The Best Angle Grinders For Cutting, Grinding & Sanding

Get the edge on your DIY projects with our angle grinder recommendations, handpicked for their versatility, power, and durability.
Tried & Tested: See Our Testing ↓
Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
Best Angle Grinder
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Whether you need to cut, grind or sand a variety of materials, angle grinders prove to be invaluable tools thanks to their remarkable versatility. Available in corded or cordless variants, there are plenty of models to choose from at your disposal.

To assist you in selecting the right angle grinder, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience using multiple grinders. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.

Best Cordless: Makita DGA 504 Z Angle Grinder
DEWALT DCG405N Cordless Angle Grinder
Best For Performance: DEWALT DCG405N Cordless Angle Grinder
NoCry 20V Cordless Angle Grinder
Best Heavy Duty: NoCry 20V Cordless Angle Grinder
Bosch GWS 7-115 Corded Angle Grinder
Best Corded: Bosch GWS 7-115 Angle Grinder
Makita GA4530R Angle Grinder
Best Budget: Makita GA4530R Corded Angle Grinder
Ryobi R18AG-0 ONE+ Angle Grinder
Best Budget Cordless: Ryobi R18AG-0 ONE+ Angle Grinder

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Angle Grinders

Over the years, we’ve used a number of different angle grinders to chase walls, perform tricky cuts on tiles, cut through metal and concrete, car repairs and many other applications (as shown in some of the images below). Therefore, we feel that we have plenty of experience to base our recommendations on for this article.

Best Angle Grinders

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best cordless angle grinders

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest angle grinders (for this article), we are continually upgrading the tools with the latest offerings from the top brands in the UK. DEWALT, Makita and Bosch are our “go-to” angle grinders but there is plenty of options to choose from to best suit every budget.

best cordless angle grinder

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
angle grinder best

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

In terms of our preference, cordless units are our favourite type of angle grinder to use and below is a video of us putting the DEWALT DCG405N (as rated above) to the test. As you can see, it cuts through the wall with ease.

It’s important to note that if you decide to choose a cordless angle grinder, we strongly recommend purchasing a second battery. Most have a continuous run time between 30 to 60 minutes, which may not be long enough for those who intend to use them all day.

As well as our testing and experience of using a range of angle grinders, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the tool’s build quality, performance, usability, design, functionality, warranty and value for money.

The Best Angle Grinders

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Cordless: Makita DGA 504 Z Angle Grinder

(How We Review →)

The Makita DGA 504 Z is one of the most popular cordless angle grinders on the market and for good reason too.

A standout feature that we like is the highly advanced brushless DC motor and built-in controller that automatically adjusts the cutting speed.  This has the effect of providing easier and cleaner cuts in all applications.

As well as intuitive functionality, safety is another main focus of this angle grinder because it has many features that help to avoid accidental injury. These features include soft starting, anti-restart, electronic current limiter and much more.

Pros
  • High powered motor with a no-load speed of 8,500 RPM
  • Anti-restart and soft start functionality
  • Rubberized soft grip and slide switch for extended use
  • Battery fuel gauge LED indicator
  • Constant speed under load
Cons
  • Can feel quite heavy whilst using for long periods of time (weighs 2.5 KG)

Although expensive, the Makita DGA 504 Z is by far the best angle grinder on the market. It’s packed full of intuitive features such as the built-in controller that maximize its usability and makes it one of the best available in the UK.

2. Best For Performance: DEWALT DCG405N Cordless Angle Grinder

(How We Review →)

DEWALT is a brand that requires no introduction and their cordless angle grinder is another great option to consider. It uses the brand’s highly rated 18V brushless motor for excellent power and according to DEWALT, this particular model is capable of up to 69 cuts in 1/2 inch steel per charge.

In order to maximize safety whilst using this angle grinder, it features an electronic brake that stops the disc spinning in less than 2 seconds once the trigger is released.

Pros
  • No-load speed of 9,000 RPM
  • M14 spindle thread
  • Electronic brake and constant clutch
  • Lightweight at just 1.75 KG
  • Compact and heavy duty design
  • Two position side handle
  • Mesh covers to restrict dust intake
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives

As you would expect from any DEWALT power tool, it’s a high-quality and high-performing angle grinder that’ll tackle most tasks. The only main drawback is its price tag but we feel that it’s a worthwhile investment that certainly won’t disappoint. We’ve owned this angle grinder for over a year now and it has accomplished everything we’ve needed it to.

