7 Best Angle Grinders of 2024

Written by: - Garden Maintenance Expert

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The Best Angle Grinders

  1. Best for handle positions - Ryobi R18AG-0 ONE+ 18V Cordless Angle Grinder

  2. Best corded angle grinder - Makita GA4530R Angle Grinder

  3. Best for accessing small spaces - Makita DGA452Z 18V Cordless Angle Grinder

  4. Best heavy duty angle grinder - Bosch Professional GWS 7-115 Corded Angle Grinder

  5. Best for comfort and balance - DeWalt DCG405N 18V XR Cordless Angle Grinder

  6. Best budget angle grinder - Tilswall 860W 4-1/2 inch Side Disc Angle Grinder

  7. Best heavy duty angle grinder - Einhell TE-AG 230/2000 230mm Angle Grinder

Angle Grinder Reviews

Editors Choice
  • The quick release guard holder is the best I’ve used so far. It’s easy to position it wherever you need it, and you don’t need tools. Compared to the fiddly one on the Makita DGA452Z it’s great.
  • I really like the trigger system on this grinder. Most users will probably find it easier to use than the slide switch on most grinders.
  • This is a relatively quiet grinder. Compared to the other power tools on my list it’s a bit kinder on the ears.
  • Compared with the DeWalt DCG405N, this is an affordable cordless grinder. You don’t always need to pay professional prices for capable power tools without a power cable.

  • Even though the trigger is easy to operate, there’s no lock-off feature. You need to keep your finger on it to keep the blade spinning. Not ideal for long grinding sessions or awkward positions.
  • For cordless angle grinders, the vibration is quite high. 7.2 m/sec² is better than then Makita DGA452Z, but much more compared with the DeWalt DCG405N.
  • Once you’ve added a 4 or 5 Ah battery, it’s a heavy cordless tool. Compared with the lightweight corded Makita GA4530R grinder at just 1.8 kg, it’s going to get tiring after a while.
  • Some users have complained that the batteries don’t last for long. This power tool uses a brushed motor that’s never going to be as efficient as the more expensive brushless model.
Power
Battery - 18V
Disc Diameter
115mm
No-Load Speed
7,500rpm
Cutting Discs
n/a
Grinding Discs
n/a
Weight
2.5kg (excl battery)
Overall Score 4.5
Build Quality
4
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
4

Japanese tool champs Ryobi have made a name for themselves by producing excellent DIY-level power tools. The R18AG-0 is no exception, it’s a comfortable and budget-friendly cordless grinder that is ideal for home use.

One of the best things about Ryobi is their ONE+ battery system. You can fit one of their batteries into all sorts of cordless tools. If you’ve already bought into their system, you can power anything from a drill to a lawnmower. And all without the need to splash out on extra batteries.

On first impression, this is a well-thought-out and ergonomically designed bit of kit. Ryobi’s patented GripZone technology makes it easy to hang on to and use for long periods of time. The 18V battery system can spin the cutting discs up to a reasonable 7,500 rpm. It’s probably enough for most DIY projects but not the fastest I’ve tested out.

One thing I really like is the auxiliary handle. It’s supremely comfortable with over-moulded rubber parts that help to keep vibrations down. What makes it even better is the three positions you can choose from. Either side or on top of the gear head itself, meaning you get a bit of extra control when you need it.

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Runner Up

2. Makita GA4530R Angle Grinder

Best corded angle grinder

best angle grinder Makita GA4530R Angle Grinder
  • The sort of build quality that you’d expect from Makita. This angle grinder is tough, well put together and built to take a beating.
  • Makita have included a lock-off power switch. I’m a big fan of these compared to the “deadman” style switch you need to hold to keep the disc spinning. They can tire your hand out quickly and aren’t ideal for long grinding sessions.
  • You get a 2.5m power cable to play with. It’s long enough for most grinding jobs, and the quality of the power cord is excellent as well.
  • Makita use labyrinth rings to seal the bearings against dust. Anyone who uses angle grinders a lot know how much dust they produce, so this is a welcome feature.

