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Crate & Barrel
Lava Stone Mortar and Pestle
Best sculptural tool for home cooks who value aesthetic kitchen design.
This sculptural mortar and pestle crafted of lava stone elevates a handy kitchen tool into a display-worthy statement piece. The dark grey set reinterprets the pestle as a large sphere—its weight helpful for crushing seeds, spices, nuts and herbs—nestled in a low, rounded mortar. We love the modern design language the exaggerated curves bring to the kitchen. This Lava Stone Mortar and Pestle offers a sculptural and functional addition to your kitchen. Its dark grey, natural lava stone construction provides a substantial weight, perfect for efficiently crushing seeds, spices, and nuts. Beyond its practical use for grinding ingredients, this set is designed to be a display-worthy statement piece, bringing an element of natural elegance to your culinary space. It's ideal for those who appreciate tools that double as art and make the cooking process feel more grounded and elevated.
$50.36
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
169
/ 872
#169 in Mortars & Pestles
Price vs Category Average
+0%
Below average
Material
Lava Stone
/ Lava Stone
Who it's for
- Home cooks grinding tough spices and fibrous herbs
- Chefs requiring a stable base for vigorous pounding
- Design enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated, organic kitchen aesthetic
Who should skip it
- Busy cooks wanting a tool ready for immediate use
- Minimalists preferring low-maintenance, non-porous kitchen tools
- Users with limited storage space or physical mobility concerns
Performance breakdown
Grinding Efficiency
Substantial weight makes quick work of tough spices and nuts.
Design Aesthetic
Sculptural curves transform a utilitarian tool into a kitchen centerpiece.
Surface Texture
Natural lava stone provides the ideal friction for effective grinding.
Ergonomic Handling
Spherical pestle offers a unique grip but requires some adjustment.
Maintenance Ease
Porous stone requires careful hand washing and thorough drying.
Build Durability
Solid volcanic rock construction ensures long-term resilience in the kitchen.
Key Specs
Material
Lava Stone
Pestle Shape
Spherical
Color
Dark Grey
Made in Indonesia
Hand wash only
Features
- Sculptural design elevates kitchen decor
- Heavy pestle for efficient crushing
- Modern aesthetic with exaggerated curves
- Ideal for grinding spices, herbs, and nuts
- Doubles as art and functional tool
- Substantial weight for effective crushing
- Elevates kitchen aesthetics
- Natural elegance
- Grounded cooking experience
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Lava Stone Mortar and Pestle for its exceptional durability and striking aesthetic. The porous texture of the volcanic rock provides the perfect surface for grinding spices and creating authentic textures in sauces. Many reviewers highlight the heavy weight as a sign of superior quality because it remains stable during vigorous use. While the rustic design adds a sophisticated touch to any kitchen counter, users also appreciate the practical efficiency of the deep bowl. This piece is frequently described as a reliable kitchen essential that balances beautiful form with rugged functionality.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is recommended to 'season' your mortar and pestle before the first use. Grind a small amount of white rice into a fine powder, discard it, and repeat until the powder remains clean and free of stone grit to ensure no loose particles end up in your food.
This set should be hand washed only using warm water. Avoid using soap, as the porous nature of the lava stone can absorb the scent and flavor of detergents, which may then transfer to your ingredients.
The spherical design is intentionally weighted to provide natural leverage, making it highly effective for crushing tough spices and nuts. While it feels different than a traditional handle-style pestle, the weight does most of the work for you.
Absolutely. The porous texture of the lava stone is excellent for creating pastes and emulsifying oils from herbs and garlic. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly with warm water immediately after use to prevent staining or lingering odors.
The mortar has a substantial, solid base, but because it is made of natural stone, it is heavy. To protect your surfaces, we recommend placing it on a soft kitchen towel or a dedicated trivet if you are concerned about potential scuffing.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.