As you mature and become a more sophisticated consumer of cannabis you are going to drop some practices and pick up on others. One of the things almost everyone eventually gravitates to is the grinder. The marijuana grinder can make a big difference in the quality of your experience while at the same time cutting prep time dramatically and eliminating the need to wash your hands so much (if you grind with your hands, like a lot of folks do). In this post, the team at the 710 Pipes headshop in Denver answer some of the most common questions our customers have about grinding weed.
FAQs About Grinders
Answer: A cannabis grinder is a tool used to break down cannabis buds into smaller, more manageable pieces. It typically consists of multiple compartments with sharp teeth or pegs that shred the plant material. Grinders can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood.
Answer: Using a grinder improves the smoking experience by creating a uniform and fine grind, which allows for a more even burn. This enhances the efficiency of the cannabis, making it easier to roll joints or pack bowls and ensuring that the cannabinoids are evenly heated and inhaled.
Grinding cannabis helps to preserve its potency and flavor by exposing more surface area, which allows for better combustion and more efficient extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes. This results in a more flavorful and potent experience compared to smoking unground buds, which can burn unevenly and waste valuable plant material.
Answer: Yes, grinders are also beneficial for preparing cannabis for other consumption methods, such as vaping and making edibles. A fine and even grind ensures that the cannabis heats evenly in a vaporizer and mixes uniformly in edibles, providing consistent potency and effects.
Answer: Yes. Grinding and slicing cannabis are two different processes. They also tend to produce very different results. As the name implies slicing marijuana entails using a sharp knife to cut the dried flowers into pieces. Some people choose to slice their weed into large pieces for use in edibles or whatever. Others, though, will chop the pot until it’s nearly as fine as you would get from a grinder. How big or small you cut the pieces will depend on how you ultimately want to use the weed.
Grinding, on the other hand, almost always results in a very fine product. This can be used to make first-rate joints or to produce high-quality bong hits because the fine grind will result in a more thorough, even burn. Finely ground herb is also good for use in dry herb vaporizers. If you haven’t tried dry herb vaping you can pick up a vaporizer in our online head shop.
Answer: Now that we know that separating kief from the rest of your weed during grinding can affect the potency of your smoke it begs the question: “What exactly is kief?” Kief can be found in the resinous trichomes that cover the surface of cannabis buds. These trichomes contain dense concentrations of cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds that give your expensive weed its flavor, aroma and kick.
As we mentioned above Kief can be collected during the grinding process if you get a grinder with a kief catcher. Fortunately most (though not all) modern grinders come with a kief catcher. That will be the chamber at the very bottom of the grinder. The kief itself will appear as an unassuming fluffy powder, but don’t let its milquetoast appearance fool you: thar’s stoner gold in that thar powder. Once you’ve collected a bit you can sprinkle it on top of your bowls, add it to joints and edibles or smoke it all by itself for a really intense high. The bottom line is that kief is one of the many positive results of using a grinder.
Answer: When choosing a cannabis grinder, look for features such as sharp, diamond-shaped teeth for efficient grinding, multiple compartments (especially if you want to collect kief), a magnetic lid to prevent spills, and a sturdy build made from high-quality materials. Additional features like a clear top or a crank handle can also enhance the grinding experience.
Types of Grinders Compared
Cannabis grinders are essential tools for users looking to prepare their marijuana for consumption. These devices break down the cannabis flower into a finer, more manageable consistency, enhancing the experience whether you’re rolling a joint, packing a bowl, or using a vaporizer. There are various types of cannabis grinders, each with unique features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Two-Piece (Single Chamber) Grinders
Pros
Cons
Simplicity: Two-piece grinders are straightforward, consisting of only a top and bottom part. This makes them easy to use, clean, and maintain.
No Kief Collection: Two-piece grinders do not have a separate chamber for collecting kief (the potent trichomes that fall off the cannabis). This can be a drawback for users who like to collect and use kief separately.
Portability: Their compact design makes them highly portable and discreet, ideal for users who need a grinder on the go.
Inconsistent Grind: The grind consistency might not be as fine or uniform compared to multi-chamber grinders, which could affect the quality of the smoke or vapor.
Cost: Generally, these grinders are the most affordable option available.
Three-Piece (Dual Chamber) Grinders
Pros
Cons
Kief Collection: These grinders come with an additional chamber to collect kief, allowing users to save and use the potent trichomes separately.
Higher Cost: They are more expensive than two-piece grinders.
Better Consistency: Three-piece grinders generally provide a more consistent grind than two-piece models, enhancing the smoking or vaping experience.
More Maintenance: With more parts, they require slightly more effort to clean and maintain.
Moderate Portability: While slightly larger than two-piece grinders, they are still reasonably portable.
Four-Piece (Triple Chamber) Grinders
Pros
Cons
Optimal Kief Collection: Four-piece grinders have a dedicated kief chamber with a fine mesh screen that sifts the kief from the ground cannabis.
