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Our Selection CriteriaAll our our molcajetes are hand selected
and inspected. Even after careful selection we grade the pieces into 3 grades;
best, average, and utilitarian. Each grade is described in the
following section.
Given most molcajetes are used for making salsas and
guacamole our number one priority is to select molcajetes with maximum capacity
and a firm grinding surface. Grading
FactsAll of our molcajetes
are hand-carved lava (basalt) stone from Mexico
No matter what grade you
select your molcajete will be completely safe, sturdy, and functional.
Capacity is measured with dry rice.
Our Grading System(Best Grade
This grade represents a small minority of
molcajetes. These are for the most discerning collector or gift giver or
gourmet cook.
Subject to
availability.
Nicely carved legs and bowl.
A minimum 2 3/4 but typically 3 cups (or more) capacity
Stone color is medium to dark grey without any significant light or
dark spots on visible portions of the bowl or legs.
No pits on the inside of
the bowl greater than 1/16" in depth or diameter.
No leg imperfects, no
slanting on leg bottoms.
Average Molcajete
This is the
"typical" quality molcajete
Minimum capacity 2 1/2 cups to 3+ cups
May have very minor
imperfections on the edges and bottoms of legs. (not more than 1 very small nick
or slant).
Stone color varied (light, medium or
dark)
Small patches (less than 1") of lighter or darker color
patches may be visible on outside of bowl or legs, or very small areas of
lighter stone on top rim.
Example: We may have a piece with a really
good capacity and one slant leg or one small pit. That piece would be sold as
an "average" piece.
If that same piece also had any predominant light or
dark color patches, then it would be sold as a "utilitarian"
piece.
(Utilitarian
Molcajete)
The primary difference between
this molcajete and the "best" is looks. They are every bit as functional as the
typical or best, they just don't look as pretty.
A minimum of 2 cups up to 3+ cups
Stone color may vary with
larger (3" or so) patches of light or darker color on visible portions of the
interior or exterior of the bowl or legs.
One or more Legs may more
predominant slanting or larger leg imperfections
Small pits in bowl may appear up to 1/4" in depth or diameter
In
the example shown, this 3 cup molcajete has a large 3+ inch "light" color patch
on side. It is otherwise quite good with an excellent grinding surface. It is
kind of a "worst case" example.