Matus, the M&P is used for much more that pesto. If you buy whole spices, nothing better to grind them with than the M&P. If you think the eight is too large get the smaller one. I have a smallish kitchen (14'X12") and the only thing on my counters are the coffee pot/grinder, microwave oven and the M&P. The beauty of the M&P is that thye clean up super quick, definitely an advantage over a motorized grinder/processor/blender. Some uses:
1.) garlic paste (smooth and creamy), grinding confit lemons, anchovie paste...
2.) Whole Spices (be sure to toast in dry pan, the cool before grinding)
3.) Grinding coffee beans
4.) using the pestle to bruise rosemary or woody herms
5.) smashing salted shrimp, lemon grass, galangal...
They're like a good thermometer, once you get one you find uses for it! My $0.02
1.) garlic paste (smooth and creamy), grinding confit lemons, anchovie paste...
2.) Whole Spices (be sure to toast in dry pan, the cool before grinding)
3.) Grinding coffee beans
4.) using the pestle to bruise rosemary or woody herms
5.) smashing salted shrimp, lemon grass, galangal...
They're like a good thermometer, once you get one you find uses for it! My $0.02
