Grinder

A grinder is a tool designed to break down flower into a consistent texture for use in rolling, pipes, water pipes, and vaporizers. Consistent particle size matters — it affects burn rate, airflow, and overall experience. Hand-breaking works, but a grinder does it faster and more uniformly.

Key features:

• Consistent texture for even burning or vaporization
• Various materials (metal, wood, acrylic, glass)
• Multiple chambers for collection and separation
• Teeth configuration affects grind consistency
• Typically two to four pieces with different functions

The tooth design determines grind quality. Diamond-shaped teeth shred material efficiently without jamming. The spacing between teeth affects final texture — closer spacing produces a finer grind, wider spacing produces a coarser grind. Quality grinders maintain sharp teeth over time rather than dulling with use.

Material affects durability and performance. Metal grinders (usually made of aluminum) are durable, maintain sharp teeth for the longest, and often include multiple chambers. Wooden grinders offer aesthetic appeal but wear faster and can retain moisture. Acrylic grinders are affordable and lightweight, but teeth dull quicker. Glass grinders are rare and fragile, and they’re typically chosen for novelty or flavor purity rather than durability..

Chamber configuration matters if you want to separate and collect kief (the fine, potent particles that fall off flower during grinding). Two-piece grinders just grind — simple and easy to clean. Three-piece grinders add a collection chamber below. Four-piece grinders include a mesh screen and separate kief catcher at the bottom, letting you accumulate the finest particles over time.

Using your grinder: Don't overpack it — too much material makes grinding difficult and produces inconsistent texture. Break larger pieces into roughly quarter-sized chunks before grinding. For vaporizers, aim for medium-fine consistency. For rolling, medium works well. For water pipes, a slightly coarser material prevents it from pulling through. Clean your grinder periodically — residue buildup can affect performance and harbor bacteria. Isopropyl alcohol and a small brush handle are most effective for cleaning. If you've got a kief catcher, a coin in the collection chamber helps knock more kief through the screen when you shake it. Store grinders in dry locations to prevent moisture issues.