The best molcajete becomes an essential kitchen utensil in the kitchen because of its peak performance, like other electric grinders or crushers. The molcajete’s functionality was verified thousands of years ago and is favored by most home cooks nowadays. The main reason is that using this cooking gadget can help you transform and release the full aroma and natural flavors of ingredients.
However, when it comes to buying the best molcajete, you might not know the best way to buy the worthy one. Don’t worry. Please scroll down to read my 13 best molcajete reviews below!
What Are Exactly Molcajetes?
Molcajetes are the common kitchen utensils in Mexican cooking for crushing or grinding ingredients. Molcajetes will come with two parts, including the mortar (basin) and pestles (grinder, or called the tejolote), made from volcanic stones.
According to Mexican culinary tradition, you should cure the molcajetes by grinding uncooked rice or rock salt in the mortar to maintain the interior smoothness and remove any grit.
Premium Molcajetes Brands You Should Know
Before getting to the reviews of the most worth buying molcajetes, let’s go through some famous molcajetes brands.
Chefsofi
Chefsofi is a company famous for high-quality kitchen products with great durability. Besides its mortar and pestle sets, which come in various sizes, the brand also makes excellent cheese and charcuterie board sets.
PriorityChef
Despite being a family-run company, PriorityChef has made a name for itself by providing well-design, affordable, and high quality kitchenware. The company has a 100%, no question asked refund policy that benefits customers greatly.
Kitchendise
If you like beautiful, colorful kitchenware, Kitchendise is your go-to brand. In addition to the granite molcajete, the company also offers a collection of porcelain mugs with multiple ombre colors.
Which Are The Best Molcajetes To Buy?
Chefsofi, Gorilla Grip, and Culinary Couture are top-notch brands in creating the best molcajetes in the field of ergonomic design and excellent performance. Moreover, Vasconia is also a reliable brand to consider the great molcajete at a reasonable price.
Besides, there are further valuable molcajetes that I highly recommend to you. So keep reading to find out the top 12 best molcajetes to buy in 2023 below!
- Best Overall: ChefSofi 8541981500 Molcajete
“Versatile tool, unpolished granite, 2 cup capacity, durable, heavy-duty, quick cleaning, and foolproof grip.” - Best Budget: Vasconia 5031764 Molcajete
“Affordable price, 4-cup capacity, smooth interior, attractive looking, safe, and convenient usage.” - Best Large Size: Umien 8541981594 Molcajete
“8-inch top diameter, perfect grip, beautiful design, felt pads included, unpolished granite, and easy to maintain.” - Best Lightweight: Imusa USA MEXI-2013 Molcajete
“Compact size, lightweight construction, beautiful serving tool, 6-inch diameter size, and non-porous qualities.” - Best With Pouring Lip: Kitchendise 8541981592 Molcajete
“Premium quality of granite, pouring lip, non-slip pad, 500 ml capacity, and non-porous granite.” - Best With Grid Surface: Ego Auxiliatus Grid Molcajete
“Rough and squared texture, robust and durable construction, delicate cooking utensil, and heated feature.” - Best With Long Pestle: PriorityChef PC-MP-01 Molcajete
“100& authentic unpolished granite, smart and solid mortar, smashing out full flavor, simple cleaning, and non-slip mats included.” - Best for Spices and Herbs: Cole & Mason H111834U Molcajete
“Getting the most from ingredients, unpolished mortar interior, long pestle, and balanced design.” - Best Premium: ChefSofi Extra-Large Molcajete
“Extra-large, two pestles, versatile tool, unpolished granite, and hassle-free usage.” - Best Polished Finish: Culinary Couture 8541981575 Molcajete
“Safe and convenient design, versatile tool, 2-cup capacity, and bonus accessories.” - Best Unique Design: Laevo Group Double-Sided Molcajete
“100% solid granite, reversible design, unpolished and anti-porous interior surface, and lifetime warranty.” - Best With Cooking Set: Pepe Nero Large Molcajete
“Elegant design, high-quality granite, perfect set, polished exterior, and unfinished interior surface, and easy-to-clean.”
Molcajete Comparison Table 2023
After finalizing the top 12 best molcajetes, I also imply and classify all these gadgets in the comparison for you to solidify the decision better.
Top 12 Best Molcajete Reviews in 2023
It’s time to go into detail about the top 12 best molcajetes. This part will surely help you figure out your ideal choice!
