7 Best Stained-Glass Grinders For Perfect Results (Spring 2023). Glass grinder bits
The 4 Best Stained Glass Grinders For 2021
A quality glass grinder can be one of the most useful tools in your shop whether you’re a beginning stained glass artist or a seasoned professional. Getting the perfect shaping on a piece of glass is so satisfying, and can help improve the look and feel of any project.
That said, if you’re a complete beginner, you may want to hold off on purchasing a glass grinder until you’re sure you plan to stick with it. Glass grinders are somewhat expensive, ranging from 100. 500 or more. It’s also common for beginners to go with pre-cut glass kits, which don’t need additional shaping. Finally, there’s little a grinder has to offer that can’t be accomplished with a little bit (ok, maybe more like a lot!) of elbow grease.
Once you’re sure a glass grinder is a fit for your needs, we think it should be one of your earliest additions to your toolkit. Below, we’ll give you a quick overview of our picks for the best stained glass grinders on the market today. We’ll also go over the attributes you need to look at when choosing the right grinder for you. Finally, we’ll give an in depth review of each grinder on our list of top picks for 2020, and sum up everything we’ve learned.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Stained Glass Grinder Reviews
| Gryphon Gryphette Glass Grinder | Best Entry-Level | 3000 | N/A | 6.75″x6.75″ |
| Inland Wiz CG | Best Mid-Range | 3550 | 30 | 11″x10″ |
| Glastar All Star G8 | Best High-End | 3560 | 42 | 11″x13″ |
| Glastar SuperStar II | Honorable Mention | 3450 | 19 | 8″x9″ |
Gryphon Gryphette Glass Grinder
Pros: Decent power for the price-point. Small footprint. Great for beginners.Cons: Not suitable for large jobs or sustained and heavy use.Our Rating: 4.7 / 5
The Gryphon Gryphette is our top pick for entry level glass grinder, and is fantastic for beginners. It has a small footprint, which is great if you’re short on space. The device is powerful enough for most beginners and smaller projects, and will last you for some time as you move up in experience in complexity.
The key list of features include:
- .67 AMP DC Motor
- 3000 RPM.
- 6.75” X 6.75” working surface.
- Includes standard 3 / 4” bit.
- Standard 5 / 16” shaft accepts all standard bits.
- 4.78 lbs unit weight.
At the entry level price point, the Gryphon Gryphette is the clear winner. It’s got enough power to get the job done until you’re moving on to bigger projects. The grinding area is for pieces up to 4-6”, if you remove the guide. One common complaint is the instruction manual can be confusing for beginners, so we recommend checking out a YouTube guide if you have problems at setup.
All in all, if you’re just getting started out or are on a tight budget, this grinder won’t let you down!!
Inland Wiz CG Glass Grinder
Pros: High RPM and decent torque, at a mid range price point.Cons: Lack of deflectors out of the box can lead to messes.Our Rating: 4.6 / 5
For more experienced artists, or those with higher budgets, our pick for best mid-range stained glass grinder is the Inland Wiz CG. It has a larger working area than the Grypette, and comes with additional torque and RPMs that’ll provide a bit more “umph” for bigger jobs. While it’s not the most powerful grinder on the marke, it does have a balance of price and power that will meet the needs of most intermediate level users.
The key list of features include:
- 30 Oz-In torque for medium sized jobs.
- 3550 RPM.
- 11”x10” surface.
- Includes 1 / 4” and 3 / 4” grinding bits.
- 9 lbs unit weight.
If you’re serious about the art of stained glass, but don’t have professional level requirements, this is your best bet. It has solid technical specs, including power and surface area for bigger jobs than the entry level recommendation.
All in all, once you’re ready to move beyond the entry level grinders, we think this one deserves your strong consideration!
Glastar All Star G8
Pros: Huge number of practice questions and exams.Cons: Not as comprehensive as other resources on this list.Our Rating: 5.0 / 5
If you’re looking for the absolute top of the line, our hands down pick is the Glastar All Star G8. It has a whopping 42 Ounce-Inch torque, which can handle any job you can throw at it. It also boasts a massive 11×13 inch working area, and a hefty 3560 RPM.
The key list of features include:
- 42 Oz-In torque for any size jobs.
- 3560 RPM.
- 11”x13” surface.
- Includes 1” and 1 / 4” grinding bits.
- 11.9 lbs unit weight.
It’s certainly not the cheapest unit out there, but considering the excellent list of specs, it’s still a fantastic value if you’re in need of a top end model.
