Angle grinders are one those tools that most tradies and DYI enthusiasts can’t go without.

That’s because they’re so versatile and can be used for grinding, sanding, and cutting.

There are also various angle grinder types and features to consider before actually buying one.

In this guide, I’ll try to answer some of these questions for you and also recommend some of my favorite machines.

Best Metal Grinder

Dewalt 20V Max Brushless Cut Off Tool/Grinder

The DeWalt Angle Grinder has a 20V brushless motor that delivers a no load speed of 9000 revs per minute and 57% longer run time.

The unit comes with a paddle switch that images the brakes once released. For added convenience, you’ll be able to choose between 2 side handle positions.

This unit is sold as a bare tool with no battery included and comes with a 3 year restricted DeWalt warranty.

What customers are saying

Most customers gave this grinder excellent reviews, commenting on its durability, powerful operation, great cuts, and long battery life when used with the 5AH battery.

However, some customers had an issue with the unit draining the battery too quickly.

Best Cordless Angle Grinder

Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless Angle Grinder

The Makita Angle Grinder is cordless and powered with a brushless motor, which means prolonged run time along with enhanced speed and power.

It has an automatic speed change feature that changes the torque and speed settings during use for superior performance.

This unit is an excellent choice for sanding, cutting, and grinding various materials, such as pipe, tile, concrete, conduit, etc.

The 18V Makita lithium batteries are designed to provide quick charging times as well as longer battery life.

The Star protection technology protects the batteries from overcharging, overloading, and overheating.

What customers are saying

Customers were incredibly satisfied with their purchase. Most of them said that they love its portable cordless design, powerful operation, and long run time.

Best Industrial Grinder

Dewalt 20V Max XR Angle Grinder With Kickback Brake

This DeWalt Angle Grinder is equipped with a brushless motor that has extended life and enhanced performance.

It also features a kickback brake that triggers as soon as a stall, bind up, or pinch is detected to bring the wheel to a sudden stop, reducing movement when the machine is switched off.

This also serves as protection against accidental start ups when the grinder was left on the “on” mode during a power disruption.

Other components included are its side handle, outer and inner flange, guard, and hex key.

What customers are saying

Customers gave this grinder fantastic reviews, commenting on its lightweight and compact design, as well as its efficiency, durability, and powerful operation.

Best Portable Grinder

Ryobi One+ Brushless 4-1/2” 10,400 RPM Grinder

Whether you’re doing plumbing work, renovating your home, or simply taking on a home improvement task, the Ryobi grinder is exactly what you need.

This unit is cordless and very powerful- it can easily slice through various metals effortlessly. The motor delivers up to 10400 RPM (no load) and can cut through welded metals, piping, PVC, etc.

You will not have any trouble replacing the wheel, thanks to the onboard spanner wrench included.

This unit also has other impressive features like an adjustable side handle, adjustable guard, and a gripzone overmold handle for a secure grip.

What customers are saying

Customers gave this grinder excellent reviews. They were extremely happy with how well it works and had nothing but praise for its cutting quality, long run time, and overall value for money.

Still, other customers had issues with the unit shutting off as soon as pressure is applied in heavy duty applications.

Best Small Grinder Tool

Craftsman Small Angle Grinder Tool

The 6A Craftsman Grinder comes with a powerful motor that delivers 12000 RPM, perfect for hardwearing applications.

With the tool-free guard and 3 mode handle adjustment, you can easily maximize functionality and make fast and efficient cuts on every job.

The curved overmolded ergonomic handle also ensures you remain comfortable while working.

Wheel changes are no problem thanks to the grinder’s convenient spindle lock feature, and you’ll receive a 3 year restricted warranty with your purchase.

What customers are saying

This grinder received good reviews with customers commenting on its easy setup, decent power, and affordability. A few of them did caution that the grinder is suitable for light duty jobs only.

Also, some customers had issues with the unit overheating and starting to smoke after using it for a short while.

Best Cheap Grinder

Porter-Cable 20V MAX Angle Grinder Tool

This Porter Cable Angle Grinder is equipped with a superior performance motor that delivers 8500 revs per minute, suitable for removal, finishing, and aggressive cutting.

Its gear housing is made with robust cast metal and assists with heat dissipation during prolonged use. You can also change the wheel fast and effortlessly with the spindle lock.

The unit offers advanced control with a 3 position side handle feature and its cordless design is incredibly convenient for working without cords getting in the way.

What customers are saying

This tool received plenty of five star reviews with customers commenting on how convertible it is, its battery life lasting longer than expected, and its great price.

Other Recommended Grinders

Hitachi 6.2-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder

The Hitachi 6.2A Angle Grinder is multi-functional and suitable for cutting materials like aluminum, steel, and castings, for grinding welded sections, or for removing casting fins, and more.

If you’re looking for a grinder that delivers exceptional performance and has a high output of power along with overload protection, this is the one for you.

