If we’re to associate angle grinders with one quality, we’d say that they’re the epitome of versatility. An angle grinder is a must-have tool in any tradesman’s arsenal, as the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do with one.
The problem is; the market is full of different kinds of angle grinders, and each manufacturer claims to offer the top product in this category, which makes picking the best angle grinder for your garage seem like an impossible task.
Don’t worry, we’re here for you. In this guide, you’ll find our top picks for the crown of the best angle grinder, as well as a detailed buying guide that will make picking the right model a breeze.
So, let’s cut to the chase, shall we?
Types of Angle Grinders
Angle grinders come in three varieties: corded, cordless, and pneumatic.
Corded Angle Grinders
Corded models are typically the most powerful, but they’re also heavier in weight and bulkier in size. The inconvenience to such machines is that you need constant access to a power outlet. On the bright side, a corded angle grinder will provide enough power for any project of any size, making this type the most suitable for heavy-duty jobs.
Cordless Angle Grinders
Cordless models are smaller and lighter compared to corded ones, but they’re also a tad bit less powerful. However, the weight of the battery pack may sometimes offset this advantage.
The main selling point of cordless angle grinders is their portability, as you can easily move one around and use it at remote locations effortlessly. Besides, battery technology is really taking off, and the charging times for battery-powered angle grinders are getting shorter and shorter every day. Maybe we won’t even need corded models in the future.
Pneumatic or Air Angle Grinders
Finally, pneumatic angle grinders. These tools are cheap, lightweight, and don’t require an electrical power outlet or batteries to function. Just plug one of them into your air compressor, and it will be up and running in no time.
This is the best type for tradesmen who already work with many pneumatic tools, as it will help them put their compressor to good use.
Best Angle Grinder – Our Picks
Here are the top picks.
DEWALT DCG413B – Best Cordless Angle Grinder
Right off the bat is a cordless angle grinder from one of the world’s most known brands – DEWALT. The formula isn’t revolutionary – a compact angle grinder with a powerful motor – but the result is pure grinding power. Most importantly, the DEWALT DCG413B is a cordless grinder, which means that you can easily move it around and use it wherever you want.
Thanks to its 20V (max) motor, this unit can deliver a maximum no-load speed of 9,000 RPM. Now, that may not seem like plenty, considering that several cheaper tools can provide more than 10,000 RPM, but you need to keep in mind that this is a cordless model that operates on batteries. Convenience does require some sacrifices. On the bright side, this unit packs a brushless motor, which delivers up to 57% more run time than brushed engines.
As with most compact angle grinders available today, the DEWALT DCG413B supports 4.5-inch wheels – a size that’s suitable for the vast majority of uses and applications.
The tool is covered by DEWALT’s three-year limited warranty. That’s pretty much the standard for power tools these days, but it’s still longer than most recommendations on our “best angle grinder” list.
On the flip side, the DEWALT DCG413B cordless angle grinder is sold as a standalone tool, which means that you’ll have to get the battery, charger, carry bag, and attachments separately. That will further increase your upfront investment, but the end result is worth it, as the DEWALT DCG413B is the best angle grinder in the cordless category.
Pros
- Brushless motor provides more power and run time
- Compact, lightweight, and cordless
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Charger and battery not included
Meterk Electric Angle Grinder – Best Angle Grinder for the Money
Our runner-up for the title of the best angle grinder is this fine piece of machinery from Meterk Electric – a device that will give you the real bang for your buck.
Surprisingly, this unit’s 6-amp motor can provide a no-load speed of 12,000 RPM despite the size and price. No matter which grinding, cleaning, sanding, or polishing job you need to get done, the Meterk angle grinder will be all that you need.
Both the rear and side handles of this model are ergonomically-designed for optimum control, comfort, and efficiency. The rear handle features a safety On/Off switch on the left side that you can quickly shut down the grinder whenever it’s needed.
That’s not the only safety feature in this device, though, as it also boasts a protective cover that prevents sparks and metal chips from reaching your hand during operation. The tool also does a great job protecting itself from dust and debris thanks to its coated exterior.
To add to the convenience and ergonomics, the tool sports a spindle lock so that you can easily switch 4.5-inch wheels and attachments.
The Meterk Electric Angle Grinder is covered by a two-year warranty, and it comes with three grinding abrasive wheels and three abrasives cutting wheels as well as a protective guard out of the box.
