PROS - Heavy duty, gorgeous granite with a graceful and functional design, comfortable-to- hold pestle, pulverizes on demand, dries fast after hand washing without soap. It comes with a sticker you can put on the base to make the base non-slip (and non-scratching for delicate counter tops).CONS- Barley any! Because it is heavy, for some it could be awkward. I did experience some random rice grains jumping out before they started getting broken down.--If you landed here you still may be wondering, why, with all the modern gadgets that are already in our kitchens, is there a need for this ancient tool? Electric appliances like a spice grinder or food processor only cut up spices and other herbs, but a mortar and pestle crushes and pulverizes them. A mortar and pestle will release aromatics and flavors from the substances' membranes. When you use the tool it smashes into paste ingredients like ginger, garlic, curries, nuts, citrus peels. It may not be the "fastest" method, but it produces the most desirable results. And yes, this Heavy Duty Large Mortar and Pestle set item will not disappoint.I previously owned a marble mortar and pestle set that was 1 cup size. I could only grind up small batches at one time, and when the mortar fell onto the floor and cracked irreparably, I looked for something larger and more sturdy. That is why I ordered this item in the extra large, 4-cup size. Even though the item takes up a sizable spot on a counter or shelf, it is easy on the eyes if you leave it out. I placed mine in front of my knife block on the kitchen counter.