3. Best Heavy Duty: NoCry 20V Cordless Angle Grinder

(How We Review →)

The NoCry brand is known for their high-performing yet affordable power tools and this angle grinder is a great example. It’s a 20-volt cordless unit that’s capable of sanding, cutting and grinding at speeds of 10,000 RPM.

Unlike similar priced angle grinders, this unit comes as a complete kit, which includes two protective disc guard shields, three 115 mm discs, a wrench, a charger and a case.

Pros
  • No-load speed of 10,000 RPM
  • Two position adjustable handle
  • Battery power level indicator
  • 2 hours fast charging
  • Paddle switch trigger
  • M14 spindle
  • Supplied with 7 accessories
  • Includes an impressive 4 year warranty
Cons
  • Goes through batteries quickly (from our testing)

The NoCry cordless angle grinder is a high-performing and heavy-duty option that won’t disappoint. The fast rotation speed of the disc makes it suitable for all applications and it’s backed by a long four year warranty for peace of mind.

4. Best Corded: Bosch GWS 7-115 Angle Grinder

(How We Review →)

The Bosch GWS 7-115 is a corded angle grinder that weighs just 1.9 KG and is suitable for continuous use upon multiple materials. Unlike the cordless alternatives, it offers far more performance whilst costing a fraction of the cost.

In order to maximize the life span of the grinder, it has specially designed air inlets that provide superior cooling. This is a major requirement for corded power tools that are used for multiple hours on a daily basis.

Pros
  • No-load speed of 11,000 RPM
  • Powered by a 720 watt motor
  • 115mm disc capacity
  • Anti-rotation protection guard
  • M14 spindle lock thread
  • Supplied with accessories
Cons
  • Adjustments to the protective guard requires a screwdriver

Bosch is well-known for their high-quality tools and the GWS 7-115 angle grinder won’t disappoint. It’s powerful, lightweight and safe to use for extended use and it really does tick all the boxes.

5. Best Budget: Makita GA4530R Corded Angle Grinder

(How We Review →)

Another angle grinder by Makita is their GA4530R model, which is just as popular but a fraction of the cost. It uses a powerful 720-watt motor with soft start and is able to deliver a rotational disc speed of up to 11,000 RPM.

According to the brand, it has been designed to maximize comfort with a lightweight construction and ergonomic barrel grip.

Pros
  • Powerful 6 amp (720W) motor
  • Anti-restart functionality
  • Machine bevelled gear
  • Lock on switch for extended use
  • Compact and lightweight (1.8 KG) design
  • Supplied with a 115mm grinding wheel
  • Includes a three year warranty
Cons

    To conclude, the Makita GA4530R is an excellent all-round angle grinder that can be used for extended periods with ease. It offers great value for the money and comes with the backing of a reputable brand and three years warranty.

    6. Best Budget Cordless: Ryobi R18AG-0 ONE+ Angle Grinder

    (How We Review →)

    Cheap cordless angle grinders are hard to find but the Ryobi R18AG-0 ONE is a great choice for those on a budget. It’s ideal for light to medium grinding or cutting tasks and has a spindle lock for quick and easy accessory changes.

    In terms of the performance provided by this unit, it has a no-load speed of 7,500 RPM, which is supplied via the 18V rechargeable 4.0 Ah Li-Ion battery.

    Pros
    • No load speed of 7,500 RPM
    • Three position comfort handle
    • Two stay non-lockable switch
    • Tool-less wheel guard
    • Includes a 115 mm grinding disc
    • Supplied with a battery, charger and bag
    Cons
    • Not as high quality when compared to the premium alternatives

    Overall, the Ryobi R18AG-0 ONE is an affordable cordless angle grinder that can be used anywhere for light to medium applications. Compared to other cheap cordless alternatives, the ONE+ is a trusted and reliable Li-Ion battery kit that is used among a wide range of the brand’s other power tools.

    Conclusion

    Angle grinders are versatile tools that are available to suit a range of budgets. However, to avoid disappointment, we advise that you purchase from a reputable brand that offers various accessories and a warranty for peace of mind.

    If you require further information regarding any of our angle grinder recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

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