The Best Angle Grinder Choice For 2021 – Tested & Reviewed

Whether you are trying to cut through metal or masonry, remove burrs and rust, or simply cleaning up metal work, an angle grinder is an integral part of your tool chest. Outside of well-informed professionals, however, there is a sort of epidemic of users buying poorly crafted cheap grinders that clutter the store shelves.

A best angle grinder is one of those tools that will likely be looking at a hard life—they are commonly at the forefront of tough and time-consuming tasks, and the less durable/low-cost models are prone to giving out relatively quickly. Cutting and brushing tiles, concrete, and metal requires a large amount of power, and pieces can quickly break or wear down.

There are a number of durable angle grinder options out there, but the generally higher costs of those tools often make buyers hesitant to make the purchase. The truth is that buying the right angle grinder, one made to get the job done quickly and built to last, can actually be a money saver. To that end, we have put together a list of some of the best angle grinders out there—these are all solid tools worthy of their investment, and will likely last 5x or so longer than the bargain bin angle grinders.

3 Best Angle Grinder – Comparison

IMAGE	NAME	FEATURES	PRICE
	DEWALT DCG413B 20V	Voltage: 20 volts Weight: 3.75 pounds	Check Price
	Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel	Voltage: 20 volts Weight: 5.38 pounds	Check Price
	Makita XAG03Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless	Voltage: 18 volts Weight: 8 pounds	Check Price

8 Best Angle Grinders – Review

1. DEWALT DCG413B 20V XR Brushless

Dewalt is known for consistently putting out reliable products, and every once in awhile they knock one out of the park. The DEWALT DCG413B is a fantastic brushless angle grinder with a paddle switch and kickback brake—arguably the best bang-for-your-buck angle grinder out there today.

This grinder easily has enough power to glide through stucco and cement, and the addition of the kickback brake, paddle switch, and two-stage trigger make accurate operation very simple. The long battery life reduces the need to pause in the middle of a project, and the brushless motor means your tool can look forward to a long and productive life. It also has Dewalt’s “E-Clutch® / Overload Protection” which means that snags are not going to tear your arm off.

The DEWALT DCG413B is a 4.5 in angle grinder that weighs in at 3.75 pounds. It works best with the Dewalt 20V MAX XR 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery. The no-load speed sits at a max of 9,000 RPM.

The price makes it approachable for the typical homeowner, while the power and extra features mean that it should have no problem keeping up on a worksite. You will be hard-pressed to find a better tool worthy of your money at this price range.

2. Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel

The Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 sports Milwaukee quality and proprietary systems (cordless Redlink setup and the brushless motor), giving it a solid edge over most of the competition. This is another cordless grinder with the power to take on the tougher jobs in a service garage or auto body repair shop, as well as tile, stone, and concrete cutting.

The Milwuakee “Red-Link Plus Intelligence system” is an on-board electronic system that works to decrease the overheating of your motor and batteries. The POWERSTATE™ brushless motor is also exclusive to Milwaukee products and has been proven to give better performance with less motor wear over time. The tool-less adjustments are also a nice addition.

If you already use Milwaukee tools/batteries then this item is a no-brainer. It is built to be durable the brushless motor means it has quite a bit of life in it—so it easy to think of the extra price on this tool as an investment in the future.

Officially, the Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 comes in at an acceptable 5.8 pounds, and is best utilized with the M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 batteries. While many 4.5″ angle grinders are unable to utilize a 5″ wheel, this grinder can use either one. The RPM is measured at 8,500.

3. Makita XAG03Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless

Another cordless best angle grinder with a brushless motor, the Makita XAG03Z is an excellent addition to the lineup of affordable yet high-end brushless grinders we have been featuring at the top of this list. This Makita uses additions like the automatic speed changing and a compact design to stake its niche out.

The Makita XAG03Z is a 4.5” diameter angle grinder weighing in at 5.5 pounds. It will work best with the Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries. RPM is rated at 8,500.

The soft start and comfortable in-hand design mean that this tool will put less strain on your body and will allow you to work just that much harder—don’t underestimate comfort when you are hours into a task. Along with the added comfort, the “Automatic Speed Change™ technology” will adjust cutting speed and torque during operation to increase performance.

The most prominent complaint is that this extra power will suck your batteries dry quickly. If you already utilize Makita 18v tools/batteries and normally have some backup batteries charged and ready to go, then this device should be the next addition to your collection. Otherwise, you will probably need to invest in a few batteries as well.