If you’re ready to take the plunge on a top end unit, the All Star G8 should definitely be it. It also has an amazing number of additional features, top of the line cooling, and everything a professional needs. Consider making this unit the last stained glass grinder you ever need to buy.
Glastar SuperStar II
Pros: Great Mid-Range speed, size, and power.Cons: Less max power than our pick for best mid-range grinder.Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
Our last pick didn’t quite take the top spot in any of our categories, but we felt it deserved a nod due to it’s popularity. The Glastar SuperStar II is a Mid-Range glass grinder from the same brand as our top pick in the high-end class. It has an excellent 3450 RPM, a sizable 8×9 inch grinding space, and plenty of great features.
The key list of features include:
- 19 Oz-In torque for any size jobs.
- 3450 RPM.
- 8”x9” surface.
- Includes 3 / 4” and 1 / 4” grinding bits.
- 7.3 lbs unit weight.
The reason we didn’t pick this as our top mid-range entry boils down to 1 thing… torque! It’s got a respectable 19 Oz-In motor, but doesn’t quite compete with the 30 oz-in of our top mid-range pick. That said, if you’re a big fan of the brand, or just looking for an alternative mid-range grinder, this is still a fantastic unit that won’t disappoint.
Stained Glass Grinder Buyer’s Guide
You’ll find a pretty broad range of when looking at stained glass grinders. So what’s the difference between them? What makes them a value? The main attributes you need to keep in mind are:
- Torque: The force with which the grinder bit spins.
- Speed: The rate with which the grinder bit spins.
- Size: The area of the grinding table and the device itself.
- Cooling: The method for keeping the bit cool.
- Safety: Features which help protect the operator.
- Accessories: Supplemental items like grinder bits, drawers, foot pedals, etc.
- Motor Noise: The amount of noise a particular motor makes.
- Price: How much the grinder costs!
Torque
Torque is the amount of force with which the grinder bit spins. A grinder which has lots of power is capable of maintaining the bit’s speed when load is applied (i.e. it’s grinding a piece) better than one with low power. The ability to maintain that speed is important to ensure fast, high quality work.
Glass grinder torque is measured and expressed in “inch-ounces”, and values typically range from 10-50 (higher is better). Generally, torque values can be categorized as:
This is one of the most important attributes to consider when you look for a grinder, and a general rule of thumb is to buy the one with the highest inch-ounces you can afford.
Speed
The speed (measure in “revolutions per minute” or RPM) is another important attribute to consider when choosing the best glass grinder for you. Higher speed grinders (with high torque) are able to perform their work quickly, with less effort on your part. Higher speeds also help to give a smoother finish to your edges, and more precise shaping.
Glass grinder speeds (in RPM) generally range from around 3000 to 3700. Higher values are better, a general categorization is:
For intermediate and professional glass artists, speed should be weighed heavily when making you purchase decisions.
Size
The size of the device itself and the surface area should also be considered when choosing a glass grinder. Device dimensions will affect where you are able to store and operate the grinder. Choose a size that fits your space!
The other key factor is the working area (or table) size. If you’re grinding on large pieces of glass, you will need the space to accommodate it. If you do primarily small pieces, the extra table space can get in the way. Some units come with changeable tables of various sizes, which may suit your needs if you don’t stick to one size all the time.
Cooling
It’s important when working with high friction processes like glass grinding, to keep the parts (both the grinder and the piece being worked on) cool. Most stained glass grinders use a reservoir containing water or other cooling liquid, fed through a sponge up to the grinding head. Others use a pump or other method to deliver clean water up to the bit without a sponge.
Safety
As you can imagine, pressing pieces of glass up against high speed grinder bits can be a dangerous activity. While you should always wear protective eyewear, hand protection, and clothing, some grinders also come with additional safety features like:
- Eye and face shields.
- Fast acting electrical fuses.
- Cooling and dust collection features.
Stained Glass making is not without its dangers, and you should strongly consider the extra value in strong safety features when you pick a grinder.
Accessories
Most grinders have a wide array of accessories available or included at purchase. One of the most important accessories to consider are the grinding bits. High end bits can be quite expensive, and the size of the shaft the grinder accepts will determine which bits you’re able to use.
As mentioned above, other types of accessories include swappable tables, face shields, drawers to hold your bits and other items, and so on.