1. ChefSofi 8541981500 Molcajete
(Best Overall)
One of the must-have gadgets in your kitchen is the molcajete from Chefsofi. It is made from unpolished granite to flexibly control the ingredients’ grinding with nature and original flavors flexibly. Certainly, this kitchen utensil is durable and ultra-solid for heavy-duty food preparation.
Besides, you no longer need to refill ingredients several times, thanks to the 500 ml cup capacity. What’s more, there is a foolproof grip to prevent slipping while crushing or grinding.
Regarding the pestle, Chefsofi features the perfect size and grip, which supports you to grind the ingredients without the need of excess hand motion. Additionally, the pestle is quite long and fits ideally into your hand to avoid slipping even in dry or wet situations.
Suffice to say, the Chefsofi is the perfect tool for making guacamole. Why worry about the steps needed to freeze guacamole when you make fresh guacamole whenever you want with this fantastic tool?
Key Features:
- Unpolished granite
- Foolproof grip
- Heavy material
- Non-slip pestle
Pros
- It’s straightforward to use and clean
- There is no taste contaminated from the previous ingredient
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Restraining slip situation
- Taking advantages of the gadget for multiple purposes
- The ergonomic design of pestle
Cons
- The base is relatively small
- The limited cup capacity
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 7.02 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
| Included pestle | 6.5-inch pestle |
| Mortar top diameter | 6 inches |
| Service | Protection pad is included, 2 years warranty |
You can watch this youtube video for further information about this kitchen houseware!
2. Vasconia 5031764 Molcajete
(Best Budget)
At a reasonable price, let’s take a look at the molcajete from Vasconia.
Regarding its design, it is the ideal grinding tool. First and foremost, it has a classic and traditional design with a smooth interior for grinding ingredients with ease and simple cleaning. Moreover, the tool delivers up to a 4-cup capacity for holding many ingredients according to your demands.
What’s more, you can make the most of this molcajete for various purposes, not only herbs but also fruits and vegetables. Notably, its materials have ensured the safety and convenience of making baby food with ease.
Key Features:
- Authentic tool
- 4-cup capacity
- Smooth interior
Pros
- Good price point
- Ample capacity
- Smashing fruits and vegetables perfectly
- Chic and ergonomic design
- Using for versatile purposes
Cons
- The pestle is slightly short
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 8.8 x 9.2 x 13 inches |
| Weight | 8.9 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Smooth |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 4 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 6 inches |
| Service | Not specified |
3. Umien 8541981594 Molcajete
(Best Large Size)
If you are looking for a molcajete with generous capacity, look no further! You should opt for the one from Umien. Unquestionably, it is built with a mortar up to 8-inch top diameter for facilitating food preparation without refilling ingredients.
Besides, the gadget comes with unpolished, authentic granite for a beautiful design, and a prolonged lifetime. As a bonus, the kitchen utensil features a felt pad under each foot, preventing sliding or scratching during the grinding process. Indeed, the pestle is also equipped with a specific grip function and oval head for crushing effectively.
The gadget is especially not recommended in the dishwasher, though it’s straightforward to clean just by hand wash, unlike what’s required to clean pasta machines.
Key Features:
- Ample size
- Authentic granite design
- Felt pad is included under feet
- Authentic unpolished granite
Pros
- Large size for fastening food preparing
- Trusted and heavy granite materials
- Coming with felt pad for easing anti-slip or scratching concern
- Using easily and effortless with the unpolished interior surface
- Affordable price
Cons
- The initial seasoning might take you a bit of time and effort
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 16.1 x 12.1 x 5.5 inches |
| Weight | 11.23 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 3 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 8 inches |
| Service | Bonus avocado tool, 100% satisfaction guarantee |
4. Imusa USA MEXI-2013 Molcajete
(Best Lightweight)
This is an excellent choice if the molcajete’s weight is your concern. The gadget has an ideal size with a 6-inch top diameter and is lightweight for convenient usage. Moreover, the Imusa USA one is made from natural granite material, which comes with non-porous qualities and features the ultra-durable and reliable construction.
Besides, it is favored for versatile functions, for example, grinding spices or herbs, crushing, and especially making Mexican dishes for breakfast and various meals throughout the day. As it has a non-porous surface, it’s guaranteed not to absorb any odors, regardless of heavy-duty use.
