A grinder is the most-used thing in most people's kit, and it's usually the one they put the least thought into. A cheap one works for a while. Then the teeth dull, the threads stick, and you're picking stems out of a lumpy grind.
Here's what actually makes a good grinder, what you should expect to spend, and the ones we'd recommend. Yes, ours is on the list. We'll tell you why, and we'll tell you about the others too.
What Makes a Good Weed Grinder
- Sharp, well-shaped teeth. Diamond-shaped teeth cut instead of crush, so you get a fluffy, even grind instead of dust and chunks.
- Solid material. Anodized aluminum is the sweet spot: light, tough, and it won't flake. Plastic dulls and cracks. Cheap metal can shed paint or coating.
- Smooth threads. The part that screws together should turn easily and not grind or stick. Sticky threads are the number one complaint about bad grinders.
- A strong magnet to keep the lid on in your bag.
- Easy to clean. Fewer tiny corners means less resin buildup. Here's how to clean a grinder when it does get sticky.
- The right number of pieces. Two pieces is just a grinder. Three adds a chamber to catch the grind. Four adds a kief screen. Our breakdown of 3 piece vs 4 piece grinders covers which you need.
How Much Is a Weed Grinder?
- Under $20: plastic, wood, or thin metal. Fine to start with. Expect dull teeth and sticky threads within months.
- $30 to $90: most good aluminum grinders live here. This is where the grind quality jumps and they start lasting for years.
- $90 and up: titanium, precision machining, special designs. Great if you care about the details. Not required to get a good grind.
Our advice: skip the bottom tier if you smoke regularly. You'll buy two or three cheap ones in the time a decent one lasts.
The Best Weed Grinders
1. Smoke Honest Grinder
We designed the Honest Grinder because we wanted one we'd actually leave out on the table. Precision-machined anodized aluminum with diamond-shaped teeth for a consistent grind, and a silicone grip so it's easy to turn, even one-handed.
The part we like best is the base. It's borosilicate glass, so you can see how much you've got. It also doubles as storage: add a cap from our Storage Set and it becomes an airtight jar. Grind, cap, and it stays fresh until you need it.
Best for: people who want a grinder that looks good, grinds evenly, and stores what you grind. Material: anodized aluminum and borosilicate glass.
2. Santa Cruz Shredder
A classic for a reason. Their patented tooth shape gives you a very fluffy grind, and they're built from solid aluminum that lasts for years. Plenty of sizes. Best for: people who want a proven workhorse.
3. Space Case Titanium
Very durable, very smooth threads, and strong magnets. It's on the pricey end, but people keep these for a long time. We did a full Space Case vs Honest Grinder comparison if you're deciding between the two. Best for: people who want something indestructible.
4. Cali Crusher OG
Solid aluminum with a ceramic coating that helps keep flower from sticking. Good value for the price. Best for: a budget pick that's still built to last.
5. Phoenician Engineering
Machined like a tool with a threadless design that snaps together instead of screwing, so there are no threads to gunk up. Several sizes. Best for: people who hate sticky threads.
How Long Do Weed Grinders Last?
A plastic grinder might last a few months of daily use. A good aluminum or titanium one can last for years, often longer than most people keep them. What wears out isn't really the metal. It's the teeth dulling, the threads getting gummed up, or the magnet weakening.
Signs it's time for a new one:
- The grind is uneven or chunky no matter how much you twist.
- Teeth are chipped, bent, or rounded off.
- It sticks or grinds even after a good cleaning.
- The lid won't stay on.
To make yours last, brush it out after use, clean it once a month, and don't overfill it. If yours is stuck right now, here's how to open a stuck grinder.
Which Grinder Should You Get?
- Want it to look good and double as storage? The Honest Grinder.
- Want a cult classic? Santa Cruz Shredder.
- Tight budget? Cali Crusher OG.
- Want to understand the options first? Read our guide to the types of weed grinders.
Browse our herb grinders to see the full lineup.
FAQ
Is an expensive grinder worth it?
Up to a point. Going from a $10 grinder to a $50 to $80 aluminum one is a huge jump. Past that, you're mostly paying for materials and finish.
Are metal grinders safe?
Quality anodized aluminum or titanium ones, yes. Very cheap metal grinders can flake paint or coating over time. That's one more reason to skip the bargain bin.
What size grinder should I get?
Around 2 to 2.5 inches works for most people. Here's more on choosing a grinder size.