The best grinders in the UK 2023

The grinder is an essential tool used for cutting, slicing or polishing. There are different types of grinders: angle grinder (115 mm or 125 mm), straight grinder, cutter or cut-off machine. If you are looking for a versatile model that does it all, we suggest you choose between the following 4 products.

Bosch GWS 17-125 CIE 1
8/10

Best value for your money

Bosch GWS 17-125 CIE

The best grinder in 2021

The GWS 17-125 CIE from Bosch Professional is a high quality grinder that is appreciated for its power. Its variable speed control makes it very versatile.

138 £ on Cdiscount

There is no need to introduce the Bosch Professional brand when it comes to tools. The German brand's expertise in terms of performance and reliability has won over professionals and DIYers alike. This 125 mm diameter grinder is used with a diamond disc to cut garden borders.

The 1,700 W of power with constant regulation will give you plenty to do. In addition, the motor with a no-load speed of 11,500 rpm benefits from direct cooling. This gives it a longer service life and greater resistance. The device does its job perfectly. However, there is one drawback worth mentioning. The automatic clamping nut is optional.

Makita - 9565CR 2
7/10

Best value for your money

Makita - 9565CR

The best entry-level grinder

Are you looking for a powerful grinder to cut or surface a metal part? Discover this versatile model from Makita. Precise and safe, it can't disappoint you.

63,86 £ on Manomano

Safety is the main advantage of this angle grinder, thanks to the soft start, the anti restart system in case of power failure and the optimized cooling system. Very powerful, this grinder allows you to quickly cut stones and tiles. It is also practical for cutting or grinding materials such as metal or steel.

An important detail, the grinder has an effective protection against dust. It is a solid model thanks to its aluminum housing. The motor is protected against Makpower overloads. With a net weight of 2.3 kg, you can easily carry it on a daily basis. You can also easily handle it thanks to its side handle. Its reliability and versatility are an assurance for your construction and renovation work.

Makita DGA504RFJ 3
9/10

Best value for your money

Makita DGA504RFJ

The best high-end grinder

Powerful and handy, this Makita grinder impresses with its efficiency, versatility and maneuverability. This tool is well worth the price.

271 £ on Amazon

This Makita 125 mm angle grinder perfectly combines performance with maneuverability. Equipped with an ultra-compact brushless motor, it offers a power of well over 1,000 W. In addition to the motor, you will benefit from the Automatic Speed Control system.

This device allows you to automatically adjust the speed. The Makita DGA504RFJ grinder is a versatile and easy-to-handle tool. It can be used to grind, deburr, polish, but also to cut small sections of metal. In short, when it comes to versatility, it fits the bill perfectly.

DeWaltDWE4233-QS 4
7/10

Excellent

DeWaltDWE4233-QS

A more than interesting alternative

Specially designed for DIY, a professional will be able to put it to good use. Indeed, the DeWalt grinder does not lack power, but you have to be careful with intensive use.

74,81 £ on Manomano

Equipped with a 1,400 W motor, this grinder can be used for intensive use. Its design has been specially studied so that it can access more or less cramped areas. In terms of safety, you will appreciate the anti-restart system and the anti-vibration handle.

The latter will facilitate the work while limiting the risks of accident. Versatile and easy to handle, this DeWalt grinder is mainly aimed at DIYers, although it can appeal to professionals thanks to its performance.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best grinder

Any specific needs?

The best grinder in 2021

The best entry-level grinder

The best high-end grinder

A more than interesting alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best grinders

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Bosch GWS 17-125 CIE 5
8/10
Makita - 9565CR 6
7/10
Makita DGA504RFJ 7
9/10
DeWaltDWE4233-QS 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Bosch GWS 17-125 CIE
Makita - 9565CR
Makita DGA504RFJ
DeWaltDWE4233-QS
The GWS 17-125 CIE from Bosch Professional is a high quality grinder that is appreciated for its power. Its variable speed control makes it very versatile.
Are you looking for a powerful grinder to cut or surface a metal part? Discover this versatile model from Makita. Precise and safe, it can't disappoint you.
Powerful and handy, this Makita grinder impresses with its efficiency, versatility and maneuverability. This tool is well worth the price.
Specially designed for DIY, a professional will be able to put it to good use. Indeed, the DeWalt grinder does not lack power, but you have to be careful with intensive use.
Power
1700 W
1400 W
N/A
1400 W
Speed of rotation
11500 rpm
12000 rpm
8500 RPM
11500 rpm
Disc diameter
125 mm
125 mm
125 mm
125 mm
Bore diameter
22.2 mm
22.23 mm
22.23 mm
22.2 mm
Weight
2.4 kg
2.2 kg
2.5 kg
2.2 kg

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Buying guide - grinder

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How to choose your grinder

Indispensable for any self-respecting handyman, the grinder cuts, slices and polishes. How do you choose one that does all three of these functions?

