Pestle & mortar, what material is best?

[Raymond Lin]

I want to buy one of these but there are wood ones, cast iron, marble, stone, granit and such. But which one is best?

I am inclined to get marble but I read online that stone ones from lava rock is best, and they are from Mexico of all places. Can't see myself getting one from there though.

 

[Docaroo]

Granite!!!! 100%

 

[Jupiter]

granite fo sho

 

[Mason-]

Hmm something that doesn't rub away when rubbed against things.

Definitely use graphite


/sarcasm

 

[Belmit]

Mine is gigantic, made of granite and will pound anything into oblivion.

Like my Johnson.

 

[Ranger07]

Mine is granite and it does a grand job.

 

[mattyfez]

Yeh granite, i have a marble one and it looks nice and does the job but my friends granite one is better, feels better and seems to have more friction.

 

[Crowort]

The only problem with really big ones is cleaning them, since they are so heavy it is a pain to put them in the sink. There is a real risk of denting the sink with the big ones too. Granite ones work best for me, marble looks nice but seem to get to smooth to grind fast.

 

[Ahleckz]

Don't get a wooden one, absorbs the flavors and aromas of the contents. I have a le creuset one and whilst it's quite small it is really good. I only really cook for myself though so fine for my needs.

 

[me227]

Crystal.

 

[Cosimo]

Crystal.

Good for sorcerers.

 

[HeadlessChicken]

Granite for sure.

use mine to make pesto, oil drizzles, all sorts (on top of the normal stuff).

 

[pepp77]

I have a granite one that takes two hands to pick up, demolishes everything.

 

[Glaucus]

another vote for granite.

 

[Meridian]

Agate. Of course they are mentally expensive, but are so for a reason.


M

 

[bitslice]

I'd be afraid to break a marble one,
a huge granite one for me

 

[mattyfez]

I'd be afraid to break a marble one,
a huge granite one for me

Granite is preferable, but lol, you won't break a 5+ kilo lump of marble! Well, not without some kind of power tool

 

[Rob_J]

Ma in law bought me the Jamie Oliver granite one for xmas, smashes everything I put in it.

 

[Goliath]

Electric spice grinder, takes all the hassle away

If you are looking for a granite one, chinese supermarkets are a really good bet, they are normally a sight cheaper than high street etc.

 

[J1234]

Very heavy granite one.