Looking get a fine balanced consistency for your herb? A grinder is an effective tool for grinding cannabis flowers into small pieces for joints, blunts, and bowls. Gaining popularity since the 1960s, grinders are a portable and easy to use option to prepare cannabis flower.  

Why should I use a grinder?

Simply put, grinding your herb will make it much easier to use. Ground herb allow for better combustion and a smooth burn, resulting in a clean and even smoke. Plenty herb grinders can safely store your bud with an odor-proof seal, which proves to be incredibly convenient when you’re on the go. Lastly, using a grinder can help preserve trichomes (or kief). which have the tendency to stick your fingers, to maintain your herb’s potency. Regardless of whether you prefer blunt hits or bong rips, smokers of all stripes can benefit from getting a grinder.

Types of grinders

Metal

Metal grinders are a popular choice due to its durability and efficiency. Metal grinders have strong, sharp teeth to break down flower with ease every time.

Wood

Wooden grinders have an unmistakably natural style. Wood grinders are durable tools that will get the job done, but they are susceptible to residue buildup that can be difficult to clean.

Plastic

Plastic grinders are the most affordable material. Coming in a variety of colors and patterns, they will surely catch your eye. Although they are relatively easy to clean, the teeth of plastic grinder can dull over time.

Grinder sizes/types

5-Piece

Consists of a lid, a grinding chamber to break down your nugs, a collection chamber (or storage chamber) to hold your ground herb, and two kief catchers (or kief chambers) at the bottom of the grinder that collects the kief that falls off your bud in the grinding process

4-Piece

Consists of a lid, griding chamber, collection chamber, and kief catcher

3-piece

Consists of a lid, grinding chamber, and a collection chamber

2-piece

Consists of a lid and a grinding chamber that doubles as a bud catcher

Flat grinder

Flat and pocket-sized, resembling a cheese grater

Electric grinder

Convenient and hassle-free electric-powered grinder that produces ground herb in seconds

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a grinder work?

Herb grinders use a twisting mechanism and a two sets of interlocking teeth to break up the flower. Grinders with a collection chamber will catch the ground herb, and those with a kief catcher will collect the kief from the flower.

How do you use a grinder?

Using a grinder is a simple process that is incredibly easy to get the hang of. First, break your bud into smaller pieces and load (but don’t overfill) it in the grinding chamber. Then, close the lid and keep twisting the lid to grind the herb. Keep twisting until there is no resistance. After that, give the grinder a tap or two to dislodge any stuck ground herb into the collection chamber. Finally, collect the grind from the collection chamber and enjoy!

What is kief and a kief catcher?

Kief is the pollen-like collection of trichomes separated from the cannabis flower during the grinding process. Containing a high concentration of THC, kief is more potent than cannabis flower. It can be used as an additive for a packed bowl, joint, or blunt; an ingredient to infuse food; and it can be pressed into hash. Using a grinder with a kief catcher is the easy way to collect kief. The kief catcher is the screen in the bottom chamber of the grinder that catches the trichomes as you grind your herb.

When should I not use a grinder?

If you’re trying to break up a particularly sticky or resin-coated bud, you’re better of breaking it up with your hand. You might ask, “Why is that so?” It’s important to remember that grinders will eventually collect resin buildup, so breaking up a sticky flower with a grinder can end up clogging it after a couple uses.

How do you unclog a grinder screen?

Just like any other cannabis-related tool, rubbing alcohol is the way to go for metal grinders. Simply soak the grinder in rubbing alcohol and then scrub with pipe cleaner or any small cleaning brush. For non-metal grinders, dish soap and warm water will do the trick.

How often should you get a new grinder?

It ultimately depends on the quality and material of your current grinder and how often you use it. Even then, there is no hard and fast rule for replacing your herb grinder. You will certainly be able to tell when your grinder needs replacing, however. If the teeth of your grinder are dull and is taking longer to grind your herb, then Highlife Goods is a great place to start looking for a new grinder.