Crushgrind Kiruna Pestle & Mortar

Quick Overview: The Crushgrind Kiruna is a 10cm cast iron mortar and pestle with a precision-patterned interior, acacia wood handle, and non-slip silicone base, designed specifically for dry spices. Jump to: Q&A | Specs | Care & Use | Guarantees | FAQ Crushgrind Kiruna Dry Spice Mortar and Pestle The Kiruna is a cast iron mortar and pestle designed specifically for dry spice grinding. The 10cm bowl features a precision-patterned curved interior - the texture does the work, giving you real grip on whole spices without requiring much effort or pressure. The acacia wood handle is a practical detail as much as an aesthetic one: it stays cool and comfortable to hold, and keeps the overall look a step above the standard unhandled mortar. A non-slip silicone base keeps the mortar steady on the worktop during use, which matters more with cast iron than with lighter materials - there is real weight here, and that weight is part of what makes it effective. The pestle is included. Key features include: Precision-patterned curved interior: Textured surface for efficient dry spice grinding with minimal effort Cast iron construction: Durable and weighty, providing stability and grinding effectiveness Acacia wood handle: Ergonomic and heat-resistant, adding practical comfort and visual warmth Non-slip silicone base: Keeps the mortar stable on the worktop during use and protects surfaces 10cm diameter bowl: A practical working size for everyday spice quantities Pestle included: Complete set, ready to use after the initial curing process Dry spices only: Designed and optimised for dried whole spices - not suitable for wet pastes or fresh ingredients The Kiruna suits keen cooks who use whole spices regularly and want a mortar that is built for the task rather than a decorative afterthought. What Customers Ask About the Crushgrind Kiruna Mortar and Pestle Why is this described as "dry spices only"? Can't I use it for a curry paste? Cast iron is not the right material for wet grinding. Moisture accelerates rust on cast iron, and wet pastes - which typically contain oil, fresh garlic, ginger, or chillies - will work their way into the porous surface of the metal and are very difficult to clean out fully. For wet pastes, a granite or stone mortar is a better choice. The Kiruna excels at what it is designed for: cumin seeds, coriander, dried chilli flakes, whole peppercorns, and similar dry ingredients. Why do I need to cure it before first use? New cast iron mortars can carry residual metallic dust from the manufacturing process. Curing with rice - grinding a small amount of uncooked rice until the grains come out clean - removes this residue before you use it with food. It is a standard step with raw cast iron and takes only a few minutes. Full curing instructions are in the Care section below. Is 10cm a practical size for everyday use? A 10cm bowl is a solid working size for most everyday spice quantities - enough to grind a teaspoon or two of whole spices comfortably without ingredients escaping over the sides. If you regularly grind large batches of spice blends, you may find a larger mortar more convenient, but for day-to-day cooking the 10cm Kiruna is well suited to the task. What is the acacia wood handle for - is it purely decorative? It has a genuine functional purpose. An unhandled cast iron mortar can be awkward to reposition mid-grind, particularly when the bowl is heavy with spices. The acacia handle gives you a secure, comfortable grip for tilting and steadying the mortar without touching the hot or dusty cast iron body directly. It also stays at room temperature during use, unlike the cast iron itself which can absorb ambient heat. Can I use this for salt? You can, but it requires extra care. Salt is highly corrosive to cast iron and will accelerate rust if left in contact with the surface. If you grind salt in the Kiruna, clean it thoroughly straight afterwards, dry it completely, and rub the interior lightly with cooking oil before storing. For regular salt grinding, a ceramic or granite mortar may be more practical for long-term maintenance. Is the pestle also cast iron? The product materials are listed as cast iron and wood, and the pestle is included in the set. Crushgrind specifically advise against grinding metal against metal, which suggests the pestle surface that contacts the bowl is not bare cast iron - but if you need precise confirmation of pestle materials before purchasing, please contact us and we will check with the supplier. Specifications Brand: Crushgrind Design: Crushgrind / Sam Murley Diameter: 10cm Material: Cast iron with acacia wood handle Base: Non-slip silicone Suitable for: Dry spices only Not suitable for: Wet ingredients, pastes, fresh herbs Includes: Mortar and pestle Dishwasher safe: No Why Buy From Art of Living? Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers choose quality kitchen equipment. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care. Our Guarantees to You ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years) ✓ Price Match Guarantee Read our full guarantee policy → Questions? Visit our contact page or call us on +44 1737 222996 Care & Use Instructions Before first use - curing: Grind half a teaspoon of uncooked rice in the mortar until the grains come out clean. This removes any residual manufacturing dust from the cast iron surface. Empty the rice, then scrub the mortar and pestle with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before use. Do not skip this step. During use: Use with dry spices only. Do not grind wet ingredients, fresh herbs, or pastes. Do not use metal utensils in the mortar, and avoid grinding metal against metal. Cleaning: Do not place in the dishwasher and do not submerge in water for prolonged periods. After use, wipe out any spice residue, then clean with warm water and a brush. Dry the mortar completely and promptly - cast iron will rust if left damp. After grinding salt: Clean the mortar thoroughly straight after use, as salt is corrosive to cast iron. Dry fully and rub the interior lightly with a small amount of cooking oil before storing. Ongoing maintenance: Store in a dry area away from moisture, steam, and direct sunlight. After cleaning, a light rub of cooking oil on the interior will help maintain the surface and prevent rust over time. What to avoid: Moisture, steam, dishwashers, metal utensils, wet ingredients, and direct sunlight during storage. Frequently Asked Questions What if I've used it and don't like it? Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've used it in the kitchen. How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work? Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage the mortar or pestle, we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable. How long does delivery take? Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill. I've seen rust spots appear on my cast iron mortar - what should I do? Surface rust on cast iron can usually be addressed by scrubbing with a stiff brush and a small amount of coarse salt, rinsing, drying completely, and rubbing the affected area with cooking oil. Rust typically occurs when the mortar has been left damp or stored in a humid environment. If you are concerned about the extent of the rust, contact us and we can advise further. Will this price match against other retailers? Yes. If you've seen the identical Crushgrind Kiruna mortar and pestle cheaper elsewhere, let us know. If it's in stock with our competitor on the day you contact us, we'll match the price.