  • Attaching the side handle can be a bit of a pain. You’ll need a long screwdriver to hold the bolt in place inside the handle. Compared to simple screw-in handle on the Bosch GWS 7-115, this one can be tricky.
  • Don’t expect to get a case to store the angle grinder in. It’s a shame the grinder only comes in a cardboard box.
  • If you’re only doing light grinding work, you don’t need a professional-level tool. Save some money and buy a budget grinder, this one’s not exactly cheap!
  • Compared to the cordless DeWalt DCG405N, this grinder vibrates quite a lot.
Power
Mains - 720W
Disc Diameter
115mm
No-Load Speed
11,000rpm
Cutting Discs
n/a
Grinding Discs
n/a
Weight
1.8kg
Overall Score 5
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
5

Makita is one of the most respected tool brands around, and the GA4530R is an excellent example of a professional-quality angle grinder. It’s easy to use, not too heavy and it’s built like a tank.

There’s a good reason why builders and savvy DIYers across the world trust Makita. Their build quality and attention to detail are second to none. This angle grinder has a large rubberised rear grip and a tough power cable. I can see it lasting for a long time, even on a building site.

The 720 Watt, 6 Amp motor spins the cutting discs up to an impressive 11,000 rpm. That’s more than enough power output to get just about any job done with a 115 mm disc. Weighing in at less than 2 kg, it’s light enough to use one-handed if you’re brave enough.

For two-handed use, there’s an indestructible plastic side handle that you can screw into either side. The thing I like about this handle is the 20° angle. You get a better grip for more precise grinding work, compared with standard right-angle grips.

Another bonus feature found on this grinder is the soft start. For such a powerful bit of kit, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to jump out of your hand when you turn it on. And thanks to the anti-restart function, it’s safe to use as well.

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Also Good

3. Makita DGA452Z 18V Cordless Angle Grinder[ SAVE 4% ]

Best for accessing small spaces

best angle grinder Makita DGA452Z 18V Cordless Angle Grinder
  • Compared with the corded GA4530R, the side handle is a lot easier to install. The bolt is captive within the handle, so you don’t need to fiddle with a screwdriver. It’s great.
  • The gear head is particularly small on this grinder. It feels like you can get into much tighter gaps compared with the DeWalt DCG405N.
  • Featuring an electronic current limiter with warning lamp, the grinder lets you know if your batteries are overheating. It’s essential on cordless grinders if you want the tool to last a long time.

  • I’m not keen on battery power tools with brushed motors. Compared with the DeWalt DCG405N it’s not as efficient or powerful.
  • You’ll need to keep a few charged batteries close to hand. This is a power hungry angle grinder, even when you use high Ah ones.
  • There’s a fair amount of vibration evident when using an artificial wheel. 8.5 m/sec² is a lot compared to the DeWalt DCG405N’s 4.4 m/sec².
  • The handle is bulky compared with the slimline Bosch GWS 7-115. It’s not ideal unless you have large hands.
Power
Battery - 18V
Disc Diameter
115mm
No-Load Speed
11,000rpm
Cutting Discs
n/a
Grinding Discs
n/a
Weight
2.3kg (excl battery)
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
4

I’m a huge fan of Makita’s cordless LXT range. The DGA452Z is one of the best angle grinders available right now, and it’s a bit of a beast.

The grip shape is nice and narrow, with comfortable rubberised over-moulding on the rear handle. Once you’ve installed a battery it’s well balanced and doesn’t feel too heavy at 1.3 kg without a battery installed.

The Makita cordless grinder has a powerful brushless motor that’s efficient as well as powerful. It puts out a whopping 11,000 rpm, which is incredibly impressive for a cordless grinder. When you pair it up with a high Ah battery, it squeezes every last drop of power and runs for a surprisingly long time.

