Getting herbs ground to the perfect consistency can be challenging. Some like coarse herbs that take a while to burn, while others want finely ground bud. Another subset prefers something in the middle.
Now there is a grinder for all three of these categories.
The Brilliant Cut Grinder by Grinders for Life shreds herbs how the user likes. It is an outstanding device well worth considering.
This review provides a quick rundown on all the specs, pros, and cons, as well as comparisons with similar devices.
Table of Contents
Brilliant Cut Grinder Review
The BCG is a threadless 3-piece grinder made by Grinders For Life. They are a company located in Canada.
These are GFL’s standard grinders, and they have another larger option, but this one should meet just about everyone’s needs.
It has a threadless design that makes it easy to rotate back and forth and easy to clean. Plus, it compares favorably with the leading alternatives.
Of course, there are cons, but the advantages outshine anything wrong with it.
Standard Brilliant Cut Grinder vs. Large Brilliant Cut Grinder
Some people might think the standard grinder is too small, but the large BCG is an extra option for people who want something bigger.
The larger version is 2.7 x 1.75 inches tall, while the standard is 2.2 x 1.71 inches tall. The reason why someone might want a slightly bigger version is to grind more herbs. But it does not grind that much more, and the large grinder is three pieces like the standard.
If the larger version were a four-piece with a pollen catcher, it would be worth it, but considering the already high price, it is best to stick with the standard.
Grinder Kit Contents
The complete kit comes with three grinding plates for coarse, fine, and medium grinds, but the customer can also choose a package with one grinding plate. The basic package comes only with one grinding plate.
The package with all three plates costs $125, but a box with one of the three plates is $75.
Other than that, there is not much else in the package. Just the grinder. Our advice here is to buy the package containing all the plates. The device is already expensive enough, so you might as well go the whole nine yards and get the extra grinding plates.
Also worth mentioning is that the BCG is available in different color combinations.
Build Quality and Design
The three grinding plates are made of Aerospace 7075 Aluminum, which is one of the most durable metals on the market. So do not expect the grinder to damage or break easily. It also uses a strong Neodymium magnet which does an excellent job of holding everything together.
The best aspect of this category is the threadless design. This threadless design means no cross-threading and an easier time putting it together.
Performance
There is almost nothing negative to say about this piece, as it is one of the best products on the market in 2022.
The grinding plates do not seize up, and the threadless design makes the whole thing simple to use. They are very smooth and finish the job in under 10 seconds. While grinding, the plates do not seize up or get stiff.
When done, the herbs are ground to whatever consistency the user wants. The grind is very uniform, and the kief stays with the herb.
Also, the fact that it is threadless means it does not have to be cleaned often. Still, it does not hurt to clean it every few weeks.
Most importantly, it shreds herbs like they are not even there.
The only problem is that it is expensive, but the price is worth it considering how well it works. Also, the standard grinder is a bit small, but BCG has larger options available.
This is not a pro or con, just an observation. There is no pollen catcher since this is a three-piece grinder and not four. Some people will see this as a con, and others will not care much.
How to Use the Brilliant Cut Grinder
Grinders are easy to use and assemble and reassemble. Cleaning is easy, too, but more on that later.
- The first thing to do is choose a grinding plate. There are three grinding plates for different consistencies: fine, coarse, and medium. Remember that the finer the grind, the faster the burn.
- Since there are no threads, the pieces do not have to be screwed together. Instead, pull them apart or stick them together with the grinding plate between the top and bottom pieces.
- Remove the top piece and evenly place the herbs between the teeth to load. Place the top cap on and rotate the grinding plate back and forth. The herbs will percolate down into the bottom piece.
- When done, remove the top cap and grinding plate and empty the bottom piece.
How Do You Clean a BCG Grinder?
The BCG does not have to be cleaned often, but it is still a good idea to clean it once every two weeks.
It is not hard to do.
Take the grinder apart and brush away the herb residue with a brush and then place it in a bowl of 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. Afterward, run water over it for up to a minute, and then let it sit on a small towel to air dry.
In a few minutes, it will be ready to grind again. So put it back together as shown above and start grinding.
Competing Products
Brilliant Cut Grinder vs. Santa Cruz Shredder
Santa Cruz shredders have several advantages. The main one is that they have four-piece grinders with pollen catchers. BCG only has standard and large grinders, each of which has three pieces and no pollen catcher. Also, Santa Cruz shredders are significantly cheaper. However, BCG shredders do a better job at grinding herbs to the user’s preference.
Brilliant Cut Grinder vs. Herb Ripper
Herb Rippers grinders have all the advantages of Santa Cruz shredders. Their standard devices are available in three and four-piece sets with a pollen catcher. However, they are significantly more expensive than BCG, which is pretty expensive considering how expensive BCGs are. Also, Herb Rippers do not grind as well as BCGs.
Brilliant Cut Grinder Specifications
| Size: | 2.2 x 1.71 inches |
| Weight: | 5.35 ounces |
| Material: | Aerospace 7075 Aluminum |
| Three grinder plates: | ✓ |
Pros&Cons
The Positives
- Extremely high build quality
- Threadless design
- Does not require constant cleaning
- Grinds to perfect consistencies
- Easy to clean, use, and assemble
The Negatives
- No pollen catcher
- Expensive
Final Thoughts
As earlier said, the price is very high, especially when paying for a complete set of grinding plates.
But considering how well it grinds herbs, the price is worth it. Also, because of its build quality, expect it to last years.
The only real criticism is that the large version has three pieces, not four. It is hard to see the point in paying extra for a larger device if it does not have a pollen catcher.
There is nothing else negative to say about these grinders. Thanks to their threadless design, the three different plates grind the herbs to the desired consistency, and they do not seize up. Also, this unique design means not having to clean it as often.
If you have any thoughts about these grinders you would like to share, let us hear from you. Please leave a comment.
YOM
May 30, 2022 at 11:30 amGreat review! The only thing here I disagree with is the cleaning. every two weeks is overkill for cleaning. I’ve had my BCG for 2 years and have never cleaned it, yet it performs the same as it did day one. Even really sticky bud doesn’t stick to it.
I would say a clean once every 6 months to a year would suffice if you want to freshen it up, but as a daily user, I would argue cleaning is altogether unnecessary.