10 Best Angle Grinders of 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

The reviews below highlight the 10 best angle grinders we’ve found. The products on our list are here because they excel at the attributes that are most important for a successful angle grinder. These include power, safety, precision, durability, and versatility.

We’ve included items that will satisfy both budget buyers and people looking for the highest level of quality they can get. Read on to find the right tool for your needs!

Our Top 5 Favorites of 2022

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		DEWALT DWE402 4.5"	Easy to transport Dust ejection system 11 amps of power	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		BLACK+DECKER BDEG400	Affordable Durable Metal case	CHECK PRICE
		Milwaukee 2780-20	Hard carrying case Dust protection Adjustable hand guard	CHECK PRICE
		Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2"	Moderate price Extra-large wheel Specialty seal	CHECK PRICE
		Metabo WP9-115 8.5 Amp	Fast Tool-free maintenance Compact	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Angle Grinders

1. DEWALT DWE402 4.5″ Angle Grinder – Best Overall

The DeWalt DWE402 is an impressively powerful 11-amp grinder that will be able to navigate both high-volume and precision work with ease. This corded electric tool is compact enough to squeeze into tight spots, and even includes a handy dust ejection design that will help the motor hold up over time.

Safety is a consideration as well. The handguard rotates completely around the tool to give you complete protection from any sparks or debris that are kicked up while you work. You even get a hard case that will make it safe and easy to transport.

In keeping with DeWalt’s pattern, this is a pricey tool by angle grinder standards. The high levels of power might also be a little much for beginners. If you aren’t well-versed with grinders, you may over-grind the workpiece.

All in all, this is one of the best 4 1/2″ angle grinders of this year.

2. BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 Angle Grinder – Best Value

BLACK+DECKER is always good for a solid deal. That’s certainly true in the case of our best for the money pick. The BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder Tool is not as powerful as many of the other options on our list, but what it lacks in force, it makes up for in value and durability.

The handguard can be locked into three different positions for optimal protection. The handy metal protection case will make the tool easy to transport and store.

It has some natural limitations. Because the power levels are so modest, the motor might break down and stop working if you really put it to the test. It’s great for small jobs, but buyers who need a heavy-duty tool should keep looking. To conclude, we think that this is the best angle grinder for the money.

3. Milwaukee 2780-20 Angle Grinder

The Milwaukee 2780-20 has much in common with the DeWalt. It’s powerful, with an adjustable hand guard, a hard-plated carrying case, and a special design to protect the inner workings from dust.

Our main concern about this tool pertains to value. It’s actually more expensive than the DeWalt, but it underperforms slightly in one key way. The components aren’t quite as sturdy. The locking mechanism has a cheap feel to it that suggests it may break easily.

It’s also a little less powerful than the DeWalt. For the money, you can get something that has a little more versatility.

4. Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2″ Angle Grinder

The Makita 9557PBX1 is a moderately priced grinder with an extra-large wheel that will be perfect for high-volume work. We are particularly partial to the design concept, which features a specialty seal that prevents dust from ever reaching the electrical components.

It’s also user-friendly. The controls are very simple, and it even includes a lock-on switch that allows you to maintain continuous operation without worrying about working the buttons.

The only real downside about this grinder is that it’s fairly heavy. The weight of the tool makes it hard to use comfortably for extended periods of time. Still, for occasional use, it’s a great grinder available at a reasonable price.

5. Metabo WP9-115 8.5 Amp Angle Grinder

The Metabo WP9-115 is a quick, compact grinder that’s able to produce 10,500 rotations per minute (RPM). The speed, as well as the extreme torque generated by the wheel, mean you can make quick work out of most average tasks.

Metabo even prioritizes speed when it comes to maintenance. The fast, tool-free wheel change allows you to adjust the grinder with the touch of a button.

This grinder can be fairly uncomfortable to use. The power button is difficult to hold down. It’s possible that this is a safety feature to prevent accidental activation. However, it does make the tool exhausting, and even painful, to use for long periods of time.

