When they are easy to clean, a mortar and pestle make a unique addition to a kitchen that not only looks great, but also helps to unlock flavors that other cooking prep cannot. Although they require a little work form the user, the health benefits and great taste of the likes of freshly ground peppercorns and spices are what keeps people grinding away and a quality one can be a special addition to a kitchen top.

The problem is, unless you have experience of buying them, it can be hard to tell which is the best mortar and pestle for your needs. We have taken some of the strain out of researching by selecting our top products, each one is durable, comes with a stellar reputation and vary in size to suit your needs.

Quick Summary of Best Mortar and Pestles

ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set – 6 Inch – 2 Cup Capacity

Fox Run 3822 Marble Mortar and Pestle, Green

EZ-Grip Silicone & Porcelain Mortar and Pestle

Bekith Mortar and Pestle Sets 18/8 Brushed Stainless

Ironwood Gourmet Olmec Mortar and Pestle

Umien Granite Mortar and Pestle Set

Vasconia 4-Cup Granite Molcajete Mortar and Pestle

Mortar And Pestle Guide

If you haven’t used a mortar and pestle before, you don’t even know how good your home cooking could taste. Using shop bought spices and herbs only goes so far to provide the flavors you should come to expect. A mortar and pestle crush spices and herbs, releasing the aromas and flavor in a way that brings your meal to life.

So how do you know what makes a quality product so you can experience this for yourself? It’s a difficult decision and one you should research before rushing in. This is why we have created the following guide, so you get this one right first time and end up with a great product you use all the time.

What To Look for in a Mortar and Pestle

Quality Materials

We’ll cover each one in detail a little later, but this is significant in more ways than one. In terms of durability and sturdiness, you must choose the materials carefully. There is more to a mortar and pestle than good looks, it all depends on what you want to get out of the product if you want one that will last a long time, marble is a good place to start.

Easy To Clean

The good news is that most mortar and pestles are easy to clean but some more so than others. If this is high on your list you might want to go for a porcelain product as they can go in the dishwasher. Otherwise, most of them are easy to wipe clean and don’t require a lot of elbow grease.

Non-Slip Base

To protect your kitchen top, a non-slip base is a good idea. The rough materials can scratch and leave their mark, and the other benefit of a non-slip base is that it keeps the bowl in place, so there is less mess.

Finish

With a matte finish or slightly rough surface, you will get the right amount of grip when crushing the contents. The friction is what helps to stop everything from slipping but you don’t want one that is so rough it is impossible to clean.

Size

This will be down to your personal preference and needs. Those who want to create a spice mix for a variety of meals or just crush pills won’t need more than a 2-cup product but anyone who want to make a large salsa might want something bigger.

Sometimes you might want to make something a little larger so if you buy a smaller product, you’ll have to prepare the mix in stages.

Heavy Pestle

This is why wooden products aren’t as desirable. The pestle needs to be heavy, so you don’t have to apply as much pressure with every push. The heavier the pestle, the less effort on your part although there is balance between too heavy and just right.

Different Types of Mortar and Pestle

Marble

A lot of people’s preference as it matches many people’s image of traditional mortar and pestle. The smooth design is the most attractive but also very easy to clean. Not to mention the heaviness of the pestle makes it easier to grind pills and spices.

Wood

Although they feel sturdy, the porous nature of wooden mortar and pestles means they are difficult to clean and hold onto odors which can affect the next grind. The darker colors hide stains better than light finishes, but they will still be there and worsen over time.

Porcelain

A major benefit of porcelain is that most of the time, it is dishwasher safe. This saves you time on clean up and they often come in neutral colors to match most kitchens.

Granite

These are some of the sturdiest types of mortar and pestle but take due diligence when grinding. If you are too rough you risk leaving residue in the mix, but the heaviness of the pestle makes it easier to grind.

Stainless Steel

Look for a stainless steel product with a brushed finish to give you some grip when crushing and grinding. These are popular because you can’t break them in the same way that other mortar and pestles can and are generally easy to clean.

