When it comes to grinding your own herbs, there are many choices out there. Choosing the right herb grinder is an important decision because not only will you have a tasty and healthy product but also one that’s easy to use.

There are a few different types of herb grinders on the market, though most of them work the same way: they feature an auger in which you place your dried herbs and then turn the crank, which turns the auger to help grind up the herbs into smaller particles for easier consumption. This is known as “dry-grinding.”

The main differences between herb grinders come down to how they look and what kind of materials they are made from. You can find herb grinders made from stainless steel, ceramic, plastic, or wood (among others). Here’s a breakdown of what each material offers so that you know what to look for when making your choice.

Stainless Steel Herb Grinders

This is the gold standard when it comes to herb grinding. Stainless steel has been around since the late 1800s, and it offers the best durability. It’s also relatively easy to clean and doesn’t require much maintenance. However, it does cost more than other options, so keep those costs in mind. That said, stainless steel cannabis grinders usually last far longer than any other type, meaning that if you plan to make herbal remedies often, this should be your go-to option.

Ceramic Herb Grinders

If all you want is a simple herb grinder that won’t break easily, ceramic herb grinders are a great option. They’re typically lighter than other options and offer a smooth finish that isn’t prone to scratches or dents. Ceramics are also easier to clean and maintain, with fewer moving parts compared to other options. Some ceramic herb grinders even feature a magnetic base for stability while grinding. However, they don’t hold up nearly as well as stainless steel grinders. Also, if you need something heavy duty, like a durable grinder to support heavy herbs or a large mortar and pestle, ceramic herb grinders may not be enough.

Plastic Herb Grinders

Plastic herb grinders are another popular option. They’re cheap, lightweight, and easy to clean. The downside to these grinders is that they aren’t very sturdy, so they tend to bend and warp over time. Plastic herb grinders also get dirty really fast, and you might find yourself needing to replace them more frequently than you would with other herb grinders.

Wooden Herb Grinders

A wooden herb grinder is the easiest to clean and maintain of all the options. Wooden herb grinders are often used by chefs who need a durable and long-lasting tool to make their meals taste delicious without worry. The downside to wood is that it’s susceptible to cracking or breaking down over time. So, although a wooden herb grinder is probably the cheapest option, it may not be the most reliable. If you plan to use your herb grinder daily, however, this could be the perfect solution for you.

Types of Herb Grinders

Now that you know about the various materials herb grinders are made from, let’s dig deeper into some of the different types of herb grinders available and learn more about why you may want to choose them instead of others.

Handheld Grinders

These herb grinders are designed to fit into the palm of your hand. They’re small and portable, so you can carry them around with you and grind herbs anywhere you go.

Handheld herb grinders are ideal for people looking for a compact alternative to using a mortar and pestle. They’re small, easy to store, and light enough to bring along anywhere. You can also take advantage of handheld grinders for travel purposes, as they’re more convenient to carry around than larger grinder options.

Mortar and Pestle Grinders

A mortar and pestle is a classic kitchen tool that’s still widely used today. Mortars and pestles allow you to crush herbs and spices with ease, creating a paste that is less likely to clog up your herb grinder. Mortar and pestle grinders are also good for crushing hard seeds into powder form, a process known as “drying”.

Because mortars and pestles are often used for culinary purposes, they’re heavy and bulky. They’re also made out of stone, so they’ll scratch or dent easily if dropped. If you’re looking for a way to blend herbs with ease, this is definitely the type of herb grinder you want.

Food Processors & Blenders

Food processors and blenders are another option. Food processors and blenders are commonly used in the home for baking, cooking, and preparing food. They’re ideal for quickly pulverizing dry ingredients so that you can mix them together quickly and easily.

These types of herb grinders are ideal for people who love working with dry ingredients, such as flour, nuts, oats, and grains. Because they feature powerful motors, you can grind herbs quickly and efficiently if you wish.

For someone who loves to cook or bake at home, a blender or food processor is an excellent choice. Not only do they make quick work of tasks like grinding and blending, but they’re also easy to clean up after using them.