Pros
- External coat to protect the tool from debris
- No-load speed of 12,000 RPM
- Great cost to features ratio
Cons
- The 6-amp motor may seem underpowered for some users
BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 – Best Budget-Friendly Grinder
Although we don’t usually recommend skimping on your power tools, there are certain models that, despite being cheap, are pretty powerful and efficient, such as the BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 angle grinder.
The BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 is lightweight and portable, measuring only 12.5 x 5.2 x 4.6 inches and weighing less than five pounds, but it’s still pretty durable. It also comes with a sturdy metal case, which should give you some ever wanted peace of mind knowing that no harm will come to your power tool while it’s in storage.
Despite its price, weight, and size, this small angle grinder sports a decent 6-amp motor capable of delivering an impressive no-load speed of 10,000 RPM. As this is a corded model, you’ll need constant access to a power outlet to use it. As for the supported wheel size, this Black and Decker angle grinder can take on 4.5-inch discs and attachments, which is the most commonly available size.
Other features that we like include the three-position handle, which boosts the provided comfort, spindle lock, which makes switching attachments a breeze, and the one-touch release switch, which ensures rapid shut off to add an extra layer of safety.
All of that, along with the two-year warranty provided by BLACK+DECKER, make this unit a good choice to consider, and the best corded angle grinder if you’re on a tight budget. Unfortunately, the included grinding wheel is not of the highest quality, but that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for you, considering that most factory-issued discs are mediocre at best.
Pros
- Affordable
- 6 amp and 11,000 RPM
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- The provided wheel is of low quality
Makita XAG04T – Most Feature-Rich Grinder
Sometimes, the extra features that an angle grinder offers to make all the difference between a “good” and a “perfect” cut. The problem is that most manufacturers can’t really implement many features without ruining either the design or the power of a particular unit. Some brands do it perfectly though, including Makita, the world-known Japanese manufacturer.
Can’t believe it? Take a look at the Makita XAG04T angle grinder.
First things first, the XAG04T from Makita packs a brushless motor. As mentioned above, brushless motors are superior in terms of run time and performance compared to their brushed counterpart. The engine can deliver 8,500 RPM in terms of speed, which is more than enough for most uses, especially that the tool supports 4.5 to 5-inch wheels. Using this high-end angle grinder, you’ll be able to shear through concrete, tile, pipe, conduit, and everything in between with ease.
Although, as we said, the Makita XAG04T is full of features and surprises, the one that we truly like is the Automatic Speed Change technology, which adjusts the speed and torque automatically to guarantee optimum performance throughout the operation. Talk about convenience, huh?
Note: Do not get confused between automatic and variable speed angle grinders. This feature different from variable speed where you have to manually change the speed.
Now, not only is this unit feature-rich, but it also comes with plenty of accessories. The package includes an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery along with its charger, a 5-inch grinding wheel, a 5-inch stainless steel Cut-Off Wheel, a couple of guards, a side handle, and a carrying bag so that you can easily take this bag on your ventures.
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The XAG04T Makita angle grinder will definitely set you back a pretty penny compared to the rest of the products on our list. That’s justified for two reasons, though; the features you get, and the fact that the unit comes with everything you need in the package, which means that you won’t have to spend extra money on accessories. If you understand that quality and high-end features come at a price, then we can confidently recommend this unit as the best high-quality angle grinder.
Pros
- Automatic Speed Change technology
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- A bit costly compared to the rest of our recommendations
DEWALT D28499X – Best large angle grinder:
Although a 4.5-inch angle grinder would do just fine for most applications, especially DIY and around-the-home projects, it wouldn’t be enough to tackle heavy-duty cutting and finishing tasks. In such cases, you ought to get a large unit, and in the big gun category, the 9-inch DEWALT D28499X is the best angle grinder you can get.
Not only is this angle grinder large, but it’s also exceptionally durable, with an epoxy coated armature that protects the interior components from dust and debris to ensure a longer lifespan of this tool in your workshop. That should make up for the short, one-year warranty covering this tool.
The 5.3-HP motor of the DEWALT D28499X can deliver a maximum speed of 6,000 RPM. Don’t let that fool you into thinking that this large-diameter angle grinder is any less powerful than the rest of the recommendations on our list. It’s totally normal for larger machines to be a bit slower because of how physics works.
