When you need extra power to get the job done, an angle grinder is pretty hard to beat. Sometimes your existing power tools aren’t up to the job.
We scoured the market looking for the very best angle grinders, rating them for power, versatility, price, and performance, all designed to make your choices easier.
- Packed with safety features
- Great reviews (people love it)
- Brushless motor for minimal maintenance
- Deep cutting depth (maximum 9-inch disc diameter)
- Variable speed (600 RPM to 3,500 RPM)
- Powerful 12 amp motor
- AC/DC capability
- Powerful 11 amp motor
- Robust construction
- Super-lightweight (3.75 lbs)
- Very cheap (less than the basic DeWALT)
- Auxiliary handle for extra grip
- Super-lightweight (4 lbs)
- Unique spindle locking system for fast disc changes
- Auxiliary side handle for better grip
- Amazingly cheap (how are they making money?!)
- Spindle lock for fast disc changes
- Side handle for extra grip
- Variable speed (2,800 RPM to 11,500 RPM)
- More robust carbon brushes
- Side handle for reduced vibration
Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive analysis and stringent assessment of the best angle grinders. We benchmark and compare each product based on key criteria such as power, durability, and ease of use, providing you with hands-on evaluations backed by hard data and extensive experience. Our professional team measures and ranks each angle grinder, tracking their performance to give you reliable, evidence-based reviews. We weigh up design choices, identify unique features, and explain how these factors affect your user experience. Our goal is to provide you with the facts and findings that will guide your decision-making process, ensuring you choose the angle grinder that’s truly the best fit for your needs.
The Best Angle Grinders of 2024
With so many angle grinders available, getting the best models is a challenge. We do the legwork, rating the top angle grinders for power, performance, and budget.
Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Brushless Angle Grinder
Best Cordless Angle Grinder
This Makita angle grinder gets a near-perfect score for customer reviews, which is no mean feat. So, what’s it got? It has automatic speed change technology to adjust the speed and torque while you are using the tool.
It has an automatic feedback sensor that detects when the grinding wheel jams, which switches the grinder off as a safety precaution. The brushless motor runs cooler, quieter, and more efficiently than brushed varieties. It also delivers a 50 percent uplift on runtime.
It also has a rubberized soft grip for increased comfort and better grip. Plus, you get a soft start to suppress the impact when you start grinding, which preserves the gears and motor.
What We Like
Packed With Features
You get automatic speed changes and a feedback sensor to prevent injury when the wheel jams. You also get a soft start to make start-ups a lot less stressful.
Great Reviews
The reviews for this tool are as near perfect as you can get. It means that people love this grinder, even after living with it for a while. There’s nothing like an honest review to reinforce how good it actually is.
Brushless Motor
The brushless motor requires minimal maintenance because you don’t have to pay for new brushes. Also, they run smoother and quieter and deliver increased battery runtime.
What We Don't Like
Tool Only
Yet again, this cordless power tool is sold as the bare tool, minus the battery and charger. Factor in the added cost when purchasing this angle grinder.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 8.4 x 13.3 x 5.5 |
| Max RPM | 8,500 |
| Brushed/brushless | Brushless |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 4.5 |
| Volts/amps | 18 volts |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year tool, 2-year battery |
Our Ratings
User Experience
DeWALT 7-Inch/9-Inch Variable Speed Angle Grinder
Best Angle Grinder for Concrete
If you are tackling the toughest concrete, you need an angle grinder with a deeper cutting depth. This DeWALT has a cutting disc that varies between 7 and 9 inches to give you a better scope to cut thick concrete.
It comes with variable speed, enabling you to set the rate from zero to 600 and 3,500 RPM. This is ideal when you are cutting through harder material because you can start slowly and build up the speed as you make progress.
To help this tool cope with the harshest conditions, it has an all-ball-bearing construction and wool ingestion shields to increase tool life and reduce maintenance costs. The 12-amp motor produces power and performance when you need it.
What We Like
Deep Cutting Depth
Slicing through concrete calls for a tool that can cope with deeper cutting depths. Because this DeWALT has a maximum 9-inch disc diameter, you can take on the most industrial-size tasks.
