Having the best angle grinder means that you have an extremely versatile power tool that you can use to tackle a broad range of landscaping projects. Weekend warriors and contractors use the best angle grinders all of the time due to this versatility, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. They can perform a host of tasks like grinding, polishing, or cutting with ease. It’s a smaller, compact, handheld power tool that is very easy to pack up and transport from job A to job B, and you can get corded or electric options. However, having so many options can make it challenging to pick out the best one for your wants and needs.
Although you see them on construction sites, auto shops, and metalworking shops, picking out the correct one will help you complete your light duty landscaping projects. I’ve done the research for you and picked out 10 of the best angle grinders on the market and put together short reviews for you to compare. Once you go through them, you can use the short buyer’s guide to help you make your final decision. When you pick one, Amazon will ship it right to your door.
Although you typically see angle grinders in metalworking or automotive shops, there are dozens of uses for them around the house or for your landscaping projects. They come in different sizes, speeds, and power levels.
Milwaukee 2780-20 Angle Grinder – Top PIck
My top pick for the best angle grinder comes from Milwaukee because it seamlessly combines power and performance with an affordable price point. The compact design makes it easy to add to your tool storage area, and it comes outfitted with a durable brushless motor that gives you a motor life that lasts up to 10 times longer at maximum power. It comes with Redlink Plus technology that gives you optimized performances each time you use it, and it lends overload protection to help protect the motor and stop it from overheating. There is also an electronic clutch.
You can purchase that Redlithium xC5.0 battery pack for this best angle grinder to give it superior construction and performance. It also has two times the run power between charges, and this helps you tackle large and small projects around your house or yard. This is a cordless grinder that improves your flexibility and versatility, but it gives you the power you’d expect with a corded model. The metal gearing system and housing is extremely durable, and you can make any adjustments you need tool-free. The paddle switch design increases your comfort levels while making it easy to grip.
PROS
- Cordless design
- Brushless motor
- Metal gearing system and housing
- Paddle switch design
- Redlink Plus technology
- Versatile and powerful
- Ergonomic grip
CONS
- Can burn through batteries
DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool – Step-Up Pick
The step-up pick for the best angle grinder comes from DeWalt, and this is a plastic and metal tool that delivers a high degree of flexibility and durability. You get an 11-amp AC/DC motor that gives you an excellent power to weight and size ratio while delivering 11,000 RPMs to help you fly through your projects with ease. The sleek black and yellow coloring makes it easy to spot this grinder when you put it down, and it’s 12-inches long to make it a compact choice that is easy to transport. You also get options when it comes to this product, and it comes with the tool only, grounded tool, tool with a kit, and a tool with no lock.
You get a two-position handle with this best angle grinder that allows you to set it however is most comfortable for you to hold. The one-touch guard is an important safety feature that reduces the risks of injuring yourself while you use it, and it comes with a wrench to help you make the necessary adjustments. The dust ejection system is another point that puts this angle grinder as the step-up pick because it can help to keep dust and debris out of the motor and casing to allow the tool to last much longer.
PROS
- Two-position handle
- Dust ejection system
- 11,000 RPMs
- 11-amp AC/DC motor
- Compact and lightweight
- One-touch guard
- Several styles available
CONS
- Not set up for left-handed people
Bosch 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder – Mid-End Budget Pick
For those people on a budget that don’t want to sacrifice quality or price with their tools, Bosch’s best angle grinder is a great choice. It’s a compact pick that weighs in at 3.75 pounds, and it’s great for vehicle fabrication, metalwork, plumbers, or anyone who needs a grinder. There is a 6.0-amp motor in this grinder that gives you 11,000 no-load RPMs for professional-grade grinding and cutting results. It has a very small field diameter, and this makes it great for detail work like lettering. There is a two-position side auxiliary handle that maximizes your comfort levels with an ergonomic grip and natural positioning.
