Best Angle Grinder: Reviews of Top 10 Picks

Angle grinders are versatile power tools that perform many functions in a workshop, from cutting, sharpening, to polishing metal surfaces. Even better, they are also safe for use on a variety of surfaces such as tiles, wood, pipe, but most commonly, metal.

That said, tons of people, including you, are regularly in search of the best angle grinder. Not to worry, I’ve put in a ton of time as well to research and review the very best on the market.

But before that, if you’re new to using angle grinders, I’ll advise you to check out the buying guide at the end of the review so that you make an informed decision. It will show you the features to consider before buying, necessary safety practices and precautions, benefits of an angle grinder.

Let’s get to it.

The Best Angle Grinders Are:

Product	Details
1. Makita 9557PBX1	Our Top Pick	4 1/2” disc size 7.5 amp motor (with zig-zag seal for dust protection) 10, 000 rpm no-load speed Weighs 4.5 pounds Free kit (tool case, cutoff and grinding wheel guards, and diamond blade, and grinding wheels) 2-position side handle	Check Current Price
2. Dewalt DWE402		4 1/2” disc size 11 amp motor 11,000 rpm no-load speed 2-position side handle	Check Current Price
3. Milwaukee “Fuel” 2780-20 M18		4 1/2" – 5” disc size Brushless motor Weighs 5.8 pounds 8,500rpm no-load speed Red Link Plus technology M18 battery system	Check Current Price
4. Black & Decker BDEG400		4 1/2" disc size 6 amp motor 10,000rpm no-load speed Weighs 4.8 pounds Spindle lock 3-position side handle	Check Current Price
5. Porter-Cable PCEG011 4 1/2” Angle Grinder		4 1/2” disc size Weighs 3.77 pounds 6 amps motor Tool-free guard change 12,000 rpm no-load speed 3-position side handle	Check Current Price
6. Bosch 1375A 4 1/2`" Angle Grinder		4 1/2” disc size 6.0 amps motor with dust prevention mechanisms 11,000 rpm no-load speed Weighs 3.75 pounds Auto-stop feature 2-position side handle	Check Current Price
7. Makita GA7021 7" Angle Grinder		15 amps motor 6,600 rpm no-load speed Weighs 10.4 pounds Spindle lock 3-position side handle Main handle rotates 90 degrees left and right	Check Current Price
8. Metabo WEV 15-125 HT 600562420 5” Angle Grinder		5” disc size 15 amps motor 2,800-9,600 rpm variable no-load speed Weighs 5.5 pounds Spindle lock Soft start and overload protection	Check Current Price
9. Metabo 606467420 Angle Grinder		15 amps motor 6,600 rpm no-load speed Weighs 12.8 pounds Integrated vibration tech Spindle lock 3-position side handle	Check Current Price
10.Toolman 11500BPM 4 ½ Angle Grinder		5.6 amps motor 2,500 – 6,5000 rpm no-load speed 2-position side handle	Check Current Price

1. Makita 9557PBX1 – Overall Best Angle Grinder

The Makita 9557PBX1 is not just powerful, but one of the few consumer-grade grinders that can effectively handle such power. Also, it’s designed for comfortable handling and has a paddle switch for safer operation.

What I Like About This Product

I’m a fan of paddle switches in power tools because they are safer and, at the same time, can be stressful for intense use, but they can be a lot to handle at times. Fortunately, this Makita grinder has a lock-on (dead-man) switch to keep the grinder running without having to press the paddle constantly.

Also, the free aluminum case is a good addition. It may not be the strongest material, but its foam insert does a good job preventing discs from breaking or cracking. That’s enough, in my opinion.

Furthermore, it would perform remarkably on any home project and small industrial projects without overheating quickly like most inexpensive grinders. Still, you should be careful not to get it overworked as it’s not an industry-grade grinder.

Last but not least, the Makita 9557PBX1 is a joy to handle. It’s lighter than most in its category and has a sleek barrel that’s easy to grip.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

The free tool case is likely to be delivered with a dent or some form of damage to it. Nonetheless, it protects stored wheels effectively.