Key Features:
- Ideal 6-inch diameter size
- Premium and authentic granite
- Beautiful serving piece
Pros
- Nice serving gadget
- Made of top-quality and ultra-durable volcanic stones
- Ideal size for convenient usage
- Keeping the natural flavor without absorbing oils
- Reasonable price
- Ultra-strong structure
- Cleaning or reusable is simplified
Cons
- The gadgets only come with a cleaning manual
- The bowl might not be deep enough for grinding rice effectively
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches |
| Weight | 5.3 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 6 inches |
| Service | 90-day limited warranty |
5. Kitchendise 8541981592 Molcajete
(Best With Pouring Lip)
The next valuable choice is Kitchendise Molcajete. One highlight feature is the ergonomic pouring lip design, which enables you to reduce waste or spilling without hassle and mess. Therefore, your cooking experience becomes more comfortable and quicker.
Like other gadgets, it is made from premium and natural granite, contributing to the solid construction. Furthermore, the high-quality granite is non-porous, easing your concern about absorbing flavors or odors. Also, the interior surface is unpolished for avoiding ingredients moving freely outside the bowl for non-messy preparation.
What’s more, it’s straightforward to use thanks to pouring lip. In detail, you can minimize waste through a non-messy and spill-free time in the kitchen. Additionally, the anti-slip pad is featured to hold the molcajete in place, preventing spillage or injuries from slides and skids.
Indeed, it has a spacious capacity to add more ingredients within less time while using the mortar. Certainly, the molcajete won’t absorb the previous flavor and is ultra-simple to clean with the organic cleaning brush.
Key Features:
- Pouring lip feature
- Free anti-slip pad
- Natural unpolished granite
- Healthy and non-porous molcajete
Pros
- Ergonomic design with useful pouring lip
- Coming with a protection pad for preventing slip or scratching problems
- No flavors absorption and orders
- High-quality granite
- Long pestle for a comfortable and firm grip
- It is safe for your healthy
- Cleaning effortlessly
Cons
- The capacity is quite not generous
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.73 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 4.25 inches |
| Service | Lifetime warranty, 100% money-back guarantee, bonus cleaning brush, bonus recipe book |
6. Ego Auxiliatus Grid Molcajete
(Best With Grid Surface)
Another great choice is the Ego Auxiliatus Grid Molcajete. It’s fantastic for making pesto, saving you the trouble of looking for signs to tell if pesto goes bad. This product also proves to be a great tool to have if you love eating chimichurri, hummus, or guacamole.
If you don’t like the polished surface, this cooking utensil will adapt to your needs the most. Contrary to others, it is constructed with a rough and squared texture. Hence, its grid surface lets you grind the ingredients with less effort and time. Plus, the ingredients won’t spill out of the bowl.
Besides, the gadget is favored by the reliable origin, which is made in the Mexican State Of Puebla. As a result, you get rid of your worries about durability or safety during the food preparation process.
Key Features:
- Rough and textured surface
- Made from Porous Volcanic Rock
- It can be heated in the oven or outside on the grill
- Unique and hand-made design
Pros
- Robust and durable construction
- Several ways to clean with ease
- Can be heated for warming food contents
- Grinding effortlessly
- Working well on versatile items
- Keeping the natural and unique flavors of ingredients
Cons
- The pestle is a bit small for a firm grip
- The size is relatively small for heavy-duty and extensive food preparation
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 11.7 x 10.3 x 6.7 inches |
| Weight | 8.61 pounds |
| Materials | Recinto Stone |
| Interior surface | Grid |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 8 inches |
| Service | Not specified |
7. PriorityChef PC-MP-01 Molcajete
(Best With Long Pestle)
Are you looking for the molcajete with a long pestle? Choosing the PriorityChef PC-MP-01 Molcajete is a no-brainer.
First and foremost, the tool comes with a long rounded pestle up to 6 inches. Hence, you no longer find it hard to grip the pestle firmly. Indeed, your grinding experience will be simplified and more accessible. What’s more, the manufacturer provides you with non-slip mats to protect your counter from scratching or sliding problems.
Also, there is no denying the sturdy structure because it is made from entirely natural and unpolished granite. Furthermore, its massive design supports stable and durable cooking preparation because the gadget stays firmly in place.