6. Bosch 18V Angle-Grinder

The compact Bosch 18V Angle Grinder is made for people who need to get a lot of use out of their tool. It’s called an “all day” grinder because its electrical components are specifically designed for long-term use. They also have warranty protection, so they should last a long time.

It’s even made to be comfortable. The handle is optimized to reduce vibration, and it is also very lightweight, making it easy to use for long periods. However, you’ll need a pair of Bosch 18V batteries for uninterrupted use. Unfortunately, those batteries don’t come with this purchase, which is why this grinder is so far down the list.

Because this is a high-end tool, you will pay a lot for it. Some users have also reported experiencing problems with the hand guard being difficult to adjust.

7. PORTER-CABLE 20V Angle Grinder

One of the most impressive aspects of the Porter Cable 20V MAX is the housing. The steel-cased tool is durable enough to stand up to job site wear and tear.

This grinder has an ergonomic handle, an adjustable handguard, and a tool-free wheel change that will make it easy to maintain. Budget buyers will also appreciate the affordable price.

Unfortunately, it’s just somewhat lacking when it comes to power. The 20v motor doesn’t have enough juice to work with harder woods or tough materials. The steel housing also makes it very heavy, which will be a drag for long-term use.

8. Avid Power 7.5 Amp Angle Grinder

The Avid Power 7.5 Amp Angle Grinder is an affordable grinder that will be great for buyers who are looking for a tool they can use on small tasks. The slim lightweight design will be comfortable to use, and it also includes a covering that protects against sparks and splinters.

The tool is also extremely quick. The 7.5 amps of power can generate an incredible 11,000 rotations per minute.

However, there seem to be some fundamental design flaws that make it difficult to use for extended periods. When the motor becomes overstressed due to excessive use, it gets extremely hot to the point that it can be difficult to hold. The motor can even get so hot that the tool will temporarily stop working.

For very small jobs, this Avid Power grinder will do fine. For more intense work, you’ll want a better tool.

9. SKIL 9295-01 Angle Grinders

The Skil 9295-01 is an affordable light duty grinder that will be a good fit for users who don’t have a ton of experience.

It generates 11,000 rotations per minute, but it won’t be able to get much done on tougher, harder workpieces. It’s also very heavy, which makes it difficult to use for long periods. The partially metal housing makes it fairly durable, but it does come at a price.

It’s certainly a good tool for people who don’t use grinders often, but there are similarly priced options that perform a little better.

10. VonHaus Cordless 4 1/2” Angle Grinder Set

The VonHaus 20V MAX has a lightweight design and an impressive top speed of 11,000 rotations per minute. Unfortunately, though, it just doesn’t get very many other things right.

It’s among the pricier grinders on our list, but your money won’t buy you very much. It’s not very powerful, it gets hot extremely quickly, and many people report that theirs broke down within the first few weeks of use.

There is certainly the possibility that you might have a good experience with this tool, but it doesn’t compare very well to the other options on our list.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Angle Grinder

Below you will find some buying considerations that will help you choose the perfect angle grinder for all your future projects.

Disc Size

The disc or wheel of the grinder is indicative both of the power of the device and its overall capacity. Larger discs generally signify a more powerful tool.

Smaller discs are usually more optimal for focus jobs, or tasks that require lots of precision. When selecting for size, it’s important to closely consider the type of work you’ll eventually be using this grinder for.

Will you be taking on lots of tight angles and smaller spaces? If so, you’ll almost certainly be better served by a more compact angle grinder. If you have high-volume work, a large disc will help you produce a smooth finish in much less time.

There is lots of variation in disc size, so this is a factor to be mindful of. You can usually find discs between four to nine inches in size.

Power Source

Most angle grinders are battery-powered. However, you may also find corded or even compressed air-powered options. Pay attention to the power source before finalizing a purchase.

