Plastic Grinders

Information About Plastic Grinders

Need your first ever grinder? Or maybe you keep losing them and just want something cheap that gets the job done? Either way, a plastic grinder is the perfect option. For a fraction of the price of other materials, you can get a grinder that fulfils all the same functions, without losing any quality in the process!

What Is a Plastic Grinder?

A plastic grinder, also known as an acrylic grinder, is a simple, robust, and functional object designed to grind buds of weed up, making them easier to smoke.

On the whole, they tend to fall at the simplest end of the spectrum, often just consisting of a chamber for grinding the weed. However, they can also be more advanced than this.

Plastic grinders are made from acrylic—polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)—commonly known as Plexiglas. This material is highly durable, resistant to many different chemicals, and highly malleable. As such, it's the perfect material for making a range of objects, including grinders and bongs.

What Are the Advantages of Plastic Grinders?

The major advantage of acrylic grinders is that they are incredibly cheap. Another is that they are tough, but so are most grinders.

Do they work better or worse than alternatives such as metal or wood? Despite their cheap cost, plastic grinders are renowned for being highly effective. On the whole, they work on par with other materials, and some smokers even prefer them.

How Do Plastic Grinders Compare to Metal Grinders?

Plastic grinders fulfil the same basic functions as metal grinders.

They are significantly lighter, although metal grinders aren’t exactly massive, so the difference is somewhat moot.

A big difference is that many plastic grinders just have the grinding chamber. Metal grinders, on the other hand, often come with, as standard, storage compartments and kief catchers. This gives them greater functionality compared to the simplicity of a plastic grinder.

That being said, there are plenty of plastic grinders out there that have these functions too. So don’t let that stop you from getting one.

Are Plastic Grinders Safe?

There is a fear with plastic grinders that parts of the plastic will fall off and become mixed up in the weed, and then smoked.

Although this isn’t impossible, it is unlikely. Plastic grinders should not be made from brittle plastics anyway. However, it is still worth checking your weed before you roll it up or pack it into bong—to put your mind at rest if nothing else! However, on the whole, plastic grinders can be considered safe.

How To Clean a Plastic Weed Grinder

Cleaning a plastic grinder is pretty easy. Warm, soapy water should mostly do it. If you’ve allowed the resin to build up around the sides, it might need to be scraped away with something. You don’t want to damage the plastic, so using something like a wooden cocktail stick, rather than a metal knife, will help lift it away without scratching the plastic.

One word of caution, alcohol can sometimes break down the adhesive that holds acrylic together, causing it to break. Therefore, it is advisable to use cleaning products that are free from alcohol.