Check Out These 12 Best Molcajetes In 2023

Molcajete’s function has been well-researched thousands of years before and is popular in home cooking today. No matter whether you are a serious cook or merely an amateur who enjoys cooking, a molcajete is a must-have.

When it comes to making salsas and sauces, a molcajete is a great tool to have in your kitchen. Molcajetes act as essential kitchen tools because of their performance, just like grinders and crushers. With this traditional Mexican mortar, the aromas and essence of spices and herbs can be extracted in the best possible manner.

However, choosing the perfect molcajete isn’t easy considering the market is filled with thousands of options. There is no need to worry. Before purchasing a molcajete, other factors must be considered besides the material and durability.

In order to help you, we have written this guide after conducting thorough research of the top molcajetes in 2023 for your consideration. We will provide detailed information about each product’s pros and cons, as well as a buyer’s guide at the end. I encourage you to check them out without further delay!

1. IMUSA USA Granite Molcajete

Looking for a beautiful bowl that you can use as a grinder and a serving bowl at the same time? Then look no further. For this purpose, the IMUSA USA MEXI-2013 Granite Molcajete Spice Grinder is highly recommended.

I think the simplicity and versatility of this product are what first caught our attention. As you can see, the size is decent and is great for grinding ingredients as well as churning out salsas and guacamoles. Using your kitchen grinder, crush the ingredients and transfer them to the table for your guests to enjoy!

Besides the granite, the natural properties of the mortar and pestle can be utilized to extract essential oils from herbs and spices. The non-porous nature of granite prevents the oils from absorbing into it, reducing wastage. Moreover, the food’s flavors are well-retained when cooked in this manner. 

Moreover, even if you use molcajete for the first time, you shouldn’t find it too challenging to use this product. It is not particularly heavy or unwieldy, but it is not particularly unstable either. Whenever you put it on a counter and work on it, it provides great grip and stability. 

Seeing such an exceptional product might make you wonder what could possibly go wrong. Except for the fact that it’s hard to clean, there is no real downside. Cleaning it does require a soft brush and a bit of elbow grease. 

2. Vasconia Granite Molcajete

Second, on our list is Vasconia 5031764; it is one of the best large molcajetes on the market. The product is ideal for those who prefer to grind large quantities of ingredients, as well as to prepare substantial quantities of food. There is a large 4-cup capacity on this grinder. In addition to grinding grains, spices, and herbs, you can also prepare salsa or guacamole for many people at once. Also, this resembles a full-size bowl when it is used for serving.

While maintaining a classic and traditional design, the molcajete has an interior surface that is smooth and optimized for efficient grinding. Moreover, the wide opening diameter of this molcajete is another plus. Moreover, this molcajete provides easy cleaning, you simply hand wash it, let it dry, and you are ready to use it again. Our list includes some expensive models, but the Vasconia 5031764 is the most expensive.

3. Tlp Handmade Authentic Mexican Molcajete

It’s hard to believe that the TLP line of Molcajete is one of the molcajetes you can buy for a kitchen. Besides being made of volcanic stone, which makes swirling and mixing easy, its friction qualities offer the abrasion necessary to crush tough ingredients. It also includes a large bowl for making a big batch of salsa for the whole family. But that’s not what makes it the best.

This is a handmade item! These days, almost everything is produced by large machines run by large corporations, so the handmade Molcajete is becoming rare. Make the most of traditional style with a Molcajete handmade by Mexican artisans. As a side note, we highly recommend adhering to the steps on how to cure the Molcajete as stated by the manufacturer.

4. Cole & Mason Granite Mortar & Pestle

With the Cole & Mason H111834U Molcajete, you can crush spices and herbs in a manner that is natural and authentic. Curry leaves, for example, can be substituted with many other ingredients that require grinding in order to release their flavors during cooking fully. In fact, a large part of the reason is the high-quality mortar, made of granite with an unpolished surface inside. An essential detail of the mortar bowl is its deep and high ship that prevents ingredients from spilling out.

