Best Milwaukee Angle Grinders of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Angle grinders are a versatile and powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting and grinding to sanding and polishing. Milwaukee is a well-known brand that offers a range of high-quality angle grinders that are designed to meet the needs of both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. These grinders are built to last, with durable construction and powerful motors that can handle even the toughest jobs. Whether you're working on a construction site or tackling a home improvement project, Milwaukee angle grinders are a reliable and efficient choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Lithium-Ion 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Small Angle Grinder Cover #TOP 1
Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Lithium-Ion 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Small Angle Grinder
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Milwaukee M18 Variable Speed Braking Grinder Cover #TOP 2
Milwaukee M18 Variable Speed Braking Grinder
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Right Angle Die Grinder Cover #TOP 3
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Right Angle Die Grinder
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Milwaukee Angle Grinders

#TOP 1

Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Lithium-Ion 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Small Angle Grinder

2880-20
Chrome
Large
Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Lithium-Ion 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Small Angle Grinder Cover
Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Lithium-Ion 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Small Angle Grinder with No-Lock Paddle Switch (Tool Only)

The Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Lithium-Ion 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Small Angle Grinder is a powerful and versatile tool designed for comfort and ease-of-use. It features a Paddle Switch Design for increased comfort and ease-of-use when operating in various positions, a Tool-Free Guard Adjustment for faster guard installations and adjustments, and a Tool-Free Accessory Changes with Integrated FIXTEC Nut Technology. It also has an Electronic Clutch for kickback protection and a 5/8 in. - 11 Spindle for use with common grinding accessories.

What We Like
Powerful and versatile
No lack of power
Portable and convenient
#TOP 2

Milwaukee M18 Variable Speed Braking Grinder

2889-20
Milwaukee M18 Variable Speed Braking Grinder Cover
Milwaukee 2889-20 M18 4-1/2" - / 5" Variable Speed Braking Grinder (Bare Tool)

The Milwaukee M18 Variable Speed Braking Grinder provides exceptional control with 5 speed settings ranging from 3,500 RPM to 8,500 RPM. Its brake can stop most wheels in less than 2 seconds, ensuring your safety. The slide switch is designed to reduce user fatigue, and the tool-free guard adjustment allows for faster guard installations and adjustments. The integrated FIXTEC nut technology enables tool-free accessory changes, making your job easier and more efficient. This bare tool is an excellent addition to Milwaukee's battery-powered grinder lineup, generating 11A Corded Power.

What We Like
Variable speed control for greater precision
Quick brake feature enhances safety
Tool-free accessory changes for convenience and efficiency
Slide switch designed to reduce user fatigue
Tool-free guard adjustment for faster guard installations and adjustments

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Right Angle Die Grinder

2485-20
Red,black
1/4"
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Right Angle Die Grinder Cover
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Right Angle Die Grinder (Tool-Only)

The MILWAUKEE 1/4" M12 FUEL Right Angle Die Grinder has a cordless design that provides up to .3 HP performance, making it the first cordless right angle die grinder that delivers the performance and size and speed professional service mechanics demand. This die grinder is equipped with Milwaukee POWERSTATE Brushless Motor Technology that delivers 20% more power than pneumatic competition. With 4-mode RPM control and best-in-class size, it is easy to fit in tight spaces and offers greater mobility and access. It also provides optimum performance with 2" accessories.

What We Like
Cordless design provides greater mobility and access
Equipped with Milwaukee POWERSTATE Brushless Motor Technology that delivers 20% more power than pneumatic competition
Best-in-class size makes it easy to fit in tight spaces
#TOP 4

Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Grinder

2680-20
Black,red,white
4-1/2"
Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Grinder Cover
Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion 4 1/2 Inch Cordless Grinder with Burst Resistant Guard and Paddle Switch Design

The Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Grinder is a powerful and easy-to-use grinder that is perfect for industrial applications. It features a paddle switch design that allows for easy activation, even when wearing thick gloves. The grinder also has debris baffles that prevent debris from clogging up the tool's internal components, an easily adjustable tool-free guard, and a 3-position side handle for maximum stability. This Milwaukee power tool works with M18 18v lithium ion Milwaukee batteries and has a 4-pole motor that delivers maximum power when cutting or grinding. Additionally, this grinder has overload protection and L-shape vents that keep debris from entering the tool and damaging internal components.