How High Should I Fill My Mortar and Pestle?

Fill the bowl too much and you will spill the contents over the side and make a big mess in your kitchen so aim for filling it at a maximum of 1/3 of the size of the bowl. That gives you plenty of room to crush and grind and you’ll find it easier to turn the ingredients into a satisfying paste.

How To Clean A Mortar And Pestle

No one way suits all types of mortar and pestle because the material of the product will determine how you should clean it. For most, wiping with a damp soapy cloth and rinsing will suffice. You’ll want to dry it if it is wood so the water does not impact the quality.

Certain types are dishwasher safe, particularly porcelain mortar and pestles although you should check with the brand specs before doing so.

What Is The Best Mortar And Pestle?

A lot of what makes a mortar and pestle so good is the unique design so what you think is best will be down to what catches the eye. As long as it has the functionality to make light work of spices and herbs and is made from durable materials, it should be a winner.

The product that we recommend above all others is the ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set. At 6-inches and with a 2 cup capacity it has the room to make a good amount of spice mix but with a quality marble build and an anti-scratch base included, it has everything you need.

Any budding chef will tell you that a quality pair of kitchen shears can make life a lot easier. When it comes to the kitchen, you never know when they might come in handy. You can use them for everything from cutting meat to removing the stems from herbs.

This is only when you get your hands on a decent pair, something that is easier said than done. Although there are plenty of great products on the market, there are also some cheap imitators. I came across this set of heavy-duty kitchen shears that are sharp and easy to use. To help you find the right ones for your needs, we have created the following list of the best kitchen shears so you can enjoy the many benefits for a long time.

Quick Summary of Best Kitchen Shears

If you want to add a smoky flavor to your meat, there is only one way to get it the way everyone likes it, and that’s by using lump charcoal. Whether you’re looking to get out your new BBQ and fire it up for the first time, or you are an experienced grill demo-God who has been doing this for decades, only the best lump charcoal is worthy of your grill.

The better lump charcoal burns for as long as you need it, is easy to light and of course, is made from pure wood. To help you find a great product that has you wishing for a sunny day so you can break it out, we have created the following list of the best products available.

Quick Summary of Best Lump Charcoals

Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 35LB

Dextreme Fire Starter Pack

Kamado Joe KJ-Char Hardwood, Extra Large Lump Charcoal

Royal Oak Lump Charcoal, 15.4 lb

Mr. Bar-B-Q All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal, 8 lb

Pok Pok Thaan Thai Style Charcoal Logs, 5 lb.

Lump Charcoal Guide

When it comes to the grill no one likes someone else turning up, telling them what to do with their set-up. One way of making sure you know more than your father-in-law or whoever else might try and tell you better is by getting a premium brand of lump charcoal. Knowing the ins and outs of what you should expect from a quality product can help you to enjoy your grilling and get a subtle smokey flavor every time.

This is why we have created the following guide to make sure you get a quality lump charcoal that does everything it should.

What To Look For In Lump Charcoal

Easy Ignition

The longer you have to take to get the lump charcoal burning, the more frustrated you are going to get. To stop you from tearing your hair out, find a brand that is known for being fast to light and once it gets going, will keep burning.

Long Burning

You might want to grill into the small hours or just know that you limp charcoal is going to be fine with an all-day party in your backyard. Expect the better brands to give you well over 10 hours of burn time and some will go way beyond this. It might be less important if you are only firing up the grill now and then but still, no one wants to have to relight.

No Chemicals

An all-natural lump charcoal should be high on your list of priorities. Cooking with charcoal has its own health precautions, so the best way you can stay safe is by making sure the product you use is made from a quality, natural wood, and not scrap material.

Remember the smoke is going to transfer into your food, so say no chemicals.

Value

With lots of brands selling their produce, expect to have a lot of choices. In terms of value, this is a little harder to dig out as some of the cheaper brands can give you more but you might be at risk of using lump charcoal that is mixed with chemicals or poor burn time.

The value comes in buying a product that will last as long as you need it to but is safe to use so try not to go only on price.

