Are Portable Electronic Grinders Actually Good Now?

header image for the article Are Portable Electronic Grinders Actually Good Now?

21 March 2023   •   6 min read

In the world of electric grinders, battery-operated options have often been dismissed as subpar and, frankly, were often completely useless. In addition, they were known for being loud, unreliable, and, most commonly, significantly lacking in power, making them an unpopular option. However, the Chewy G3 makes things a little more exciting and perhaps provides a portable electronic alternative that isn’t bad at all.

The Chewy G3 is a portable electronic grinder powered by a built-in 9V lithium battery, but it defies all of the common negative expectations that come with battery-operated grinders. Its design removes the need for a high-powered motor and additionally quashes this primary reason many previous attempts at this type of grinder have flopped so badly.

Grinding can be Difficult for Some People

While many of us treat grinding as a minor inconvenience or just something to keep our hands busy for a few moments, for many people, the reality of this seemingly simple task can be significantly more challenging. However, the Chewy G3 eliminates the need for twisting and turning, which can be difficult for people with dexterity issues or disabilities. Instead, the user simply needs to press a button to activate the grinding process, which requires little physical effort.

Portable electronic grinders can be particularly beneficial for those with arthritis or other conditions that affect hand and wrist strength, as it reduces the strain on these areas. The Chewy G3's design features make it an excellent option for people with these challenges, allowing them to efficiently and effectively grind their dry herbs without experiencing discomfort or difficulty.

Build Quality & Design

Build quality and design are two crucial aspects of electronic grinders that often fall short of expectations. However, the Chewy G3 stands out as a premium option with a stylish design and significantly better build quality than other cheap electric grinders on the market. The device's sleek and modern appearance is pleasing to the eye, and its solid construction gives it a substantial feel in the hand. In addition, the Chewy G3 is surprisingly addictive to fiddle with, and this hands-on exploration is the best way to learn how to use it effectively.

The loading process for the Chewy G3 is straightforward. Simply open the mostly transparent front door, pull down the lever in the corner of the device to open the large chamber, and add your dry herb. The chamber can hold up to 5 grams of material, though starting with smaller amounts is best. Next, close the door and press the button on the side of the device to activate the motor. The circular barrel blade will then rotate and grind the herb, allowing you to pour the ground material out of the outlet or into one of the three provided plastic tubes (assuming you have the Deluxe edition).

The Chewy G3's design includes some thoughtful touches that enhance its functionality. For example, a screwdriver is built into the outlet cap, making it easy to dismantle the device for thorough cleaning. The one-touch operation is simple and intuitive, but the grinder also features a reverse switch for those times when sticky material is challenging to grind. Overall, the Chewy G3's design and build quality make it stand out from other similar devices.

Chewy G3 Grinder with the Door Open Exposing the Internal Chamber and Blade

Performance

The Chewy G3's performance is surprisingly good for a portable electronic grinder. It grinds dry herb effectively and doesn't get too gunked up if your material is sufficiently dry. While it may be slightly slower than some other electric grinders, especially when compared to an electronic coffee grinder, it's still quick enough for most users and will only be painfully slow if you're trying to grind a large amount of material in a short period. In those cases, other grinders may be a better option.

Overall, the Chewy G3 delivers a solid performance suitable for most grinding needs, and it’s certainly more interesting than a traditional grinder or fighting with a pair of scissors hoping for a remotely consistent result.

Pricing Considerations

The Chewy G3 comes in both Basic and Deluxe editions, with the latter including filling tubes for pre-rolled cones. However, for most users, especially those only grinding for vaping, the Basic edition should suffice. At around $85 USD, the Basic version is priced higher than many traditional grinders, but it provides a reliable and portable electronic option without trying to be a cheap alternative. While it may not be the most affordable option out there, the pricing is reasonable for what the Chewy G3 offers. So if you're in the market for a good electronic grinder, the Chewy G3's price point should not deter you.

Chewy G3 Grinder Deluxe Kit Contents

Battery Life & Durability

In addition to design and convenience, durability and battery life are important factors to consider when evaluating electronic grinders. Fortunately, the Chewy G3 performs well in both areas. Its solid construction ensures that it can withstand regular use without easily breaking down. Plus, its 9V lithium battery can last for a considerable amount of time before needing a recharge. The device comes with a USB-C charging cable for easy recharging, and a full charge can last through multiple grinding sessions without a problem.

One downside of the Chewy G3 is that it can be a bit noisy during operation. However, this is a minor issue. Compared to other electronic grinders, it is quieter than average; it just becomes more of a consideration given that this one is aimed at portable use.

The Chewy G3 is built with decent durability in mind, and it is a solid device. However, if you want to prolong its lifespan and keep it running smoothly, it's worth taking care to avoid being too rough with it or accidentally sitting on it. With proper use and care, the Chewy G3 should last a decent amount of time. Don’t come at this grinder expecting it to be as rock solid as a full metal grinder, but it’s not too flimsy either.

Chewy G3 Grinder with Tube Fitted and Ready to Grind

Convenience is King

Sometimes all something has to do well is to be convenient, and the Chewy G3 manages to tick a lot of boxes in this regard. Depending on your vaporizer type, you may even be able to grind directly into the oven, which can be very satisfying. However, the Chewy G3 is not entirely airtight when closed, so it's best to grind a little at a time rather than leaving it full and dispensing as desired over any longer timeframe than a day, as your material may end up a little too dry.

While the Chewy G3 may not be for everyone, it could be an excellent option for those who dislike grinding, want to elevate their accessories game, or have dexterity limitations that make traditional grinders challenging. If any of these apply to you, it's definitely worth giving the Chewy G3 a try and upgrading your grinder game. Furthermore, unlike that $10 electric grinder we’ve all pondered grabbing at the local smoke shop, this one actually doesn’t suck.

To find out more head on over to our Chewy G3 profile or visit chewyg3.com