4. DEWALT DWE402 11-Amp Paddle

The DeWalt DWE402 small angle grinder is a 4.5” diameter corded workhorse that comes in at a much lower price than our other top choices, while still bringing to the table additional benefits like a dust ejection system, one-touch guard with 360-degree rotation, paddle switch with safety lock-off, and a Quick-Change™ wheel release.

This Dewalt tool sports oversized brushes which are purported to provide twice the life. It also has an auto-off feature that shuts the device down when the brushes need replacing, avoiding needless damage to the tool. The dust ejection system and larger spiral bevel gear are also strategic choices to ward off some of the most common causes of tool failure, making this Dewalt grinder a survivor.

This best angle grinder has been the recipient of a whole lot of positive attention from prosand homeowners alike, and should be your top consideration if you are looking to go with a corded option. It weighs in at a light 4.6 pounds and runs on a corded 120 volts. The no-load speed clocks in at 11,000 RPM.

5. Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder

The Makita 9557PBX1 shines in the durability department, meaning you can consider this tool another safe investment towards future use. This is an ideal choice for beginners and mid-range professionals due to its safety features, relatively low price, and adequate power.

This Makita is relatively comfortable and easy-to-use 4” grinder.It is lightweight, only 4.5 pounds, has a small diameter grip, and sports a larger paddle switch which reduces ramifications when the grinder kicks back. The ability to toggle a lock-on/off feature for continuous operation will be handy for some users.

The 9557PBX1 is also likely to last longer than comparable tools in the same price range with certain design features like an armature protecting varnish and labyrinth seal which will reduce wear from dust and debris.

The Makita 9557PBX1 is corded with an AC/DC switch for use with alternative power sources. The 7.5 AMP motor will deliver 11,000 RPM.

What we liked:

6. Metabo W9-115 8.5 Amp Angle Grinder

Light enough for single hand use, and powerful enough for heavy-duty cutting tasks, this 4.5” diameter, 4.6 lb grinder is a great choice for those looking to augment their tool chest. It is one of the better corded options (120 Volt DC) out there, and there are quite a few shops that rely regularly on this Metabo. It clocks in at 10,500 RPM and can be modified for left-handed users.

The Metabo “Longlife-motor” improves durability by removing a large portion of the dust particles from the tool, and the auto-stop carbon brushes will ward off damage when the brushes are worn away.

This Metabo is also designed around limiting hassle and extended periods of use. It is easy to handle, comfortable to hold, and sports a tool-less adjustment design. The tool also has a safety clutch that reduces kick-back during disc jams. All in all, this tool brings to the table a high level of safety and a design that reduces downtime.

7. Makita GA4530 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder

Another Makita that champions its price range, this time at the lower consumer level. This is a small 4-pound corded angle grinder with a comfortable barrel grip and compact design. The small package packs a punch though with a powerful 6.0 AMP motor that delivers 11,000 RPM, making this small tool suitable for a number of tough tasks.

Like the 9557PBX1, this Makita model is also protected by a labyrinth seal and protective zig-zag varnish that reduces wear from dust and debris. This tool is an inexpensive and handy alternative when you are looking for a quick solution to smoothing concrete floors or tile work—though if you get an added diamond blade or wire wheel, you can tackle even more tasks ranging from stripping rotten wood to scoring brick.

8. Bosch PWS 700-115

This product is currently unavailable at Amazon.com, but if you are from the United Kingdom, you can get one from Amazon.co.uk

This is a lightweight (3.7 lb) and inexpensive best angle grinder that is perfect for long duration tasks. The no-load speed of 11.000 RPM also means that this little guy packs quite the punch—it is not built for huge jobs, but it will let you get simple tasks done quickly, easily, and comfortably.

For a lower-end angle grinder, the Bosch PWS 700-115 contains a respectable number of features such as tool-free disc changes and protective guard adjustments, and a patented dust protection system that prevents dust from gathering in the ball bearing.

All in all, it is a safe and versatile tool to use for grinding, cutting, and brushing tiles, concrete, and metal around the house, or as a backup to the workshop.

Final Verdict

It may be tempting to buy the cheaper angle grinders as a quick solution to a task at hand, and if you opt for the Makita XAG03Z or Bosch PWS 700-115, you won’t be making a bad decision. However, if you are expecting a relatively heavy workload, then investing the money in the best angle grinder made to last can actually save you money down the road.

Evaluate each of these tools for yourself and the workload ahead of you, and make a rational decision about what you will be paying, the features you want, and what you expect out of the tool. A creative mind can find many uses for a well-built angle grinder.