Consequently, grinding spices and herbs has become much easier in recent years. Molcajetes are simply rinsable with warm water and air dry after cleaning. The product should not be washed with soap. In addition, the lightweight and balanced design of this kitchen gadget ensure a smooth and stable grinding experience. The interior surface will also not absorb previous spices or oils due to its unpolished finish.

5. Fox Run Mortar and Pestle

This Molcajete Mortar and Pestle from Fox Run helps to extract the essence and aroma of the spices to the fullest extent. This mortar and pestle allow you to grind the spices to perfection, ensuring the best flavor in Mexican cuisine. In terms of durability and construction, this product stands out because it is made from heavy-duty granite stone. No matter how frequently you use it, you can rest assured that it will last for a long time. 

In addition, the granite is smoothened to give it an attractive appearance if you use it as a bowl for serving. The ingredients can be pounded hard without fear of wear and tear on the mortar. The design allows it to be quite versatile due to its beauty. Depending on your needs, it can be used as a grinder or a bowl. When not in use, this two-piece set makes for a great piece of art to display.

Furthermore, this device is straightforward to clean. We have found that it gets better over time as it becomes seasoned. Seasoning makes it easier to clean and better in essence. We have little to complain about the efficiency of this product. Our only concern is that not everyone will find it as pleasant as we did. Those with larger hands might have difficulty gripping the pestle properly and with ease since the pestle is so small.

6. Priority Chef Granite Small Mortar and Pestle Set

Would you like the molcajete with the long pestle? With the PriorityChef PC-MP-01 Molcajete, you have no reason to regret your purchase. There is a long rounded pestle with a diameter of 6 inches that comes with this tool. Therefore, you no longer have a problem gripping the pestle firmly. This will simplify your grinding experience and make it more accessible for you.

The manufacturer has also included non-slip mats to protect your counters from scratches and slipping. Additionally, due to the fact that it is an entirely natural and unpolished granite, you cannot deny its sturdy structure. The gadget’s massive design also allows it to stay firmly in place during cooking preparation, ensuring stable and durable results.

7. Imusa Super Heavy Traditional Granite Molcajete

The first choice we have on our list is one of the top options because if you make it taste that great, you’re likely to get unexpected guests. Imusa USA’s MEXI-2011M is comprised of 10 pounds of pure granite, making it a very sturdy piece of kitchenware that belongs equally on the countertop as well as in the center of the table. There are larger bowl sizes on this list as well; the 8-inch option is big enough to fit a party-sized batch, so you can include that extra avocado.

Since granite is nonporous, the essential oils from herbs and spices will not be absorbed, so food will taste delicious, and surfaces won’t smell like last night’s sauce. The great thing about this stone is that it is slightly easier to clean up than some of the other stones on this list.

Tejolote’s shape made it ideal for grinding seeds and nuts, but its lower edges could result in more spills than some of the other options listed. But it does have a wider bowl than some of the other options. There are reasons for this, which will become clear to you as we progress through the review.

8. Always-Quality Mexican Salsa Maker

This salsa maker is the perfect molcajete for serving and preparing salsa, a popular and flavor-rich dish from Mexico. The diameter of the molcajete mortar is 8 inches, so it can hold a reasonable amount of salsa without spoiling its composition. Having a stable base and a height of 5 inches, the machine can support constant pounding and multiple hand movements.

With its volcanic rock construction, this molcajete and its accompanying molcajete are a true representation of Mexican culture and are durable for a lifetime of use. Furthermore, because this molcajete uses lava rock to prepare your food, it gives your food an authentic taste.

This is the perfect way to show off a true Mexican classic to those around you. It is the perfect item to keep in your kitchen. Considering that the salsa molcajete is a molcajete, some people may find the interior a bit too smooth for intensive grinding.

9. M.V. Trading Stone Mortar and Pestle

As a mortar and pestle made from granite, the Thai mortar and pestle makes a strong statement and is considered to be the most versatile large mortar and pestle on the market. A Thai curry paste can be easily made using its weight and heft when combined with the stone-on-stone action provided by its granite construction. While granite pestles do have a fairly large head, they aren’t quite as large as Mediterranean wooden pestles at breaking down delicate basil fibers.

