A grinder is like a best friend. Someone who won’t let you down. Someone you can rely on at all times. Someone who will always be there for you. It’s why many smokers believe having a reliable, trusty and durable grinder is almost as important as the herbs that go in it. The main properties we look for in a new grinder include whether it is made of high-quality materials, has a smooth grinding motion, features sharp and durable teeth, is sized for supreme functionality and doesn’t stick.
With all these grinder characteristics to juggle, it can often be a daunting experience investing in your first grinder especially when there is so much choice with unique styles, shapes, materials and sizes to consider. We break down some of the most popular grinder types and what you should look out for when buying an herb grinder from a bong shop such as www.chongz.co.uk
What Grinder should I choose?
Grinders come in a host of unique materials. Choosing the right material comes down to personal preference, the amount your grinding, how often you’re using it and if it’s for home use or you’re planning on taking it on the road. We break down some of the most common types of grinders you can expect to find at any smoking shop and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Acrylic Grinders
Although they fall on the lower end of the quality and functionality scale, acrylic grinders still do the job if you need a quick grind on the go. They are convenient, affordable and offer the best option if you’re planning on travelling. The benefit of a cheap acrylic grinder is that you don’t have to worry about replacing it if you lose or break it compared to a more expensive model. Some acrylic grinders can form blunt teeth quickly as sharp and durable edges are difficult to achieve with acrylic. Plus, their grinding teeth can also dull or chip with overuse. However, you can find high-quality acrylic grinders at www.chongz.co.uk that won’t bust the bank & will produce a fine grind.
The Chongz 2-Part Acrylic Grinder 75mm is an affordable option when you’re looking for a travel-friendly herb grinder.
Aluminium Grinders
Aluminium grinders are easily the most popular type of grinder on the market. Just about every smoking brand will stock an aluminium grinder as they’re cheap, sturdy and more reliable than lower priced acrylic grinders. Whatever your budget, it is always possible to find an aluminium grinder to suit your grinding needs. An aluminium grinder is the perfect introductory grinder if you’re new to smoking. The cost-effectiveness of an aluminium grinder also appeals to the regular smoker because you can never have too many aluminium grinders lying around the house, right?
A somewhat uncommon issue with aluminium grinders, but should be noted, is how the metal is porous and soft making the grinder not as durable, long-lasting and more prone to rust and general wear and tear. Low quality aluminium grinding teeth can also become blunt over time making it not the best long-term solution if you’re regularly grinding.
The Chongz Rasta “Tom Cruzer” 4-Part Aluminium Grinder is a great example of a reliable, consistent and affordable herb grinder.
Wooden Grinders
Wooden grinders are not only aesthetically pleasing but they are long-lasting and feel great in your hands with every grind. The best thing about wooden grinders is how they look, with gorgeous designs finished with intricate details, patterns and curves. They’re extremely stylish, high-performing and match the earthy materials of your herbs perfectly. Plus, they make a wonderful gift for a fellow smoking friend or loved one.
Our Carved Rosewood 50mm 4-part Grinder is a stunning piece made from beautiful natural wood materials.
Ceramic coated Grinders
Ceramic coated grinders are a wonderful option if you’re sick and tired of your herb sticking and bringing your grind to a complete halt. Made with a ceramic coating material, these grinders are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a smooth, reliable and consistent grind. Examples such as the Chongz 60mm “KATANA” Ceramic Coated Non Stick Grinder range are beautiful looking ceramic coated grinders that function extremely well, especially if you’re grinding a higher volume of herbs regularly. A drawback is that ceramic coated grinders can be more expensive than your ordinary aluminium grinder, but it’s worth it if you’ve reached breaking point with a sticky, frigid and slow-moving grinder.
The Chongz 62mm “Slick Nick” Non-Stick Ceramic Grinder is the ideal grinder if you don’t want your herbs from sticking and bringing your grind to a halt.
Stainless steel Grinders
Stainless steel is without a doubt the highest quality material. It’s heavier and more expensive than aluminium but it’s a material guaranteed to last you for many years to come. They usually boast a unique thread design that encompasses multi-leads that line up to prevent cross-threading and allows for quarter to half turns to disassemble. A stainless steel grinder, with its extremely sharp and durable teeth, will crush large, dense and dry buds with a few quick twists. Even if you like your grinds sticky, you won’t have any issues grinding as your herb will shake loose with ease. What’s more, stainless steel is easy to clean! If you’ve got the money to spend and in need of a grinder that will survive everything you throw at it, we couldn’t recommend a stainless steel grinder more.
The “Man of Steel” 56mm 4-part Stainless Steel Grinder is a heavy-duty stainless steel grinder guaranteed to last you for many years with its supreme durability and sharp teeth.
Two-Part Grinders
A two-part grinder is the basic style of grinder. It comes with a top and bottom piece with diamond teeth on both sides to grind and separate herbs. There is generally no chamber for catching or storing herbs. They are the cheapest grinders on the market and are often made of acrylic material.
Three-Part Grinders
Three-part grinders have a top, bottom and a middle piece. The top and middle pieces are the grinding pieces for the herb. The bottom chamber catches and stores your chopped up herbs making it easy to collect, contain and use. By having the storage facility underneath in the third chamber, you can always have chopped up herb for when you’re on the go. Plus, the two grinding portions allow for a more consistent, finer and easier grind.
Four-Part Grinders
This grinder has four parts: top, bottom and two middle pieces. The top piece is the lid which has the grinding teeth. The second piece is the bottom grinding piece that has holes for herbs to fall through in addition to the teeth making for a smooth, consistent and high-quality grind. The third piece is a mesh screen that stores your herbs while filtering a stash of grinded flower, known as kief, to the fourth chamber. We like to refer to kief as golden dust because it is extremely potent and versatile and can be added to your bowls, pre-rolled cones and papers for an extra kick. These valuable particles fall through to the fourth chamber where it is safely housed ready for use at any moment.
Although it’s a brief breakdown of the various types, styles and sizes of grinders you can typically find at any smoke shop, we hope this helps you on your journey to finding the perfect herb grinder for you. Browse www.chongz.co.uk massive range of Herb grinders and you’re guaranteed to find something to suit your needs.