Size

For a longer burn time, it is better to use bigger pieces of lump charcoal. Some brands say theirs are extra large and these are good for longer burn time and tend to reach higher temperatures.

Don’t be put off by smaller pieces at the bottom, they’re important for getting it going.

What Is Lump Charcoal?

Lump charcoal is made when wood is slowly burnt without oxygen, leaving you with dry charcoal that has had all the sap and natural chemicals removed.

This process can take a matter of days and ensures you end up with coal that is ready to burn for a prolonged period.

How To Light Lump Charcoal

There are a few different ways you can light lump charcoal but you can start by buying a brand that is known for being easy to get started.

A lot of brands include a few different sized coals so even if you’re expecting large pieces, don’t be disappointed to find some smaller lumps in there. They are ideal for getting the coal burning as they are faster to catch.

You don’t want to add a chemical taste to your food so if you are looking to use lighter fluid, be careful and don’t drench the charcoal in fluid. The best way to light lump charcoal is simple – use some rolled-up newspaper and a charcoal chimney. Although some brands are pre-soaked with fluid and ready to go, it is always best to be able to control how you want to get the grill going.

When Is Lump Charcoal Hot Enough?

Before you consider adding the meat to the grill you need to wait for the coals to be nice and hot. Wait for a light dusting of ash and a deep red glow. Only then are they ready for you to use for cooking.

Lump Charcoal and the Environment

It is important to check where your lump charcoal is sourced, as around the world, charcoal production can be guilty of bad practice and poor working conditions for workers who are exploited for cheap labor.

When you buy lump charcoal it is always a good idea to find out a little more about the company, where the charcoal comes from. Remember that charcoal made in the USA has to adhere to certain laws, working conditions, and pay.

Lump Charcoal Vs Briquettes

Briquettes tend to be made from wood by-products and compressed to make them easier to burn. Expect this to be a hot topic of debate at grills around the world but lets shed some light on some of the facts.

First of all, lump charcoal gives you a more consistent burn, so it is easier to cook with. This makes it ideal for the grill. When it comes to being natural, lump charcoal often wins this as well. This is because additives help briquettes get their shape.

In terms of cost, briquettes are the cheaper of the two and you tend to get more in a bag for your money but it’s better to get less of a quality product than more of something that won’t work as well. Lump charcoal takes less time to heat, gives you better temperature control and produces less ash so is easier to clean up.

How Long Does Lump Charcoal Burn For?

This depends on the grilling environment and the brand of lump charcoal used. Typical lump charcoal might burn for a few hours in a ceramic grill, whereas some brands keep burning for well over 10 hours at a time.

Bear in mind that some lump charcoal companies say you can re-use them up to three times.

Although an area rug might not seem well suited to a kitchen, it is becoming a common feature in home magazines and is more than something to keep your feet warm in the colder months. They can be stylish, decorative, and have a certain ambiance that makes them a must-have in your kitchen.

Because they are an emerging market, it is hard to tell the quality area rugs for the kitchen from the cheaply made products. This is why we have identified the best on the market and there is something for all tastes. Whether you want a vintage look or something a little more modern and chic, there is an area rug to suit all types of homes and kitchen designs for you to get on board with the latest trend.

Quick Summary of Best Area Rugs For Kitchen

Ottomanson Ottohome Collection Contemporary Area Rug

Anti Fatigue Comfort Floor Mat by Sky Mats

AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat

Ottomanson Glamour Collection Contemporary Moroccan Trellis Design

Safavieh Rag Rug Collection Hand Woven Purple and Multi Cotton Runner

Ottomanson Ottohome Collection Floral Modern Area Rug

Area Rug For Kitchen Guide

Not everyone thinks to buy an area rug for their kitchen which means you could be the first of your friends. This can make it a bit of a difficult product to choose from because you have no starting point. The best area rugs for the kitchen tend to have a few similarities and when you know what to expect from a quality product it can mean you get a rug that looks great between your countertops and will last a long time.