This best angle grinder has Bosch’s Service Minder Brush System equipped that helps eliminate any guesswork, and it’ll also stop your grinder when you have to perform preventative maintenance to help your tool last much longer. It has an epoxy-coated design that will help shield the grinder from abrasive debris, and the sealed switch design helps to keep dust out of the casing. This reduces your overall maintenance needs while helping the tool last much longer so you can get years of use out of it.
PROS
- Bosch’s Service Minder Brush System
- Sealed switch design
- Lightweight and compact
- 6.0-amp motor
- 11,000 no-load RPMs
- Two-position handle
- Preventative maintenance warning system
- Epoxy-coated design
CONS
- Plastic body is easy to crack
BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder – Bargain Budget Pick
Sometimes, you’re on a budget for your tools, and this bargain budget pick by Black+Decker allows you to have a durable piece of equipment that helps you tackle all of your projects without breaking your bank. It has a metal gear case to help ensure your best angle grinder has a long lifespan and will survive accidental drops and hard use without failing. The handle can move and lock into three different positions to give you precision control while keeping you comfortable while you use it, and it makes it very quick and easy for other people to use it without sacrificing control or comfort.
The spindle locking mechanism on this best angle grinder makes it quick and easy to swap out accessories without having to interrupt your workflow. When you order this product, you’ll get a small and compact angle grinder, spanner wrench, metal grinding wheel, and a wheel guard. The narrow body makes it easy to manipulate and maneuver as you work in confined areas. The black and deep orange color scheme makes it easy to see when you need it, and you can pack it up to take it with you to various project sites without it taking up a lot of room.
PROS
- 3 position handle
- Metal gear casing
- Narrow body design
- Accessory changes are quick
- Lightweight and portable
- Longer cord
- 6-amp motor
CONS
- Instruction manual is unclear
Makita 9557PBX Angle Grinder – Best for Metalworking
Metalworking projects require a durable and flexible best angle grinder, and Makita makes a great choice. It comes equipped with a powerful 7.5-amp motor that offers a high output for a compact tool that weighs in at 4.5-pounds. The smaller diameter barrel grip ranges between 2 to 2.5-inches with an ergonomic design, and this makes it easy to hold onto for extended projects and detail work. You can use it with an alternative power source using the AC/DC switch to improve the tool’s flexibility, and this can help you whether you’re working outside building a porch or inside.
This best angle grinder comes with a lock on/off switch that lets you turn it on and run it for hours at a time. It has a Labyrinth construction that seals the interior of this angle grinder to protect the bearings and motor from debris and dust, and this enhances the tool’s life. There is also a protective zig zag varnish that seals the tool’s armature from dust and debris as well, and it has an extra large paddle to make it comfortable to use. The thicker coil wires have a tight coil to prevent energy and heat loss.
PROS
- Weighs 4.5 pounds
- Lock on/off function
- Labyrinth construction
- Zig zag varnish
- Extra large paddle
- Small barrel grip diameter
- All ball bearing design
CONS
- No overheating protection features
Hitachi G12SR4 Angle Grinder – Best for Contractors
Hitachi’s best angle grinder is a solid choice for any contractor who needs a durable but versatile tool to help them on the job because it comes with leading overload protection to prevent you from accidentally damaging the tool with extended use. The hard-sided carrying and storage case keeps the grinder well protected and ready to use wherever you need it, and it has a slim design that makes it easy to store with all of your other tools. The 6.2-amp motor has a maximum power output of 980-watts, and this can help you tackle tougher grinding jobs without it stalling.
The spindle lock on this best angle grinder makes it easy and quick for you to change any accessories or the disk without taking valuable minutes from your workday. The trigger lock gives you continuous, comfortable operational capabilities, and there is a left-mounted slide switch with a quick off feature to increase your safety factor. There is a forward canted, removable side handle that gives you excellent control, and it also makes the grinder comfortable for left and right-handed people to use. You can choose from two styles when you purchase this product.