Key Features:
- 100% natural granite
- Durable and heavy model
- Unpolished finish
- 6-inch pestle
Pros
- Trusted and premium granite
- Heavy and robust design
- Long and ergonomic pestle for easy grinding
- Featuring non-slid pads for facilitating cook experience
Cons
- The instructions might be not so clear
- Some customers don’t like the idea of seasoning it
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 7 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 6.78 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes (6-inch pestle) |
| Mortar top diameter | 5 inches |
| Service | 100% money-back guarantee, 1-year warranty |
8. Cole & Mason H111834U Molcajete
(Best for Spices and Herbs)
The Cole & Mason H111834U Molcajete is the choice for crushing spices and herbs with the most natural and authentic flavor. Many alternative ingredients for curry leaves, for example, require thorough grinding to fully release their flavors for optimal cooking results.
One of the big reasons is the premium quality mortar, made from real granite with an unpolished interior surface. Notably, the bowl has a deep and high ship for keeping the ingredients from spilling outside of the mortar. Therefore, grinding the spices or herbs is no longer too hard than ever before.
About cleaning the molcajete, you simply rinse it with warm water and air dry. It is not recommended to wash it with soap. What’s more, this kitchen gadget is created in a heavy and balanced design to deliver a smooth and stable experience while grinding. Further, its unpolished interior surface won’t absorb any previous spices or oils.
Key Features:
- Sturdy and balanced structure
- Made from the highest quality materials
- A multi-purpose gadget
Pros
- Grinding without worrying about messy ingredients
- Firm and effortless grip
- Balanced tool
- Well-established and durable design
- Good price point
Cons
- It’s nearly small for a large number of ingredients
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 5.12 x 5.12 x 3.15 inches |
| Weight | 4.44 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 1 cup |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 3 inches |
| Service | Not specified |
9. ChefSofi Extra-Large Molcajete
(Best Premium)
At a high price point, the Chefsofi Extra-large Molcajete is worth every penny. Exceeding other cooking utensils, it delivers up to 2 pestles of different sizes for various demands. Furthermore, the mortar is ultra-large in terms of capacity and height. Therefore. the gadget is excellent for heavy-duty and large amounts of ingredients.
Additionally, this one is made of unpolished granite to keep the best tasting ingredients and avoid absorbing the previous left-over flavors or odors. Plus, it’s straightforward to clean with ease.
Key Features:
- Extra-large design
- Two pestles are included
- Premium granite
- Coming with protection pad
Pros
- Ideal for heavy-duty jobs due to ultra-large construction
- Various pestles for effortless grip
- Firm and anti-slip function
- Multiple uses
- Perfect shape and form for optimizing grinding experience
- Simple to use and clean
Cons
- Pricey
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 13.2 x 10.3 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 17.86 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 5 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes (8.5-inch pestle and 6.5-inch pestle) |
| Mortar top diameter | 8 inches |
| Service | Protection pad is included, full refund for defective product |
10. Culinary Couture 8541981575 Molcajete
(Best Polished Finish)
If you don’t like the molcajete’s unpolished design, you should consider the kitchen assistance from Culinary Couture.
Its elegant and stunning design will make your kitchen countertop more stylish and beautiful. In detail, the gadget is made from high-grade granite with a polished and dark exterior featuring an unpolished interior. Hence, this design not only elevates your kitchen but also optimizing cleaning without hassle.
Furthermore, there are various and valuable accessories when you buy this molcajete. For instance, a silicone scraper to remove the last small particles in the mortar. What’s more, the silicone mat is featured to place underneath the stone bowl for retraining your countertop’s surface.
Key Features:
- Silicone mat
- Polished exterior surface
- Coming with useful accessories
Pros
- Stunning and attractive design
- Safe and convenient usage
- Adapting to multiple purposes
- Including several essential accessories
- Reasonable price for the quality
Cons
- The capacity is quite limited for large grinding tasks
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 5.9 x 5.9 x 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 7.93 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Black |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 4.4 inches |
| Service | 1-year warranty, bonus accessories |
Don’t hesitate to watch this video about the product before purchasing it!
11. Laevo Group Double-Sided Molcajete
(Best Unique Design)
For a unique design, don’t forget to take a glance at the Laevo Group Double Sized Molcajete!
Unlike other mortars, you will love it for the reversible design, which means it comes with double-sized bowls. Consequently, it not only provides stable and sturdy grinding but also has versatile uses.
Furthermore, the gadget has a nice and stylish look thanks to an unpolished and non-porous granite surface. Indeed, the problems relevant to slipping or scratching can be solved effortlessly with this cooking utensil.