It features a soft start function, battery gauge, and overload protection as well. There’s an anti-restart function for added safety between battery changes. One of the most impressive features must be the automatic speed control though. The internal computer controls the power output according to the load conditions, which makes for better cuts and longer tool life.

Don’t forget that this is sold as a “naked” tool. It comes in a cardboard box without batteries or a charger. If you’re already a Makita user, you’ll have plenty of batteries hanging around already.

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  • Changing the brushes on the motor is an easy process. There’s a quick access port on the back of the grinder when you need to replace worn ones.
  • Some angle grinders are unwieldy and hard to hold on to. This isn’t the case with this tool. The rear handle is narrow and easy to grip, even if you’ve got small hands!
  • 11,000 rpm is plenty of speed for most DIY projects. It’s 2,000 rpm faster compared with the DeWalt DCG405N.

  • You might expect to get a case with a Bosch Professional tool. This isn’t the case here. It comes in a cardboard box, not a hard case to keep everything together.
  • Bosch haven’t thrown in any cutting discs to get you started on a DIY project.
  • Some users have had problems with the power switch and reported that it’s too flimsy.
  • The power cord material is a stiff plastic. It’s not as nice compared to the Makita GA4530R’s soft rubberised cable.
Power
Mains - 720W
Disc Diameter
115mm
No-Load Speed
11,000rpm
Cutting Discs
n/a
Grinding Discs
n/a
Weight
1.9kg
Overall Score 5
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
5

Power tool pioneers Bosch have been in the game since 1886. They certainly know a thing or two about making one of the best corded angle grinders on the market. I was amazed at the power output and precision you can achieve with the GWS 7-115 angle grinder.

Starting off with the look and feel of this grinder, it’s surprisingly slimline and lightweight. It’s certainly easy to hold on to and weighs less than 2 kg. Bosch have made use of a clever 20° angle side handle as well for ultimate precision grinding.

Making use of one of Bosch’s brilliant 720 Watt Champion motors, you know this is a tool that’s built to last. Everything is chunky and built for hard work. They’ve included a two-stage safety switch to avoid accidental starts, which is essential for any tool like this.

The motor spins a 115 mm cutting disc up to an impressive 11,000 rpm. There’s a relatively low amount of vibration when in use as well. Just 6.5 m/s², which isn’t bad at all for corded grinders. I like the fact that Bosch have flattened the gear head. This reduces the overall size and makes it easy to get into tight spots.

If you’re looking for one of the best angle grinders from one of the top names in the business, this is a great choice.

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  • DeWalt have made a quick-adjust blade guard. This is incredibly handy if you need to change your grinding angle a lot. No more searching for a screwdriver every time!
  • You can fit a larger cutting disc to this DeWalt angle grinder. The extra 10 mm you get from a 125 mm blade can sometimes make all the difference.
  • I’m a huge fan of the locking nut that DeWalt use. They’ve included a knurled grip to the outside edge. This means you can grip it much easier and tighten it better by hand.
  • This battery powered grinder features an electronic brake. Disc overrun is the cause of too many accidents, so this is a safety feature I can’t live without.
  • This is an incredibly well-balanced and lightweight angle grinder. Once a battery is installed it’s not front heavy which makes it ideal for one-handed jobs.

  • Compared to the cordless Makita DGA452Z, this angle grinder doesn’t spin up as fast. This one only puts out 9,000 rpm compared to the Makita’s 11,000.
  • Like any power-hungry battery tool, you’re going to need backup. Even with a high Ah battery installed they don’t last all that long.
  • DeWalt have done away with the standard angle grinder spanner, but you still need a hex key. I find them even easier to lose than the larger spanner setup.
  • This is not a power tool for the casual DIYer unless you’ve already got a charger and several batteries. It’s a “naked” tool, and for this price it’s better suited for professionals.
Power
Battery - 18V
Disc Diameter
125mm
No-Load Speed
9,000rpm
Cutting Discs
n/a
Grinding Discs
n/a
Weight
1.74kg (excl battery)
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
4

US tool brand DeWalt are known for making the best angle grinders, and the DCG405N is a step above the competition. Cutting the cord once and for all, this is a powerful grinder that makes use of DeWalt’s excellent XR battery system.

