9 best mortars for herbalists

Mortars, a staple tool in apothecary shops, are shallow, bowl-like containers typically made of ceramic or marble, used for grinding and mixing various substances, including herbs, spices, and minerals.

This essential equipment enables apothecaries to prepare complex remedies and concoctions with precision and control. The flat surface and rounded edges of a mortar allow for efficient grinding and mixing of ingredients, while the pestle, a handheld tool used in conjunction with the mortar, facilitates the process. By using mortars, apothecaries can create a wide range of medicinal preparations, from salves and ointments to powders and tinctures.

Effective use of mortars requires a great deal of skill and technique, reflecting the high level of expertise required to work in an apothecary.

1. Heavy Granite Mortars with 1.5 Cup Capacity

These mortars boast a heavy-duty, sturdy construction that facilitates effortless grinding of various ingredients, making them a valuable addition to any apothecary setup.

The large 1.5-cup capacity allows for the grinding of multiple ingredients at once, streamlining the preparation process. The stable base, paired with an anti-scratch protector, ensures secure use and prevents any damage to the countertop. Additionally, the easy cleanup and maintenance features enable long-lasting performance, while the included mat provides extra protection for both the base and the countertop.

The attractive design of these mortars also makes them suitable for display in the kitchen space, adding a touch of elegance to any apothecary setup.

Key Features:

• Heavy-duty, sturdy construction for easy grinding needs
• Large 1.5-cup capacity for grinding various ingredients
• Stable base with anti-scratch protector for secure use
• Easy cleanup and maintenance for long-lasting performance
• Comes with detailed instructions for preparation and care

Warnings:

Some users had complaints about the quality and surface of the mortars, citing a rough surface that is poor for grinding and a pestle that breaks easily, causing injuries, which suggests that the product's durability and design may be a concern. Additionally, users noted that the product's surface can be contaminated with dust and particles, and that excessive granite dust is released during grinding, indicating issues with the product's polish and manufacturing.

2. Stainless Steel Mortars with Brush and Crusher

These mortars feature high-quality and durable stainless steel construction, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable tool for apothecary use.

The rustproof and heavy weight design of the mortar contributes to its longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent use. The easy and quick cleaning with tap water is a significant advantage, allowing for efficient maintenance and hygiene. The stable and ergonomic design of the mortar enables comfortable use, while the concentric rings reduce pill sticking and the smooth texture facilitates efficient grinding with minimal loss.

Additionally, the rubberized ring for non-slip base and stability, combined with the heavy-duty pestle and brush for easy powder removal, enhance the overall functionality and usability of the mortar.

Key Features:

• High-quality and durable stainless steel construction
• Rustproof and heavy weight design for longevity
• Easy and quick cleaning with tap water
• Stable and ergonomic design for comfortable use
• Concentric rings for reduced pill sticking

Warnings:

Some users were dissatisfied with the mortars due to issues such as the use of poor food-grade quality stainless steel material, which could potentially contaminate food, and the visible spotting and discoloration of salt and pills, indicating a problem with the material's durability and resistance to substances.

3. Black Granite Mortars Set - Large Capacity

These mortars boast a durable marble construction with an elegant design, perfect for the apothecary's workspace.

The solid weight of the mortar provides stability, while the comfortable and balanced pestle design ensures ease of use, allowing for efficient grinding and mixing. The versatility of these mortars extends to creating a variety of spice blends and pastes, thanks to their large size, which accommodates generous cooking quantities. The ease of cleaning marble material is a significant advantage, as it absorbs no odors and is simple to maintain.

Additionally, the included silicone mat protects the counter from spills and the natural stone construction, with its unique imperfections, adds a touch of authenticity to the apothecary's craft.

Key Features:

• Durable marble construction with elegant design
• Stability provided by solid weight of mortar
• Comfortable and balanced pestle design for ease use
• Versatility in creating spice blends and pastes
• Easy to clean marble material with no odor absorption

Warnings:

Some users complained about the design and functionality of the mortars, citing issues such as a pestle that is too short, causing knuckle damage, and grinding sides with a small radius that makes it difficult to grind, resulting in the two sides not being useful due to design.