Cordless units are prized because they have easier access to tight spots. However, they’re also limited by how much juice is in the battery. If you allow a battery to die, you may need to pause your work session for several hours while you wait for it to recharge.

Corded tools can run forever as long as you remain near a power source. Of course, they’re limited both by the cord itself, which can restrict your range of motion, and by your ability to find a power outlet.

Neither option is necessarily better than the other. It’s simply a matter of deciding how and where you will be using your grinder most often.

Speed

The grinder’s speed is also an important factor in how it ultimately performs. The average grinder may range in speed between 5000-10,000 revolutions per minute. Faster speeds can rapidly produce the desired results in the hands of an experienced craftsperson.

However, there is a catch. If you are not well-versed with grinders, you may wind up damaging the workpiece with an excessively quick tool.

Angle grinders with variable speed settings are the answer to this problem. A variable speed grinder will allow you to select between several different speed ranges, to optimize the tool for the job at hand, and for your own skill level.

If you do not have access to this feature, invest in something with a speed range you’re sure you can handle.

Wattage

Wattage is indicative of the grinder’s power level. Generally speaking, higher-powered tools will also be faster, but this isn’t necessarily the case.

A higher wattage does mean that the motor should be able to stand up well against heavy use, excessive friction, and other forms of situational stress that well-used power tools incur on the job.

Slow Start

Even if you want a tool that can reach speeds of 10,000 rotations per minute, you probably don’t want that speed level to kick in right away. A slow start mode is a handy safety feature that allows you to ease into the power of your grinder.

Ergonomics

A tool is ergonomic when it has been specially made to fit the human hand. Weird, right? You’d think that every tool would be made for the human hand, but sadly, no. They needed a special word for it.

Ergonomic tools will usually be more comfortable to use. More importantly, though, they also make it less likely that you will incur long-term stress injuries such as inflammation or carpal tunnel syndrome as you use your tools.

The ergonomic movement is strong in the world of power tools. Most major manufacturers proudly promote that their tools are ergonomic. Still, it’s not something you can take for granted. If comfort is important to you, make sure the tool you’re considering is ergonomic before finalizing your buying decision.

Dust Sealed

Every tool comes into contact with lots of dust, but this is perhaps particularly true of the grinder. Not only do grinders kick up lots of dust, but, by virtue of their design concept, they also often wind up covered in it. If you’re unlucky, that dust can find its way into the inner workings of the tool and destroy the motor.

That’s why some grinders have special dust protection design elements. This might mean a special seal, or even a unique design pattern that naturally funnels dust away from the device’s sensitive electrical inner workings.

Hand Guard

Some grinders have special guards to protect your hands from splinters and sparks. It’s not a necessary feature, but it can be handy to have. You can even find adjustable handguards that can be altered to suit the needs of each unique job you’re working on.

Price

You can get angle grinders for a wide range of prices. The nice thing is that, at least as far as power tools go, this is a relatively inexpensive one. Because the price of a decent grinder is generally fairly modest, even budget buyers are in a position where they can get something really solid.

Conclusion

One thing should be clear after reading our angle grinder reviews: there are lots of great options out there. If you want the best of the best, you’ll probably want to pay special attention to our top choice, the DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2-Inch 11-Amp Paddle Switch Angle Grinder. It’s an efficient, powerful tool that stands up well to heavy use and easily earns its spot as the best angle grinder this year.

Budget buyers also have some good options to keep in mind. Our best for the money pick, the BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder Tool, provides an incredible combination of value and performance.

Of course, with ten great tools to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong!

We also have a list of our favorite 7-inch angle grinders (specifically), that may be of interest to you.

• See Also: What Can You Use an Angle Grinder For? 16 Great Uses
• See Also: Die Grinder vs Angle Grinder – Which is Best for Your Needs?
• See Also: Cut-Off Tool vs Angle Grinder: Which is Best for Your Needs?