This Dewalt angle grinder is not just a powerful cordless grinder though. The grip shape is supremely comfortable, and the whole unit weighs just 1 kg without the battery installed. You can lock off the power switch when you need to get the grinder into awkward spots as well.

This brushless angle grinder also features a host of clever safety features. I like the no-volt release to prevent accidental start-ups when a new battery is installed. The electronic brake and clutch are essential for safe operation too.

The 18V brushless motor is ideal for battery use. It can make 69 cuts in ½” steel rebar when used with a 5.0 Ah battery. It doesn’t come with any batteries or one of DeWalt’s excellent TSTAK cases though, which is the case with bare power tools.

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  • If you’re going to use a corded power tool, it needs to be powerful. This grinder ticks that box. It spins up fast and has bundles of torque.
  • The 125mm maximum disc capacity is handy. The extra size means you can fit 115mm discs when you need to as well.
  • The 7 Amp motor is stronger compared to the 6 Amp one on the Makita GA4530R. It can spin the blade 1,000rpm faster.
  • Tilswall have included two wheel guards for extra safety. It’s a vital part of keeping safe when using an angle grinder.

  • Like most of the angle grinders I’ve tested out, this one comes without a case. Everything’s shipped in a cardboard box, which is a shame.
  • Compared with the cordless angle grinders on my list, this takes a long time to spin up. It also takes a long time to stop, which can be a safety issue at times.
  • The quality of the included cutting discs is not great. They produce a lot of sparks and can skip around.
  • It’s great that it comes with two safety guards, but they’re tricky to fit properly.
Power
Mains - 860W
Disc Diameter
125mm
No-Load Speed
12,000rpm
Cutting Discs
3
Grinding Discs
2
Weight
1.9kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
5

Tilswall are known for being one of the better-reviewed budget tool brands. Their powerful 4 1/2″ angle grinder is no exception. The build quality feels robust, the barrel-grip side handle is solid and safe, and the no-tool guard change was useful.

I really like the soft start on the Tilswall angle grinder. It doesn’t have that brutal kick of torsion in your hands when turning it on. It should help avoid wrist fatigue or even injury over time. For this reason alone, I’m calling this the best budget angle grinder on this list.

This is also a compact angle grinder. For a corded grinder, its weight at 1.9 kg is compatible with more expensive models so it is relatively lightweight and portable. But just because it’s light doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. The massive 860 Watt motor can spin cutting discs up to an impressive 12,000 rpm. Not bad for a budget power tool.

Tilswall haven’t skimped on consumables either. They’ve thrown in three thick cutting discs and two heavy-duty grinding discs with this affordable angle grinder. They look like quite decent quality so I’m sure they’ll last long enough over time.

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  • The disc change spanner is stowed away inside the grinder body. If you remember to put it back it can’t get lost!
  • I’m always a fan of auxiliary handles that can be screwed into three positions. It gives you that added bit of flexibility to tackle the most difficult jobs.
  • The capability of 230mm grinding discs leaves the mini grinders far behind. Cutting and grinding jobs are completed much quicker with large angle grinders.
  • You can change the cutting discs quickly and without tools. Compared to the Makita DGA452Z it should be a breeze!

  • Don’t expect a quiet and refined power tool. This is a loud angle grinder that should always be used with hearing protection.
  • Several users have had issues with the switch. It seems like this is a weak point in an otherwise reliable tool.
  • Some users have complained that the grinder was delivered without a cutting disc included.
Power
Mains - 2,000W
Disc Diameter
230mm
No-Load Speed
6,500rpm
Cutting Discs
1
Grinding Discs
0
Weight
5.8kg
Overall Score 3.8
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
3
Value for Money
4

One of the better budget brands I’ve come across, Einhell make solid and reliable power tools for DIYers as well as professionals. Their TE-AG 230/2000 is a full-size 9″ or 230 mm angle grinder that is designed for the biggest jobs you can throw at it.