Less Portability: Four-piece grinders are larger and heavier, making them less portable than smaller models.
Superior Grind Consistency: They are designed to provide the most consistent grind, making them ideal for vaporizers and other precision-consuming methods.
Higher Cost: These grinders are typically the most expensive option due to their complex design and added features.
Versatility: The multiple chambers allow users to separate ground cannabis from kief and use them independently.
More Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining these grinders can be more time-consuming due to the additional parts.
Acrylic and Plastic Grinders
Pros
Cons
Cost-Effective: Both acrylic and plastic grinders are relatively inexpensive.
Durability: Acrylic and plastic grinders are prone to cracking and breaking, especially if dropped or handled roughly.
Lightweight: They are very lightweight, making them easy to carry around.
Grind Quality: The grind consistency can be less uniform compared to metal grinders.
Maintenance: Over time, acrylic and plastic can both become sticky and difficult to clean. This can impact your grinder’s performance – especially if its not cleaned regularly.
Metal Grinders
Pros
Cons
Durability: Metal grinders are robust and can withstand heavy use without significant wear.
Cost: High-quality aluminum or stainless steel grinders can be expensive.
Consistent Grind: They often have sharp teeth that provide a consistent and fine grind, which is ideal for smoking or vaping.
Weight: They are heavier than plastic or acrylic grinders, which might be a drawback for users seeking portability.
Easy to Clean: Aluminum and stainless steel are both non-stick materials, making these grinders easier to clean than alternatives.
Wood Grinders
Pros
Cons
Aesthetic Appeal: Wood grinders are often preferred for their natural and unique look and feel.
Durability: Wooden grinders can wear out more quickly than metal ones, especially if they are not well-crafted.
Gentle on Cannabis: The teeth of wooden grinders are typically less harsh, which can help preserve more trichomes.
Cleaning: They can be harder to clean and may absorb resin over time, leading to a sticky grinder.
Grind Quality: They may not provide as fine or consistent a grind as metal grinders.
Selecting the right cannabis grinder depends on your individual preferences and needs. Understanding the pros and cons of each type will help to make an informed decision and enhance your cannabis experience.
Five Ways to Clean Your Grinder
There are so many reasons for herb smokers to love grinders. However, a dirty grinder doesn’t do you many favors. Whether you’re a wake-and-bake stoner or purely a social smoker, your grinder can become dirty and clogged in the blink of an eye, and their one-of-a-kind form can make them unusually tricky to clean. Thankfully, our online smoke shop team has put together a few tips on the best ways to clean your grinder, so you can get back to your smoking session sooner with a clog-free grinder and an equally clear head.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before soaking and scrubbing your favorite grinder, try to salvage any kief or flower that’s remaining in its interior. This may seem like a fool’s errand, but trust us – there could be more usable flower lurking inside than you realize. To do this, take apart your grinder. We’d recommend doing so while holding the grinder just above a clean plate or tray. Firmly tap each individual component repeatedly over the plate to jar any stuck contents loose. Next, use a tool to scrape out anything left inside. Don’t use a metal tool unless you want to scratch the inner surface – try a plastic one instead. A small, bristled brush is a great choice to scrub the grinder’s teeth clean (like you’d use on your human ones). Add whatever’s salvagable from the plate to a bowl to treat yourself for a job well done.
Once you’ve saved everything usable from your dirty grinder, its time to get down to business. The following cleaning methods are all effective ways to bring your dirty grinder back to its former state of freshness.
Boiling Water
Safe Grinders to Clean: Metal
Not Recommended: Acryllic, Plastic and Wood
Instructions:
Fill a small saucepan with several cups of water – enough to fully submerge each individual part of your metal grinder.
Bring the water to a boil, and then add each piece of your grinder. If you have any chillums or other small glass hand pipes (and enough water to cover them, too) feel free to add either to the pot to clean.
Leave the contents to boil for at least ten minutes, staying close throughout the process and adjusting the temperature as needed to prevent overflow or other issues.
Remove the water from heat and let it cool.
Wipe away any resin remaining on each piece with a cool, damp cloth.
Reassemble your grinder.
Stiffened, stuck-on resin won’t dissolve in hot water (unlike isopropyl alcohol), but the boiling process will make the residue soft enough to wipe it from the piece(s) with ease afterwards. As an added plus, this process helps to eliminate any lingering bacteria on your grinder and pipes.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Safe Grinders to Clean: Metal
Not Recommended: Acryllic, Plastic and Wood
If your grinder is made of metal, soaking the piece in isopropyl alcohol is a highly effective way to clean it. Don’t have any? Hit your local corner store, pharmacy, or go-to grocery giant – you’re almost certain to find small bottles stocked regularly at all three.
