Alternative to Manual Grinders

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Manual vs Electric Grinders

Old-fashioned manual grinders use of two interlocking plates that the operator twists to grind the herb against the grinding pegs. The user cannot see the product being ground, which often results in over or under grinding. When herb is over ground, it can reduce airflow and increase clogging. Pieces that are too big do not release their oils and potency as readily and can lead to torching (burning all the herb at once). Manual grinders come in a wide variety of sizes, from tiny pocket-sized units to larger table-top varieties. We searched and tested extensively for our favourite manual grinder, and most came up short. Unfortunately, many have come up short by trying to cut costs in important areas (research and development, design, build, and distribution). Manual grinders rely on the user to know when their herb is ground – but are largely made from opaque materials. The user is unable to see their herb and either over or under grind it. The grinders made of translucent materials (such as plastic or resin) are generally of poorer quality and do not grind as well.  We found them to be inconsistent, and several somehow managed to produce both a too-fine and too-bulky grind at the same time.

Battery or electric grinders are not a new concept – people have been destroying their herb in electric coffee grinders for as long as they’ve been around. The desperation for a good grind has led many innovators and designers to try to develop the most effective grinder. This electric grinder is a good example of a grinder with high quality parts that dispenses a perfect grind, every time.

Why Electric?

Electric grinders can range anywhere from battery herb grinder 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 high-quality electric grinders 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.

When looking at electric grinders, we preferred models with aircraft grade aluminum parts. These parts did not break as easily as their alloy/plastic counterparts and stayed sharper longer through rigorous grinding. A good, sharp blade is important to make sure you’re not just destroying your herb. Smooth, clean cuts from sharp aircraft grade aluminum really brought out the full potency and flavour of our herb.

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.

Where to buy

After exhausting the available electric units on the market, our top contender is the Mamba electric herb grinder. It has a large storage capacity, 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. We found it gave us an ideal, fluffy grind each time we used it, and we tested it extensively. The Mamba grinder is inexpensive, especially considering the high-quality parts, and can also be found at select retailers. We hope you will evaluate your grinding needs and consider available electric grinders – your herb will thank you for it!