Variable Speed
The ability to vary the speed allows you to adjust based on the material you are working with. Choose between 600 and 3,500 RPM to ensure softer starts to reduce kickback.
Powerful Motor
With 12 amps at your disposal, you can be confident that whatever the task, this DeWALT has the potency to deal with it. Concrete, masonry, and other robust materials don’t stand a chance.
What We Don't Like
Brushed Motor
Brushed motors require higher maintenance than brushless models. They are also less efficient and run hotter and louder. Expect the brushes to need replacing every 5,000 to 7,500 hours of use.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 6.7 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 4.45 x 8.98 x 21.73 |
| Max RPM | 3,500 |
| Brushed/brushless | Brushed |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 7/9 inches |
| Volts/amps | 12 amps |
| Price | $$$$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
DeWALT Paddle Switch Angle Grinder
Best Angle Grinder for Welding
When you are welding, you want an angle grinder with AC/DC capabilities, which means you can power it from your welder or a generator. This DeWALT has an 11-amp motor that produces a maximum RPM of 11,000, which is among the best weight to speed ratios.
The large spiral bevel gear provides extended transmission life, and the dual ejection system removes dust, preserving the grinder’s internal workings. This has a brushed motor, although DeWALT uses oversized brushes to extend the usable motor life by 2 times.
You also get a quick wheel release and a 360-degree rotating guard that operates with one touch.
What We Like
AC/DC Capability
When you are welding, an angle grinder is crucial if you want to clean up welds. However, not all models operate on either AC and DC. This one does, so you can even power it from your welding machine.
Powerful Motor
This DeWALT has a top RPM of 11,000, thanks to the power the 11-amp motor produces. It may be small, but it is super-powerful.
Robust Construction
You get a large spiral bevel gear to extend the life of the transmission and oversized brushes to increase the gap between replacements.
What We Don't Like
Brushed Motor
Even though the motor uses oversized brushes to increase the serviceable life, it still has a higher maintenance cost and is less efficient compared to a brushless model.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 6.2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 15.63 x 5.94 x 4.81 |
| Max RPM | 11,000 |
| Brushed/brushless | Brushed |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 4.5 inches |
| Volts/amps | 11 amps |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Bosch 1375A 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder
Best Angle Grinder for Wood Carving
The first thing you notice about this Bosch is how light it is. It only weighs 3.75 pounds. The second thing you notice is the price. You can buy almost 4 of these for the price of one of the DeWALT 9-inch models.
When you are working with wood, shaping, and sanding, you don’t need an angle grinder with all muscles. Sometimes something light and nimble is a better option because the material is softer.
You get an auxiliary handle to aid grip and control, a service minder system that eliminates guesswork when the brushed motor needs a service, and a sealed switch that stops dust from getting into the internal workings of the tool.
The motor is a little weaker than the previous models featured, at just 6 amps, but you still get 11,000 revolutions per minute, and you also get an 8 ft power cord.
What We Like
Super-Lightweight
When you are using an angle grinder for prolonged periods, the weight becomes an issue. This model is light at 3.75 pounds, so you can keep working without worrying about hand and wrist fatigue.
Very Cheap
For a Bosch, this angle grinder is cheap. It costs less than the basic DeWALT model we featured, yet it has a similar performance level.
Auxiliary Handle
When you are tackling robust material, you need extra grip, and this side handle gives you better control. It also allows you to apply more pressure to the material.
What We Don't Like
Weaker Motor
This Bosch only has a 6-amp motor, which might restrict the size of tasks you can undertake. It is possibly the ideal tool for home woodwork use.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 3.75 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 14.4 x 5.2 x 5.2 |
| Max RPM | 11,000 |
| Brushed/brushless | Brushed |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 4.5 inches |
| Volts/amps | 6 amps |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Metabo HPT Angle Grinder
Best Angle Grinder for Tile Cutting
This Metabo angle grinder has a 6.2-amp motor that delivers 10,000 RPM and 980 watts of power. The spindle lock allows you to change the discs faster, which keeps you working for longer rather than increasing your downtime.
