Last Updated on June 13, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
I love to cook. I grind my own spices most days. A good mortar and pestle makes this task fast and fun. A bad one can chip, slide, or smell bad after a few uses.
So I bought three top rated metal mortar and pestle sets. I used each one in my own kitchen. I crushed garlic, ground pepper, mashed herbs, and even tested pill crushing. This guide shares what I found.
If you want a tool that lasts for years, this guide will help you pick the right one.
Our Expertise
I have used kitchen tools for many years. I cook almost every day. I have tried wood, stone, and ceramic mortar sets in the past too. This gave me a clear idea of what makes a metal set stand out.
For this guide, I:
- Bought each product with my own money
- Used each one for at least two weeks
- Tested grinding, crushing, and mashing tasks
- Washed each one many times to check for stains or smells
- Compared weight, grip, and noise level
I also read user reviews to see if my results matched what other buyers found. This helps make sure my review is fair and useful.
Our Top Picks
Here is a quick look at my three top picks. I will go into more detail on each one below.
- Tera 18/8 Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle – Best for daily use.
- Bekith Mortar and Pestle Set – Best budget pick.
- Chemlliy Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle – Best for small kitchens.
Now let’s look at each one in depth.
1. Tera 18/8 Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle Set
This was the first set I tried. It is made from food grade 18/8 stainless steel. This means it will not rust or hold smells. It also comes with a brush and a clear lid.
Product Features
- Made from 18/8 food grade stainless steel
- Comes in 250 ml or 350 ml sizes
- Clear lid keeps mess inside the bowl
- Soft pad on the base for grip
- Small brush for cleanup
What I Like
- It feels solid and heavy in the hand
- The lid is a smart touch. I could grind black pepper with no mess on my counter
- The size fits well in one hand
- It works well for spices, herbs, garlic, and even pills
Why It’s Better
Many plastic or wood sets crack over time. This one is metal all the way through. It will not soak up smells from garlic or curry. The lid is also a nice bonus that most other sets do not have.
The brush is small but handy. I used it to get every bit of crushed spice out of the bowl.
How It Performed
I used this set to crush garlic cloves, grind whole peppercorns, and mash fresh basil for pesto. It handled all of these with ease.
The pestle is heavy enough to crush hard spices like cumin seeds. I did not need to press too hard. The bowl stayed in place on my counter, even with some force.
I also tried crushing a vitamin pill. It broke down to a fine powder in just a few presses.
How I Clean It
I rinse it under hot water right after use. For oily foods like garlic, I add a small drop of dish soap. The brush helps reach the curved sides of the bowl.
It dries fast since steel does not soak up water. I have not seen any stains after many uses.
Testing Results
- Crushing speed: Fast
- Noise level: Low to medium
- Smell after garlic use: None
- Stains after two weeks: None
- Overall score: 9 out of 10
2. Bekith Mortar and Pestle Set
This set is a great pick if you want strong build quality at a lower price. It is also made from 18/8 brushed stainless steel.
Product Features
- Brushed stainless steel finish
- Non skid base for stability
- Clear lid included
- Weighs about 1.5 pounds
- Food safe and rust proof
What I Like
- The price is very fair for the build quality
- The brushed finish hides small marks well
- It has good grip thanks to the base pad
- It works for spices, pills, and herbs
Why It’s Better
This set gives you most of the same benefits as more costly sets. The brushed finish also looks great and hides small scratches that may show up over time.
It is a strong pick if you want value without losing on quality.
How It Performed
I used this set mostly for grinding spices like coriander seeds and dried chili flakes. The pestle has a good grip, so my hand did not slip even when I pressed hard.
The lid worked well to stop chili flakes from flying out. This is a big plus if you have a small kitchen like mine.
I also crushed a few tablets for a family member. The bowl held the crushed powder well with no spilling.
How I Clean It
Cleaning this one is simple. I just rinse it with warm water. For stronger smells like garlic, I let it sit with warm water and soap for a minute, then rinse again.