Motor Noise
Different types of motors, the speed they’re operating at, and power generated can all impact the amount of noise a grinder makes while operating. If you’re working in an enclosed space like an apartment, this can be a major consideration you should account for.
Most glass grinder motors are DC powered, and the higher end models tend to be more noisy due to their increased speed and power. There are exceptions to this rule, where low end devices have poorly muffled or cheaper motors that are noisier even at lower speeds.
We generally don’t advise making noise the deciding factor in a purchasing decision. Investing in a pair of earplugs is generally a good alternative if you have sensitive ears.
Price
Finally, price is the key factor in determining whether a particular grinder is a value for you and your unique needs. A quality glass grinder isn’t cheap! range from 100 on the entry-level end, to 300 or more at the high end.
All grinders at a similar price point are not created equal. Using the above considerations, you can easily figure out what the best grinder for your budget is. To recap our rules of thumb:
- Priority 1: get the most torque you can afford.
- Priority 2: get the most speed you can afford.
- Priority 3: get the one with the additional features and accessories you think are useful.
Conclusions: What’s The Best Stained Glass Grinder For You?
We’ve covered a ton of great info about what makes a stained glass grinder stand out above the rest. We’ve given our top recommendations for various price-points in the stained glass grinder market as of 2019. To recap:
| Gryphon Gryphette |
| Inland Wiz CG |
| Glastar All Star G8 |
| Glastar SuperStar II |
Ultimately, only you can decide which (if any) grinder is the best for your circumstances.
If you’re a novice stained glass worker, or on a tight budget, the Entry Level Gryphon Gryphette is a blend of low price and decent specs that will suit your needs for smaller projects and light use.
For intermediate level work, Inland Wiz CG has some impressive speed and power with a great working area suitable for bigger jobs. Mid range tend to be about 50% more than the entry level units, which is a decent value for the performance increase offered.
At the absolute top of the line level, our pick is the Glastar All Star G8. It has a tremendous amount of power and features, which will perform well on even the toughest jobs.
Finally, we mentioned the Glastar SuperStar II as another great mid-range unit with decent specs and popularity overall.
Remember, weigh your budget against the important performance specs (torque above all… and then speed), and pick the best one for your needs. Good luck, and go create something amazing!
Best Stained-Glass Grinders For Perfect Results (Spring 2023)
What makes the best stained-glass grinder stand out from the rest? Is it the size, convenience, or just the price point? Lots of people ask these questions, and the truth is dependent on many different factors. A high-quality stained-glass grinder can be one of the most needed tools you have in your workspace, whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting the artistry.
Not all of the best stained-glass grinders are as good as they are made out to be, so we created this review. In this review, we will look at some essential features like work surface, size, and weight. These features are crucial to examine because they help determine the quality and condition of a stained-glass grinder and dictate which one may be right for you.
Quick Summary
“The Techniglass “The Grinder” is a state of the art glass grinder that has many features that competing models don’t have”
“Thermal protection that saves this grinder from overheating is among other useful features. Five-year warranty. Easy to remove the reservoir.”
“This stained-glass grinder has a powerful motor and a switch protection design. Versatile. Considerable work surface.”
“This is an ergonomically designed and easy to carry around glass grinder. New design switch. Mini size.”
“It conveniently has a built-in accessory drawer to store tools and other valuables. Coolant drain. Flexible rubber splash guard.”
Top 7 Stained-Glass Grinders Review 2023
Gryphon Convertible Professional Stained Glass Grinder
- Work surface: 13.5 x 10.5 inches
- Grinding bits: 1 and a ¼-inch
- Motor: 0.67-amp, 3000 rpm
- Size: 15.98 x 14.8 x 10.51 inches
- Weight: 13.8 lbs.
features: built-in electric pump; easy to use; designed for working while sitting
The Gryphon Convertible Grinder is known for its top-tier levels of comfort. You can easily rotate its base and make it more inclined or horizontal to meet your needs. The grinder comes with a 1″ and 1/4″ grinding bits and can take all other sizes as well. The electric pump is automatic and gives a steady flow of water to the bits. With this pump, you do not need to use a sponge, as it is completely optional. The powerful motor results in a clean and smooth grind with minimal splashing and is not too loud. This grinder is high-quality and does an excellent job, and will last long-term. This is a great stained-glass grinder for beginners.
What we liked: This grinder is very convenient, given that you can sit while using it and rotate the base to move with you. It is easy to maintain and clean, as well.
