There is nothing better than a Thai granite mortar & pestle for grinding spices and making smooth curry and seasoning pastes. This one is big, which makes it more efficient, but also quite heavy – unless you have the space, and intend to leave it out on the counter, buy a smaller one. Clean with warm water, and deodorize, if desired, with lemon juice or vinegar. (Be careful not to let the pestle roll off the counter – depending on the flooring material, you will either put a big dent in it, or the pestle will break.)