I’ve been reading through old posts and trying to research what the best grinder would be. From everything’s from mills and finishing grinders to 2, 3 and 4 chamber to coffee grinders. I am a bit lost.
I personally use the Pax Plus- what would others that use this recommend? Or I’d even be interested if you use a different DHV to hear what you use to grind and why!
You're way overthinking this! Anything that will give you a consistent size will work. Its really just a personal preference thing. That said, the top tier are the SS or titanium all magnetic ones (no threads, they all have magnetic tops). These include Old Mate Aroma 3, Brilliant Cut Grinder, and The Flower Mill. The Santa Cruz Shredder was the gold standard for over 20 years and is still the most copied. Some like electric coffee grinders. Some just use scissors in a cup or between their fingers. Yet, some others by just breaking it up with their fingers. They say the grinders change/mute the flavors. In my half a century of toking I've used all these methods and have tried most grinders. Its funny being able to look back on all the fads of the grinder revolution. Personally I've gotten all my grinders from headshops, dispensaries, Ebay, Etsy, DHGate, and gas stations. My only real recommendation is to avoid anything plastic and the ones that have spikes like nails to grind with (they literally fall apart). Honestly, my favorites are my all magnetic hex from etsy and a threaded gas station find with a crank and SCS copied plates (both have medium size plates).
Well put and absolutely totally agree. I started smoking weed in the early 70's and never even heard of a grinder until I started to look into dry herp vaping. Even now I'm not totally convinced any grinder is even necessary-the main benefit is to keep the sticky off you fingers IMO.
It's not necessary but it's really silly not to use one. A basic grinder is so cheap, lasts ages and means you can see exactly how much you're using. Never used them for soap or pollen but a pretty essential part of my kit for green.
Not necessary, just as a DHV isn’t necessary.
But a grinder produces a very consistent texture, and does it quickly and without hassle. I use a cheap one I found on Amazon, but I’m hoping Santa brings me a BCG this year.
It does. Not a drastic difference between one grinder over the other. But a noticeable difference between a quality grinder that produces consistent grind size will taste much better than any of "old school" manual methods.
That is all the more important in vaping, especially if you go for one hit extractions. Coffee people will tell you the same thing: surface area is key. Doesn't matter how great your vape and piece are and how good your technique is. If your grind size is never consistent, you'll never get the same hit, and most likely never have the best possible hit.
Just like if you brew a V60 with the best beans, water temp, true and tested recipe, pour flow, etc. If your grind is uneven, you'll end up with a taste that is also uneven. Some parts of the bed will over-extract while others will under-extract.
Now back to weed, which of the quality grinders is the best is really just preference. How it looks and feel more than anything else. The best of them have interchangeable grind plates anyway.
I Just use a 2 piece stainless Steel grinder From blackleaf, i paid Like 30-35€ for it new its 6 years old works Like new. Great for all my vapes
Whichever one you choose, I would highly recommend a stainless steel version. Aluminum and plastic can shed shavings.
I use a ss one from iaso and am very pleased. Good luck! 💚
The BCG has been my daily for 6 years now and it still looks basically brand new on the outside. They hold up really well and it’s always smooth to turn and I love the grind of the medium plate. Well worth the wait and money. Plus having a magnet instead of threads to open it has been such a nice touch.
I own a BCG and I just stick it in unground, I seem to be able to get longer flavor that way.
I have a jcase 3 piece grinder which is basically a bcg-clone at a very reasonable price (€30). It doesn't have a screen, but collects kief by having it 'stuck' to the walls, collects real easy afterwards.
I also have a 4 piece SLX which I never use anymore becuz the jcase is way better.
Kief catcher = kief thief
Grinding tip: don't keep grinding till everything falls through, simply twist it a few times, open it and tap with your hand at the side so the herb falls through.
My mind when somewhere complete different when I read the title. 🧐🫣😂😂
Sandwiches, right?
Not really. 😊, remove the “E”
Get a flower mill mini. It has a finer grind that will suit your conduction vape.
A 3 piece grinder is always helpful though, I wouldn't bother with a 4 peice.
Aroma 3 old mate,Odin,høj clip,o Connell woodworks used to sell a good one and the brilliant cut I've tried the aroma 3 and bcg
They're uses a pax, mate. Don't think u think an Aroma 3 is a bit overkill?
I think in the years to come I could get a mighty. This whole dry herb world has been revolutionary to me and I don’t see switching back so it’ll all be in line I guess
Aroma 3 looks good but that’s a lot of money!
I have had a countless number of grinders, of all different styles. Most under $100 and only ever an average product, at best.
I finally bought an Aroma 3. I can confidently report that, ease of grind aside, a cheap grinder produces something almost identical to a relatively nice one.
Not the case with the Old Mate. Flower comes out fluffy and uniform, a clear cut above any other grinder I've tried. It has actually made a noticeable difference in the way I enjoy my sessions, although if I was buying my first grinder and it was a super nice one, I probably wouldn't even notice because I hadnt made a frame of reference yet.
