This is a really nice quality mortar and pestle, I bought the 3" size. I was able to pretty easily grind pepper and cardamom in small quantities. Though I was somehow under the impression when I bought it that the hollowed out part is 3" x 3", however, the entire mortar (including the base) is 3 inches long. But the hollow is still big enough to grind half a handful of spices at a time.

Pros: Looks great, easy to clean
Cons: None