PROS
- Hard-sided carrying case
- Forward-canted side handle
- For left and right-handed people
- Two styles available
- 6.2-amp motor
- Overload protection built in
- Spindle lock
CONS
- No tool guard adjustment included
Metabo HPT Angle Grinder – Best for Home Improvement Projects
This best angle grinder from Metabo is great to have on-hand if you’re trying to build a new staircase inside or outside because you get a 4 ½-inch angle grinder that comes with five different grinding discs in every purchase. You also get a hard-sided carrying case that helps you keep all of your pieces together and protected when you store or transport them from point A to point B. The 6.2-amp motor is powerful enough to help you tackle tougher grinding jobs without overheating, and you get a smaller grip design that is easier to hold to keep you comfortable while reducing operator fatigue.
The side handle on this best angle grinder is removable with a forward-canted side handle that works well for right or left-handed users, and it improves your control on those smaller detailed jobs. This grinder weighs in at four pounds, and the smaller and more compact design improves your maneuverability when you work in a host of areas, especially overhead applications. The low profile gear case makes it easy to get into tight spaces, and the spindle lock makes it easy to switch out grinding discs.
PROS
- Five grinding discs included
- Hard-sided carrying case
- Low gear case profile
- High maneuverability
- 6.2-amp motor
- Removable side handle
- Weighs four pounds
CONS
- Higher price for what you get
PORTER-CABLE Angle Grinder Tool – Best for Small Landscaping Projects
When you have small landscaping projects that you need to finish, Porter-Cable’s best angle grinder can be an invaluable tool to have on hand. You get multiple handle positions to increase the tool’s flexibility, and you can attach it on the right, left, or on top of the grinder. It comes with a soft start feature that helps to ensure you get a smooth start up each time you switch it on, and there is a no-volt switch. This switch helps prevent the tool from accidentally restarting after a power disruption if you accidentally leave the tool’s power switch in the “on” position to help you avoid accidents.
You get a tool-free guard change system that makes it easy to reposition or change the blade out as you work. The integrated spindle lock lets you quickly perform single wrench wheel changes. The 6-amp motor is a mid-range pick that is powerful enough to tackle large projects but it also gives you the capability to take on detailed work. When you purchase this grinder, you get a 90-day money-back guarantee, a full year of free service, and a three-year limited warranty on the tool itself.
PROS
- Multiple handle positions
- No-volt switch
- Soft start feature
- Tool-free guard change
- Integrated spindle lock
- Several different warranties
- Single wrench wheel changes
CONS
CRAFTSMAN Small Angle Grinder – Best for Working on the Patio
If you’re working through patio ideas and need an angle grinder to help you, Craftsman’s best angle grinder is a great pick because it’s very versatile. This is a 4 ½-inch grinder that uses a 6-amp motor to put out a maximum of 12,000 RPMs. It has a contoured overmolded handle that gives you an ergonomic grip that is comfortable for extended use. The tool-free guard makes it easy and fast to make adjustments without interrupting your workflow or putting you behind in your projects. The three-position handle lends a flexibility to this tool that lets you control it in different applications.
There is a spindle lock that makes it quick to change out the wheels as you work. This best angle grinder is compatible with the Versatrack Wall Organization System. The accessories and hook aren’t included in the original purchase, but you can add them to this grinder to help keep your workspace organized. There is a three-year limited warranty on this product that can help protect you from tool failure to make your investment much better. It’s too small to use on bigger jobs, but it works well for detail work.
PROS
- 12,000 RPMs
- Three-position handle
- Contoured overmolded handle
- Tool-free guard
- Spindle lock
- Versatrack Wall Organization System
- Good for detail work
CONS
- Not powerful enough for larger projects
SKIL 9295-01 Angle Grinder – Best for Refinishing Yard Ornaments
Skil’s best angle grinder rounds out my list, and it comes equipped with a powerful 6.0-amp motor that puts out up to 11,000 RPMs. It works well to help you refinish your yard ornaments because it has a compact grip design that gives you precision control and comfort, and it has a very lightweight feel that helps reduce operator fatigue when you’re out and about or using it for extended periods. The handle also has vibration reducing features in it that keep you comfortable, and you can store a wrench right in the grinder to make switching out the discs very quick and easy.
