Mortars & Pestles

Best Mortars & Pestles in the UK: Top Picks, Where to Buy, and How to Choose

Why a mortar and pestle still matters in a modern kitchen

Ever wondered why chefs keep going back to a humble bowl and club? A mortar and pestle isn’t just nostalgic kitchen jewelry — it’s a tool that transforms fresh herbs, whole spices, and nuts into flavors that a blender or spice grinder often can’t match. Crushing releases essential oils and aromas in a way that slicing or chopping can’t, giving you brighter, louder flavors. Whether you’re making pesto on a lazy Sunday or spicing up a curry, a good mortar and pestle is one of those small investments that pay off every time you cook.

Featured brands and models to consider

The market is full of options, so I’ve focused on standout models and trusted brands that are easy to find in the UK. Below you’ll find popular picks — including items available from Nordic Nest — with practical notes on size, material, and what each one is best for.

Le Creuset Mortar — 10.6 fl oz (Cerise)

Le Creuset is synonymous with reliable, colorful cookware, and their mortar is no exception. The 10.6 fl oz capacity (roughly a small mixing bowl) makes it ideal for pastes, dressings, and small batches of pesto. It’s typically glazed, which means it’s easy to clean and won’t absorb strong odors, but glazed surfaces can be slightly less effective at gripping ingredients when compared with stone. If you love a mortar that looks as good on the counter as it performs, and you’re making wet preparations or small spice blends, this is a top pick.

WMF Mortar — 4.7 inch diameter (White)

WMF offers a compact mortar with a diameter of about 4.7 inches, perfect for quick spice crushing or making single-serve sauces. A smaller mortar gives precision and control, and this size is great if you live in a flat with limited storage or you just don’t need to process large batches. It’s lightweight enough to handle easily but still sturdy for most everyday tasks.

Tefal Jamie Oliver Mortar — 5.7 inch diameter (Granite)

Designed with usability in mind, the granite Tefal Jamie Oliver mortar at roughly 5.7 inches across provides a solid grinding surface and a rough texture that helps crush seeds and herbs efficiently. The natural stone gives it weight, which reduces slippage while you work. This model is a strong mid-size choice for people who want a balance of capacity and control. It excels at dry grinding and small wet pastes.

Tefal Jamie Oliver Mortar — 7.9 inch diameter (Granite)

For those who cook for a family or frequently make larger batches, the bigger Tefal Jamie Oliver mortar with a diameter of about 7.9 inches gives you extra room to work. That size handles bigger bunches of herbs, larger amounts of nuts for sauces like romesco, and bulk spice grinding. The granite surface remains excellent for releasing flavor, though the larger size does mean more storage space is needed.

Sagaform Stone Mortar — 4.3 inch diameter (Beige)

If you prefer a compact, attractive mortar with a natural stone finish, the Sagaform option at about 4.3 inches is a neat choice. It’s small but efficient, perfect for zests, small spice mixes, and quick dressings. The beige stone looks great on display and performs well for light-to-medium grinding jobs. It’s a stylish piece for those who like their tools to be both useful and decorative.

Ernst Mortel — Medium (Black)

Ernst’s medium black mortar blends Scandinavian simplicity with functionality. Medium sizes typically sit in the sweet spot between single-serve and family-sized prepping — usually around 5 to 6 inches in diameter. The black finish hides staining well, and its weight provides stability for consistent grinding. It’s a versatile go-to for most cooks who want a reliable, all-purpose mortar.

Joseph Joseph Dash Mortar — 6.1 inch diameter (Granite & Bamboo)

Joseph Joseph combines materials in a smart way: a granite bowl for grinding paired with a bamboo pestle handle for comfort. At about 6.1 inches across, this mortar is roomy enough to handle moderate batches while staying manageable. The bamboo offers an ergonomic grip, and the granite bowl ensures effective crushing and scraping of spices and herbs. It’s modern, functional, and a strong choice if you want a hybrid look and feel.

House Doctor Arb Mortar with Pestle — 3.9 inch diameter (Dark Green)

House Doctor’s smaller mortar is around 3.9 inches across and is ideal for everyday tasks like grinding peppercorns, smashing garlic, or making single portions of dressings. Its compact size makes it a great tool for smaller kitchens and for cooks who value quick, single-serving prep. The colored finish adds personality to your kitchen shelf.

