5 Best Concrete Grinders of 2024 – Review & Buying Guide
When it comes to interior design, nothing beats the look of polished exposed aggregate. You can achieve this look by concrete grinding, which consists of using power tools to remove the rough and scratchy top layer of a concrete surface.
The concrete grinder tools, in this case, need to have the best features so you can do the job quickly and flawlessly. This review compares the five best concrete grinders in the market that give you the best value for your money.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Buy the Best Concrete Grinder
You’ll find hundreds of products on the market, but not all grinders perform well; your buying process should separate the mediocre from the top quality. You might wonder why you need the best concrete grinder. Well, grinding is not a light and easy task; the wrong tool may not only make your job nightmarishly hard but could also lead to accidents and thus jeopardize your health.
I own a concrete flooring company and have had the chance to use several of the top model grinders out there. Occasionally, some tools have resulted in floor damage, requiring a refilling of concrete to level the surface once more. This adds to the overall costs, and some people simply can’t afford these kinds of mishaps.
Some other concrete grinders, even from top brands, cough up too much dust, others are too aggressive, while some are simply ergonomically infeasible for a long day of usage.
Most importantly, in my case, motor power and speed are often critical factors to consider. I believe a power tool should have the ability to pay for itself in a matter of days. So, given these requirements, which remain the same for every contractor, we’ll consider the critical factors to keep in mind when buying your next concrete grinder.
Grinding depth
The grinding depth refers to the level of the grind that happens in a single blade revolution. Compared to bigger walk-behind models, smaller handheld grinders have a lower intensity of grind. Some bigger models use multiple grinding discs and are thus suitable for larger surfaces or commercial-scale projects.
Be aware that with a larger grinding disc, you’ll face a higher risk of it skipping areas where the floor isn’t flat.
Choose handheld grinders when:
- You want a lightweight and portable contraption
- The goal is finesse and a highly polished surface
- Grinding work is something you do only occasionally
- You work only on small surfaces
- Working comfortably in hard-to-reach areas is important
Choose walk-behind concrete grinders when:
- Speed is of critical importance
- You want to cover a larger surface area with minimal effort
- Your working surface consists of super-tough concrete
Electric versus gas-powered models
Concrete grinders are either powered by gas or an electrical power source. The limitation with electric grinders is that you always have to work near a place with a power supply. If you are working in a remote location, a gas concrete grinder might be the ideal choice.
The grinding disc
Size matters. A big disc will cover a large surface area of grind per spin. Some grinders use multiple discs at the same time, doubling up the area covered in one turn.
The material of the disc also makes a huge difference, given that this part of the grinder does the actual cutting. Top brands use diamond cutting discs, empowering you to cut through the hardest concrete, marble, and granite surfaces. Silicon carbide delivers a similar performance to diamond.
Top 5 Best Concrete Grinders in the Market
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Metabo US606467800 Concrete Renovation Grinder,Green- Metabo safety switch prevents unintentional start-up
- Tool-free adjustable guard; twist-proof
- Metabo vibratech (mvt): integrated damping system and side handle to reduce vibrations in order to protect the user's health
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Editor’s Comments
There are days when you need a handheld grinder for unhindered portability and working flexibility. The Metabo US606467800 Concrete Grinder features a compact design for such days. Its small-sized design should allow you to grind concrete in corners and other difficult places.
The manufacturer describes it as a versatile model that can be helpful in both concrete grinding and metal surface grating. If it does live up to these expectations, you will get more bang for your buck.
The concrete preparation device uses a single 7-inch diamond grinding wheel. For a handheld grinder, this is a reasonably large grinding wheel with the potential for higher performance. The wheel is replaceable when it gets worn.
The Metabo is a portable, handheld single-disc concrete preparation kit that features a dust-control shroud, which you need to minimize the chance of inhaling harmful amounts of dust during the job. It features eight large holes around a central larger hole. Its design helps with vibration dampening, maximum heat dissipation, and dust extraction.
The handle is user-friendly. It is 23 inches long and 16 inches wide and can be adjusted in all directions. With the enhanced rubber-like grip included on the handle, you should be able to work with this machine all day without discomfort and pain.
Other ways the Metabo concrete grinder earns big points on ergonomics include vibration dampening. Concrete grinding can be a tough undertaking given the number of vibrations your hands have to stand up to. The Metabo grinder features a vibration-dampening system within the handle so you can work longer without the risk of soft tissue injuries.
A 2400-watt motor powers this machine. That means that the device wields plenty of power needed for your hardened concrete. Auto-stop carbon brushes help to safeguard the motor. You may, therefore, expect to use it for many years.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Ergonomic handle
- Handheld and portable
Cons
- Does not come with blades; hard to find blades that fit
- Dust collection shroud doesn’t work efficiently
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Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Editor’s Comments
The Bosch 1773AK Concrete Grinder is another handheld model for users who are after mobility and versatility. The device runs on a 12.5-amp motor with speeds of up to 11,000 RPM. That is a substantial amount of power, in my opinion, on a small portable piece like this.
The handle reaches 19.6 inches, which is a tad shorter than the 23 inches of height you get with the Metabo US606467800. Working with this device, for tall people, might involve some degree of bending.
The Bosch 1773AK compensates with its lightweight form. The contraption weighs a mere 6 pounds. The weight, combined with its small make, might enable you to work comfortably and effectively on surfaces in small spaces.
Unlike the 7-inch diamond grinding disc in the Metabo model, this concrete grinder uses a 5-inch diamond disc. This small grinding disc means that your grinding work will take longer; the machine grinds 5 inches of the surface with every pass.
The cup wheel is detachable and replaceable in this model as with the first item in the review. Even for its minimal grinding area coverage, you have a sturdily built cup wheel that can withstand extended use, thanks to the steel body construction.
