As tools go, the mortar and pestle is about as timeless as they come; and after thousands of years of use, you'd think it could hardly be improved. But much to our delight, we found one that's a step up: cast in southern Sweden by Skeppshult, we can't think of a better application for cast iron. 

The bowl's cast iron interior is textured, so seeds and garlic grip the surface instead of skittering away from the pestle. At 4" across and 2.4 pounds, it is compact enough to live on the counter and heavy enough that it stays put. A spoonful of peppercorns or cumin seed cracks open under just a few turns of the pestle, releasing oils and aroma that an electric grinder tends to flatten.

There are no blades to dull and no motor to fail. With regular use and a little oil, the seasoning deepens, and it will be grinding for a thousand more years.