You will need to cut or grind through metals, ceramics, or wood as you undertake your DIY project. In this case, it is important to have a good variable speed angle grinder by your side. So, how do you know which angle grinder is best for you?
Below is a review of top-rated grinders from some of the best brands to act as a buying guide. Therefore, read through to get valuable information on some of the best angle grinders.
Comparison Chart
Variable Speed Angle Grinder Reviews
Bosch GWX13-50 Variable Speed Angle Grinder
One of the top-rated angle grinders is the GW13-50 by Bosch. It features a Snap-on X-lock wheel change that is five times faster than common mounting interfaces. With a powerful grinder featuring a 13-amp motor, this angle grinder gives you the required performance you need to cut through metal and wood.
Review
This hand-held power tool features an ergonometric shape that gives you comfort and control. Its multi-grip paddle switch gives you the required traction for metal and concrete works. In addition, the vibration control auxiliary handle allows you to control the grinder better for enhanced safety and performance.
Another thing you will love about this grinder is its ease of operation; it comes with a Snap-on wheel change that allows for a faster accessory change than standard wheel mounts. Additionally, the wheel on this mount is released by pulling a lever; unlike others, you need a spanner wrench or flange nuts to mount your new wheel. So, if you are looking at the convenience, you will love the X-lock mounts, which give you a wheel change five times faster than standard grinders.
Another selling point of this grinder is the 13 amp rotor designed to give you a great grinding performance. In addition, the rotor comes with a variable speed setting control ranging from 2800-11500 amps that allows you to adjust the speed to match your performance requirements.
Additionally, when the speed control setting is combined with the wheel change options, this tool is versatile so that it can cut through many materials. The X-lock mount accommodates a variety of X-blade possibilities that allow you to cut or grind through stone, masonry, metal, and ceramic.
As a craftsman, you want a tool that will give you long years before you can replace them. This grinder by Bosch is equipped with epoxy-coated field windings and a motor cooling system that extends the service life of the motor. Additionally, it comes with spiral gears for smooth and efficient power transmission. Thus, the GWX-13 is one of the long-lasting and efficient grinders you will find today.
However, before purchasing this grinder, it is important to be aware of the fact that this grinder is only compatible with X-lock accessories by Bosch, which is difficult to find in most retail outlets. Also, the X-lock accessories are more expensive compared to standard discs.
Pros
- Versatile power tool
- Ergonometric design for enhanced comfort
- 5X faster disc change
- Long lasting service
Cons
- Limited to X-lock accessories
DEWALT 240 Angle Variable Speed Grinder
Another grinder worth looking at is the DEWALT angle grinder; it comes with in-built safety features, making it one of the safest power tools for typical grinding. Additionally, it features a small compact shape that makes it convenient to use
Review
One of this power tool’s great and unique features is the brushless motor that is energy efficient and durable. This one does not have brushes to replace, which makes them an economical solution for long-lasting service. Furthermore, unlike brushed motors, it adjusts the current according to the energy required to perform a specific task minimizing energy loss. Also, it comes with minimum friction and voltage drop, making them energy-efficient.
DEWALT has put a lot of attention on the user’s safety; the grinder comes with a guard to shield the user from injuries when grinding. Additionally, it comes with a kick-back brake that stops the blade quickly when it is bound for enhanced safety. Also, it has a power loss trigger switch that automatically shuts downs the grinder in cases of power outages. You will have to restart the tool when the power comes back. Thus, you are protected from the dangerous sudden rotation of the grinding blade.
Furthermore, it comes with a variable speed control setting that allows you to adjust to a maximum of 9000 RPMs. You can easily change the blade speed to accommodate a variety of applications. Ideally, you can use it in various typical grindings you encounter while doing home repairs. You can use it to cut through water pipes, wooden furniture, and ceramic tiles.
Also, this grinder has been shaped to enhance the grip and control of the user. At 6 inches, this power tool perfectly fits into your hands, allowing you to control it better. Additionally, it comes with an auxiliary handle that gives you a better grip on the grinder. Lastly, this power tool is fairly lightweight for improved agility. At a weight of 6.79 pounds, you can easily maneuver with this grinder.
One downside about this grinder is that it is made for light-duty applications. Therefore, as much as you can use it on heavy-duty tasks such as cutting through structural stainless steel, it will greatly reduce the service life of this tool.
Pros
- Energy-efficient brushless motor
- In-built safety features
- Suitable for a wide range of typical grindings
- Auxiliary handle for better control
Cons
- Unsuitable for heavy-duty grinding
Metabo HPT Angle Grinder
The Metabo HTP is another variable speed grinder designed with a brushless motor to perform exceptionally well for various grinding and cutting tasks. Additionally, it has five in-built user safety features that protect the user from fatigue and injury.
Review
This angle grinder features a 12-amp brushless motor with a maximum speed of 10,000 RPM. It comes with a variable speed setting control that allows you to adjust your rotor speed between 2800-10,000 RPM to cut through a wide range of materials. Also, because of the brushless motor, this grinder is associated with less power loss, making it highly efficient for grinding and cutting. Unlike other engines, this one does not require regular maintenance and replacement of carbon brushes.
This power tool comes in a corded model, allowing extra-long extension cables with minimal power loss. Unlike cordless power tools, corded models have a consistent performance due to a direct connection to the electricity outlet. Moreover, the inverter circuit controls uneven power supply for superior performance. Also, this corded power tool has an extended life as it does not rely on short-lasting batteries.