4. Gorilla Grip Granite Mortars Set with Slip Resistant Base

These mortars boast a heavy and sturdy granite construction material used for their durability and stability, making them a valuable addition to any apothecary's workspace.

Their slip-resistant base ensures they remain securely in place on countertops, even during the most intense grinding sessions, while their granite surface offers easy cleaning and maintenance. The rough interior of these mortars is specifically designed to effectively grind spices and other ingredients, allowing for efficient preparation of various apothecary products. Additionally, their perfect weight provides comfort and balance during use, even for individuals with fine motor disabilities, making them a practical choice for apothecaries of all skill levels.

The inclusion of a non-slip pad on the bottom of the mortars also ensures secure placement on countertops, preventing accidents and spills.

Key Features:

• Heavy and sturdy granite construction material used
• Slip-resistant base for stability on countertops
• Easy to clean and maintain granite surface
• Rough interior for effective grinding of spices
• Perfect weight for comfortable and balanced use

Warnings:

Some users have expressed concerns about the quality of the mortars, citing issues such as chips, cracks, and granite dust, which can be problematic for food preparation, while others have reported that the product breaks or snaps easily, and the mortar can arrive with dents and loose particles. Additionally, the product's tendency for granite flakes or chunks to fall off into food has been a source of frustration for some users.

5. Granite Mortars - 3.5-Cups Guacamole Set - Grey

These mortars feature durable granite construction, ensuring long-lasting use in the apothecary, withstanding the rigors of frequent use and heavy cleaning.

The granite is easy to season and maintain with the provided instructions, allowing apothecary professionals to focus on their craft rather than the upkeep of their equipment. The mortars' stable and heavy design allows for efficient grinding, minimizing movement and reducing the risk of accidental spills or injuries. The large size accommodates multiple herbs and ingredients, streamlining the preparation process and increasing productivity.

Additionally, the included anti-scratch protector safeguards the surface beneath the mortar, protecting it from damage and ensuring a safe working environment.

Key Features:

• Durable granite construction for long-lasting use
• Easy to season and maintain with instructions
• Stable and heavy design for efficient grinding
• Large size for multiple herbs and ingredients
• Included anti-scratch protector for table protection

Warnings:

Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and characteristics of the mortars, citing issues such as the presence of gray residue, rust, and mold, which raises concerns about the product's hygiene and durability.

Additionally, some users pointed out that the mortars were poorly made, heavy, and contained glued repairs, which may pose a risk of toxicity.

The use of mixed materials, including crushed rock and concrete, was also a point of contention, as was the fact that the product was not made from pure granite as expected.

6. Mortars Set - 2.5oz Marble Gray

These mortars are designed for comfort and ease of use, fitting comfortably in the hand to make grinding herbs and pills a seamless process.

The measurements on these mortars are tailored for precision, allowing for accurate grinding of a variety of materials, from small herbs to larger pills. Constructed from sturdy and attractive materials, these mortars not only perform well but also add a touch of elegance to any apothecary setup. The wide opening on these mortars accommodates both small and large items, making them versatile and practical tools for grinding spices, crushing medications, or processing other materials.

Furthermore, these mortars are durable and long-lasting, despite the potential risk of breakage, and are easy to clean and maintain with proper care.

Key Features:

• Fits comfortably in the hand for easy use
• Has measurements suitable for grinding herbs and pills
• Made of sturdy and attractive materials
• Has a wide enough opening for small and large items
• Durable and long-lasting despite potential breakage risk

Warnings:

Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and performance of mortars, citing issues such as the pestle breaking easily, the mortar shedding white powder that may contain lead, and the presence of a chalky substance that comes off during use, which suggests a potential problem with the product's durability and material composition. Additionally, some users found that the product was cheaply made with poor quality and did not effectively grind items, only mashing them, indicating a lack of functionality.

7. Granite Mortars 4-Cup Set

These mortars feature a smooth and durable granite construction material that provides a comfortable and easy-to-handle pestle, ideal for apothecaries who need to grind spices and herbs on a daily basis.