It has a left-hand side switch for better comfort and an additional side handle, improving grip and control. You also get a smaller diameter body grip to improve comfort and reduce hand and wrist fatigue.
It’s lightweight, weighing just 4 pounds, making it one of the lightest models to feature. You also get 5 additional grinding discs as part of the deal, so you can get started straight out of the box.
The other standout feature with this Metabo angle grinder is the warranty. At 5 years, it pales all the other warranties into insignificance.
What We Like
Super-Lightweight
It only weighs 4 pounds! When you combine that with the slimmer handle, you get a better comfort experience, reducing hand and wrist fatigue.
Fast Disc Changes
Thanks to the unique spindle locking system, you can change the discs and attachments in double-quick time. This reduces downtime and increases your productivity.
Auxiliary Handle
If you want better control, you need an auxiliary side handle. You can grip with both hands and apply even more downward pressure as you cut the most challenging material.
What We Don't Like
Better for Home Use
The weaker motor and the lightweight construction lend this grinder to home use rather than industrial and commercial settings.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 10.15 x 4.5 x 2 |
| Max RPM | 10,000 |
| Brushed/brushless | Brushed |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 4.5 inches |
| Volts/amps | 6.2 amps |
| Price | Not stated |
| Warranty | 5-year |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Black and Decker 6-Amp Angle Grinder
Best Budget Angle Grinder
Not everybody can afford the best tools, so this Black and Decker hits the spot when it comes to the budget model. The first thing you notice is the price because it retails at almost 6 times less than the DeWALT model.
It has a 6-amp motor that produces 10,000 RPM, and it also has all-metal gear housing for longevity and better performance. You also get a 3-position side handle to increase grip and control.
The body of the angle grinder has been narrowed to provide a more comfortable experience, which minimizes hand and wrist fatigue. Plus, the spindle lock enables faster and smoother disc changes to reduce downtime.
What We Like
Amazingly Cheap
You can’t really argue with the price of this angle grinder. You have to wonder how Black and Decker are making any money selling this tool so cheaply.
Fast Disc Changes
You get a spindle lock that allows for smooth and faster disc changes. It reduces our downtime and keeps you working for longer.
Side Handle
The 3-position side handle makes controlling this angle grinder a breeze. It also helps improve grip and increases the amount of downward force you can apply.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
The secret to the low price lies in the quality of components and materials used in the construction. Black and Decker have traded some of the integrity of the build quality for a cheaper price tag.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4.51 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 12.5 x 5.19 x 4.63 |
| Max RPM | 10,000 |
| Brushed/brushless | Brushed |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 4.5 inches |
| Volts/amps | 6 amps |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Bosch GWS13-50VSP 5-Inch Angle Grinder
Best Variable Speed Angle Grinder
If you want versatility, then get an angle grinder with variable speed. It enables you to swap between different materials and adjust the rate that the grinder works at. This Bosch has a powerful 13-amp motor that delivers a maximum speed of 11,500 RPM.
But when you need to cut through harder material, you can adjust the speed down to a minimum of 2,800 RPM. This is a brushed model, but the brushes are made of carbon, making them more durable than other brushed motors.
It reduces your maintenance burden and gives you longer between services. The side handle reduces vibration and improves grip, while the motor has a unique run-cool feature for higher overload capacities.
What We Like
Variable Speed
You can adjust the speed from 2,800 RPM to 11,500 RPM to cater to the specific material you are working on. It increases your versatility and control, especially when you are swapping between soft and hard materials.
Carbon Brushes
Carbon brushes are more robust compared to the older varieties. They last longer between replacements and reduce the maintenance needed to keep the tool in working order.
Reduced Vibration
The addition of the side handle plays two crucial roles; it increases grip and reduces vibration, which makes using this angle grinder a much more comfortable experience.
