If you’ve ever been to a dispensary, you’ve probably seen a package filled with nugs — tightly clumped cannabis flower. Before consuming it, you’ll need to break that material down. Whether smoking, vaping, or baking with it, properly breaking down flower helps provide the best cannabis experience possible.
While there are several ways to go about grinding flower, like using scissors, some methods may result in losing the kief across the bud. Even basic handling of cannabis nugs can leave behind a sticky residue on your fingers. Using a weed grinder is the most efficient method since it preserves the maximum amount of resin and trichomes.
What is a Cannabis Grinder?
In 1905, an industrial device known as the centerless grinder was introduced, creating a more efficient way to pulverize material. Essentially, it uses wheels with abrasive teeth-like edges to grind plant-based substances.
Since then, the cannabis grinder technology has been adapted and improved to include special screens and multiple collection chambers (though it still utilizes the same basic principle).
What are the Different Types of Weed Grinders?
The basic—and often the cheapest—type of grinder is a two-piece tool with a top and bottom piece. Each piece has teeth that match up and allow you to glide and twist them back and forth. To use it, place a few smaller nugs between the top and bottom and rotate the pieces back and forth until they slide easily.
Then, you’ll open it up and empty the ground cannabis onto a surface like a rolling tray.
Another option is a three-piece cannabis grinder. Three-piece cannabis grinders have a second lower chamber to catch and store the ground nugs, making three-piece grinders more user-friendly.
The most popular option is the four-piece grinder, with an additional chamber known as the kief catcher. Here, the grinder collects the high-THC crystal resin (it looks like light green dust). Five-piece grinders offer an additional kief catcher.
Are weed grinders worth it?
Grinders keep your hands free of sticky residue while quickly and easily breaking down your nugs. They also break down the flower evenly, providing a consistent smoke or making it easy to infuse the cannabis into something later.
Regardless of their material or number of chambers, they’re also portable. Those with kief catchers offer the additional ability to create and store concentrate that may be used to enhance future consumption sessions.
Although it’s not an absolute necessity, and plenty of people get by without a grinder, there are several benefits to utilizing a cannabis grinder to make your consumption experience easier and more enjoyable.
Ground weed burns better. The even surface exposes the flame to more material, allowing it to burn faster and create a smooth, more accurately dosed flow of smoke.
A little ground cannabis goes a long way. Breaking down the cannabis nugs extracts and conserves all of the plant’s psychoactive compounds into different chambers, meaning each ground gram will deliver the maximum potency. Since the flame can hit more cannabis material, it will theoretically create a richer experience. So, you’ll need less cannabis to get your desired effects, thereby extending the use of your cannabis stash.
Using a grinder may even make your consumption experience healthier. Since you won’t need as much cannabis to reach your ideal high, you may reduce your exposure to the harms of smoking.
How to Use a Weed Grinder
The great part about cannabis grinders is that they are simple and easy to operate. Of course, different brands and models can differ significantly in quality. Still, no matter the quality or the number of chambers, these steps remain the same for nearly all manually operated designs.
First, remove the lid and place a few small dime-sized nugs into the teeth. Don’t overstuff it, and avoid filling the center area where the magnet lies.
Place the top lid back on, lock in the teeth, and move the top and bottom pieces back and forth.
Initially, you should feel some resistance, but after several twists and turns, that should lessen. You’ll know you’re done when you can easily turn the cap.
If you have a two-piece grinder, you’ll dump your material onto a rolling tray or paper. Otherwise, open the second chamber to reveal your material for the three-, four-, or five-piece options. Repeat for the kief-catching section if you prefer.
How to Clean a Weed Grinder
Just like cannabis glassware and other tools, it’s recommended that you clean your grinder occasionally. Electric grinders will most likely require special cleaning listed in their manual, so check before proceeding. The following instructions are for manual grinders.
- Remove any remaining cannabis material. Trichomes and little leftover flakes of nug can start to build up over time. You can take a toothbrush and remove any of this material. It can be used to consume later! Don’t forget to clear the kief catcher if your grinder has this compartment.
- Freeze it. That’s right, place your grinder in the freezer. This step can be skipped if you just need a quick cleaning, but it is well worth it if you have the time. You can leave it there for 30 minutes, but several hours is best. Take it out and repeat step one to remove more usable cannabis material.
- Soak it. Place your grinder in a ziplock baggie and pour 91% isopropyl alcohol into it. Pour in enough alcohol to submerge all the grinder parts. Add some coarse salt and give the bag a gentle shake. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how dirty your grinder is. You can also leave it overnight.
- Remove the remaining residue. Once you pull the grinder from the alcohol, use some more alcohol to give it another quick rinse.
- Rinse it. Rinse with water to ensure there is no alcohol residue left in the grinder.
How to Choose the Right Weed Grinder
There are an array of factors that can help you choose which weed grinder is best for you.
Budget is usually one of the first things to consider. As a general rule, most cannabis connoisseurs believe you get what you pay for when it comes to grinders, but this isn’t always the case. Some grinders can fit within any budget.
Functionality is another deciding factor for many consumers. The four-chamber grinder is one of the most popular choices because of the kief catcher compartment.
Quality and consistency are also worth considering. Some grinders do a better job than others, so choose one with the ability and reputation for creating the consistency you like.
What Is The Best Grinder for Weed?
There are endless options for grinders, and what’s best for you is a matter of personal preference. We’ve provided a few of our top choices in popular varieties.
Aluminum is arguably the most common and best material for a grinder, and Santa Cruz Shredders are the most notable, long-standing top choice for this category. They are on the pricier end, starting at $35 for a two-piece, but many people have attested they are well worth it.
Five-piece cannabis grinders are a little harder to come by, but the SharpStone 5-piece Herb Grinder can be ordered online. This option has that extra kief catcher to extend the use of your cannabis material. It has rave customer reviews and is reasonably priced, starting at $40.
We love the "Next-Gen Standard 2.0” by Flower Mill because it’s a simple option. This grinder doesn’t have a kief catcher, so it’s a more basic grinder.
Consider the Next Gen Premium 2.0” Aluminum Series for something similar, but with a kief catcher involved. This grinder has a quick-release lower catch and was designed to be easy to clean.
The Brilliant Cut Grinder is slightly pricier, but the cost is certainly worth it to some consumers. This grinder was designed to provide a fluffy, medium grind.
The Hemp 4-Piece Grinder by Santa Cruz Shredder is made from natural hemp and comes in various colors. It is an eco-friendly option that you will feel great about purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much should I spend on a weed grinder?
Typically, inexpensive grinders cost between $5 and $20, while higher-end grinders cost between $50 and $100+. The price of a grinder may be determined by its number of chambers, the type of materials it’s made of, and the brand that sells it. Electric versions also cost more than manual options.
- Does a weed grinder make a difference?
Yes! If you’ve never used one before, you’ll notice a big difference in how the flower smokes after putting it through a grinder.
- Where can I buy a weed grinder?
You can easily stop by a local dispensary to get a weed grinder or shop online.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
