Pestle and Mortar

Pestle and Mortar sets are essential tools for grinding, crushing and blending herbs, spices and pastes in professional kitchens. This range covers compact to large mortars with matching pestles designed for heavy, repeated use. Ideal for restaurants, hotels, cafes and catering operations, they give chefs precise control over texture and consistency. Durable, easy to clean materials help maintain hygiene while supporting authentic flavour development and presentation.

• Professional pestle and mortar sets suitable for busy commercial kitchens and food production.
• Porcelain options that are hard wearing, non-porous and easy to clean between tasks.
• Multiple sizes available, from small spice grinders to large mortars for pastes and marinades.
• Textured grinding surfaces to efficiently crush whole spices, seeds, nuts and herbs.
• Stable, heavy bases to reduce movement on the bench and improve safety during use.
• Ideal for preparing curry pastes, rubs, dressings and garnishes to order for maximum flavour.

How to choose the right Pestle and Mortar

• Consider the capacity you need, from small bowls for spices to larger mortars for pastes and pesto in high-volume kitchens.
• Choose material carefully; porcelain is non-porous and hygienic, while heavier builds offer extra stability for tougher grinding.
• Match the mortar size to your available bench space and typical prep layout in the kitchen or prep room.
• Think about your menu; frequent use for curry pastes, rubs or dressings may justify multiple sizes for different tasks.
• Check the weight and grip of the pestle so staff can work comfortably during longer prep sessions.
• For front-of-house or theatre cooking, select designs that look professional and complement your presentation style.

Care and maintenance

• Wash mortars and pestles promptly after use to prevent staining and flavour transfer between ingredients.
• Use non-abrasive pads and suitable detergents to protect the grinding surface and finish, especially on porcelain.
• Allow items to dry fully before storage to maintain hygiene and avoid odours in busy commercial environments.
• Avoid using the same set for strong flavours like garlic and delicate spices without thorough cleaning between uses.
• Store mortars on stable shelving and keep pestles together with their matching bowl to prevent damage or loss.
• Inspect regularly for chips or cracks and replace damaged items to maintain food safety standards.

Pair your pestle and mortar with our wider food preparation tools, knives, chopping boards and storage solutions to streamline your kitchen workflow.

Need help choosing? Call Caterboss on (01) 687 5772.