Basically, it's worth buying one of the Old Mate/BCG grinders if the cost is manageable, because it really does perform at a noticeably different level. It might make for slightly better rips but it also might be at such a small effect that it's a nothing. BUT. I personally think you can waste money if you buy a medium-nice one because the product and experience will be basically the same.
Old Mate skateboard bearings are super fun to play with.
try iaso
Bought mine right from the start of getting into cannabis and after receiving it now understand why it is spoken so highly of. I'll literally never need to buy another grinder again. So yea, you could buy 6-8 $20 grinders throughout your journey looking for the right one or spend once and unless you lose it, never need a grinder purchase again.
Buy once, cry once... got mine at the start of the year and it's a keeper
I have: 2 Santa Cruz Shredder grinders, 1 Brilliant Cut, 3 SLX, and 1 Phoenician. I love them all. I use a med grind plate in all of them, and use that grind in all of my vapes (I don’t have a ball vape). They’re all 3 piece except the SLX bc I like the little screen/basket thing they have.
I don't consider high end grinders, and stems or glassware, I find it ridiculous paying 3x the same device with the same performance and a fancier handle. Real artworks I do recognise having value as artworks but are rare, and I'm not interested. Cooling is made with turbulent flow and longer air path and any glass piece will work for that goal.
I do have quite some experience, and I find that the cheap S&B orange grinders are perfect for the job at home (no magnet). One day I will pick a stainless 2 piece grinder without magnet and similar tooth pattern as the above mentioned, but only at a non premium price. For out and about I have a cheap magnetic version similar to the s&b one, and another aluminium one with magnets that was gifted with another purchase, and I wouldn't pay anything more for it.
Really only bought an expensive stainless grinder for 50 so it can last forever and i like the weight. Adonized aluminium scatches off overtime. Wouldnt use plastic for grinders. Really the best way would to just use your hands or a mortar and pestle for cheap. I really like having all stainless kit though. Durable and quality.
i have arthritis and my hands are bastards. i got an electric ball-chain grinder from the chinese place and my god. bud to grind in one 3 second whizz.
it’s so good i ordered a second one!
it’s basically a wakkit but for a third of the price. i have no shame, i’m poor!
I wouldn’t complicate it too much. There’s lots of nicely made, heavy duty grinders out there that can last you a lifetime with really basic care. I’ve had my Diamond grinder for 20 years, and beyond some paint missing from the outside, it’s good as new. There’s quite a few brands making lifetime grinders now.
Find Grindr Grind Finer
I use a Venty. My old grinder is a generic one from Etsy — pretty, but after about two years it’s become a struggle to use.
I’ve got a brand new 4-piece Santa Cruz Shredder arriving next week. I needed higher quality, but I capped myself at around $100 and won’t go beyond that. My hands have worked hard for nearly 30 years in my career, so ease of use really matters to me.
I was unimpressed with the Santa Cruz and it isn’t stainless steel.
Currently a 3" two piece from Cannabis Hardware. They say its a fine grinder but I am able to to get what I would consider a medium grind from it I am careful.
Brilliant cut grinder with a medium plate, I’ve only had it maybe 8 months but worth every penny and the wait time! I don’t think I’ll ever buy another 1, just maybe a fine plate to go with it.
Not used the aroma 3 but I’m sure at the similar price point to BCG it will be similar in quality and performance. Obviously there’s lots of choice out there, but from my research these 2 are the best.
I have a BCG, Krups Coffee Grinder and Ali Express Food Processor. The blade coffee grinder I used to use for rolling. It really beats the shit out of the weed, but it lasted 20 years. The food processor with 4 blades is great for doing 2 oz in seconds for edibles and it doesn't create as much powder.
The BCG was a big upgrade to generic grinders. The weed is fluffier and it grinds more weed with less effort.
Don’t think you can get the BCG in the uk :(
Ive always liked the stache series of grinders they have like nubs instead of teeth and give a different grind feel and smoke. It kinda in-between the flower mill and a normal grinder.
Really like my 2" stainless flower mill. Its probably overkill but the toothless design is nice. There are all-wood grinders like Ryot that I would probably get if I needed another grinder.
Odin threadless stainless steel, works perfect for my Solo 3.
Flower mill stainless steel or better than, brilliant cut stainless steel. She’s super smooth, you still have the ability like the flower mill to change plates from course, medium and small. I had the medium and recently changed to the small and everything grinds and burns fucking lovely. And it’s stainless steel so it’s unbreakable and No chipping of the teeth or paint. Cheeky iso bath for a day and she’s brand new! You’ll never need another grinder again.
Got a stainless steel grinder because i use them often and dont like adonized aluminium for grinders. I always scratch off the adonizing overtime. Aisco factory seconds are the best quality to price in my opinion. A lot of stainless grinders still use aluminium somewhere. Bcg looks cool, but i didnt like their design for the teeth or price for what they offer. I believe even the "full stainless" still uses aluminium if i remember right. Honestly anything works. Hell a good buddy of mine just used a mortar and pestle. Hands are fine too if you like sticky fingers and smelling like herb.
