Crate & Barrel
Olivewood and Ceramic Mortar and Pestle
Best stylish tool for home cooks elevating their spice and herb preparation.
This classic culinary tool is reimagined in white ceramic and striking olivewood. The mortar and pestle set features a comfortable wooden handle for easy gripping. It efficiently crushes and grinds spices, herbs, peppercorns, garlic, nuts, seeds, and butters, releasing natural oils for fuller flavor. Each set is unique due to the natural wood material. Combine it with other pieces from our exclusive olivewood kitchen collection for a warm, unified organic look.
$22.45
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
169
/ 872
#169 in Mortars & Pestles
Price vs Category Average
-56%
Below average
Material
Ceramic and Olivewood
/ Ceramic and Olivewood
Who it's for
- Chefs performing frequent, long-duration grinding tasks
- Home cooks seeking stylish, display-worthy kitchen tools
- Flavor purists avoiding cross-contamination of spices and oils
Who should skip it
- Clumsy users working in high-traffic, fast-paced kitchens
- Busy cooks preferring low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe equipment
- Entertainers preparing large batches of sauces or rubs
Performance breakdown
Grinding Efficiency
Ceramic interior provides the ideal friction for pulverizing tough spices.
Ergonomic Grip
The contoured wooden handle makes repetitive grinding tasks feel effortless.
Build Quality
Sturdy ceramic base offers the necessary weight for stable, consistent crushing.
Aesthetic Appeal
Natural olivewood grain makes every piece a unique kitchen centerpiece.
Ease of Cleaning
Smooth ceramic basin rinses clean, though wood requires careful hand maintenance.
Flavor Extraction
Non-porous ceramic surface ensures pure flavor transfer without lingering odors.
Key Specs
Material
Ceramic and Olivewood
Color
White
Features
- Classic culinary tool reimagined with modern materials
- Comfortable wooden handle for easy grip
- Efficiently crushes and grinds a variety of ingredients
- Releases natural oils for enhanced flavor
- Unique natural wood grain in each piece
- Part of an exclusive olivewood kitchen collection
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the elegant design of this mortar and pestle. The warm olivewood base provides a beautiful contrast to the clean ceramic bowl, making it a standout piece on any kitchen counter. Users appreciate the high quality materials and find the set exceptionally easy to use for grinding small batches of spices or herbs. While the aesthetic appeal is a primary draw, the functional reliability ensures it remains a staple for home cooks. This piece successfully balances sophisticated style with practical utility for everyday culinary tasks.
Know before you buy
The ceramic bowl is non-porous and glazed, meaning it will not absorb odors or flavors from garlic, spices, or herbs. This makes it easy to transition between different ingredients without lingering tastes.
To preserve the wood, hand wash the pestle with mild soap and water, then dry it immediately. Avoid soaking it or putting it in the dishwasher, and occasionally apply a food-safe mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out.
While the ceramic base provides a solid, weighted foundation, it does not feature a rubberized bottom. We recommend placing it on a damp kitchen towel or a silicone mat if you need extra stability during vigorous grinding.
Because each piece is crafted from natural olivewood, the grain patterns and color variations will differ from set to set. This makes every mortar and pestle unique, though the overall shape and white ceramic finish remain consistent.
Yes, the combination of the weighted ceramic bowl and the sturdy olivewood pestle provides enough heft to effectively crush peppercorns, nuts, and seeds. The ergonomic handle is designed to give you good leverage for these tougher tasks.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.