If you need to cut through metal, stone or concrete and a small angle grinder isn’t powerful enough, go for this beast. It’s big and heavy but puts the rest of the grinders on my list to shame when it comes to power output.

For large angle grinders, this one is comfortable to hold thanks to over-moulded grip sections. You can place the auxiliary handle in any one of three positions. It’s a necessary feature on a heavy bit of kit like this.

Weighing in at 5.8 kg, it’s more than twice the weight of the closest small angle grinder, but it’s not too heavy for a full-size machine. Luckily, it features a soft-start mechanism that keeps the “jerk” down to a minimum as well.

The large 2,000 Watt motor spins the 230mm cutting discs up to a reasonable 6,500 rpm. It’s not much compared to the small angle grinders, but more than enough for a power tool of this size. If you need a full-size angle grinder but you don’t want to overspend, this is a solid budget choice to make.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. Angle grinders are formidable tools and need plenty of power to spin cutting or grinding discs at high velocity.
  2. Look for corded angle grinders that spin between 11,000-12,000 rpm or cordless angle grinders that spin between 7,500-9,000 rpm.
  3. The best angle grinder should be powered by a 700W motor at minimum if corded or, if cordless, an 18V battery that has a capacity of at least 4Ah.
  4. The grinding wheel diameter on most angle grinders is usually 115-125 mm, although heavy-duty angle grinders can accommodate grinding tools over twice that size.
  5. Noise and vibration levels are important aspects to consider with this type of power tool. Often the best angle grinders are the least noisy with lower vibration levels. This is especially so with cordless versions with brushless motors but they are more expensive, particularly if you include the cost of a battery and charger.
  6. The weight of an angle grinder is important too – anything between 1.5 and 2.5 kg is acceptable for a 115 mm or 125 mm angle grinder.
  7. Don’t forget about accessories – budget angle grinders in particular are usually packaged with extra cutting or grinding wheels.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Ryobi R18AG-0 ONE+ 18V Cordless Angle Grinder
    best angle grinder Ryobi R18AG 0 ONE+ 18V Cordless Angle Grinder
    • 4.5
    • Battery - 18V
    • 115mm
    • 7,500rpm
    • n/a
    • n/a
    • 2.5kg (excl battery)
  • Makita GA4530R Angle Grinder
    best angle grinder Makita GA4530R Angle Grinder
    • 5
    • Mains - 720W
    • 115mm
    • 11,000rpm
    • n/a
    • n/a
    • 1.8kg
  • Makita DGA452Z 18V Cordless Angle Grinder
    best angle grinder Makita DGA452Z 18V Cordless Angle Grinder
    • 4.8
    • Battery - 18V
    • 115mm
    • 11,000rpm
    • n/a
    • n/a
    • 2.3kg (excl battery)
  • Bosch Professional GWS 7-115 Corded Angle Grinder
    best angle grinder Bosch Professional GWS 7 115 Corded Angle Grinder
    • 5
    • Mains - 720W
    • 115mm
    • 11,000rpm
    • n/a
    • n/a
    • 1.9kg
  • DeWalt DCG405N 18V XR Cordless Angle Grinder
    best angle grinder DeWalt DCG405N 18V XR Cordless Angle Grinder
    • 4.8
    • Battery - 18V
    • 125mm
    • 9,000rpm
    • n/a
    • n/a
    • 1.74kg (excl battery)
  • Tilswall 860W 4-1/2 inch Side Disc Angle Grinder
    best angle grinder Tilswall 860W 4 1/2 inch Side Disc Angle Grinder
    • 4.3
    • Mains - 860W
    • 125mm
    • 12,000rpm
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1.9kg
  • Einhell TE-AG 230/2000 230mm Angle Grinder
    best angle grinder Einhell TE AG 230/2000 230mm Angle Grinder
    • 3.8
    • Mains - 2,000W
    • 230mm
    • 6,500rpm
    • 1
    • 0
    • 5.8kg

How to Choose The Best Angle Grinder

An angle grinder is an extremely versatile power tool that can be used for a variety of cutting, grinding and polishing jobs. This is why angle grinders are so commonly seen on construction sites and in auto garages and workshops.

