Andrew James Premium Granite Pestle and Mortar Set, Ideal for Grinding Herbs, Spices, Nuts, Crushing Pills, Perfect Pesto & Marinades Sauces, Large 16cm Diameter, Essential Kitchen Accessory

I purchased this as a gift for my cooking enthusiast son in law.Firstly it is to replace a similar product only a far larger size. The look is good, and it is easy to Clean after use.The pouring spout is very useful, the previous one was just a bowl style, so when powdery items such as spices are ground together, the bowl style gave far less accuracy when emptying, no more messy work surfaces.The extra depth is also great when actually grinding, not only for dry items but also when liquid is added.The pestle is fairly small, the previous one was virtually the same siza as the bowl, I had reservations as to the effectiveness of a much smaller pestle but I need not have done. It is no less effective and can in some cases be better.The possible downside of the particular product is also probably, for some its positive point. As it is made from granite is a very solid product, but also very heavy. It is worth thinking about however, if the person whom will be using it hasarthritis or similar problems as it would make it less pleasurable than for those who find the weight unimportant. I do know my son in laws Mother falls into this category and is less keen.Personally I love the look and stability of the granite and recommend this product for all of its positives.

A good solid product for grinding whole spices

Having been a bit of a curry making buff for the past few years I had been struggling on with a small composite type mortar and pestle which I needed to do a weights session before using as it took that much effort!.....then a saw this one for sale on Amazon.I had been toying with the idea of just getting an electric grinder but no matter which one you chose there were always a few reviews moaning about them burning out.........so, I plummed for the Andrew James Granite Pestle and Mortar. And I'm glad I did. Firstly, the delivery is super fast mine arriving after just one working day. Secondly, it looks like and feels like a quality piece of kitchen equipment i.e. it is heavy, robust and looks great. And thirdly (but most importantly) is the utterly effortless way that spices and seeds are ground to a powder in no time. It literally feels like the pestle is doing all the work for you.....I ground peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom seeds, cloves and cinnamon all to a powder in seconds with a few turns of the pestle.I'm so impressed......

The product itself is fine. Just ignore the manual.Their no1 is start using it... this is wrong.They also say wash with soap... this is worse.**Helpful info**No1 Cure/season it before use, there are multiple ways of doing this but the best, I find, is white rice and a bit of water. Takes a few redo's and hours but then able to use without getting grime in you herbs. Any help you can find online, there are multiple videosNo2 wash only with water and air dry. Maybe dab a paper towel for the collecting water on the bottom for faster drying if needed.no3 For stains or smells redo the curing just make a white rice pasta rinse and repeat until happy.*The product *Good quality.Heavy but still slips, stick some antislip patches under it, or hold it down.The narrow bottom is a handy hold when porring something over to other bowls/containers.Used it for several things now. And my favourite thing is the flavour and strong smells you get from the items you working with.*My favourite thing to make*Ginger root was puree without much hooha, add a bit of water squished some more, pour in cup add hot water and honey. And BLAMO perfect tea for the flu season.

This was a really nice item but I had to return it as it had already been bought. Seller was great though, refund arrived within a fortnight.

This is the ideal size for me. I make a lot of curries and like to grind my own spices as it's so easy to adjust the texture. Just keep going if you want it finer. Very good quality and has a good weight for a relatively small bit of kit. If you drop it on your toe it will probably break it. Very pleased and will no doubt last as long as I want it to. This is a good value buy.

Andrew James produces quality and very affordable products and this mortar and pestle is an addtion to my AJ collection and is a beautiful thing, lovely to have and display on the kitchen counter and great to have the spout to pour with. The price is amazing , I have been looking for one of these for sometime in my local supermarket and I have always been put off as they are expensive even without the spout. But as usual Amazon and Andrew James have come up with a quality and affordable product. So if you like to make your own dressings or just love to have the ability to pound away at fresh herbs, do yourself a favour and buy this, you wont be disappointed. As soon as my mum saw this displayed in my kitchen I had to get one for her as well. Think my sister might be next to buy one. . KC

The positives are that it is a very sturdy pestle and porter that can hold allot of food. It will move on a smooth kitchen surface so be sure to put something under it.I didn't realise that the inside of the bowl and part of the mortar was unpolished, this area is un-smooth / dull almost dusty, which worries me slightly that particles are coming off potentially in food.