Why Electric?
Electric grinders can be anywhere from handheld electric grinder units that fit easily into a large pocket or small purse, larger units that attach to the end of a drill, or industrial grinders for manufacturers/producers who grind enormous quantities for packaging and distribution. Most electric grinders are preferred by users for their ease of use, consistent grind (with the right brands), and speed. Some even have cone-shaped dispensing tips that allow you to dispense your herb directly where you want it, with no spillage or contamination. In our testing of electric grinders, we preferred electric grinders that allowed users to toggle between turn directions to break up the herb in a more efficient way. We also liked electric herb grinders with a capacity of an ounce or larger – most of the manual grinders we found were unable to grind smoothly with that much herb.
Best Electric Features
When it comes to speed, electric or battery powered grinders are the way to go. Reaching grinding speeds of up to 20 times that of a manual grinder, electric grinders are the clear winner. Trying to manually twist and turn your herb takes a lot out of your hands, leading to (or exacerbating) hand pain and cramping. Most electric grinders are operated at the touch of a button, and some even have Power Rocker technology to break up herbs gently with a back-and-forth motion. Speed is crucial – the longer you have to rip and tear your herb, the more time it has to lose it is valuable oils. We found the Mamba electric grinder to be the fastest grinder, at 20 times the speed of a manual grinder.
Make sure your electric grinder is able to provide the same quality of grind each time you use it. Electric grinders that deliver a perfect grind, every time, are grinders that your herb wants in its life. Do not waste your money and time on a grinder that works well with fresh batteries, but after a use or two begins to lose its power and ability.
Hygiene is a big factor when grinding your herb – you don’t always know how clean your prep area is. There could be bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants around that you probably don’t want mixed into your finished product. Nothing like accidentally packing a cat hair into your bowl! Manual grinders require an extra step between grinding and consuming. The herb must be removed from the grinder and somehow placed into the desired receptacle. Some brands of electric herb grinders have a hygienic dispensing cone tip, so that their grinders can grind your herb and dispense it directly where it needs to go without risking spillage, wastage, or contamination.
Our pick
Our favourite grinder, by far, is the Mamba electric herb grinder. It has a generous storage capacity, conveniently runs on AA batteries, was designed with ergonomics in mind, and looks phenomenal on display. The designers went to great lengths to source high-quality parts, and took special care to ensure a smooth, easy, one-handed operation. The Mamba grinder is inexpensive, especially considering the high-quality parts, and can also be found at select retailers. A good grinder, like the Mamba, will absolutely change your herb experience!