What makes a good grinder?
A tale as old as time: you think you’ve done a great job only to realise your herb was ground so finely that it obstructed the airflow and led to a clogged piece? Or ground too-large pieces so that the bowl was immediately torched and rendered useless? We all need a perfect grind, every time. The only way to ensure a consistently perfect, fluffy grind is with a high-quality grinder. There are many different metrics that can be used to determine the quality of a grinder, including design and engineering, quality of components, and overall performance. When considering an upgrade in your grinding system, it is important to evaluate all criteria that might come in handy for your specific situation. Can it grind up to an ounce of herb at a time? Is it designed with the user in mind? Are the materials the highest possible quality (aircraft grade aluminum) and has a good company customer service and replacement policy? There is a whole world of grinders, each with their own area of merit, but with the right testing and research it is possible to find the best grinder for you and your needs. The first step to understanding grinders is to understand why electric grinders are better than manual grinders.
Which is best?
Electric grinders can be anywhere from handheld electric grinder units that fit easily into a large pocket or small purse, larger units that attach to the end of a drill, or industrial grinders for manufacturers/producers who grind enormous quantities for packaging and distribution. Most electric grinders are preferred by users for their ease of use, consistent grind (with the right brands), and speed. Some even have cone-shaped dispensing tips that allow you to dispense your herb directly where you want it, with no spillage or contamination. In our testing of electric grinders, we preferred electric grinders that allowed users to toggle between turn directions to break up the herb in a more efficient way. We also liked electric herb grinders with a capacity of an ounce or larger – most of the manual grinders we found were unable to grind smoothly with that much herb.
When looking at electric grinders, we preferred models with aircraft grade aluminum parts. These parts did not break as easily as their alloy/plastic counterparts and stayed sharper longer through rigorous grinding. A good, sharp blade is important to make sure you’re not just destroying your herb. Smooth, clean cuts from sharp aircraft grade aluminum really brought out the full potency and flavour of our herb.
Make sure your electric grinder is able to provide the same quality of grind each time you use it. Electric grinders that deliver a perfect grind, every time, are grinders that your herb wants in its life. Do not waste your money and time on a grinder that works well with fresh batteries, but after a use or two begins to lose its power and ability.
Where to buy
Our favourite grinder, by far, is the Mamba electric herb grinder. It has a generous storage capacity, conveniently runs on AA batteries, was designed with ergonomics in mind, and looks phenomenal on display. The designers went to great lengths to source high-quality parts, and took special care to ensure a smooth, easy, one-handed operation. The Mamba grinder is inexpensive, especially considering the high-quality parts, and can also be found at select retailers. A good grinder, like the Mamba, will absolutely change your herb experience!
