Are you looking to acquire a weed grinder but lost among the many options available? Wondering which elements to look for while selecting the best weed grinder?
A cannabis shredder is considered one of the most basic but necessary tools for any hobbyist. Whether you vape, smoke, or consume marijuana, grinding is an essential procedure.
Have you been doing this by hand? Are you tired of lengthy and messy sessions? Shredding your weed doesn’t have to be daunting.
This comprehensive guide outlines all the aspects to consider before purchasing one. We’ll then share our reviews of the best weed grinders available.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Weed Grinders For 2023
- Best Herb Grinder by Kozo Grinders
- Santa Cruz Shredder 4 Piece Grinders/Sifters
- Santa Cruz Shredder 3-Piece Grinders/Sifters
- Banana Bros. Otto Grinder
- Mandala-Purple New Collection Combie Grind & Roll
- V Syndicate Grinder Classic Collection
- Stortz & Bickle 0930 Volcano Plastic Herb Grinder
What Is a Weed Grinder?
Before grinders came to life, cannabis consumers would usually shred their weed using bare hands or scissors. It certainly did the job, but you’d end up with hands covered with the precious but sticky resin.
Lucky for you, preparing your cannabis these days doesn’t have to be that difficult. The best weed grinder will make this process faster and more efficient—and definitely less messy.
Manual or electric, a weed grinder is often a circular-shaped device. It’s made to chop cannabis to your desired consistency, and ready to be rolled, cooked, or used in a vape.
What Is Kief and Why Is It Important?
Some weed grinders have the ability to separate out the kief. In order to know if this is important to you, it’s helpful to understand what this is.
Kief is a resin gland growing on the flower buds. It appears similar to fine hair, pollen or even minuscule crystals. It’s very potent and contain most of the cannabinoids found in the plant.
For most hobbyists, wasting kief is just like cutting your spaghetti in a fine Italian restaurant. It’s sacrilege.
Kief has many uses. It can be sprinkled over a joint, coffee or on a cannabutter toast. It can also be mixed in a cake for increased potency, or used in a vape or pipe. Some people even use it to make hash.
Selecting the best grinder for weed should allow you to retrieve the precious resin.
Why Should You Use a Weed Grinder?
Once you start using a grinder, you’ll wonder how you’ve managed without one until now.
The first role of a grinder is to increase your cannabis’ surface area. This means you get more out of your bud, so over time it saves you money. Grinding your weed also allows it to be distributed more evenly over a joint, or in baking.
The best marijuana grinder will shred your weed fine enough to allow more heat to pass through the plant. By doing so, it releases more THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol), as well as flavor and aroma.
What Are the Different Types of Grinders?
There are two main types of grinders available: manual and electric.
Manual Grinders
Manual grinders need a bit more elbow grease, as grinding is done through a rotation movement. Some grinders—called rotary grinders—even come with a handle to facilitate the process.
Traditional manual grinders usually come in two to four pieces, with varying numbers of chambers. These essentially catch the different parts of the buds. We’ll elaborate on multi-chamber grinders further down.
They might not seem as convenient as electric grinders. However, the manual ones often give you better control over the consistency.
There’s also an option for grinder cards. They can be a good option if you’re looking for the ultimate portable solution. Shaped just like a credit card, they’re small enough to fit in a wallet.
Electric Grinders
These might be the most convenient type of grinder, as they get started at the push of a button. They’re a great choice for those suffering from arthritis.
Most electric weed grinders don’t include a kief-catcher chamber. Despite their convenience, this can be a major drawback for many cannabis users.
There are many different electric weed grinding products available. They’re a good option if you need to grind a large amount of marijuana at once.
Because of the electric devices’ inability to filter the kief, manual grinders tend to be the preferred method for shredding cannabis.
How to Use a Manual Weed Grinder?
Manual grinders aren’t difficult to use.
First, place your buds in the top chamber, where the teeth are. You might need to cut your buds in smaller pieces to make them fit between the teeth. For a better shred, place them on the edge of the grinder rather than in the center.
Close the lid and rotate the device about 10 times. Look through the lid (if it’s transparent) or open the grinder. If you still see pieces in your top chamber, give it a few more rotations.
