The UK's bestAngle Grinders2022 Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.