Suspended
Ive used just about every material they are made from and actually I wouldnt say there is that massive a diff between any of them.
Avoid wood as said as it absorbs, but equally I found a wooden one gave a slightly more consistent courser grind which I actually wanted for some herbs like a nice rough black pepper. Its easier to avoid grinding into oblivion with wood than any other much harder material.
I would say what actually makes the difference is a good match between the pestle and the mortar angles so your getting a good surface area being ground, substandard ones have a poor contact and hence you feel like your not getting anywhere.
Avoid wood as said as it absorbs, but equally I found a wooden one gave a slightly more consistent courser grind which I actually wanted for some herbs like a nice rough black pepper. Its easier to avoid grinding into oblivion with wood than any other much harder material.
I would say what actually makes the difference is a good match between the pestle and the mortar angles so your getting a good surface area being ground, substandard ones have a poor contact and hence you feel like your not getting anywhere.