Stone pestles can smash tough seeds like galangal and makrut lime leaves, and break down leathery dried-chili skin and tough seeds. In addition to being slightly abrasive, the mortar bowl and pestle head has an inside that isn’t polished, which makes them useful for grinding. When grinding dry spices, which the Thai mortar and pestle excelled at more than the others, this advantage is particularly apparent.

10. Kitchendise Granite Mortar and Pestle Set

As a next valuable choice, we recommend the Kitchendise Molcajete. A highlight of the design is an ergonomic pouring lip that reduces waste and spills without causing a mess or hassle. This makes your cooking experience more convenient and faster.

Granite is a premium and natural material, which contributes to the sturdy construction of this gadget. As well as being non-porous, granite is made from high-quality materials, reducing flavors and odors from absorbing into the surface. Additionally, the bowl’s interior has an unpolished surface to prevent ingredients from moving freely outside the bowl.

Furthermore, the pouring lip makes it straightforward to use. Minimizing waste in the kitchen is possible through a non-messy and spill-free experience. Also included is an anti-slip pad that stabilizes the molcajete and prevents spills from occurring. When using a mortar, it has a spacious capacity that allows for adding more ingredients more quickly. Molcajetes do not absorb the previous flavor and are easy to clean with organic cleaning brushes.

11. RSVP Authentic Mexican Molcajete

It is claimed that RSVP International GUAC-2 is the only company to produce authentic Mexican molcajete. Authentic Mexican mortar and pestle-identity can be seen in this product. Featuring a natural lava rock carving, this molcajete is the perfect tool for grinding grains and spices, as well as for preparing fresh guacamole.

Neither space nor functionality is compromised. Molcajetes measure 8.5 inches in diameter, and 5 inches in depth; their tejolotes are long and thick for better grinding control and can hold a lot of content. There may be some curing required since this is an authentic molcajete. However, the information booklet provides clear and simple instructions to simplify the process.

If you are not using the bowl, you can display it strategically as an artifact in your kitchen. Although we found the RSVP International GUAC-2 to be relatively easy to clean, it is more difficult than other Molcajetes we have reviewed. If necessary, you may need to scrub the area with a scrub brush and use an unscented detergent.

12. Ego Auxiliatus Mexican Molcajete Stone Bowl

It would also be a great choice to use the Ego Auxiliatus Grid Molcajete. It is useful for making pesto, letting you know if the pesto has gone bad without having to look for signs. You can also use this product to make chimichurri, hummus, and guacamole if you love those dishes.

A cooking utensil that is not polished might suit your needs best if you dislike a polished surface. This product is made with a rough, squared texture, in contrast to others. Therefore, it can grind the ingredients more quickly and efficiently because of its grid surface. Furthermore, the contents of the bowl will not spill out.

Additionally, the gadget is made in Puebla, a state that is well-known for its quality and reliability. Consequently, you no longer have to be concerned about durability or safety when preparing food.

Buying Guide: Molcajetes

Molcajete buyers have to consider a number of factors before investing. As such, to ensure you get the best buy for your needs, we have developed a list of considerations…

Size:

The size of the item you buy should also be considered. Molcajete cups are frequently available in 2-cup and 4-cup sizes. The 4-cup molcajete is ideal if you want a heavy-duty alternative, as it can grind more spices at one time.

Material:

A molcajete’s material is the most essential factor to consider when shopping for one. Among the best molcajetes is their durability. No matter how hard you pound on them, they do not crack. You should choose a grinder made of granite or volcanic rock inspired by lava. These are extremely hard and durable materials. Molcajetes made from them are incredibly durable.

Weight:

You should consider the weight if you plan on taking yours on vacation. In spite of their weight due to the material they are made from, you do not want a grinder too heavy to use on your counter.

Maintenance:

To prevent bacteria from growing, you should wash the molcajete after every grinding session. Be sure to choose a model that has a smooth surface. Molcajetes that are dishwasher safe should be avoided because, despite what the product description says, dishwashers are not suitable for them. If you must hand wash them, buy a sponge, the kitchen soap dispensers, and warm water that can easily be washed.

Frequently Asked Questions