The heavy-duty metal gear housing on this best angle grinder adds durability and a ruggedness to this tool that makes it excellent for outdoor use because it won’t break if you accidentally drop it. Also, it’s durable enough to be out in different weather conditions. You can choose from two styles to tailor your grinder pick to suit your needs, and it has a corded design that ensures you get a constant flow of power from the start to the end of your projects.
PROS
- 11,000 RPM output
- Heavy-duty metal gear housing
- Lightweight feel
- Two styles available
- 6.0-amp motor
- Vibration reducing handle
- Wrench storage
CONS
- Arbor lock button is cheap
Best Angle Grinder – Buying Guide
What makes the best angle grinder? Which criteria push it to the top of the list and how do you narrow down your choices to find the angle grinder that will help you tackle all of your projects while still being mindful of your budget? This buying guide will quickly run down the most important criteria to consider when you start shopping.
Speed
An angle grinder’s speed will dictate how it performs, and the best angle grinders can have a maximum speed range between 5,000 and 10,000 RPMs (revolutions per minute). If you’re using wood filler to patch your deck and you want the best angle grinder to help smooth it out, consider the speed you need. Higher speeds help you complete the project faster, but you won’t have as much control as you would at a lower speed. Take your experience into consideration when you look at angle grinders. New users usually do best with slower speeds while experienced operators can get away with using higher speeds.
The speed setting on your grinder will help decide which projects you can and can’t do with it and get the results you want. Some come with variable speed settings, and this makes it nice because it adds a layer of versatility to it.
Slow Start Trigger
The slow start trigger will start your best angle grinder at a slower speed than the one you set and slowly move it up to your desired speed setting. This is nice for when you take on detailed projects where it’s much easier to mess something up because the tool won’t jerk when it starts. Instead, you’ll get a controlled start that smoothly eases you into you desired working speed
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of your grinder boils down to how comfortable it is for you to use and how the overall design contributes to this. You want an ergonomically-designed handle that is easy to grip and comfortable to hold through extended use sessions to help reduce your hand fatigue. A lot of the best angle grinders come with a rubber overmold on the handle that gives you something secure to grip, and they’re designed to be easy to transport and store with the rest of your tools.
Dust Sealing
Using the angle grinder can kick up a lot of dust and debris that can settle all over the tool itself. Ideally, you’ll want a body that has dust sealing around the switches to prevent dirt and debris from getting inside the motor and causing problems. This sealing should be throughout the body, but you really want to concentrate on the areas around the switches.
No matter if you work on metal or wood projects with your grinder, having a sealed design is paramount to the product lasting for years without clogging or overheating.
Type
Which type of angle grinder do you need? They come in corded and electric models. Both have benefits and drawbacks associated with them. For example, you get a steady stream of power with a corded model, but you have movement restrictions. Electric or battery-powered models give you excellent freedom of movement, but the batteries can die before an hour is up. You have to decide which is best for your intended projects.
Disc Size
Do you plan to use your grinder for small detail work on your outdoor benches or for larger projects where you need a lower precision level? Maybe you want both. Either way, the disc size will play a role. Smaller discs allow you to take on detailed work and get excellent results, and larger discs can cover large swaths in a very short period of time. Some grinders come with both discs, and all you have to do is switch them out as you advance in your projects.
Bottom Line
Picking out the best angle grinder can be a fun project when you know what to look for and have examples of high-quality brands on-hand. My top 10 reviews showcase some of the best options available on the current market, and the reviews make it easy to compare them side-by-side. You can also take a look at the buying guide to see the important aspects to keep in mind when you shop.