#1 - Type of grinders

According to the arrangement of the rotation axis of the grinder disc, we can distinguish 3 types:

  • The angle grinder where the disc is perpendicular to the motor axis. It is the most common on the market simply because it is the most versatile;
  • The straight grinder, also known as a rod grinder, which is used for finishing work. In the nooks and crannies where the angle grinder can't go, the straight version takes over;
  • The disc cutter, which is particularly effective for cutting concrete, steel, stone, etc. This tool also called disc cutter, thermal cutter or groover, is used by firefighters to cut a car during accidents.

#2 - How it works

It refers to the power supply mode of the grinders; a criterion that affects the use of the device.

  • The electric grinder is the most common on the market. It can be corded or cordless, and has a power between 500 and 2500 W.
  • The pneumatic grinder is equipped with a compressed air hose. It is certainly powerful, but it is difficult to handle because of the size of the hose.
  • The thermal grinder is attractive because of its exceptional power. It is easy to see why it is used for large jobs.

#3 - Power and usage

Depending on the task to be done, you must choose the size of the disc and the power of the grinder.

  • If you do small jobs on a regular basis, a power of about 1200 W for a 125 mm disc is more than enough.
  • For occasional small jobs, a motor of 750 W and a blade between 115 and 125 mm is sufficient.
  • For large jobs, you need at least a 230 mm disc; the power can vary between 2000 and 2500 W depending on whether you use it occasionally or frequently.

#4 - The standard

Compliance with CE safety standards is necessary to ensure that the grinder has been manufactured to the highest standards. However, this is not sufficient to rule on whether or not it is safe to use. Indeed, the existence of a good insulation and a cooling system is necessary to prevent the device from overheating with the rotations of the disc.

#5 - Ergonomics

Whether you are a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, you will have to invest in a light and ergonomic grinder to avoid getting tired from the first minutes of use. In general, grinders have an ergonomic handle that makes it easier to hold. As for the weight, remember to check it before buying.

How to use a grinder?


A versatile tool, the grinder is not only used to grind, it can be used to remove rust from metal tools, or to cut cinder blocks. Equipped with a metal disc, it can cut iron, aluminum, etc. Diamond discs can even be used on extremely hard materials like marble.

It is important to know how to use it properly and to follow some safety rules because it can be dangerous. You must therefore read the instructions for your tool carefully to avoid the risk of serious injury. First, you need to equip it with the disc you need. Make sure your device is unplugged before placing your disc. Then tighten the disc depending on the grinder model.

Once started, hold your grinder vigorously. Allow the disc to spin for a few seconds, then start with small rocking motions so it doesn't heat up. When you're done, don't put the grinder down until the disc is still.

So there are a few precautions to take when using the grinder. Before plugging in your tool, you need to make sure that your cord is not damaged as this can present an electrical shock hazard. Also, make sure the disc is securely attached before turning it on. Always unplug your grinder before making a change of consumables.

The most important thing to remember when using a grinder is to watch out for flying sparks. So, make sure you are not in an area with flammable materials. In addition, you need to protect yourself by wearing tightly closed goggles, thick gloves, a dust mask and hearing protection. Don't forget to replace the protective cover when you have fitted your tool with a new disc.

Portable grinder or circular saw?

Grinder

Designed to cut, grind, deburr, chamfer, cut-off, surface, strip or polish, the grinder has unmatched versatility. It can be used for domestic work such as cutting tiles or blocks, polishing wood, removing rust from a gate, etc., as well as for professional work. The grinder offers good maneuverability, although this depends on its size.

This machine can even be easily handled by inexperienced people. It has safety options to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Among other things, there is a clutch control in case its disc gets stuck. However, the grinder is still dangerous. You must be careful when you decide to use it. For example, wear gloves and goggles.

Portable circular saw

The portable circular saw falls into the category of portable electric saws. This tool cuts different kinds of materials thanks to its sharpened serrated disc that rotates at a very fast speed (up to 6,000 rpm).

The main strength of a portable electric saw is the depth of its cut. It can cut very thick materials. Equipped with a guide rail, it also provides a good straight cut with surgical precision. On the other hand, it offers less versatility than the grinder.

Verdict

A portable circular saw can be a great tool, but its efficiency and adaptability are limited. A better choice is a grinder, which is capable of cutting through most of the materials you might encounter on a job site. It is a better choice for doing various jobs with one tool.

Why buy a grinder?