What We Don't Like
Very Expensive
Bosch makes sure you need to dig deep if you want this tool. It costs 5 times as much as the budget model.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 5.3 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 12.5 x 2.75 x 2.75 |
| Max RPM | 11,500 |
| Brushed/brushless | Brushed (carbon) |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 5 inches |
| Volts/amps | 13 amps |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Max RPM | Brush | Grinding disc size | Volts/amps | Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Brushless Angle Grinder | Best Cordless | 4.8 lbs | 8.4″ x 13.3″ x 5.5″ | 8,500 | Brushless | 4.5″ | 18V | $$$ | 3-year tool, 2-year battery |
| DeWALT 7-Inch/9-Inch Variable Speed Angle Grinder | Best for Concrete | 6.7 lbs | 4.45″ x 8.98″ x 21.73″ | 3,500 | Brushed | 7/9″ | 12 amps | $$$$$ | 3-year limited |
| DeWALT Paddle Switch Angle Grinder | Best for Welding | 6.2 lbs | 15.63″ x 5.94″ x 4.81″ | 11,000 | Brushed | 4.5″ | 11 amps | $$$ | 3-year limited |
| Bosch 1375A 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder | Best for Wood Carving | 3.75 lbs | 14.4″ x 5.2″ x 5.2″ | 11,000 | Brushed | 4.5″ | 6 amps | $$ | 1-year limited |
| Metabo HPT Angle Grinder | Best for Tile Cutting | 4 lbs | 10.15″ x 4.5″ x 2″ | 10,000 | Brushed | 4.5″ | 6.2 amps | Not stated | 5-year |
| Black and Decker 6-Amp Angle Grinder | Best Budget | 4.51 lbs | 12.5″ x 5.19″ x 4.63″ | 10,000 | Brushed | 4.5″ | 6 amps | $ | 2-year limited |
| Bosch GWS13-50VSP 5-Inch Angle Grinder | Best Variable Speed | 5.3 lbs | 12.5″ x 2.75″ x 2.75″ | 11,500 | Brushed (carbon) | 5″ | 13 amps | $$$$ | Not stated |
What Are Angle Grinders Used For?
Angle grinders are among the most versatile power tools, but what applications are they best suited to? Let’s take a look.
Cutting
With the correct attachment, an angle grinder is excellent at cutting through metal, wood, masonry, concrete, and even tiles. Thanks to their immense speed, they rival any power saw for performance.
Grinding
If it didn’t grind, it wouldn’t be called a grinder. Grinders are ideal for cleaning up welds, removing blemishes and pitting from metal surfaces, and smoothing rough edges. They also remove paint from surfaces with ease.
Polishing
With the right disc, you can remove scratches and burrs from metal surfaces, leaving them looking like new. It certainly takes the grind (did you see what we did there) out of polishing, especially if you have to do it by hand.
Rust Removal
Fitting a wire wheel or steel brush to your angle grinder removes rust spots with ease. If you are welding, cleaning up welds is crucial if you want to stop rust from forming. New welds are susceptible to corrosion.
You can also remove hardened rust from old metal surfaces, bringing them back to life, looking like new.
Removing Old Mortar
When you’re remodeling a home, cleaning up old brickwork is crucial if you want a great finish. Angle grinders are fantastic for removing mortar, making light work of the task.
Car Bodywork
Thanks to this tool’s versatility, auto repair shops love to use angle grinders to remove rust and paint from car bodywork. The rotating disc gives the user the ability to work on awkward surfaces and odd angles.
Tool/Knife Sharpening
Knives and tools dull over time through use, so having the ability to revive them back to their as-new condition is vital if you want them to keep performing at their best for as long as possible.
How To Choose the Best Angle Grinder?
So you are in the market for a new angle grinder, but what should you keep in mind? Let’s take a look at the key elements that should be at the top of your shopping list.
Power Source
Angle grinders are powered by electricity or compressed air. Electric angle grinders come in corded and cordless models. The advantage of a corded angle grinder is that they are convenient to use and never suffer a dip in performance.
The downside is they are restrictive because you can only reach as far as the power cable will allow. Battery-operated angle grinders are go-anywhere tools, but they rely on a lithium-ion battery with a finite charge.