Included with the purchase are 5 grinding wheels, a carry case, side handle, wheel guard, 5 center wheels, and a spanner wrench for wheel changes.

Dewalt Angle Grinder Tool

The DeWalt Grinder Tool is equipped with a dust discarding system, and the unit shuts down almost instantly when the wheel pinches or stalls. This is useful for extended gear and motor life.

The unit only weighs 5.7 lbs and the 13A motor delivers 9000 RPM. You also get 3 different types of guards, inner and outer flange, and a 3 year restricted warranty.

Kimo 20V Brushless Cordless Angle Grinder

This Kimo Grinder is equipped with an updated brushless copper motor that delivers 9000 RPM, making it a dependable substitute for corded models on the market with longer runtime.

The little waist design and rubber handles make the unit easy to maneuver without any hassle.

With the optimized cooling system, an ongoing flow of fresh air keeps the temperature at an optimal level of 47ºC. All in all, this is a good buy with impressive features.

Milwaukee Cordless Angle Grinder

The Milwaukee 18V cordless unit is equipped with a brushless motor that produces a power output of 8500 revs per minute and is powered by an M18 li-ion battery.

The unit features a compact and cordless design with a wheel diameter of 5”. It can be used for various applications and has a fast brake feature that stops the unit within seconds.

This unit comes highly recommended and has received excellent reviews.

Angle Grinder Types

Cordless angle grinders

Cordless units are incredibly versatile and can be taken to different sites. Users will also have no worries about cords getting in the way and creating a trip hazard.

Corded angle grinders

With a corded angle grinder, you have the benefit of connecting it to a power supply for a longer run time. They also weigh less than cordless models in most cases.

Pneumatic Angle Grinders

Pneumatic angle grinders are the perfect marriage between robustness and performance. These grinders are perfectly suited for shaping and cutting metal.

They are generally used when performing light duty applications that demand a high level of accuracy.

Pneumatic grinders are connected to air compressors and are usually lightweight compared to other types of grinders

Some are also equipped with a throttle lever for advanced control when performing technical projects like speed grinding or feather edging.

Variable Speed Angle Grinders

With these types of angle grinders, you can adjust the speed of the discs to suit various applications.

This is incredibly useful for completing high precision jobs where the disc set is at a substantially high RPM. Certain units also feature a paddle switch for advanced control levels.

Straight Angle Grinders

Straight angle grinders have a wheel that is set at 90º, making it an excellent tool to use for grinding inner parts or outer edges of workpieces with various grinding stones attached.

Things To Consider

Angle grinder size

Small angle grinders usually accommodate 7” discs or less and are used for grinding and cutting.

Medium size angle grinders also use 7” discs while large ones use discs between 7 and 9”. Medium and large models are often corded.

Large angle grinders are great for making large cuts and doing substantial surfaces within a single pass. They usually feature high numbers in horsepower.

Type of disc

Grinding discs are used for stone and metal jobs and come in various sizes.

These discs are primarily used for removing materials, but they’re also suitable for finishing or preparing metal and stone surfaces.

• Silicon carbide grinding discs – used for shaping metals, removing materials, and preventing surface damage.
• Cutoff grinding discs – used for cutting hard materials and things like bolts, metal piping, rods, and rebars.
• Sanding pads and discs – used for removing old paint when preparing a surface. Also suited for fine and coarse sanding jobs.

Disc size

Grinding discs are often called wheels or heads. They come in various sizes, but the more common sizes are 115mm (4 ¼”) and 230mm (9”).

The best option of disc size is contingent on the project. Just ensure the disc can be used in your angle grinder.

Type of wheel

Grinding wheels are expandable and made with an abrasive compound, which is useful to perform abrasion and grinding functions.

They have 2 features – abrasive grains for effective cutting, and a bond that merges and supports the grain throughout the process of cutting.

Wire brush wheels

Wire brush wheels are used to remove rust and old paint. They can also be used for removing burrs from your rough cuts.

Diamond cutting wheels and discs

Diamond cutting wheels and discs are suitable for cutting masonry, tile, granite, and concrete.

Some diamond blades can do both wet and dry cutting, but it’s vital to choose the right option for the appropriate technique.

Aluminum oxide grinding wheels

Aluminum oxide grinding wheels are used for various tasks, including cutting brittle materials such as cutting boards and woodworking.

Flap wheels and discs

They are used similarly to wire brush wheels except they have flaps instead of wires.

Power and speed

Angle grinder wattage refers to the amount of power that is created. The necessary wattage level is contingent on the disc size.

The input power of corded models is measured in amps whereas the input power of cordless models is measured in volts.

The input power of pneumatic models is given in cubic feet per minute with corresponding pressure in psi (pounds per speed).

Angle grinders that can accommodate small discs usually have a higher RPM than the larger units.

Medium size angle grinders are thought to go faster than 8000 RPM while larger units can generate about 6000 RPM. However, larger grinders have a lot more power.