I have a Lift Innovations and a Santa Cruz Shredder. Both work well for my vapes, zero complaints.
Pretty much only use a Freight Train, Dynavap, and Crafty + these days.
I put my grinder in boiling water for awhile and made tea out of the water. It cleaned off all of the residue perfectly and melted the plastic ring that held the screen in place as an added bonus.
So, I bought a new one at the dispo for 15 bucks. I like the new one a lot. The shape is not perfectly round. It has texture to it that let's you grip the lid better than a smooth round one.
I also have a plastic blazy Susan one that is also OK. But I like the metal ones better. I find that the little pieces of micro plastics make the weed burn hotter. Lol
My favorite grinders are Santa Cruz shredder 2pc and the flower mill with the finest plate. That’s me personally
Space case all the way
I got the aroma 3 but the bearing started rubbing against the grinder and the customer service has been shit, no reply to my emails or instagram messages re: the issue and i dont feel like smoking steel shavings in my joint so it doesnt get used
They are on vacation since December 12. Small businesses need breaks once a year.
My last correspondence was in June of this year
While I generally grind for my Pax try this for shirts and goggles… put bud chunks in. As you work your way through the bowl take breaks and use a stirrer (I use golf tee) to break up the clumps. I find I can extract fully and maybe even improve hits later in the bowl by stretching out the terps. If nothing else you’ll know this is an option if no grinder.
Grinders matter significantly less here than in other parts of the cannabis world. I like a nice medium grind for my solo 3. Keeps airflow good for me. Just about any grinder will get you this. Now if you want to prevent yourself for over grinding, get yourself something that uses a catch and allows you to grind through a plate.
Ok, so I went through all the top rated grinders and finally caved and got an aroma 3 and it's the last grinder I'll buy. It's amazing. Saying that, I use it a lot and I understand not everyone has nearly $200 to drop on a grinder. If you want your end game grinder that you'll use until you die, this is the one.
Saying that, you can pick up a fairly good stainless steel grinder that will do the job. Just avoid anodised and aluminium or plastic. Oh and I'd go three piece over 2 or 4. Keif catchers clog and you may as well just vape it all together anyway.
iaso has a ss grinder for about $100 if anyone is looking for a cheaper option 😊
When the factory seconds go on sale the 2.5" 3 piece is 50 bucks. Well worth it in my opinion. Love how much this thing holds. Holds more bud than my flower mill in the same size. Maybe an extra gram or two, so 5g compared to 3.5
Thank you! I think I will go for something more mid range but maybe on a big occasion I’ll get the aroma. I’ve always been torn about a Kief catcher, feels like a reward programme but you are right, most of it is stuck in those wires
Try a wakit with kief catcher, I have never had so much kief in my life! I have 2 BCGs and they're great but the ease of the wakit and the amount of kief it produces made me shelve the BCGs.
Wesleypipesandmore sells a very inexpensive BCG clone ($25) and will soon have a aroma3 clone. Not exactly the same as the originals but very close to it. Same function and mechanisms.
Might check these out
Aroma 3 old mate design…it’s an end game lifetime grinder👊
2 brilliant cuts then a old mate and went back to brilliant cut for grind consistency and fine grind plate. I found the more uniform the grind, the more efficient extraction.
Stainless steel Brilliant Cut Grinder. It’s orders of magnitude better than the Santa Cruz Shredder I was using for years.
I think the weight of the stainless facilitates easier grinding. I used to have a Santa Cruz too but struggled to turn it on “tougher” flower. With the SS, it is super easy!
I’m using a grinder that came free with something I bought. When my arthritis is bad I have a couple I printed. I try not to over think it.
Careful with plastic or 3d printed grinders. I could almost guarantee you’re smoking micro plastics.
Just like drinking water and eating fast food! Oh no!
Except you’re actively grinding plastic bits into the weed you’re smoking 🤣 tf you on about
Not grinding best imo.
I have a two pieice thing from the dam with pyramid teeth decades ago that's a best imo, grinding hash seems basics, many fail here.
Scissors.
Anything that isn't 4 piece that looks well machined. I cannot wait to get rid of my current one.
I am very new to this but :
Does the grinder really change the experience that much ? I have a 3D printed one lol - for DHV only
Plastic and aluminum are softer and can shed into your flower.
To people who blow hundreds of dollars on a weed grinder, the need to justify it by bloviating at length about it is real. Trying to influence others that they just HAVE to do the same or they're missing out is predictable.
That’s how I feel about people who swear by Santa Cruz Shredder. Only when I switched to ss did I notice an improvement in ease of grind.
Someone here recently recommended the Santa Cruz Hemp grinder and I love it. It's much easier on my arthritis than my regular aluminum Santa Cruz and the grind is almost as fluffy. And did I mention it's crazy inexpensive. One does not enjoy the fidget excitement of a spinning top, but I can live with that.