’t strong enough to create the base needed to successfully grind tough ingredients. Like ceramic, they are better suited to soft herbs and other Mediterranean staples such as hummus, although they will absorb strong odours such as garlic. Some people think this only adds to the taste, but you won’t be able to make much else with it once you’ve committed!
Base the Size of Both the Mortar and the Pestle on Practicality and Your Desired Quantities
Consider Mortar Width: The Largest and Easiest to Use Are 20 cm and Come With Wider Pestles
Opting for a larger mortar does also have some practical advantages, such as providing more room to get stuck in with the crushing process. On the other hand, a smaller mortar can be useful for a quick spice grind or dressing mix and is much speedier than hauling out and cleaning an electric gadget. It’s up to you, but frequent cooks may like to have several sizes at their disposal.
As an additional point, the bigger the width of the pestle head, the easier and more efficient it will be. Large, round heads with plenty of surface area will better emulsify sauces and better pound harder nuts and spices. Although not commonly noted on products, we’d also suggest looking for a pestle with a large end, especially if you’re deciding between two products.
Aim for Mortars Over 8 cm High as Deeper Bowls Keep Ingredients Better Contained
Look For Mortars Weighing 4-5 kg as These Will Stay Put Without Becoming too Heavy to Handle
A weight of 3-4 kg is average for a solid stone set that won’t shift around, but those tipping the scales at 5 kg should only really be considered if you’re after a very weighty piece of kit. Be wary of sets under 2 kg if you do want them for heavy-duty use.
Ensure a Better Grip on Ingredients With an Unpolished or Pebbled Inner Surface
10 Best Mortar and Pestles in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ezo Home Granite Mortar and Pestle | | A Unique Dual-Sided Set That Can Handle Even Tougher Ingredients | |
2 | H&S Solid Granite Mortar and Pestle | | A Smaller Choice That Doesn't Forgo Sturdiness | |
3 | Jamie Oliver Granite Mortar and Pestle | | A Great Quality Mid-Sized Option From Jamie Oliver | |
4 | COSYLAND 2 in 1 Pestle and Mortar Set | | A Practical Addition to Your Kitchen That's Just the Right Size | |
5 | Maison & White Ceramic Mortar and Pestle Set With Silicone | | Perfect for Those Wanting Something Light and Easy to Handle | |
6 | Judge White Marble Mortar and Pestle | | Ideal for Quick Grinds or as a Second Smaller Mortar | |
7 | John Lewis & Partners Grey Marble Pestle and Mortar | | A Great Balance of Sleek Looks and Good Depth | |
8 | Premier Housewares Stoneware Mortar and Pestle | | A Smaller Ceramic Set That's Useful for Dressings | |
9 | Cole & Mason Large Granite Mortar and Pestle | | Extra Large and Best for Big Quantities | |
10 | World of Flavours KitchenCraft Pestle and Mortar Set | | Stunning Olive Wood Worthy of Display |
Ezo HomeGranite Mortar and Pestle
A Unique Dual-Sided Set That Can Handle Even Tougher Ingredients
The overall shape has a very charming look to it but it also does an exceptional job at keeping everything inside where it should be. Plus, this also comes with a silicone lid and spatula which is a welcomed bonus!
A Smaller Choice That Doesn't Forgo Sturdiness
The 16 cm bowl is on the smaller side but it still weighs in at around 3 kg, so it would be ideal for those wanting something smaller but with all the appealing, sturdy, and long lasting qualities of granite.
A Great Quality Mid-Sized Option From Jamie Oliver
It’s the perfect medium capacity for an impromptu spice blend or just enough for a curry paste for one or two, made easy by the abrasive interior and pestle. In addition to its many other functions, the mortar can be used as a serving bowl, which makes for a beautiful presentation and reduces cleanup.
A Practical Addition to Your Kitchen That's Just the Right Size
The width-to-diameter ratio of the bowl is ideal, and the pestle has a nice thickness for easy crushing and grinding. Included with the purchase are a silicone mat and cover, which you can use while grinding to minimise mess and prevent it from sliding.
Maison & White Ceramic Mortar and Pestle Set With Silicone
Perfect for Those Wanting Something Light and Easy to Handle
While it will probably be too brittle for vigorous use, it is made from apothecary-grade material so it should last a while. It’s also non-absorbent so won’t retain garlicky odours, and can be cleaned in the dishwasher just to be sure.
Ideal for Quick Grinds or as a Second Smaller Mortar
It’s a decent weight considering its size, and it's also very tough and unpolished on the inside which makes for great and easier grinding. Plus, it’s not a bad price for long-lasting marble.
John Lewis & Partners Grey Marble Pestle and Mortar
A Great Balance of Sleek Looks and Good Depth
The use of marble is not only great to guarantee its long lastingness, but it is also a natural, eco friendly material. Overall it’s a fine marble choice with the quality and durability you’d expect from John Lewis.
A Smaller Ceramic Set That's Useful for Dressings
The interior of the ceramic stoneware mortar is left rough and unpolished, but you won’t be able to make large amounts of pastes or get too vigorous with it due to its size and lighter weight.
Extra Large and Best for Big Quantities
The inside and pestle-end are unpolished for better grip, and its polished black granite exterior makes it a smart-looking serving bowl too. An investment for sure, but an excellent quality product for big families or party hosts.
World of FlavoursKitchenCraft Pestle and Mortar Set
Stunning Olive Wood Worthy of Display
Olive is less absorbent than other types of wood, but it will still be better suited to pesto or sauce making and for those who will really only use it for the same few flavour profiles – once you get a garlic clove or two in there, the aroma is there to stay!
How to Season, Clean and Care for Your Pestle and Mortar
- Wood: Remove food debris and oil with kitchen roll, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Wood will absorb the taste of soap if you use washing up liquid, so stick to water, or rub with a cut lemon. You can also oil the wood to keep it in shape.
- Ceramic: Simply wash as you would your dishes, with warm soapy water. Ceramic is also dishwasher safe, but make sure to check the product to be certain.
- Granite/Marble: To prepare your stone mortar for use, add a handful of dry white rice to the bowl. Grind it into a powder, and discard. This will ensure any excess grit from the stone is removed. You can also use this method to clean – simply repeat the process until the rice powder is white. Otherwise, rinse it under the tap with warm water, and use a cut lemon to deodorise and sanitise.
Written and researched by Natasha Dziubajlo
Top 5 Mortar and Pestles
No. 1: Ezo Home｜Granite Mortar and Pestle
No. 2: H&S ｜Solid Granite Mortar and Pestle
No. 3: Jamie Oliver ｜Granite Mortar and Pestle
No. 4: COSYLAND｜2 in 1 Pestle and Mortar Set
No. 5: Maison & White ｜Ceramic Mortar and Pestle Set With Silicone
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.