An angle grinder is a powerful tool that a hobbyist, DIY, or woodworker must have in his toolset. Why? Because this power hand tool has great versatility that helps in various functions such as grinding, cutting, polishing, and sanding.

This hand-held machine has a gear head positioned 90 degrees where you can replace its disc depending on the work you aim to do. It can be powered in three sources: electric-corded, battery, or pressurized gas.

Even professionals are having a challenging time picking the right one from various options in the market. Here, we have a complete guide for you to choose the best angle grinder for 2020. In addition, we also included a comparison chart and an in-depth product review for our top 10 best angle grinders for 2020.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR the best Angle Grinder

To choose the right one means understanding the important things you need to consider upon buying this powerful tool. Below are some of the common features and factors you need to look for in picking the best angle grinder.

1. Torque and RPM

This is the main factor you need to consider as this rotational force is responsible for effective cutting, grinding, sanding, and polishing actions of the power tool. Rotational speed or RPM is a tricky thing to look at, particularly the free load rpm.

Some tools have high free load rpm rating but the torque magnitude is low while others are the opposite – low to medium rpm with high torque level. It is best to choose a grinder with higher rotational force rather than high rpm rating.

2. Types of Wheels

For different functions, you will be using various kinds of wheels. Make sure to know what is the sole purpose for buying an angle grinder and what wheel type it can accommodate.

Fiber: This wheel type is used for removing rusts from the surface

Silicon: This wheel type is used for functions like cleaning, rounding, sharpening, and mortar removal

Aluminum: This type is great for woodworking. It is used for cutting bars, wood, and bolts. It is also used for polishing works.

Flapper: This one is used for the restoration of old and dull knives

Brush: This one is utilized for rust removal, cleaning, and deburring

Diamond: This is mainly used for cutting concretes, tiles, stones, and other hard surfaces or materials

3. Size of Disc

This factor depends on the area you will be working on. For larger areas, use a larger disc size approximately 7 inches and larger. For home or smaller projects, a smaller disc size of about 4.5 to 5 inches is suitable. The smaller disc size allows you to move through tight spaces and corners.

4. Wattage

The wattage specs depend on the type of project you will be working on. In general, the wattage range for most angle grinders is between 500 to 2500 watts with a voltage rating ranging from 110 to 230 volts.

In addition, to directly determine if the angle grinder is strong, look for its amp specification. Typically, the amp ratings of this power tool range from 4 to 15 amps.

5. Grip Handle

This is a hand-held power tool which creates a lot of tension and vibration that is transferred to your hands. If working for long hours, expect hand fatigue afterwards. In order to minimize this weariness, get a feel of the grip handle of the grinder.

A grip handle insulated with soft rubber is most ideal. Likewise, a textured one is better for it promotes better grip and a lesser chance of slippage.

6. Adjustable Guard and Safety Lock

These two features enhance safety while using this power tool. The blade guard must be adjustable to allow you to work on various angles while still having the protection.

Meanwhile, the safety lock switch is there to prevent any accidental start-ups which might incur harm for any user.

Top 10 Best Angle Grinder reviews 2020

1. Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder + Aluminum Case

 

FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 7.5 amp
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 11,000
• Safety Lock: yes
• Blade guard: yes

pros	cons
• 7.5 amp motor	• Nothing to like about it
• Easy to set up	?
• Effective torque and high rpm rating	?

Best for Overall

In terms of overall features, this angle grinder is our top pick. The main thing we love about it is its powerful 7.5 amp motor, free load rpm rating, lock on/off switch and the ease of using it. Not to mention the beautiful aluminum case coated with zinc included for this package.

Setting up this angle grinder is straightforward. Holding down the lock pin at first seems to be fiddly but you will get used to it after repetitive removal and insertion of wheels.

The torque produced in every turn is effective enough to do its expected task for cutting, grinding, polishing and sanding.

2. Dewalt DWE402 Paddle Switch Angle Grinder

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 11 Amp
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 11,000
• Safety Lock: —
• Blade guard: 360-degree rotation

pros	cons
• Strong 11 amp motor	• Not practical if you will be mostly working on small projects
• Easy to use paddle switch	?
• 360-degree blade guard and comfortable grip handle	?

Best for Strong Motor

This second grinder in our list is one of the best angle grinder models from Dewalt. The great thing we love about this is its 11 amp motor which is the strongest motor among all ten grinders in our list.

The power for this grinder is very noticeable which is good for knotted wires. This power comes useful if the flap disc starts to degrade.

It has an easy to use paddle switch and its grip handle is able to lessen the vibration transferred to your hand. Likewise, its 360-degree blade guard allows you to adjust according to the angle needed for work.

3. Black+Decker BDEG400 Angle Grinder

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 6 Amp
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 10,000
• Safety Lock: —
• Blade guard: yes, adjustable

pros	cons
• 3 handle positions for more work versatility	• Not enough torque for heavy-duty tasks
• Easy to use and set up	?
• Very affordable price	?

Best for Budget

If you are looking for a standard angle grinder for light to medium works at such an affordable price, then this on our third spot best suits you. This model provides you with the expected performance for any grinders at a minimal investment cost.

The overall housing of the power tool is solid and well-crafted. It delivers sufficient rpm and torque when a load is already present.

The blade guard is also adjustable to give you the versatility to work on various angles. It works as expected and definitely a prize winner. Moreover, it has a 3 handle position for added versatility and convenience.