As you know, powerful machines aren’t known for comfort, but not the D28499X. Thanks to the rotating rear handle and Keyless adjustable guard, you can easily and comfortably use this tool for a plethora of applications without worrying about ergonomics and comfort.
In short, the DEWALT D28499X is the epitome of power. If you’re looking for a large model that can accommodate the needs and requirements of big projects, the DEWALT D28499X is the best 9-inch angle grinder for you.
Pros
- Efficient dust management system
- Large (9 inches) and powerful (5.3 hp)
- Rotating rear handle that adds to the ergonomics
Cons
- There is a lack of accessories for this angle grinder
Picking the Top Angle Grinder – Buying Guide
Choosing the right tools for your garage, workshop, or job-site is no walk in the park. Machines like the angle grinder can make all the difference between a perfectly-done project and a lousy one. That’s why you need to go over a set of vital factors before making up your mind as to which unit shall be your best angle grinder.
Power and Speed
As you know, power is the main perk of a power tool. Here, there are two kinds to consider: the input power, and the output power. The first is measured in three measurement units depending on the type of the angle grinder:
- Amps (A) for corded grinders.
- Volts (V) for cordless grinders.
- Cubic feet per minute (CFM) for pneumatic grinders.
The output power, on the other hand, is measured in watts (W).
Obviously, how much power your ideal angle grinder will have will depend on the kind of projects you tackle more often. If you’re looking to take care of heavy-duty tasks, say metal cutting, for example, you ought to get a unit that offers plenty of power, but you’ll probably have to pay up extra upfront.
As for the speed, the rule is simple; the bigger the attached wheel, the slower the machine. To compare different angle grinder models, you’ll have to check their no-load speed, which is measured in RPM, or rotation per minute. The no-load speed refers to how fast the motor can rotate when no disc is installed.
Angle grinders can deliver different speeds, which range from 5,000 to 11,000 RPM. These machines are pretty fast, which means that they’re really dangerous as well, so make sure to wear your safety equipment when using one.
Supported Wheel Size
Angle grinders serve different purposes, and using them for various applications is as simple as switching the wheel or attachment. Now, while the material of the disc will determine what kind of surface you can use it on, its size will determine how deep you can cut.
While opting for an angle grinder that supports big discs, say those measuring 7 to 9 inches, for example, may seem tempting, it can actually be overkill if you’re not planning to use the tool for heavy-duty applications. That’s why we usually recommend going with a 4 1/2 angle grinder that supports 4 to 4.5-inch discs. That’s the optimal wheel size for most uses, and it’s the one you’ll easily find at any hardware store.
Angle Grinder Safety
No matter which tool you’re looking for, be it the electric angle grinder, circular saw, or impact wrench, you must pay great attention to the safety as such machines can be dangerous. Some of the safety features that we recommend looking for in a quality angle grinder includes the anti-kickback clutch, which protects you from kickback, and the two-stage trigger or lock-off switch, which lowers the risk of accidental starts of the machine.
Safety Guard
All the models we reviewed got safety guards supplied with the tool. You might have noticed that when grinding metal you get a lot of sparks. These are small metal and abrasive particles and high temperatures. Without a proper cover, these long sparks can cause fire hazards especially if you are working in a garage or closed area.
Similarly, while you cut tiles, stones and other masonry the flying debris can cause injuries. Hence a protection guard for angle grinder is a must in many cases.
Dust Protection
Angle grinders produce a helluva lot of dust, which can wreak havoc on the interior of the machine. When picking the best angle grinder, look for one that has an efficient dustproof system to keep the internal parts from harm’s way.
Other Features
Some angle grinders come with extra features that can really make your work easier, such as the lock-on switch, which allows you to keep the tool running without having to keep pressing the switch.
A soft start handles is also a great feature to have in a good angle grinder, as it reduces vibration, which can make your work easier, especially during extended operations.
Tool Warranty
If there’s one thing that reflects how much trust a manufacturer has in its products, it has to be the warranty. That is why you need to check the coverage of every unit before picking the right angle grinder. The standard is three years these days, but many models still come with a shorter warranty.
Verdict
Getting the best angle grinder on the market is no small feat, but it’s doable. Each of the above products is suitable for a specific application/use case, which is why you need to read our buying guide carefully and take your time before making up your mind.
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