Grind consistency and quality are two of the most important factors when choosing a weed grinder. Whether smoking or using a dry herb vaporizer, a quality herb grinder is the first step toward the perfect experience.

I’ve tested and compared more than 100 herb grinders and ranked all of the best weed grinders here. This article will document and compare the results from each weed grinder using a microscope.

Grinders are listed in order of my overall ranking.

Old Mate Aroma 3 – Ball Bearing Grinder

My most recent favorite weed grinder, which I consider the new best, is the Aroma-3 by Old Mate Designs. This stainless steel grinder has the sharpest teeth I’ve seen, and they float and spin effortlessly on a center-mounted ball bearing.

The OMD Aroma-3 shreds sticky nugs quickly, and the ball-bearing makes it fun to use. It takes just a half-full turn to grind an entire nug. The sharp teeth cut up the nug, making the top spin freely with a snap. It will spin for over a minute!

The Old Mate Grinder is the most fun and functional weed grinder I’ve tested. It wins the reach test and remains the King of Grinders. See my Old Mate Review or get one shipped directly for ~$120.

The Old Mate grinds as well as or better than all of the grinders I’ve tested.

Brilliant Cut Grinder

This was my favorite grinder for several years. It grinds like butter and never needs cleaning. The Brilliant Cut has no threads to gunk up or cross-thread. It uses a unique magnetic design. The Brilliant Cut is $75 with a single grind plate or $125 with all three. I use the medium grind for everything, including this test.

Santa Cruz Shredder

This is my favorite ‘threaded’ grinder. It has the fluffiest and most perfect grind consistency and can go pound for pound without ever needing cleaning. It is Available in a variety of sizes, but all of the grind consistencies are the same—a nice fluffy medium.

Lift Innovations Grinder

This grinder has a rotating blade instead of moving teeth. It claims to cut instead of grind. It costs $150 and comes with all 3 grind plates. It’s a multi-piece design that is more cumbersome to clean but very easy on the wrists.

Phoenician Engineering Grinder

The Phoenician grinder uses blade-shaped teeth to slice through even the densest and stickiest nugs. I have always loved the external design of the Phoenician, but the kief screen clogs quickly, and the grinder itself doesn’t seal airtight, so if you leave ground weed in the bottom part, it will go dry within a day.
(whoops. I failed to get a pic of this grind)

Roiell Herb Mill (Flower Mill)

Just like Grandma, this grinder has no teeth! The top half uses a stainless steel mill with spoke-shaped grooves extending from the center. The lower half is a stainless steel grater that lets the nugs “break apart more naturally.”

PotV $20 Grinder

This 4pc aluminum grinder used to be free with high-end vaporizer purchases from Planet of the Vapes, but recent inflation and vape bans have taken it away. It’s still available for $20, and it’s better than most other cheap grinders.

SLX Grinder

The SLX grinder is ceramic coated to prevent sticking. The teeth are similar to the Santa Cruz, while the grind is slightly more chunky and inconsistent. This grinder has been growing on me, especially at $59.

Space Case

I had to include the Space Case because it’s such a shame people are still putting this grinder on a pedestal. It looks, feels, and grinds as cheaply as the FREE Trees grinder, but the Space Case cost me $80. The fake Space Case grinder I snagged from Dhgate is identical in every way.

Conclusion: Which Grinder is Best?

There isn’t a best weed grinder, but there are good grinders, shitty grinders, and great grinders.

Most weed grinders are adequate when new but quickly degrade as they get dirty.

Good Grinders will not gunk up after minimal use. They’ll grind ounces and ounces in between required cleanings. My favorite Good Grinders: Santa Cruz, Odin, Zam, GOAT

Great Grinders go beyond. The best weed grinders go beyond not gumming up. Great Grinders provide a great grinding experience and a great grind. I grind weed several times daily and want the best experience possible.

In 2024, threadless grinders are the best weed grinders and the best experience.

My favorite threadless grinders are the Old Mate Grinder, the Brilliant Cut, and the Zam

See my Best Stainless Steel Weed Grinders to explore more.

My Old Favorite Grinder Comparison Video

I wanted to compare the grind of the Lift Innovations grinder with the rest to see if the whole “cut vs grind” thing is fact or crap. I learned a few things and have some new appreciation for some of these other grinders now! But in the end, there’s not much difference!

Great advancements have been made in the weed grinder world. Many of the grinders compared in this video are no longer made or relevant. See my Best Weed Grinders page for a comprehensive guide to herb grinders.

Scientific Methods for This Grinder Comparison

To make this test as scientific and fair as possible, each grinder will be used in single-direction turns. There will be no back-and-forth grinding. Each grinder will be scored on the number of turns.

To eliminate as many variables as possible. I’ll be using nugs from the same ounce of medical cannabis. Each nug is similar in size, shape, and structure.