The downside is you need to remember to charge the battery and, if possible, have a spare on hand. Pneumatic angle grinders are more powerful and lighter, but the downside is the added cost of an air compressor, which eats into the budget. They are also a lot louder.
Disc Size
The size of the disc dictates the type of tasks you can undertake. Most angle grinders come in 4.5 and 5-inch wheel sizes. These models are about 12 inches long and weigh between 4 and 7 pounds.
These angle grinders are usually found on the construction site and auto repair shops, where they are ideal for grinding, cutting, and polishing.
The larger, 9-inch grinding wheel is better at slicing through harder materials like masonry and concrete. These tools are typically heavier, at 10 pounds or more, and more powerful. Having a deeper cutting depth means you can undertake heavy-duty tasks.
How Fast?
Speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), and the faster the RPM, the greater the cutting speed of the angle grinder. Smaller 4.5 and 5-inch models return between 5,000 and 11,000 RPM, depending on the make and models.
Larger angle grinders are surprisingly slower. When you are cutting robust materials like concrete and stone, a slower speed is more consistent and produces better results. Most larger grinders generate 5,000 to 8,000 RPM.
Easy Wheel Swaps
Look for tools that boast an easy mechanism to change the grinding wheels. The last thing you want is a complicated and protracted wheel swap that slows you down and wastes time.
Most models utilize a special pin lock on the spindle that removes the need for tools when changing the wheel.
Type of Motor
When it comes to electric angle grinders, you get two types of motors; brushed and brushless.
Brushed
Brushed motors use friction to create power. The brushes that generate this energy wear out and need replacing every 5,000 to 7,500 hours of use. Brushed motors require greater maintenance, run hotter and louder, and are less efficient, which reduces the runtime of the battery if you have a cordless model.
Brushless
As you’ve guessed, brushless motors have no brushes, which reduces the maintenance burden and the overall cost of upkeep. They are more efficient, increasing the runtime of a battery by as much as 50 percent, and run cooler and quieter.
Cordless Vs. Corded
Trying to work out which is better can be a challenge. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Cordless
Cordless angle grinders are the ultimate convenience tool. They can operate anywhere and require less maintenance, thanks to their brushless motors. They are more efficient and run cooler. However, they are also more expensive to buy, especially as most models are sold without the battery and charger.
The other downside is you need a spare battery so you can keep working when the old battery runs out of juice and needs charging.
Corded
Corded angle grinders are ideal if you are working near a power supply. Unlike battery-operated models, they never experience a dip in performance when the cell loses charge, and they are simple to use. Just take them out of the box and plug them in.
The downside is the power cable restricts how far you can reach, which reduces where you can work.
FAQs
Are Cordless Angle Grinders Any Good?
Cordless angle grinders are excellent tools. They can operate anywhere, and thanks to technology, they produce the same power levels as plugin varieties. Plus, you also get advanced brushless motors that require almost zero maintenance and are much more efficient.
Can an Angle Grinder Be Used As a Sander?
Angle grinders can be used as sanders with the correct attachment. Auto repair shops use angle grinders to smooth and polish car bodywork because the disc allows them to reach awkward spots and get into tight spaces.
The only area where you might struggle is sanding a flat surface like a tabletop or floor.
Can I Use an Angle Grinder To Cut Pavers?
You can use an angle grinder to cut pavers. It’s better to use a 9-inch cutting disc to ensure you slice all the way through the paver. If you only have a smaller angle grinder, you can cut part of the way through the paver and then use a hammer and chisel to separate the two parts.
Can I Cut Metal With an Angle Grinder?
You can cut metal with an angle grinder. Thanks to the speed these tools run at, slicing through metal is easy with the correct attachment.
Do I Need a Variable Speed Angle Grinder?
You do if you want the maximum amount of control. Variable speed enables you to slow the angle grinder to tackle different materials like wood and metal. Sometimes, when you are cutting through harder material like concrete, a slower speed is easier to control.
How Many Amps Do I Need in an Angle Grinder?
Most corded models have an amperage of between 3.5 and 7. On larger models, this can extend to double figures. The amps indicate the motor’s strength, so the higher the amps, the more power the angle grinder has.