The Metapo angle grinder comes in a light, compact size, making it easy to move around. You can easily maneuver with this tool for increased accuracy at a length of 4.5″ and a weight of 4.6 pounds. Additionally, it comes with a side handle, allowing you to control the power tool better.
Also, many details have been put on this hand-held grinder to enhance the user’s safety. First, it comes with a kick-back switch that quickly switches off in case of a bound disc to protect the user from potential injuries. Also, to protect you from cuts as a result of the tool restarting in cases of power outages, this grinder has a switch that shuts down the grinder. The only way the power tool is activated is through the lock-off lever that has to be pushed down.
Additionally, this grinder incorporates a soft-start technology that prevents the tool from recoiling when powered up. This technology slows down the motor until the angle grinder is fully activated, preventing the device from spinning and causing injuries. Lastly, this grinder has a filter mesh to prevent dust and debris from getting into the motor housing, extending the motor’s service life.
However, the material used on the casing of this hand tool is very slippery; thus, you will need to stick grit sanding discs on it for enhanced grip.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful brushless motor
- Enhanced user safety
- Extended service life
Cons
- Slippery casing
Powerbuilt Variable Speed Angle Grinder
This is another grinder by Powerbuilt that has been tested to give you the quality you can trust. It features six-stage speed control and electronic speed control, allowing you to enjoy consistently high performance.
Review
The Powerbuilt variable speed grinder is built with a 10 amp motor that allows you to enjoy performance ranging from 4000 to 11000 RPM. In addition, the six-stage speed setting enables you to adjust the power to match your specific job. Thus, you can use it for various tasks, including tough grinding, sanding, cleaning, and polishing. Also, the electronic speed control adds to its great performance, which allows you to maintain a constant RPM under load.
This grinder is comfortable to use thanks to its balanced design, lightweight feel, and side handle. At a weight of 6 pounds, this grinder gives you the required freedom of movement and control. Additionally, the rubberized handle is built to absorb vibrations, allowing you to control it with minimum effort. It also has a lock-on trigger for enhanced comfort.
Like any other top-rated grinder, this power tool has enhanced the user’s safety. It has an adjustable wheel guard to protect your hand from being cut by the wheel blade. Additionally, the guard helps prevent debris and sparks from flying on your face. Also, you can adjust the wheel guard to match your desired level of protection without compromising the visibility of the blade.
Additionally, this wheel comes in a 5″ metal grinding wheel, making it ideal for DIY projects. The compact size enhances the portability of the power tool and gives you better control of it. In addition, it comes with a side handle, allowing you to have a better hold of the grinder. Another thing you will love is the spare motor brushes that allow you to change your worn-out brush for better performance.
The Powerbuilt grinder comes in a ready-to-use form; you only need to install the packaged wheel and side handle, and you are good to go. Moreover, with the many industry performance tests, this grinder is a quality product you can trust.
One downside about this grinder is that it comes with a brushed motor that wears out quickly. So, this is not your ideal choice if you are looking for an engine that gives you long-lasting service.
Pros
- Balanced design for enhanced comfort
- Six-stage speed setting for enhanced precision
- Adjustable guard for user safety
- Constant speed under load
Cons
- Short-lasting brush motor
NEIKO 10881A Cordless Angle Grinder
The NEIKO 10881A features a cordless angle grinder with a powerful brushless motor to give long-lasting performance. This is an ideal power tool if you are looking for a cutting tool for grinding and shaping metal surfaces.
Review
This cordless angle grinder features a powerful brushless motor with a variable speed control of 6500, 7500, and 8000 RPM. The brushless motor gives you long-lasting performance with minimal energy loss. In addition, it saves you the cost and effort of changing the motor brushes.
Additionally, to enhance your safety, this cordless grinder comes with a secure electronic brake which quickly turns it off in case of wheel binding. When a grinder wheel is bound, it causes it to spin in your hands with the likelihood of being cut. Thus, the electronic brake is an important feature that helps prevent the grinder from harming you.
The cordless features allow you to maneuver with ease to achieve greater accuracy. Unlike corded models, you do not need to pull wires around. Thus you have a lot of freedom to move. Additionally, it comes with an energy indicator that indicates the charge level is at 100%, 65%, and 25%. Thus, you know when it is time to plug in your grinder to avoid the inconveniences of a dried-out battery. Moreover, the ETL-approved fast charger charges your battery in no time.
What you will also love about this tool is its ease of operation and control. First, it comes with a secure spindle lock that allows for a quick and safe wheel change. Secondly, you can reposition the grinder handle to a side that will enable you to cut or grind easily. This power tool is worth your penny as it provides easy wheel change and improved control.
Additionally, it comes with a 4.5″ blade and 5/8″ thread, making it ideal for surface grinding and drilling in DIY projects. The edge performs well in cutting, finishing, and smoothing metals. Additionally, the drill bit allows you to make holes in stones, wood, or metals. Generally, this grinder is a versatile power tool worth investing in.
One disadvantage of this grinder is that it is impossible to have a constant RPM. Instead, the motor draws power from a battery that drops with time. Thus, unlike corded models, this grinder has fluctuating performance depending on battery level.
Pros
- Powerful brushless motor
- Cordless for ease of movement
- Fast charging
- Ease of operation and control
Cons
- Fluctuating RPM
Final Verdict
A variable speed angle grinder is an essential power tool for artisans and DIY enthusiasts. However, as discussed above, different tools deliver varying levels of performance. So, a grinder that is ideal for you is not necessarily a fit for another person. The trick is to select a tool that gives you the desired performance, comfort, and safety.
We hope this review helps you to arrive at a well-thought-out choice.