Aside from this, some folks may be frustrated by its auto-on switch because it disengages easily. Also, as opposed to how it’s advertised, it only supports a 5/8” arbor wheel and can’t switch between AC and DC.

Takeaway

Overall, if you’re a DIYer or pro (looking for a backup), the Makita 9557PBX1 is a great tool that gets a range of jobs done and will last for years if used appropriately.

Overall Rating – 4.6/5

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2. Dewalt DWE402 — Runner-Up

Dewalt, like Makita, is a giant in the industry and known for serving customers with affordable and functional products.

The Dewalt DWE402 is a close competitor with our top pick, and it could be your #1 as it’s more powerful than the Makita.

What I Like About This Product

The DWE402 is remarkably powerful. Actually, it sits right at the top among 4 1/2” angle grinders as far as power goes. In fact, you can grind tough materials for long without it overheating. For a small angle grinder, it has more than enough power than you’ll ever need to get a job done.

Furthermore, you can swap wheels without a wrench using its spindle lock switch. Another handy switch is its lock-on feature that prevents the grinder from powering on by accident, and also, enables it to run without holding down the paddle switch.

Finally, the wheel guard is capable of rotating 360 degrees, which comes in handy if you need to work at awkward angles. Moreover, if you like, you can opt for the DWE402K model that comes with a tool case.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

The size of the Dewalt DWE402 is a hit or miss. For one, it’s heavy, and this can help stabilize the grinder while working on rough surfaces. On the other hand, it would cause fatigue pretty fast if you are going to be holding it for long.

Besides, it’s also somewhat large, making it hard to grasp fully or comfortably while depressing the paddle switch for most folks. So, if you don’t have giant hands or something close, it can be difficult to handle.

Takeaway

Without a thought, you should go for the Dewalt DWE402 if you’re looking for the most powerful 4 1/2” angle grinder that won’t fry up under heavy use.

Overall Rating – 4.7/5

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3. Milwaukee “Fuel” 2780-20 M18 — Best Cordless Angle Grinder

The Milwaukee M18 has earned as the best and only cordless angle grinder in this review for its premium quality. It’s a trailblazer in its category that delivers close to the performance of corded grinders.

What I Like About This Product

Right off the bat, it’s easy to conclude that the Milwaukee 2780-20 is durable – and it truly is.  Plus, it built with ergonomic features like vibration reduction tech and a rubberized grip, which are only found in elite angle grinders.

While it isn’t the tool for heavy tasks, like cutting or grinding hard steel or concrete, it is a powerhouse in its lane. In other words, you can rest assured that it’d last long (on small projects), thanks to its brushless motor and Red Link + feature. This feature acts like a brake/clutch that shuts off power to prevent damage to its motor.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

The single most difficult issue with the Makita Fuel is its battery consumption. Maybe that’s why it’s nicknamed “Fuel” because it can go through a lot of batteries if you intend to do any intensive grinding job.

Moreover, its safety guard is quite too large for some users. And, the safety lock on the paddle switch is clumsy, but then again, it’s only to some users.

Takeaway

If you want a break from corded angle grinders or have a small project where it’s hard or impossible to plug into an AC outlet, consider the Makita 2780-20 M18 cordless angle grinder.

Overall Rating – 4.5/5

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4. Black & Decker BDEG400 — Best Budget Buy

The Black and Decker BDEG400 is a masterpiece for entry-level hobbyists or anyone on a budget. By masterpiece, it means it’s affordable, functional, and very handy, way better than many expensive models.

What I Like About This Product

For a cheap grinder, I’m impressed by its 3-position side handle. This simple feature can up productivity by a notch, especially when cutting. The vertical (third position) allows you to put enough pressure on the workpiece.

The BDEG400’s performance is something to write home about. It works smoothly for all jobs around the home and occasional use in a workshop. For this reason, I don’t agree that it’s weak, as many reviews have claimed since it’s a cheap entry-level tool in the first place. So, it shouldn’t be used for heavy work.

