Pestle is impressive, especially its import: it can pull recipes from websites and even Instagram or TikTok using on-device AI. On an iPhone or Mac, that's a real party trick.
It's built around Apple devices and iCloud, though, and the free tier caps you at a handful of recipes before Pro kicks in. Gratin is free and unlimited, and it runs on Windows and Android as well as the Mac.
Gratin vs Pestle, side by side
Based on how each product generally works today. Product names belong to their owners. Visit Pestle ↗
Gratin's yearly sync ($12) undercuts Pestle Pro (about $25 a year), and its one-time ($39) sits close to Pestle's ~$40 lifetime, but stretches across Windows and Android instead of Apple and iCloud. As always the app is free and the relay is self-hostable if you're technical, so paying us is optional.
See how Gratin is priced, and why →What Pestle gets right, and where it grates
Where Pestle shines
- Imports from websites and even Instagram/TikTok using on-device AI
- Polished hands-free guided cooking (voice, SharePlay, Handoff)
- Clean native Apple design with meal planning
Where it can frustrate
- No native Android or Windows app
- Photo / handwriting scanning can be hit-or-miss
- Unlimited recipes and best features need Pro
Why people move to Gratin
Runs beyond Apple
Gratin works on Mac, Windows, and Android. Pestle is centred on Apple hardware.
Free and unlimited
Pestle caps free recipes and gates the best features behind Pro. Gratin doesn't cap or gate. The app is free.
Own your data and your sync
Instead of iCloud-and-account, Gratin keeps recipes on your device with optional encrypted sync you can self-host.
The verdict
Pestle is a brilliant choice for Apple users who love AI import. Pick Gratin if you want a free, unlimited recipe book that runs everywhere and keeps your data yours.
Frequently asked questions
Does Gratin import recipes from websites?
Yes, from any recipe URL, plus a browser clipper. Pestle's AI import from social video is a standout Gratin doesn't replicate yet.
Why pick Gratin over Pestle?
If you use non-Apple devices, want unlimited recipes for free, or prefer sync you control over iCloud, Gratin fits where Pestle can't.
Is Gratin free?
Yes, with no recipe cap. Optional hosted sync is $12/year or a one-time $39, or self-host the relay yourself if you're technically inclined.