The large capacity of the mortars allows for efficient grinding and crushing of various ingredients, making them a valuable tool in the apothecary's arsenal. The granite mortar and pestle surface is easy to clean, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and making maintenance a breeze. The heavy and sturdy build of these mortars ensures long-lasting use and reliability, while the wide top provides easy access and visibility for precise grinding and crushing.

Additionally, the pre-seasoned or easily seasonable mortars offer effective grinding and crushing capabilities, backed by a limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

Key Features:

• Easy to clean granite mortar and pestle surface
• Large capacity for grinding spices and herbs
• Smooth and durable granite construction material
• Pestle is comfortable and easy to handle
• Wide top for easy access and visibility

Warnings:

Some users complained that the mortars were made of cast cement, not the expected volcanic rock or granite, which might have been a disappointment for those who were expecting a more natural product.

Additionally, the mortars had a strong chemical smell, likely due to the cement, which was unpleasant for some users, while others encountered a weird, possibly unpleasant odor. Some users also reported finding a dusty covering on the product that came off continuously, and the cement dust was not safe to inhale or eat, posing a potential health risk.

Furthermore, the rough interior of the bowl was difficult to clean, and the pestle was often previously used and had old food stuck to it, which was unhygienic.

8. Mortars 18/8 Stainless Steel Spice Grinder and Pill Crusher

These mortars boast a durable and long-lasting construction, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of frequent use in the apothecary.

Their easy to clean and maintain surface makes them a practical choice for mixing and grinding various substances, minimizing the risk of contamination. The mortars' solid and sturdy aluminum material provides a sense of confidence in their ability to efficiently grind a range of substances with minimal strength required. Additionally, the inclusion of a plastic lid for mess prevention and a small rubber ring for counter grip adds an extra layer of convenience and stability when using the mortars.

With high-quality craftsmanship and a satin finish, these mortars offer great value for money at this price point, making them a suitable choice for both personal use and small-scale apothecary applications.

Key Features:

• Durable and long-lasting construction
• Easy to clean and maintain surface
• Great value for money at this price point
• Solid and sturdy aluminum material
• Efficient for grinding various substances

Warnings:

Some users had issues with the mortars' performance and design, citing rust discoloration on the pestle that is unsightly and difficult to clean, a rough cement interior that suggests the product is not made of high-quality materials, and a poor interior design that causes spices to move around and not grind properly.

Additionally, users noted that the product's interior is too smooth, causing ingredients to slide around and escape, and that the metallic film on the mortar is damaged and unusable.

The pestle's base was also found to be too narrow for crushing larger items, and the interior design is poorly crafted with sharp dents and scratches.

9. Marble Mortars by HIC, 5.75-Inch Tall Set

These mortars boast a heavy and durable construction, withstanding the rigors of frequent use and maintaining their form over time.

Their easy-to-use and maneuver design makes them accessible to even the most novice apothecary, allowing for effortless grinding and mixing of ingredients. Handcrafted with attention to detail, each mortar is a testament to the artisanal skill and dedication that goes into its creation, from the smooth and rough textures for grinding to the beautiful and aesthetic design. Effective in grinding salts and spices, as well as other ingredients, these mortars are versatile tools in the apothecary's arsenal, capable of handling a wide range of tasks.

Additionally, the mortars come with good customer service and support, ensuring that any questions or concerns are promptly addressed.

Key Features:

• Heavy and Durable Construction
• Easy to Use and Maneuver
• Handcrafted with Attention to Detail
• Smooth and Rough Texture for Grinding
• Beautiful and Aesthetic Design

Warnings:

Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the design and quality of the mortars, citing issues such as uneven grinding surfaces, which cause chunks, and poor finishing quality that results in a high spot in the mortar.

Additionally, some users experienced problems with the pestles, including a design that prevents the pestle from reaching the middle of the mortar, the pestle binding in the mortar during use, and polish chipping off the pestle.

Furthermore, some users encountered issues with the pestle's functionality, such as it not hitting the bottom of the mortar properly, and being prone to breaking, even before or shortly after use.