There is more to consider than style and comfort so to help you navigate your way around the world of kitchen area rugs, we have created the following buyer’s guide.

What To Look For In A Kitchen Rug

Non-Slip Bottom

Although you can pick up a non-slip bottom for a rug for a reasonable price it is always nice to find an area rug for your kitchen that is ready to go from the moment it arrives.

The best products will have a reliable and consistent non-slip material, usually, rubber that stretches the length of the product. This prevents you from slipping when you are holding a hot pot of boiling water and can prevent serious injury.

Size

As with any rug, it has to fit into the size of your kitchen without looking out of place. Thankfully, most companies tend to cut their rugs in different sizes so you can find the right one for you. The runner style area rugs are often the best as they stretch further below the countertop to cover a larger area and ensure you can stand in comfort.

Stain Resistant

This might be in the form of a pattern, color, or even the material used but when you put an area rug in your kitchen it is going to be up against a few spills. Because a lot of them are not washing machine friendly you need to be sure it won’t spoil easily and is fine to be spot cleaned when required.

Design

To suit your home and bring a little interior design into a dull area, an eye-catching area rug can lift the mood of your kitchen. This depends on the design you go for but there are popular lattice, floral, and plain colored designs that means you can find something for whatever kitchen design you have.

Beveled Edge

To stop your family from tripping as they pass, an area rug with a beveled edge can help everyone to step onto and over the rug with ease. Because it is easy to forget the rug is there you want to be able to pass with kitchenware without the risk of falling.

Anti-Fading

Over time any area rug is going to have to be able to withstand a bit of tread. This means the scuff and standing can cause certain fabrics and brands to fade. Once this happens there is no way or restoring them to their former glory so look for a product that is known for lasting color.

Reasons To Buy An Area Rug

Although you have seen them, you might be wondering what the benefits of using an area rug are. When it comes to putting one in your kitchen, here are some of the plus points:

Noise Reduction

Although you might not notice it too much, the sound of shoes and slippers clapping against the tiles or floorboards of your kitchen can disturb other people in your home. An area rug can lessen the noise of this, and a dog tip-tapping around which could help a baby to sleep peacefully.

Better For Children

If you are expecting or have a toddler in your house, you know that a child learning to walk needs a soft surface to cushion their fall. An area rug in the kitchen can soften the blow when the fall from unsteady feet, preventing injuries and bumps.

Warms The Area

It isn’t going to turn your kitchen into a steam room but an area rug can help insulate the room better than laminate or tiles. It also makes stepping into the kitchen on a winters morning more bearable, even if you’re just making a coffee to warm yourself up.

Comfort

For a lot of people, this is the number one factor that sways them into buying an area rug for the kitchen as there are products that have been designed to enhance the comfort of the user and alleviate joint pain. Those that are designed to be anti-fatigue work to promote added comfort and cushioning but even the standard rugs are more comfortable than standing on a hard floor.

Common Area Rug Materials

This will either ensure the rug is durable enough to last a long time and should be one of the first things you consider before buying.

Nylon – A popular material in a variety of rugs because it is hard-wearing and good for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen. When the kids are spilling juice on the surface it is one of the easiest to clean and can be pretty resistant to stains.

Polypropylene – Although it isn’t as durable as the likes of Nylon it does clean easily and is resistant to stains. a popular material nonetheless because it is affordable and resistant to moisture.

Cotton – These can be hand-woven so you get a unique design but tend to be less stain-resistant. This means the upkeep can be a little demanding although they are often soft under your feet.

Wool – Known for being well insulated, a wool or wool blend area rug will look nice but can shed, especially when you first use them.

Polyester – Resistant to fading and easy to clean polyester rugs are popular because they are durable so in places like the kitchen, they can withstand a fair amount of use.

Key Takeaways

To complement your home, an area rug for the kitchen needs to be comfortable under your foot but you also have to get along with the design.

There are plenty of products that look great on first impressions so now you’ve done your homework you know how to make sure it will be durable enough for you to use day in day out.