Instructions:
Fully submerge the individual parts of your grinder in a container of isopropyl alcohol for an hour or more (the longer you soak the components, the more thorough the clean).
The alcohol will be clear at the start of the cleaning process, and it’ll slowly gain an amber hue as it soaks up the resin residue.
After the grinder’s parts are finished soaking, remove each one from the isopropyl alcohol and lay each of them to dry on a paper towel or clean cloth.
Once the solution has fully evaporated, simply reassemble the pieces and you’ll have a squeaky-clean grinder, good as new and ready for use.
Boiling Milk
Safe Grinders to Clean: Metal
Not Recommended: Acryllic, Plastic and Wood
We’re not kidding – boiling your grinder’s components in milk is one effective way to clean them. Since hemp is liposoluable, it can be dissolved in fats found in milk or similar liquids.
Instructions:
Start this cleaning method by thoroughly rinsing the piece’s exterior with water.
Next, fill a small saucepan with enough milk to submerge each component of your grinder.
Bring the milk to a boil, then add every piece of your grinder and lower the temperature to a low heat.
Let the contents soak for approximately fifteen minutes.
Remove the grinder’s components with a clean spoon and rinse each with water before reassembling the piece. By this point, the resin from your grinder’s interior should be fully dissolved into the milk – leaving an herb-infused beverage to enjoy as a result.
Cola
Safe Grinders to Clean: Acryllic, Metal and Plastic
Not Recommended: Wood
Anyone who’s left a rusty penny or a freshly-fallen baby tooth in a bowl of cola knows that the delicious drink doubles as a surprisingly effective cleaning solution.
Instructions:
Fully submerge grinders made of any material (except wood) in cola piece by piece.
Leave the pieces soaking for approximately an hour.
Rinse each piece of your grinder in water as you remove them from the cola, then leave them to dry on a clean cloth.
This process should leave your grinder looking fresh as new. Unlike the milk cleaning method, you’ll have to dump the cola afterwards – but the cola-cleaning option itself is still a pretty cool one.
Freezer Air
Safe Grinders to Clean: All Materials – Acryllic, Metal, Plastic and Wood
You may have noticed that wood grinders can’t be cleaned with any of the methods outlined above, or that cola’s the only option described so far for cleaning plastic grinders. One way to help remove residue from grinders of every material is by placing the piece’s disassembled components inside your freezer.
Instructions:
Disassemble your grinder.
Place each piece on a clean surface inside your freezer.
Leaving them inside for a half hour should be sufficient, but there’s no harm in letting them chill for a few hours – or even a few days.
Remove and clean each piece with a clean, damp cloth.
After they’ve been wiped clean, rinse each piece with water and reassemble your grinder.
The icy-cold freezer temperatures makes even the most stubborn, stuck-on residue much easier to wipe away.
Grinder Maintenance Tips
Despite their relatively simplistic design, cannabis grinders don’t maintain themselves. Just like the gutters on a house that get clogged with leaves and don’t work as effectively, a grinder can get clogged with the byproducts of the grinding process and gradually become less effective.
There are a few common sense steps you can take to ensure your grinder is always performing up to its capabilities:
Clean Grinders Regularly
Don’t let the aforementioned byproducts build up inside and grind things to a halt (so to speak). If you use your grinder regularly, clean it regularly.
Don’t Overload Your Grinder
It can be hard to exercise restraint when there are a bunch of guests all clamoring for a hit off the bong but restrain ourselves we must. If you overload the grinder in the hopes of saving some time over the course of the evening you could damage the filters or screen or even the grinding teeth themselves. So for the long-term health and viability of your grinder only grind a modest amount at any one time. Your friends will wait. Believe us.
Store Your Grinder Properly
Most grinders have metallic parts. That means they’re susceptible to rust. If you want to prevent your grinder from rusting make sure you store it in a cool, dry place. If it’s hard to find a cool, dry place in your home then clean it before putting it away and store it in one of those airtight containers used for storing food. Or in a vacuum seal storage bag.
Use Lubricant
This isn’t a must, but it’s a good idea to apply just a bit of olive oil or vegetable oil to the teeth of your grinder now and then in order to keep them working smoothly.
Need a New Grinder? Browse Our Online Smoke Shop!
Ready to invest in a quality grinder? 710 Pipes has all of the smoke shop products you need and more. We carry a huge variety of popular smoking parts and accessories, including grinders, disposable vaporizers, water pipes, hats, hat pins and so much more! Our Northglenn and Denver head shops are both open seven days a week. Denver University students get 10% off with a valid student ID!
If you’re over age 21 in Colorado or other legal U.S. states seeking quality pipe shop products, our online smoke shop has several options available for immediate purchase from the safety and comfort of your couch. You’ll also find exceptional prices on hundreds more of our popular products – all deliverable straight to your doorstep. Whether you’re shopping online or onsite, 710 Pipes is proud to provide you with the very best pipe shop products on the market today.