Once all the pieces have fallen through, open the lid. If your grinder comes with several chambers, you’ll find your shredded cannabis in the second chamber, and the fine kief in the last chamber. This is the part that’s known as the kief-catcher.
The best weed grinders come with a scraping tool to help you retrieve the kief.
How Many Pieces Should an Ideal Grinder Have?
The number of pieces doesn’t directly correspond to the number of chambers within the grinder. For example, a 4-piece grinder has three chambers and a 3-piece grinder contains 2 separate chambers. This is because the lid is considered to be a piece.
Two-Piece
A two-piece grinder is one that contains one single compartment with teeth on both sides. It’s smaller and more compact, but often difficult to remove the plant once it’s ground.
2-piece grinders might be great options for those looking for a coarse shred. Containing one chamber, they don’t separate the precious kief.
Three-Piece
This type of grinder comes with two separate chambers. You’ll place your buds in the upper layer. While grinding, your shredded plant and kief fall into the lower compartment.
The second chamber is often used as a storage area once the grinding is complete.
Four-Piece
These high-end grinders contain three separate chambers and are usually the most popular.
The lowest compartment contains a filter, able to retrieve the thinnest particles only, such as kief. Some users keep kief safely stored in the last chamber until enough has accumulated to collect it.
This type of grinder may be the perfect choice for the most advanced users.
What Other Elements Make a Good Grinder?
What is a good grinder for weed? Let’s have a look at a few other important features and aspects to consider.
Material
When it comes to material, it’s important to look at the material of the outer case and that of the teeth. Both are important.
Wood
Wooden grinders are often hand made and difficult to reproduce in large quantities. They can be a great choice if using organic material is important for you, or if you’re looking for a more natural look.
Most wooden grinders have a single chamber. They tend to be more complicated to clean, and are typically more expensive than other types.
Acrylic
Acrylic grinders are more affordable but often less durable than other types.
They’re normally very compact and easy to carry around. Even if they aren’t the best looking type of grinder, they’re very convenient to use.
Metal
The top grinders for herbs usually provide at least two chambers and are made from metal. The best quality weed grinder will normally be made of either titanium or aluminum. Titanium is generally more elegant and durable—but also more expensive.
Many argue about whether aluminum is safe, if shavings mix in with the weed. This shouldn’t be a problem, for a few reasons.
First of all, the risk of shavings is rare. Also, vapes, pipes and lighters won’t reach the 1,218 degrees Fahrenheit needed to melt aluminum. Therefore, no harsh chemicals should be breathed in.
Easy to clean, aluminum grinders are also better at containing smells. Something to consider if you’re carrying the device around.
You’ll also find aluminum grinders that are coated with titanium.
Teeth’s Material
The teeth are the parts that will be grinding your cannabis. This makes them one of the most important elements of your grinder.
Aluminum teeth are often preferable as they tend to stay sharp for a longer period of time. Acrylic teeth tend to chip or even come off entirely, ending up in your weed for you to smoke or consume. The teeth of wooden grinders are normally made of metal, which is more durable.
Size
There isn’t a wrong or right size for the best weed grinder. It’s a matter of personal preference and use.
The smallest grinders have a diameter of 1.5 or 2 inches. More compact, they’re also the most portable. The obvious downside is that they will only shred a small amount of material at once.
Medium size grinders have a diameter of 2.5 to 3 inches, enabling them to grind more weed in one use.
It’s also important to consider the number of teeth present in your grinder. The more teeth, the more efficient your grinder will be. In general, 50 teeth are needed in a 2.5-inch diameter grinder.
Other Things to Consider
Are you looking to store your cannabis in the grinder when not in use? You might want to look for a device containing magnetic locks to keep your weed fresh and full of flavor.
The best weed grinders come with added features, such as handles or clear tops. These are very convenient when it comes to shredding.
How much is a good weed grinder? Grinders come in a wide range of prices and it’s easy to overspend. It might be best to allocate a specific budget for your grinder before you decide which to buy.
The best weed grinder if you’re on a tight budget is typically made of acrylic material and comprises one to three chambers.
How to Clean a Manual Grinder
Kief is sticky, and if not cleaned regularly, can glue and seal your grinder over time.
Place your grinder in the freezer for 15 minutes to loosen up the stickiness. It’s harder for kief to stick when frozen.