What’s more, it’s a good option for folks who have small hands or find it hard to grip other models.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

The power switch is flimsy and too “plasticky,” which makes it hard to operate. Agreed, “you get what you pay for,” but it shouldn’t be a pain in the neck to switch the grinder on and off, and for safety reasons.

Takeaway

Overall, this is a great angle grinder tool for anyone looking to get a backup, finish a job, or for occasional use at home. It is affordable and delivers fast.

Overall Rating – 4.4/5

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5. Porter-Cable PCEG011 4 1/2” Angle Grinder

Another inexpensive option, the Porter-Cable PCEG011, is a lightweight angle grinder that’s packed with user-friendly features.

What I Like About This Product

It’s a full package of all you can ask for in a grinder. The motor/speed ratio is amazing, maybe even too much for its cheap housing. Regardless, it can power through any material without damage as long as it isn’t bulky or too hard.

I’ll always cherish an angle grinder that has a 3-positon side handle and the PCEG011 one of them. It also has a spindle lock on top of the grinder for a hassle-free guard change and without wrenches.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

The PCEG011 is a fantastic grinder, but its power is way too much for its cheap plastic housing. It can get unbearably hot if it’s used for too long, and that will most likely, smoke/burn the motor as soon as on the first use.

Another drawback is its spindle lock. Many users have complained about the spindle lock button warping easily

Takeaway

All in all, it’s a good budget grinder for anyone looking to carry out small tasks in a swift fashion. Anything other than that, and its motor may smoke or overheat if it runs for too long.

Overall Rating – 4.3/5

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6. Bosch 1375A 4 1/2`” Angle Grinder — Durable Inexpensive Option

Bosch is a widely known brand across several industries, most notably for its top-quality products, regardless of price.

The Bosch 1375A angle grinder is a testimony to this legacy. It’s inexpensive but built to last and function, which could have easily made it the top budget pick in this review.

What I Like About This Product

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the Bosch 1375A has an astonishingly solid frame for a “cheap” angle grinder. It doesn’t look or feel like a toy, as with most cheap angle grinders on the market.

Also, it’s powerful enough for almost most grinding operations but not on a large scale. As a reminder, it’s likely to overheat or burn out if used for anything other than that, just like all angle grinders in its price range.

On the flip side, I like the Bosch Service Minder brush feature. It stops the brush automatically when maintenance is due to increase its longevity.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

Although the exclusion of the spindle lock feature in the 1375A can be overlooked, but not the unfitting wrench for skewing the tool guard.

Not like a slide switch system is totally bad for safety, but the one sported on this grinder is somewhat flimsy. In short, you may have a hard time holding it up, but then, it has a lock-on feature that makes it manageable.

Takeaway

Like the rest of the budget options in this review, the Bosch 1375A is lightweight, handy, but even better, a rugged choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.

Overall Rating – 4.3/5

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7. Makita GA7021 7″ Angle Grinder — Best 7- inch Angle Grinder

It may seem biased that the top pick for 7” angle grinders is also a Makita, but it’s not, at all. It’s easily the most popular in its category, which, of course, is for good reasons, such as its sheer power and ergonomic features.

What I Like About This Product

Makita, as usual, does a good job of protecting the motor and inner components of the GA7021 from dust and debris, which can shorten its use cycle. The motor is sealed with their signature zig-zag seal, and the inner components arranged in a labyrinth construction.

The power rating and torque of the Dewalt are unrivaled compared to its closest competitors. Its 16 amp motor is more than enough to support 6,600rpm effectively. In turn, you get to grind and achieve faster material removal without unnecessary pressure and grind for hours on end.

Another elite feature you stand to enjoy is its adjustable handle. The handle where the paddle switch is located can rotate to the left or right, and the side handle in three directions. This makes it easy to work at awkward angles or tight areas and support its heavyweight in a comfortable position.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

It’s a fantastic 7” angle grinder that’s close to being flawless. Most issues with this grinder were personal, or technical, like late delivery, or having to purchase an inner flange for flat center wheels.

Takeaway

The Makita GA7021 7” angle grinder is built to last, and easy to handle, and most importantly, powerful. T