Stone mortar and pestle on a wooden stand beside a chopping board

Mortar and Pestle vs Food Processor

Before electric gadgets like blenders, food processors, grinders and bullets, there was the mortar and pestle. It was the cook’s go-to whenever they needed to crush, grind, puree, pulverise or make any kind of paste. You might think the mortar and pestle is totally obsolete now that we can do these tasks at the flick of a switch. But no – it’s not obsolete. There are still jobs it does better.

Mortar and pestle vs food processor

Hands pounding red chilli paste in a stone mortar and pestle beside a bowl of paste

What jobs are best done in mortar and pestle?

A machine’s blades cut, rip and tear ingredients while a mortar and pestle pounds and melds; not only is the finished texture different, but the flavour is too. The cutting action of blenders and food processors smash their way through random cells, rupturing them, while a mortar and pestle does a better job of crushing every single cell, releasing maximum flavour compounds in the process and giving a more lush end result. A blender (or food processor) is great for some jobs however, particularly making smoothies, emulsified sauces, pureeing soups and sauces, and generally dealing with larger amounts of ingredients.

The main differences between the two:

With no moving parts and a solid construction, a quality mortar and pestle will last a lifetime and beyond. It won’t easily break and can’t break down.
A mortar and pestle is easier to clean than a food processor, plus it isn’t as bulky to store.
You have greater control over processes using a mortar and pestle as you can see and feel exactly what’s happening.
The engine of a blender or processor generates heat which can warm the contents of the bowl and affect flavours, especially ingredients with volatile flavour compounds like fresh herbs and lemongrass.
A mortar and pestle is better at coaxing maximum flavour and fragrance out of garlic, herbs, ginger, nuts, citrus zest, aromatics and spices. This is because these need to be crushed and pounded for flavour-release, not cut and ruptured.
You can make curry pastes, pestos, and guacamole in a food processor but the texture and overall flavour will always be better using a mortar and pestle.
A blender or food processor is best for making larger batches / dealing with bigger quantities of ingredients.
A blender or food processor is mostly faster than a mortar and pestle, depending on the task.
A good food processor has various blades and accessories for cutting and shredding hard cheeses, fruits and vegetables, making it more versatile.