For easy cutting of hard surfaces

With a diamond wheel, a grinder is very useful for cutting stone without problems. With the help of this tool, you will also obtain a very precise cut. With it, you also have the possibility to deburr tiles. For example, you can cut a large stone if you have a diamond wheel. Ceramics are also materials that you can process with a grinder in order to obtain tiles. But it is not only that, because being a very practical tool, a grinder can cut concrete and marble.

To cut different metals

Using a grinder, you can cut various metals. To do this, you only need to use rigid discs. This way, you can cut aluminum, sheet metal or tubes very quickly.

To ensure a nice finish

A grinder is very practical for polishing operations. All you have to do is fit it with a flap disc. Whether it's for industrial or artistic work, you'll have a flawless finish. This tool is capable of smoothing any flat surface according to your expectations and also according to the finish you want to have. On the other hand, a grinder is a multifunctional tool that allows you to do sanding work. In this case, you must have the necessary accessories such as soft or rigid discs.

To strip metals

The stripping of metals will be for you a child's play thanks to the grinder. You can therefore use metal brushes to remove rust and any trace of paint. As a result, you will have a smooth metal surface free of rust.

For successful sanding

The grinder is a multi-purpose tool. You can use it to sand many surfaces. You just need to equip it with the right sanding disc for your needs.

The best brands of grinders

In our opinion, the best brands of grinders in 2022 are :

Bosch
Tacklife
Makita
DeWalt
Black&Decker

Bosch, this German brand is known for its quality, precise and reliable equipment. It is known for its automotive equipment, home appliances, gardening tools, not to mention its ride-on appliances, including grinders.

Tacklife is a brand that manufactures power tools, hand tools, automotive tools, lawn and garden tools, and home appliances. It was founded in 2015 and offers mostly entry-level and mid-range products. Its grinders are reliable and very affordable.

Makita is among the top power tool brands, and it is the most knowledgeable and comprehensive in terms of EPO. The brand offers a very wide range of tools on the 18V and 18V X2 platforms as well as professional-grade gas equipment featuring their MM4 4-stroke technology. Its grinders are particularly appreciated for their power and high performance.

DeWalt Industrial Tool Company is an American global manufacturer of power tools and hand tools for the construction, woodworking, and also gardening and DIY industries. It is a quality and reliable brand that offers handy, sturdy and durable grinders.

Black and Decker tools are very reliable tools. The drills are of very good quality. They last a very long time, they have several choices that you can choose from. Their tools are not too heavy.

What is the price for a grinder

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
30 £ to 100 £
Mid-range
100 £ to 250 £
High-end
more than 250 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Be careful.

Make sure the object you are working on is secure. The speed of rotation of the grinder can easily dislodge or even throw the workpiece you are working on.

Use the right tool.

Grinding discs are consumables; the grinding wheel itself is not. Be sure to use the appropriate grinder that can handle adequate amperage for the job.

Pay attention to your working angle.

Generally, grinders are designed to be used at a working angle of 5 to 10 degrees from horizontal, and the wear pattern on the face circumference of the disc should be about twice the thickness of the disc

.

Wait a while before using the grinder.

Don

't start the grinder while it's resting on your worktable or the workpiece you want to work on. The grinder may bounce off the table or workpiece.

Look at the spark.

The

sparks produced by your grinder can tell you how you are using your machine. Your grinder should produce sparks that should wait for distances of about 3 to 4 feet from the workpiece, evenly. This shows that the grit on the grinder is doing what it is supposed to do. If you push too hard or don't push hard enough, the sparks won't be as intense.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , bestreviews.com
  3. , thefabricator.com
  4. , thespruce.com
  5. , meuleuse-guide.fr
  6. , manomano.fr
  7. , bricozor.com
  8. , systemed.fr
  9. , guedo-outillage.fr
  10. , meuleuse.net
  11. , leroymerlin.fr
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , castorama.fr
  14. , manomano.fr
  15. , cdiscount.com
  16. , leroymerlin.fr
  17. , bricodepot.fr
  18. , fr.wikipedia.org
  19. , amazon.co.uk
  20. , cdiscount.com
  21. , bosch-professional.com
  22. , weldom.fr
  23. , lesitedujardinier.fr
  24. , comparatif-meuleuses.com
  25. , castorama.fr
  26. , bricorama.fr
  27. , guedo-outillage.fr
  28. , auchan.fr
  29. , meuleuse-angle.com
  30. , darty.com
  31. , maxoutil.com
  32. , kiloutou.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Bosch GWS 17-125 CIE 9
Bosch GWS 17-125 CIE
Makita - 9565CR 10
Makita - 9565CR
Makita DGA504RFJ 11
Makita DGA504RFJ
DeWaltDWE4233-QS 12
DeWaltDWE4233-QS

Lecteurs

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