What We Like
Powerful 4-pole motor
Adjustable tool-free guard
Paddle switch design for easy activation
Easily adjustable 3-position side handle
L-shape vents to prevent debris from damaging the tool's internal components
#TOP 5

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 5 in. Flathead Braking Grinder

2886-20
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 5 in. Flathead Braking Grinder Cover
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 5 in. Flathead Braking Grinder with Paddle Switch No-Lock (Tool-Only)

The Milwaukee Flathead Grinder is a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to access tight spaces with ease. With its 11A corded power, this grinder delivers exceptional performance for various grinding tasks. The RAPIDSTOP Brake feature ensures quick and safe stops, stopping most wheels in less than 2 seconds. Its low profile, flathead design provides even more access to tight spaces where a traditional 5 in. grinder would not be able to reach. Whether you need to grind in confined areas or tackle tough materials, the Milwaukee Flathead Grinder is designed to provide convenience and efficiency for all your grinding needs.

What We Like
Powerful
Versatile
Quick stops
#TOP 6

Milwaukee 2888-20 18V Cordless Grinder

2888-20
Milwaukee 2888-20 18V Cordless Grinder Cover
Milwaukee 2888-20 18V Cordless 4.5"/5" Grinder w/Variable Speed (Tool Only)

The Milwaukee Cordless Grinder is a powerful tool that delivers 8,500RPM, allowing you to tackle a variety of grinding tasks with ease. With its variable speed feature, you can choose from 5 different speed settings to match the requirements of your project, providing you with more control and precision. The built-in brake is designed to stop the wheel in 2 seconds or less, ensuring your safety and preventing accidents. Whether you're working on metal, concrete, or other materials, this grinder is a versatile option that offers convenience and efficiency. With the Milwaukee Cordless Grinder, you can achieve professional results and complete your tasks quickly and effortlessly.

What We Like
Powerful and high RPM
Variable speed for more control
Quick brake for enhanced safety
#TOP 7

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Large Angle Grinder

2785-20
Grey,red,black
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Large Angle Grinder Cover
Milwaukee 2785-20 M18 FUEL 7 in. / 9 in. Large Angle Grinder (Tool Only)

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Large Angle Grinder is a powerful tool that delivers the same performance as a 15 Amp corded large angle grinder with the convenience of cordless. Its brushless motor provides 6,600 RPM and higher speeds under load for efficient grinding and cutting. The metal housing and gearing system ensure durability, while tool-free accessory changes and guard adjustments add convenience.

What We Like
Powerful tool with corded large angle grinder performance
Efficient grinding and cutting with brushless motor delivering 6,600 RPM and higher speeds under load
Durable with metal housing and gearing system
#TOP 8

Milwaukee 2686-20 Cordless Grinder

2686-20
Milwaukee 2686-20 Cordless Grinder Cover
Milwaukee 2686-20 18V Cordless 4.5"/5" Grinder w/Paddle Switch (Tool Only)

The Milwaukee Cordless Grinder is designed to deliver a powerful performance with a speed of 11,000 RPM, making it efficient for cutting and grinding tasks. Its paddle switch design allows for easy operation, giving you better control during use. With tool-free guard adjustment, you can quickly modify the guard position without any extra tools, enhancing convenience. The built-in overload protection ensures the tool remains safe and functional, preventing damage during heavy use. This grinder is also equipped with an electronic clutch, providing an extra layer of safety by reducing kickback during operation.