Key Features:
- 100% solid granite
- Unique double-sized structure
- Heavy-weight and stable design
Pros
- Unique and smart design
- Grinding or crushing without hassle
- Chic and solid construction
- Good price
- Providing various vital tools
- Multiple functions
- Solving slipping or scratching problems
Cons
- Some customers find it quite heavy
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Color | Black |
| Capacity | 2.1 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 4 inches |
| Service | Lifetime warranty, providing silicone lid and wooden spoon |
12. Pepe Nero Large Molcajete
(Best With Accessories)
Pepe Nero Large Molcajete is the next gadget that I strongly recommend due to its handy included accessories.
First and foremost, there is no denying about the molcajete’s quality in terms of design or performance. Regarding design, it has an elegant look with the mix of polished exterior and unfinished interior surface. What’s more, unlike other mortars, this tool has a rectangle base outside for stable and robust construction. Certainly, the premium granite is used to make the gadget for the peak grinding performance.
Additionally, the manufacturers provide various vital and great accessories for simplifying your cooking preparation, including, an avocado slicer, spatula, and garlic peeler. Also, there won’t be any problems with washing this molcajete.
Key Features:
- Perfect cooking set
- Elegant and solid design
- Premium and heavy material
Pros
- Elegant and ergonomic design
- Long-lasting and steady structure
- Seasoning or cleaning without troubles
- Supporting with various accessories
- Affordable price for the perfect set
Cons
- The bowl is small capacity
Product Specifications:
| Dimensions | 7.8 x 6.1 x 4.2 inches |
| Weight | 6.39 pounds |
| Materials | Granite |
| Interior surface | Unpolished |
| Colors | Gray and green |
| Capacity | 2 cups |
| Included pestle | Yes |
| Mortar top diameter | 5.3 inches |
| Service | Featuring cooking accessories |
Some Vital Things To Consider Before Buying Molcajetes
Don’t forget to take a glimpse into some essential things to opt for the best molcajete.
Materials
For the peak and sturdy construction, it is highly essential to choose the quality materials. I strongly suggest picking the molcajete from the original Mexican lava rock or granite for the high-grade quality.
Sizes
There are various sizes of molcajete on the market. Hence, it’s up to your demands to choose the ideal size. 2-cup, 4-cup are the popular sizes on the market that you can consider. Otherwise, if you need a molcajete for heavy-duty function, you should opt for the extra-large one.
Weight
The weight is also another crucial factor contributing to its excellent performance. With the heavy construction, the grinding will be more stable and effortless. However, it would be best to choose a gadget with a suitable weight for comfortable carrying, cleaning, or storage.
Easy To Clean
The easy-to-clean feature is the must-have element of using the molcajete. Admittedly, the molcajete is not often dishwasher safe and highly recommended by hand wash. Therefore, you would take less time and effort with the molcajete with simple seasoning, cleaning, or maintenance later.
User Manual For The Best Molcajete
Below are some tips for making the most of the molcajete efficiently.
How To Use
First, you should put the ingredients in the molcajete for grinding. You should chop the ingredient into small pieces for an effortless process, especially with large or hard ingredients.
Then, using the pestle to push and crush the ingredients to the texture you demand.
How To Season And Maintain
The molcajete needs seasoning before the first usage because it’s made from authentic natural rock. Each molcajete will have different seasoning ways, yet you should follow the manual step by step for the best result.
- Washing or rinsing under the water.
- Cleaning with the brush for better results.
- Let it dry entirely about 24 hours before using.
Regarding cleaning, you can follow some ways below.
- Scraping all the left-over food and rinsing it underwater, mostly, it’s better under hot water. You can use the kitchen brush to remove all the remaining food.
- Let the gadget dry for use later.
Indeed, some kinds of molcajete will have an additional requirement for cleaning and maintenance. Hence, reading its manual and instructions carefully is recommended.
You can watch this youtube video below for more detailed pieces of information.
FAQs
There are various frequently asked questions about the molcajete. Therefore, below are some questions that I brief to give you more information about this kitchen assistance.
My Top Pick
I will choose the ChefSofi 8541981500 Molcajete as the must-have cooking utensil in my kitchen. The gadget comes with premium granite and an essential feature like an anti-slip pad for a smooth experience.
Besides, the Vasconia 5031764 Molcajete is an excellent purchase if you want to save some money.
How about you? Which are your ideal options? Don’t hesitate to share it with me!
If you have any questions, you can let me know, and we can discuss it together! I am willing to help you facilitate your decision.