Angle Grinder Usage

Angle grinders work by using rapidly rotating headgear to which you can affix a variety of interchangeable abrasive discs or blades. The fast rotation allows these super powerful tools to cut through the most resistant materials, including metal, concrete, and stone. However smaller angle grinders can also be used for more delicate work such as cutting ceramic tiles or polishing metal.

As well as cutting tough materials, an angle grinder can also be used to grind away burrs left after cutting metal with various other power saws. Using an angle grinder for cleaning rust and dirt from metal as well as polishing it is also very common. These versatile tools can even be used to remove paint and sharpen other tools and equipment.

Most angle grinders can also be used with a large range of accessories – e.g. abrasive discs for sanding, grinding and polishing, diamond-bladed cutting discs for tile cutting, to wire brushes for cleaning.

Angle grinders are fast and powerful tools. As with many power tools, it is important to take great care when using them and always wear appropriate safety clothing including safety glasses.

Angle grinders come with two common disc sizes – 115 mm and 230 mm. The majority in this angle grinder review are of the smaller size since that is perfectly suitable for most home and DIY projects. However, if you are cutting large sheet material or slabs then a large angle grinder would be more appropriate. Make sure you choose the right size accessories for your tool.

The smaller 4.5-inch angle grinder (115 mm) is lighter and easier to use and is certainly the best angle grinder for beginners. Smaller angle grinders also provide a greater level of precision and access to tight spaces and are more suited to jobs such as trimming tiles, sharpening blades, and grinding and polishing intricate metalwork.

Safety Precautions When Using an Angle Grinder

Angle grinders are fast and powerful tools and should be used with the utmost caution. Always wear safety goggles or a face shield and gloves when using one. In addition, always make sure the guard is properly adjusted for the job you are undertaking.

When using new grinding wheels or discs, run the power tool for a minute or two in a protected area to make sure it is not faulty or damaged.

Always align the grinding wheel so that it spins away from sharp edges. This will prevent it from catching and throwing the work or causing the grinder to kick back.

Angle Grinder FAQs

Angle grinders are the perfect tool for metal grinding and cutting. You will need a metal cut-off wheel to complete the job. Never be tempted to use a stone-cutting blade for this task as this could result in the metal breaking up and fragments flying off. Once you have fitted your blade, secure the item you wish to cut and then apply light pressure. The grinder will do the rest.

To cut ceramic tiles, stone, or concrete you will need a stone cutting or diamond blade. Diamond blades are quite expensive, but they get the job done and last a long time. If you attempt to cut very hard materials with inferior blades you will get poor results and probably ruin the blade. Diamond blades are available in ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. As the name suggests one type can be used dry while the other needs to be kept wet while in use.

Cutting these materials is the same as cutting metal, but with items such as stone you may have to apply a little more pressure and the angle cutting will take a lot longer.

Angle grinders are ideal for cleaning, polishing, and grinding. The secret is to use the right grinder disc for the job. Cleaning rust and dirt from metal can be achieved with a wire cup brush or wire wheel. Grinding wheels or discs are available for both metal and stone. Abrasive discs and sanding discs are also useful for cleaning up and smoothing work.

Flap sanding discs are a particularly useful attachment as they can clean, sand, and even grind a little. They are also very long-lasting. Flap sanding discs are available in rough and smooth grits and these can provide a very nice smooth finish. You can also purchase polishing pads for your angle grinder to polish both metal and stone.

You can use angle grinders to roughly sharpen blades. You should attach the blade to a secure surface with a clamp and then carefully take the grinder to the edge of the blade to begin sharpening. If the blade you are sharpening begins to get hot, stop and let it cool down otherwise you will damage the blade.

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