Although the grinder is also used to crush garlic in the kitchen, it is used by smokers to grind aromatic herbs or tobacco. There are different models and different sizes. Let's take a look to understand these small accessories and know which one to choose.
Also known as an herb grinder, tobacco grinder or crusher, a grinder is simply a miniature grinder. It can be used to grind tobacco, CBD flowers or aromatic herbs to produce a finer, more consistent texture.
They can be made of wood, plastic, aluminium or metal. They usually have two sections, although some models have three or four compartments to filter and collect the finest particles. The first receives the herbs or tobacco and the second, equipped with points or spikes, fits onto the first to crush and reduce the leaves. Finally, there are also electric models.

In the grinder family, it is possible to distinguish 3 main categories:
Each of them has its specificities, advantages, and disadvantages. Here are some details to help you make your choice.
The card grinder gets its name from its shape. It closely resembles a credit card. However, it is equipped with a grater on its surfaces, in order to crumble tobacco or aromatic herbs. It is used in the same way as a cheese grater. Its main advantage is its discretion: it slips into a wallet.On the other hand, it is not practical, as it does not have a receptacle to collect the crumbled pieces.
The pollinator grinder is the most commonly used. It is an accessory with 2, 3, or 4 parts. The plant material is inserted at the top, and then the crumbs are collected in the receptacle below. This reservoir is one of the product's strengths, as it ensures no crumbled tobacco is lost.Grinding is effective, but may sometimes require going over it several times to get something homogeneous if it is not electric. The negative point of this accessory remains its size, as it is not very discreet and bulky.
Finally, the grinder without a filter remains an intermediate solution between the two. Often made of wood or plastic, it holds the leaves between two toothed jaws. The user only has to turn the two parts themselves to achieve the desired density.Small, it slips into a pocket, but requires a bit more elbow grease to chop and extract the crumbs stuck in its teeth.
The grinder allows you to obtain a more pleasant consistency of the smoking material. Whether it is tobacco or aromatic herbs, if the density is balanced, the combustion will be too. Thanks to the grinder, the experience is more enjoyable.
Of course, the desired and appreciated consistency varies depending on the consumer. Some prefer thicker pieces, others almost love dust. It is a personal choice.
The grinder is an essential accessory, as it saves time and allows a more homogeneous grinding than when it is done by hand.
The grinder is generally used to chop tobacco. Some also use it for all kinds of aromatic herbs.
It is an ideal device for mixing several herbs and obtaining a homogeneous blend ready to use. Some do not hesitate to use it in the kitchen to chop garlic or crush onions!
As with automatic boxes, there are two schools of thought: those who prefer manual grinders and those who prefer automatic ones. With the first, you will need to be patient, but you will get the desired consistency. With the second option, a few seconds will be necessary to obtain a more or less fine and harmonious blend.
Then comes the question of taste… There are those who prefer rustic things and who will therefore lean towards noble materials like wood, and there are those who will opt for plastic for reasons of economy. In any case, both work very well; the question is merely aesthetic.
Many users have a preference for grinders with chambers, which allow collecting crumbs more easily than those without any reservoir. The choice among all the models often depends on the budget, but also on practicality.
There are several methods to clean a grinder:
The toothbrush and soapy water technique is the easiest. Never use a sharp object to remove stuck pieces or dried resin. That would affect the use of your grinder.