Mortar and Pestles are a great way to grind spices, make herb pastes and mince garlic or ginger. Choose granite if you will use it a lot. Consider the weight/size of the pestle (the part you pound with) and the surface area of the bowl in the mortar. For heavy use bigger is better, if you have less space the smaller size is fine and for occasional use, the ceramic mortar and pestle, which is surprisingly hardy and lightweight will do the trick.

Made in Thailand. These rustic looking grinders have a great look and feel. When choosing a mortar and pestle, you need to consider the available space and how much you will use it. The larger size mortar and pestles take up more room, however they do a lot of the hard work for you – with the weight in the pestle and the surface area in the bowl.

 Average sizes and weights:
Small - 14cm x 13cm, inner bowl diameter 8cm x 6cm deep
Medium – 18cm X 11cm,  inner bowl diameter 10cm x 6cm deep
Large – 20cm  X 16cm,  inner bowl diameter 14cm 8.5 deep
(please note these are approximate and each Mortar and pestle differs)