With a small brush, use isopropyl alcohol to remove the kief. If your grinder is absolutely unopenable, simply soak your grinder in the solution.
Finally, rinse your grinder with warm water, and let it dry.
The Best Weed Grinders
Now that we better understand the elements that make the best weed grinders, let’s look at our choice of the top products available.
Most Popular Grinder — Best Herb Grinder by Kozo Grinders
Available in seven different colors, this product should be suitable for all tastes. The grinder contains three compartments, and a mesh allows you to retrieve kief when needed.
This upgraded model has been designed to be even more stable. The upper and lower compartments are finger-shaped to allow a better grip.
The magnetic lid and removable mesh should prevent the herbs from spilling. Even if dropped, your buds and kief should be safe.
The mesh screen is deeper, allowing you to store and grind twice more plant material than the previous model.
Featuring very sharp teeth, this grinder will shred your weed in a couple of twists. The teeth are placed in a way that allows you to fit more weed, and avoid the struggle to remove unshredded buds.
Made of high-quality aluminum, it’s designed to last. The good news? It comes at a price point that should meet most budgets.
Pros
- High-quality material.
- Kief catcher compartment.
- Scraper included.
- Large capacity—2.5-inch diameter.
- User-friendly.
Cons
- Some users complain it’s uncomfortable to hold while twisting.
Runner Up — Santa Cruz Shredder 4 Piece Grinders/Sifters
Looking for a grinder able to withstand the test of time? This 4-piece grinder shouldn’t let you down.
The high-quality aluminum teeth are strong, sharp and able to cut both ways. They’re long-lasting and shouldn’t flake or chip.
The grinder has been designed to be comfortable to hold and twist. The high-quality 3-layer magnets provide a tight closure to keep your cannabis dry and safely stored. You’ll be able to carry it around without worrying about potential odors seeping out.
Constructed from aluminum, the grinder is coated with an extra layer, using the anodizing technique. This protects it from scratches and corrosion. Containing three individual chambers, you should be able to easily retrieve the fine kief and avoid cross threading.
While we’ve linked to the medium size, this durable grinder is available in smaller and larger sizes too. Suitable for different tastes, it’s available in classic colors such as black or grey, and also comes in red,blue, green and gold.
Pros
- ISO certified.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Durable and made in the United States.
- Scratch resistant.
- 4-piece grinder—includes a kief catcher chamber.
- Compact size.
- High-quality teeth.
- Strong magnetic lid.
- Several sizes and colors available.
Cons
- Doesn’t include a scraper.
- Some users prefer a thinner mesh.
Best 3-Piece Grinder — Santa Cruz Shredder 3-Piece Grinders/Sifters
This highly popular grinder has great features and quality. It’s an ideal choice for those who don’t need to capture kief.
The upper compartment contains teeth that will grind your plant into tiny pieces. Stylish and discreet, it’s also designed with a functional grip. This makes the grinding rotations easier. Because you shouldn’t need to use extra power, it might be a good option for anyone with limited hand movements.
Its compact size makes it easily transportable. You can take it with you and have a grinder handy wherever you are.
Made of aluminum, the anodized coating will keep your grinder in a good shape. The strong magnets will prevent your plant material from spilling.
Made in the United States, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty. Available in many colors, you’re sure to find a version matching your taste.
Pros
- High-quality aluminum material.
- High-technology coating prevents rust and chips.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Easy to use.
- Available in matte or gloss finish.
- Scratch resistant.
- Very fine mesh only allows the finest particles to go through.
- Very compact and easy to transport.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a kief catcher.
- Might be too small for some users.
Best High-End Grinder — Banana Bros. Otto Grinder
Have you ever started rolling a joint, only to realize you were out of paper? This device should solve that inconvenience. It might also be one of the most high-end herb grinders around.
This electric grinder won’t only shred your cannabis, it’ll fill up your joints as well. And all this at the push of a button.
Using smart grinding technology, this device will detect the plant density to make perfect cones. Mimicking a human hand gesture, it ensures that your joint is filled uniformly, and doesn’t bend during the filling process.
This device comes with 20 cones, composed of 100 percent natural fiber. These cones are also free of chlorine and don’t contain animal products or genetically-modified organisms.