How to choose the right material for your cooking style

Materials matter because they affect traction, durability, and maintenance. Here’s a quick guide: Granite and stone are best for heavy-duty grinding and releasing oils; ceramic or glazed mortars are excellent for wet pastes and easy cleaning; wood looks great and is lightweight but can absorb oils and flavors; and metal (like stainless steel) is durable and hygienic but can be noisier and less effective at gripping ingredients. Think about what you cook most often and pick a material to match.

Choosing the right size: small, medium, or large?

Size matters more than many people realise. Small mortars (under 5 inches) are great for spices, dressings, and individual portions. Medium mortars (around 5 to 6 inches) are the most versatile — big enough for small family meals and small enough for easy storage. Large mortars (around 8 inches or more) are for batch cooking, herb-heavy recipes, and anyone who frequently prepares food for a crowd. Ask yourself: are you making single-serve pesto or a large batch of chimichurri? That answer will point you to the right diameter.

Where to buy mortars & pestles in the UK

You can source these tools from specialist and general retailers across the UK. Nordic Nest stocks a range of stylish and functional models from brands like Le Creuset and Sagaform, making it a good place to browse curated, designer pieces. For wider selection and competitive prices, check retailers such as John Lewis, Lakeland, Amazon UK, Wayfair UK, and Robert Dyas — they often carry both budget and premium options. If you prefer seeing and feeling the tool before buying, John Lewis and Lakeland have physical stores where you can test the weight and finish in person.

Care, seasoning, and long-term maintenance

Taking care of a mortar and pestle is simpler than you might think. Stone and granite pieces often just need a rinse and air dry after use; if it’s a new stone mortar, consider rubbing a cut garlic clove rubbed with salt across the surface initially to remove any stone dust and season the bowl. Ceramic and glazed mortars can usually be washed with warm water and mild soap, though some purists avoid soap on porous stone. Avoid soaking wooden pestles, and always dry them thoroughly. A little care preserves flavor neutrality and keeps your tool looking great for years.

Practical tips: getting the most flavor from your mortar and pestle

Want the best aroma and flavor? Use a rocking motion to crush herbs and spices rather than pounding straight down; this helps break cell walls and release oils more efficiently. Add a pinch of coarse salt as an abrasive when you’re grinding aromatic herbs or making pesto — salt helps to abrade fibers and speed up the process. For spices, warming them slightly in a dry pan before grinding can awaken fats and oils and lift the flavor even more.

Recipes and uses that show off a mortar and pestle

Mortars shine with recipes where texture and aroma make a difference. Try pesto, guacamole, chimichurri, Thai curry pastes, and dry spice blends. Even simple tasks like crushing garlic with salt for a paste or pulverising peppercorns for a fresh cracked pepper finish can make a dish sing. The bowl is also great for crushing tablet vitamins or making small batches of marinades.

Budget vs premium: when to splurge

If you cook frequently and want a tool that will last, investing in a heavy stone or a cast mortar pays off. Premium pieces like those from Le Creuset or solid granite options give you weight and durability, plus a finish that’s often more comfortable to use. On the other hand, if you’re new to cooking or on a tight budget, a mid-range granite or ceramic mortar will serve you well for basic tasks. Think of the purchase like shoes — buy cheap if you’re experimenting, but go premium once you know you’ll use it daily.

Styling and storage: keep it handy

A mortar can be both a tool and a decorative item. If your mortar looks good, keep it on the counter where you’ll actually use it. Smaller models double as salt cellars or display pieces when not in use. Keep the pestle with the bowl or in a nearby drawer so you’re not hunting for it every time you need a quick grind.

Final shopping checklist

Before you click buy, run through this quick checklist: material (granite vs ceramic), size (diameter in inches), weight (is it stable on your countertop?), cleaning requirements, and whether the finish will fit your kitchen aesthetic. If possible, hold the pestle and imagine using it for a minute — does it feel comfortable? That one simple test often tells you more than specs on a page.

Conclusion

A mortar and pestle is more than an old-fashioned relic — it’s a powerful way to unlock fresher, deeper flavors in everyday cooking. Whether you opt for a compact House Doctor piece for quick tasks, a mid-size Joseph Joseph mortar for ergonomic comfort, or a large Tefal Jamie Oliver mortar for batch cooking, there’s a model to fit your kitchen and cooking style. Shop around at Nordic Nest, John Lewis, Lakeland, and other UK retailers to find a balance of price, material, and capacity that suits you. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever made pesto any other way.