this post was submitted on 27 Apr 2026
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Help me choose a Mortar and Pestle Please! (aussie.zone)
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone to c/foodaustralia@aussie.zone
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G'day folks, I want to get a mortar and pestle for the boss for mother's day, it's one of those things that's always been on the "one day" list. Lately we've been investing heavily into our garden and she's super into herbs and medicinal plants and making potions so I think it's time.

I've never owned one so don't really know what to look for. But I am a tool guy and have no problems paying for something that's good quality and will last. Though having said that, from what I've seen they're not all that expensive.

I've been looking at kitchen warehouse - https://www.kitchenwarehouse.com.au/kitchenware/grind-and-spice/mortars-and-pestles?srsltid=AfmBOop35hiGud4yuvxXYftu2VD2FXfoR_agNYt0dXjY4RFgtlzT0UHZ

I like the look of the black granite ones, this 20 cm low profile - https://www.kitchenwarehouse.com.au/product/avanti-low-profile-mortar-and-pestle-20cm-black#review-container

But it'd be frustrating to have stuff constantly jumping out the sides, so maybe this deeper bowl 16 cm job - https://www.kitchenwarehouse.com.au/product/gourmet-kitchen-granite-mortar-and-pestle-16cm

I think if I had to make the choice myself I'd probably go with the 16 cm deeper one. But I'd love to hear input from anyone who's spent some time using these and what I should consider when choosing.

Info that may or may not help - she's a former chef, so her chopping game is already top notch, she can mince veggies with a knife. She also likes fiddly little bullshit that would drive me nuts, like crocheting, so she's got nimble fingers. I've got fists like hams and big, sausage shaped fingers, so I'm more interested in something that would work for her than for me.

Thanks a ton!

Edit to add - I'm not committed to kitchen warehouse, it's just where I ended up and I liked the look of what they had. But I am committed to something that's going to ship from Australia, because of all the everything.

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[–] 666dollarfootlong@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I personally use a big Thai mortar and pestle, its good for chilies, garlic, and for making fresh sauces and quite essential for Thai food. However its very large and bulky, and can be a bit more utilitarian rather than decorative.

[–] TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone 3 points 2 months ago

I'm definitely function over form, but I don't want something too bulky. Would be nice if it was portable enough that we could take it camping with us, but not sure if that would be practical.

[–] imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I have the mini version of that granite one and it's awesome. Bit small because I bought it when I also had a larger one and I just wanted something for crushing small amounts of spice...but the large one was ceramic and broke... If I were buying a new one I also like the look of the deeper 16cm one. That allows you to use the sides more and I think the other one looks a bit shallow

[–] TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Just ordered it. Looks like the best all rounder to me. Cheers!

[–] The_Che_Banana@beehaw.org 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Pics and review when you get it

[–] NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Wait, you guys say mortar and pestle instead of pestle and mortar? Mind blown.

[–] TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone 1 points 2 months ago

It rolls off the tongue better. And it's alphabetical! 😋

[–] SaneMartigan@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

My pestle rolled off the counter and broke years ago. Still works but I'd've preferred if it hadn't.

[–] TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I've seen some made of aluminium or stainless and I think that would be a true "last forever" tool for that exact reason. But one thing I know with certainty is that she's not even a little bit curious about a metal one, it's gotta be stone or ceramic. I know if I'm buying a tool for myself, lasting forever isn't worth much if it isn't enjoyable to use.

[–] SaneMartigan@aussie.zone 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Thinking about it, the whole thing is pretty heavy, so maybe be sure you get one that's light enough to be handled while you're considering things.

Or get a magimix food processor.

[–] TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone 2 points 2 months ago

I checked in the specs for a weight but it's not listed. I don't think weight will be an issue much. It'll help keep it still when in use, and if it needs to move it won't be far. If it's too heavy for her then that's just a bonus because it gives me job security! If she ever figures out how to open jars and reach the top shelf herself I could be in real trouble...

[–] melbaboutown@aussie.zone 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

It depends on what she’s using it for.

I’m not experienced in using them but I have a smallish metal mortar and pestle from an Asian shop that is traditionally used to bruise fresh herbs for cooking or mint leaves for cocktails, and would probably crush garlic. I chose it because it wouldn’t leave gritty residue in crushed pills and would wash clean. Both the mortar and pestle are very smooth so it would take longer or be more difficult to finely grind anything hard or dried.

The first link shows garlic and soft leaves (basil?) so that might be a similar use.

Rougher stone options like the granite are good for harder things but the size depends on whether she’s grinding a small amount of dried spices, or larger amounts of stuff like dried chillies or rice and lentils for dosa. They may also leave a bit of grit behind until they’ve been used enough to wear most of that off.

Ceramic might leave dust behind for a while unless the inside is sealed with glaze, in which case it’d probably be good for the softer things.

High narrow walls contain small amounts in one spot and prevent them getting kicked out the sides, but for heavier grinding lower walls allow more circular movement. Somewhere in the middle might be more versatile.

But if it’s on either end it’s definitely annoying to properly grind an amount that’s too large for the mortar and also to chase a too small amount around the inside (and have to make sure you don’t leave half behind as residue) so I’m no help here…

Maybe just show her pics without the prices and ask her what would suit. Or take her out to lunch near one of the places (not necessarily on the day) and have a look together. Or gift card

[–] TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone 1 points 2 months ago

I've checked out metal ones and I think they'd be worth a look, but she's told me she's definitely not interested, it's gotta be traditional. I'm definitely with you on the right tool for the job, I got huge points early in our marriage when I decided to buy her a food processor, but couldn't decide on the size so I got her a big one and a small one and she loved that.

But I don't think I can justify more than one mortar and pestle, and the 20 cm one is getting kinda big I think, so I've gone with the 16 cm bowl one. Thanks for the input!

[–] Gullible@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

I bought a mortar and pestle and I love it, but I am a relatively strong dude and I find my hands getting tired from using even a small one for making batches of spice mix. Make certain that mass and circumference of the pestle won’t be an issue! Tall mortars can also skin your fingers, so I prefer short.