The transparent cone tube allows you to oversee the cone-filling process.
If you aren’t planning to use cones, they can be removed and the ground plant will fall into the included transparent tube. Made with water-resistant and high-grade metal teeth, this device will finely grind your plant.
It also features an airtight seal, so the aroma shouldn’t leak out.
Pros
- Entire rolling process combined in one machine.
- Uses the newest technology to make perfect cones.
- Grinding teeth made of high-quality metal.
- 20 natural cones are included.
- Comes with a carrying case for easy transportation.
- Measuring cup included.
- USB cord for an easy charge.
Cons
- Some users complain that joints aren’t filled firmly enough.
- Additional cones have to be purchased separately.
Most Versatile Grinder — Mandala-Purple New Collection Combie Grind & Roll
Looking for a one-stop shop grinder? This highly versatile shredder might be what you’re looking for. The first compartment allows you to store a few buds, while the middle compartment serves as a mini-grinder.
Twist the lid to open the central compartment, add your cannabis, and close it back using the same twisting motion. Your shredded weed will then be filtered and fall into the third compartment, until its next use.
A small cleaning tool is included. The chamber located along the back of the device stores king-size rolling paper and cardboard filters.
Made of fiberglass nylon, this sturdy grinder is durable and can even be placed in a dishwasher for a full clean. Four inches long, this kit should fit most pockets, making it easy to carry when you’re on the go.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe.
- Very strong magnets, keeping the compartments tightly closed.
- Fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades.
- Cleaning tool included.
- Multi-purpose: Weed, paper and filter storage areas, grinder.
Cons
- Paper and filter compartment may not fit all brands.
- Not great at containing smells.
Most Portable Grinder — V Syndicate Grinder Classic Collection
Are you thinking that all these grinders look great, but you need one that’s much more compact? Something that you could bring literally anywhere with you without attracting attention?
If you have a classic taste and like to save space, this might be a good choice for you. Grinder cards are the most compact weed shredders available.
This V Syndicate grinder is no thicker than a credit card and will fit most wallets. It’s even designed to go through airport security without any hassle.
Made of medical grade stainless steel, it’s also very sturdy and won’t bend at the first use. You should be able to grind your buds with the needed consistency: fine, medium or coarse.
This card grinder comes with a sleeve to protect the blades, your wallet, and your fingers. It doesn’t, however, come with a kief catcher or any storage compartment.
Pros
- Beautiful yin-yang design.
- High-quality stainless steel material.
- Sleeve included.
- Budget-friendly.
- Ideal to shred a small amount of cannabis on the go.
- Extremely compact, fits wallets and pockets.
- Discrete and elegant design.
Cons
- Not as user-friendly as other types of grinders.
- No storage container.
Best Budget-Friendly Grinder — Stortz & Bickle 0930 Volcano Plastic Herb Grinder
Not everyone is looking for a fancy grinder. Sometimes more affordable and simple solutions can do the job quite well.
This economical device is a 2-piece grinder with one single grinding compartment. It does contain an extra upper compartment, closed with a magnetic lid. It’s meant to store a small amount of plant material, which can be quite convenient.
It features sturdy acrylic teeth on both sides for a good shred. Simply twist each compartment in opposite rotation movements, and your cannabis will be ready for use.
The transparent acrylic material allows you to monitor your grind and stop the process when your weed has reached the desired consistency. You’ll need an extra container to place your shredded cannabis before you can grind more.
This acrylic grinder might not be the fanciest, but it’ll certainly save you some precious time—and money—while shredding your weed.
Pros
- Compact
- Acrylic material makes it easy to clean.
- Sturdy teeth.
- Lightweight.
- The upper transparent lid is also a storage compartment.
Cons
- Doesn’t reach a powder-like consistency.
- No storage for ground weed.
Conclusion
Grinders can be as simple or as fancy as needed. Whether you’re looking to grind occasionally or on a regular basis, a variety of weed grinders are available. The ability to filter kief and the quality of the material used will have a large impact on the price point.
Personally, I’m all about efficiency and quality, and would go for the best herb grinder by Kozo Grinders. If you don’t use kief regularly, you can store it in the bottom chamber until its next use.