4. Dewalt DCG412B 20V Cordless Angle Grinder

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 20V
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 8,000
• Safety Lock: yes
• Blade guard: yes

pros	cons
• 18V to 20V max cordless grinder	• The slight issue we saw from this model is the specific arbor wheel size
• 8,000 rpm with an effective torque	?
• Ergonomic design and handle	?

Best for Cordless Grinder

Another great cordless angle grinder model from Dewalt hit the fourth spot in our list. The lithium-ion battery of this model does not drain easily and there is an LED indicator for battery level.

Replacing wheels from this model comes easy and tool-less. It also has a 2-finger switch with a built-in lock-off electric button for quickly activating the power tool. For more comfort, the grip handle is insulated with soft rubber and it has 2 handle positions.

Moreover, for safety purposes, it has an adjustable blade guard particularly for cutting operations.

5. Porter Cable PC60TPAG Angle Grinder

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 7 amp
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 11,000
• Safety Lock: yes
• Blade guard: yes

pros	cons
• Easy to use and durable paddle switch	• So far, nothing can go wrong from investing in this power tool
• Lesser chance of hand fatigue	?
• Tool-free wheel replacement and blade guard adjustment	?

Best for Paddle Switch

Here, in our fifth spot is a great angle grinder from PC which a good replacement for Harbor Freight power tools. The nice thing we love about this grinder is it’s easy to use and durable paddle switch.

Other convenient features about it include its tool-free changing wheels and blade guard adjustment. This makes your job faster and less hassle. The blade guard is durable enough to withstand kickbacks and cracks. You also feel lesser vibration in your hands because of its rubber insulated grip handle.

The overall housing of this grinder is solid and tough enough to resist accidental drops and constant vibration.

6. Makita GA4530 Angle Grinder

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 6Amp
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 11,000
• Safety Lock: yes
• Blade guard: yes

pros	cons
• Durable parts and construction	• Nothing so far
• Effective torque	?
• Easy to maneuver and lesser hand vibration	?

Amazon’s Choice

Makita has always been known to manufacture quality power tools and another model from them makes it to the sixth spot of our list. Looking at its overall features, you really get the worth of your money.

When cutting bricks for landscaping, this one performs better than a wet saw. You can also use this grinder to make rough cuts and use a diamond wheel to cut through concretes.

This model has an ergonomic design which makes tool manipulation really easy and convenient. Compared to cheaper ones, this has lesser vibrations transferred to your hand.

Moreover, when doing leveling or smoothening surfaces, this can completely make the job done easier and faster.

7. Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 Cordless Angle Grinder

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 18V
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 10,000
• Safety Lock: yes
• Blade guard: yes

pros	cons
• Great portability	• Trigger switch seems to be flimsy for some models
• Strong motor	?
• Strong torque and high rpm	?

Another cordless angle grinder made the seventh spot in our list which is made from Milwaukee. The misconception of having lesser power and short battery life for cordless grinders is proven false for this Milwaukee cordless grinder.

This power tool has enough torque to flawless cut through a 2” cast iron metal. When doing vehicle overhauls, this is a good choice as well as it has 3 handle positions. Moreover, the design and grip handle of the tool allows you to easily manipulate it at various angles.

Beside that, some have a complaint about defective trigger switch but were settled and replaced immediately.

8. Metabo WP9-115 Angle Grinder

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 8.5 Amp
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 10,500
• Safety Lock: yes
• Blade guard: yes

pros	cons
• Reliable rpm and rotational force	• The red safety lever is made from plastic
• Easy to maneuver	?
• Majority of the construction is solid	?

Best for Reviews

Metabo angle grinder made it to our eighth spot in the top list. This model received several positive feedbacks from its users due to its reliable performance and durable parts.

Its paddle switch has comparable quality with Bosch. It has safety features such as adjustable blade guard and deadman switch which prevents accidental start-ups. Likewise, its trigger switch is well-made and overall housing is tough enough to resist accidental drops.

9. WEN 94475 Angle Grinder + 3 Grinding Discs + Case

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 7.5 Amp
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 11,000
• Safety Lock: yes
• Blade guard: yes

pros	cons
• Lightweight but solid construction	• Great for a standard angle grinder
• Reliable rotational force	?
• Adjustable blade guard	?

Best for Lightweight

Hand fatigue is a common problem among hand-held power tools. Why? Because of the huge vibration transferred to the hands of the user. Moreover, the heavier the weight of the tool, the faster your hand gets tired.

Luckily, we find this ninth grinder in our list as the best angle grinder for lightweight features. Despite being lightweight, you will never have the misconception of substandard quality with this grinder.

The solid and smooth black finish of this tool gives it a professional and expensive look. In terms of its rpm and rotational force, you can never be disappointed with this one as it does what it is expected to do.

Overall, not much fancy in it but truly does what it is expected to do.

10. Ryobi P423 18V Cordless Angle Grinder

 

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Motor: 18V
• Disc Size: 4.5”
• RPM: 10,400
• Safety Lock: yes
• Blade guard: yes

pros	cons
• Highly portable	• The trigger switch
• Reliable speed and rotational force	?
• Convenient grip and wheel replacement process	?

Best for Overall

Among other cordless types, this one has proven its worth as a reliable and sturdy cordless angle grinder.

Despite the prejudices that cordless types have less strength compared to corded and pneumatic ones, this angle grinder from Ryobi made a solid stand, in proving it wrong. With the presence of a load, it spins slower than 10,400 rpm but delivers enough torque to complete the job.

Other features to admire which provides excellent convenience are its anti-slip grip handle, adjustable blade guard, and the changing of the wheels can be done without any extra hassle.

However, the trigger switch seems to be slightly hard to use.