Its body comprised of five well-spaced holes that help dampen vibrations and optimize dust extraction. The C-shaped design, on the other hand, helps to disperse heat and prevent build up.
The makers paid attention to ergonomics as well, by designing a wrap-around handle. The major drawback to watch out for here includes overheating, even with the spaciously-perforated cup wheel. Also, if there is no vacuum attached, this machine will yield vast amounts of dust.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Ergonomic design
- High quality and potentially durable grinding discs
Cons
- Smaller grinding discs
- There is a risk of overheating
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MK Diamond 166859 MK-SDG-7" Surface Grinder, Grey,black
- Attaches to traditional shop vacuum, reducing risk of respiratory problems
- Package Dimensions: 44.704 H x 90.424 L x 58.42 W (centimeters)
- Package Weight: 58.0 pounds
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Editor’s Comments
You get more power with the MK Diamond Floor Grinder. Its 15-amp motor generates speeds of up to 3500 RPM. You might be able to flexibly work with this tool on concrete, rubber, marble, or anything else that needs a sturdy grinding contraption.
Unlike the Metabo and Bosch models reviewed earlier, the MK Diamond grinder is a walk-behind model. This will be preferable if you are after ease during use. It is also wheeled for portability. When transporting it, you first have to disengage the grinding discs.
Even though its sleek and compact design makes it appealing for smaller projects and DIY undertakings, this grinder does pack features for industrial applications too. The dust collector connects to an industrial-grade shop vac to suck away all the dust. This will help improve the accuracy of your job, and can also minimize any work-related risk of respiratory illnesses.
The ergonomics are apparent not only in the compact, lightweight, and walk-behind design of this concrete grinder but also in its broad and comfy handles. These handles have a rubber grip section, and they are detachable for easier storage.
The concrete grinding machine uses a single 7-inch diamond grinding disc. This is a little bigger than the Bosch model previously reviewed. The cup wheel design helps in heat dissipation and vibration dampening.
Pros
- A sturdy construction
- The walk-behind design makes it easier to use
- It has a built-in hoover attachment for dust collection
- It sports a powerful motor
Cons
- Grinding disc not large enough for industrial applications
- The blade is not well balanced
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DEWALT DWE46153 Surface Grinding Dust Shroud Kit, 5"
- 11 Amp AC/DC 11,000 rpm motor
- Quick-Change Wheel Release allows tool free wheel removal
- Universal vacuum hose connection locks onto the tool
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Editor’s Comments
The DWE46153 runs on an 11-amp motor that generates speeds of up to 11000 RPM. It delivers a similar performance to what you get with the Bosch model review above.
Its design and build are compact and portable; it weighs 8.5 pounds. Because it is a handheld concrete grinder, users can work around corners and edges with minimal interference. You also don’t have to worry about storage space with such a small model.
The estimated height for the DeWalt concrete grinder is 5.4 inches. This falls far short of what the Bosh and Metabo models have to offer with their telescopic handles. It’s not possible, therefore, to polish floors with this machine while standing.
Like the majority of the items previously reviewed, this concrete grinder uses a single grinding disc. The 5-inch diamond grinding disc, in this case, is detachable and replaceable. There is a quick-change wheel release feature to facilitate the process.
The grinding disc features the same cup wheel design with equally spaced holes for dust extraction and vibration dampening. The DeWalt concrete grinder also has a dust collection shroud designed for compatibility with many external shop vacs.
Pros
- A well-designed dust hose with connection locks
- Powerful motor
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Short handle
- Getting the dust shroud back on is difficult
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Makita VC4710X1 12 gallon Xtract Vac Wet/Dry Vacuum and 7" Angle...
- Motor CHAMBER constructed of quality sound-absorbing materials resulting in a quiet operating sound level of 59 dba)
- Utilizes precision lightweight motor components and efficient air Ducting to produce a vacuum weight of only 27 lbs
- Automatic filter cleaning system with blow-back feature is time at set intervals to maintain filter performance for longer filter life
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Editor’s Comments
The highlight of this model is a motor chamber layered with sound muffling materials to minimize the noise levels during the grinding process. The manufacturer claims that this design cuts down the noise to a bearable 59 dBA.
The grinder runs off a 12-amp motor that can generate enough power to polish your hard concrete. Portability is not possible in this case, given that the machine and extraction vacuum together weigh 56 pounds.
The dry/wet grinder features a wide set of rear wheels plus a steel caster from the wheel for balanced and stabilized movement. There is an included filter cleaning system with blow-back capabilities and automation. The result is a cleaner workspace with minimal risks of clogging the engine.
However, the “self-cleaning” ability of the Makita VC filter may not work as advertised. There have been reported cases of blocked filters that become unable to gather anything else.
The grinder operates on a single 7-inch diamond grinding disc. This can be removed and replaced if needed. There is no quick-release feature for a wheel change.
Pros
- A powerful built-in vacuum
- Sound-absorbing motor chamber
Cons
- The grinder overheats too fast
- The “self-cleaning” filter performance is average
The Best Pick
Out of the five concrete grinders reviewed, the Bosch 1773AK Concrete Grinder is the one I recommend. The handheld grinder is excellent for free mobility. It also offers easy portability, given that it weighs a mere six pounds. Compact as it is, it runs on the most powerful motor in the review: 12.5 amps with speeds of up to 11,000 RPM.
Its handle reaches up to 19.6 inches. Although it could be longer, the concrete grinder compensates for its height limitations with a powerful 5-inch grinding disc. The disc is cup wheeled and holed for efficient dust extraction and vibration dampening.
These features, together with its ergonomic handle design, make the Bosch 1773AK Concrete Grinder the most recommended out of the five best concrete grinders.
Last Updated on August 7, 2020 by Tom Bradly