What We Like
High speed performance
Easy control with paddle switch
Quick guard adjustment
Safety overload protection
Electronic clutch for safety
#TOP 9

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2"/5" Pad

2780-20
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2"/5" Pad Cover
Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel 4-1/2"/5" Pad, Bare

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2"/5" Pad is a cordless grinder that delivers corded performance with a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, optimized performance, electronic clutch, and overload protection with REDLINK PLUS Intelligence. You can work longer with REDLITHIUM XC5.0 Battery Pack and make accessory changes and guard adjustments without a wrench for increased productivity. Its paddle-switch design offers increased comfort and ease-of-use when operating in various positions, and it features a durable metal housing and gearing system.

What We Like
Delivers corded performance with a cordless design
Longer motor life and increased productivity
Easy accessory changes and guard adjustments without a wrench
Paddle-switch design offers increased comfort and ease-of-use
Durable metal housing and gearing system
#TOP 10

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Grinder Paddle Switch Kit

2880-22
Silver
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Grinder Paddle Switch Kit Cover
MilwaukeeTool Milwaukee M18 FUEL 4-1/2 / 5inch Grinder Paddle Switch, No-Lock Kit 2880-22

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Grinder Paddle Switch Kit is a powerful angle grinder that delivers exceptional performance. With its 11A corded power, it provides the fastest cutting speed in its class, allowing you to get your work done quickly and efficiently. This grinder is capable of delivering up to 135 cuts per charge, ensuring that you can work for longer periods without interruptions. The paddle switch design offers easy and convenient operation, while the no-lock feature provides added safety during use. Whether you're cutting metal, grinding or polishing, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Grinder Paddle Switch Kit is the perfect tool to have in your arsenal.

What We Like
Powerful performance
Fast cutting speed
Long-lasting battery
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are 9 inch angle grinders banned?

9 inch angle grinders have been banned from many work sites due to the increased risk of injury. Workers often remove guards and use incorrect discs, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. The level of risk is significantly higher with 9 inch grinders.

2. Is a brushless angle grinder worth it?

Yes, a brushless angle grinder is worth it. While brushless technology does not add runtime to the grinder, it offers several benefits such as improved safety features and excellent performance. The absence of brushes also eliminates the need for frequent brush changes, saving time and effort.

The most common size for an angle grinder is 4.5 inches. It uses wheel discs that are 4.5 inches in diameter. However, larger sizes like 7-inch grinders are also popular, using correspondingly larger discs. It is important to note that the size of the grinder determines the size of the wheels used.

4. Does OSHA require guards on grinders?

Yes, OSHA requires portable grinding tools to be equipped with safety guards. These guards protect workers not only from the moving wheel surface but also from flying fragments in case of wheel breakage. Safety guards are an important safety feature to prevent accidents and injuries.

5. How deep can you cut with a 9-inch grinder?

With a 9-inch grinder, you can typically achieve a cutting depth of about 3 inches. However, it is important to note that cutting with a 9-inch grinder can generate a significant amount of dust, covering both sides of the wall.

6. What are the downsides of a brushless motor?

There are a couple of downsides to brushless motors. Firstly, they require an electronic controller that consumes additional power, reducing overall efficiency. Secondly, brushless motors can generate electromagnetic interference, which may affect nearby electronic devices. Despite these downsides, brushless motors are still preferred for their energy efficiency and longer battery life.

7. Which is better, a brushless or brushed angle grinder?

According to Consumer Reports, brushless angle grinders are more energy-efficient than brushed ones. They often run on battery power for up to 50 percent longer. Brushless motors have a longer battery life because they do not have brushes that generate friction. Many models can run for hours, making them a better choice.

Editor's Notes

During our Milwaukee angle grinder research, we found 24 Milwaukee angle grinder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 42,668 customer reviews through our big data system to write the Milwaukee angle grinders list. We found that most customers choose Milwaukee angle grinders with an average price of $177.31.

The Milwaukee angle grinders are available for purchase. The top 10 picks range in price from a low of $79.00 to a high of $280.00, find the one that fits your budget. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 170 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.