The brushed finish wipes dry fast with a cloth.
Testing Results
- Crushing speed: Fast
- Noise level: Low
- Smell after garlic use: None
- Stains after two weeks: None
- Overall score: 8.7 out of 10
3. Chemlliy Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle (5 Inch)
This is a 5 inch set with a polished finish. It is a bit smaller, so it is great if you do not have much counter space.
Product Features
- 5 inch polished stainless steel bowl
- 8 ounce capacity
- Fitted lid for storage
- Non slip base
- Heavy duty pill crusher design
What I Like
- The polished finish looks clean and shiny
- The size is perfect for small kitchens
- The lid lets you store crushed spices for later
- It feels strong for its size
Why It’s Better
Many small mortar sets feel light and cheap. This one still feels solid, even at a smaller size. The lid also doubles as a storage cover, so you can grind now and use later.
If counter space is tight, this set still gives you full power in a smaller form.
How It Performed
I used this set for smaller jobs, like crushing a few peppercorns or making a quick spice blend for one meal. It worked fast and felt steady on the counter.
Because it is smaller, it may take more passes for bigger batches. But for daily small tasks, it was more than enough.
The pill crusher worked well too. I broke down a tablet in just a few turns.
How I Clean It
I rinse this one right after use, just like the others. The polished finish wipes clean fast. For garlic or onion smells, a quick wash with soap removes it with no trouble.
Testing Results
- Crushing speed: Fast for small batches
- Noise level: Low
- Smell after garlic use: None
- Stains after two weeks: None
- Overall score: 8.5 out of 10
How to Pick the Right Mortar and Pestle for You
Here are a few things I think about before buying any kitchen tool. These tips can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Think About Size
If you cook for a big family, go with a larger bowl like the Tera set. If you live alone or have a small kitchen, a smaller set like the Chemlliy may be a better fit.
Check the Material
Metal sets like stainless steel do not crack, rust, or hold smells. This makes them easy to clean and safe for many years of use.
Look for a Lid
A lid keeps spices and crushed bits inside the bowl. This means less mess on your counter and stove.
Weight Matters
A heavy pestle makes crushing easier. You will not need to press as hard, and it feels more stable in your hand.
Base Grip
A non skid base keeps the bowl in place. This is very helpful when you need to use more force to crush hard spices.
My Final Thoughts
All three sets did a great job in my tests. Each one is rust proof, easy to clean, and works well for spices, herbs, and even pills.
If I had to pick just one, I would choose the Tera 18/8 Stainless Steel Mortar and Pestle. It is well built, comes with a handy brush, and the lid keeps my kitchen clean.
If you want to save some money, the Bekith set is a smart pick. It performs almost as well at a lower price.
If your kitchen is small, the Chemlliy 5 inch set is a great choice. It is compact but still strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a metal mortar and pestle for pills?
Yes. All three sets in this guide work well for crushing pills. The Tera and Chemlliy sets are made with this use in mind.
2. Will stainless steel hold smells from garlic or onion?
No. Stainless steel does not soak up smells like wood or stone can. A quick rinse with soap removes most smells right away.
3. Is a heavier pestle better?
In most cases, yes. A heavier pestle needs less force from your hand. This makes grinding easier and faster.
4. How do I stop my mortar from sliding on the counter?
Look for a set with a non skid base or rubber pad. All three sets in this guide have this feature.
5. Can these sets go in the dishwasher?
I always hand wash mine to keep the finish looking new. Hand washing with warm water and soap is fast and works well for all three sets.
6. What size mortar should I buy?
If you make spice blends for big meals, choose a larger size like 250 ml or more. For small tasks like crushing a pill or grinding a few seeds, a smaller size works fine.
7. Do these sets come with a lid?
Yes. All three sets in this guide come with a clear or fitted lid. This helps keep your counter clean during use.