Choosing the right concrete grinder can be challenging with so many options available. Whether you’re polishing floors, removing coatings, or preparing for epoxy, this guide compares handheld, walk-behind, ride-on, scarifiers, and shot blasters. Learn which grinder is best for your project, budget, and finish requirements.
| Grinder Type | Best For | Grinding Disc Size | Grinding Depth | Surface Finish | Dust Control | Cost per Day (Rental) | Cost to Buy (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld Concrete Grinder | Small areas, edge work, and spot grinding. | 5" - 7" disc | 1-3mm per pass | Rough to semi-smooth | Usually requires separate dust shroud. | £20 - £50 per day | £200 - £600 retail |
| Walk-Behind Single-Head Grinder | Medium-sized floors, removing coatings & light polishing. | 10" - 18" disc | 3-5mm per pass | Semi-smooth to polished | Works with dust vacuums. | £50 - £150 per day | £1,500 - £5,000 retail |
| Walk-Behind Planetary Grinder | Large floors, full polishing jobs & surface prep. | 20" - 30" disc | 5-8mm per pass | High-gloss polished finish | Integrated dust collection. | £100 - £300 per day | £5,000 - £15,000 retail |
| Ride-On Grinder | Massive industrial areas, airports & warehouses. | 32" - 48" disc | 8-12mm per pass | Super smooth, polished or prep for coatings. | Fully enclosed vacuum system. | £300 - £800 per day | £20,000 - £50,000 retail |
| Concrete Scarifier | Roughening concrete, removing coatings & creating texture. | 8" - 12" disc | Up to 6mm per pass | Very rough, aggressive removal. | Usually requires vac system. | £80 - £250 per day | £2,500 - £10,000 retail |
| Shot Blaster | Texturing floors for coatings, epoxy prep. | 10" - 20" disc | 1-4mm per pass | Textured, non-slip profile. | Enclosed dust containment. | £150 - £400 per day | £10,000 - £30,000 retail |
Scarifiers remove more aggressively, while grinders smooth surfaces.
Yes, but most have built-in dust control systems.
Anywhere from £20 to £800 per day, depending on type.
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