Signs you need a new grinding system
Are you still using a manual grinder? That alone is a sign you need to consider an upgrade in grinding systems. But more specifically, if you suffer from arthritis, hand pain, or fibromyalgia, or you have a hand/limb difference, an electric grinder that does not require manual twisting won’t aggravate your existing condition the way that a manual grinder will. Manual grinders, while valid technology, are generally quite outdated and rely on the user to know exactly when to stop manually turning to avoid over or under grinding their herb.
If you find that your manual grinder (or electric grinder) takes too long to produce consumable weed, you should be on the lookout for an innovative new product. There are handheld electric grinder units that can grind 20 times faster than manual grinders – there is no reason to be labouring over your weed when you can have a little machine do it for you!
Importance of an effective grind
Grinding your herb is a nuanced process. Grind your bud too fine, and you can end up with clogged airflow holes or torched bowls. Grind too coarsely, and your airflow will be too great, resulting in a loss of valuable oils, potency, and aromas. Unfortunately, manual grinders rely on the user to get a good grind, and if you are inexperienced, not paying attention, or it just isn’t your thing, it is very easy to ruin perfectly good bud with a lackluster grind. In order to get the perfect grind, every time, most bud enthusiasts have turned their backs on manual grinders and opted instead for a more advanced handheld electric grinder to get the most out of their herb experience.
When grinding, it is so important to start with a clean grinder – this post gives great tips and advice on cleaning, hygiene, and user responsibilities when it comes to taking care of a grinder. A dirty grinder can increase your risk of jamming, clumping, and losing your oils to the build-up caked inside. When cleaning your grinder, be sure to use extra caution around any electrical components by removing batteries or power sources and avoiding any submersion in water.
The next step
Electric or battery-powered herb grinders can be as-fast or up to 20 times faster than a typical manual grinder. If you’re used to manually grinding your herb, the first time you use an electric grinder you will likely be blown away at the speed – where a typical electric grinder operator will feel transported back to the stone age when forced to use a manual grinder. It is important to know your own personal limitations and expectations when it comes to your grinding experience – if you are someone with muscle pain or fatigue, carpal tunnel, or arthritis, a manual grinder may exacerbate these symptoms with the repetitive squeezing, twisting, and turning required to produce a ground product. A great deal of dexterity is then required to clear the grinder of herb and funnel it where it needs to go. If these are concerns for you, try to find a grinder with a hygienic dispensing tip to eliminate these steps (and reduce the risk of contamination).