What could be better: A drain hole placed in the corner instead of under the work shelf would allow for easier draining and less pooling of water.
Techniglass The Grinder
features: removable tray, 4500 RPM motor, whisper operation, low vibration, 7-year warranty
The Techniglass “The Grinder” is a state of the art glass grinder that has many features that competing models don’t have. The cutting surface is a spacious 12×16 inch rectangular area with an LED light strip. The machine has a smooth grinding action, it’s vibration free and easy to maintain. This grinder is powered by a powerful motor that runs at 4500 rpm which generates 57 oz per inch or 0.4 N/m of torque which is a class leader.
Inland Wiz CG Stained Glass Grinder
- Work surface: not specified
- Grinding bits: ¾ and ¼ inches
- Motor: 1/11 HP 230/240V RPM
- Size: 10 x 5.5 x 11 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs.
features: powerful; 5-year warranty; easy to remove lift-off reservoir; thermal protection
The Inland Wiz Grinder is one of the top choices for a budget-friendly option, and it is one of the best-stained glass grinders in its class for beginners. This machine can be used for grinding and curving the edges of the glass and other stained glass projects. The grinder takes many different sizes of bits, but it comes with one 3/4” bit and one 1/4” bit for smaller-sized pieces. The surface of the Inland Wiz Grinder is made of a lightweight and rust-resistant material. If you’re needed to travel with your grinder, this one is easily portable. With a large work surface, you have enough room for larger projects. The reservoir is also removable for quick and convenient cleaning. The set-up of the grinder is fairly easy and comes with easy-to-read instructions and a five-year warranty.
What we liked: This grinder has excellent power and speed. It is an all-around, very trustable grinder that is affordable. The top tray is removable, which makes for very easy clean-up.
What could be better: To turn the grinder off, you must completely unplug it. The addition of an on/off switch would be Smart.
Inland Craft Wizard IV Stained Glass Grinder
- Work surface: 14.5 x 11.5 inches
- Grinding bits: 1 and 1/4 inches
- Motor: not specified
- Size: 16 x 12.5 x 8 inches
- Weight: 9.5 lbs.
features: SecondStory work surface; 40 oz-in torque; lightweight; rustproof; FaceShield accessory included; five-year warranty; USA-made
Description – The Inland Craft Wizard IV Stained Glass Grinder is one of the best in its class. It is the ideal grinder for hobbyists and experts. This grinder is best used for shaping the edges of stained glass, regular stained glass work, and even to drill holes in the glass. This grinder comes with two sizes of bits and a face shield. The motor provides strong power to get your stained-glass jobs finished, making it a top choice for professionals. It is heavy-duty while maintaining a lightweight and rust-resistant surface material. The work surface is large and comes with a compartment to keep small items conveniently close by. This grinder comes with an attached on/off switch. All Inland machines are crafted in the US A with quality materials. With this grinder, you get a five-year warranty.
What we liked: This Inland grinder is convenient and heavy-duty for those who are more experienced in the field.
What could be better: This grinder does not come with a smoother grinder bit, but you can purchase one separately on the Inland Craft’s website.
ANBULL Stained Glass Grinder Machine
- Work surface: 6.5 x 6.5 inches
- Grinding bits: 5/8 and 1 inches
- Motor: 4200 rpm
- Size: 10.5 x 10.5 x 10.25 inches
- Weight: 6.24 lbs
features: powerful motor; long-lasting; switch protection design
The ANBULL Stained Glass Grinder Machine is a great grinder option for beginners. This grinder has a reasonably sized work surface of 6.5″ x 6.5″ and comes with two grinder bits, one at 5/8″ and the other at 1″. The motor is powerful and gets the job done while remaining quiet. This grinder is well-engineered and a favorite among beginners in the stained-glass industry. The ANBULL is extremely easy to clean and possesses a 4200 rpm motor. Other features include a chamber for water, high transparency baffle, and waterproof motor parts and switch. This grinder comes equipped with a 65W motor as well, which comes in handy because of its fast and stable grinding speed. The on/off switch on this grinder is much more useful than unplugging the entire machine to turn it off.
What we liked: This grinder is well-made and respectable, and great to use if you are just starting out at stained glass work.
What could be better: It has a respectable motor, but this grinder could be much stronger with a different one.
YaeTek Power Stained Grinder
- Work surface: not specified
- Grinding bits: not specified
- Motor: 4200 rpm
- Size: 10.14 x 10 x 10 inches
- Weight: not specified
features: mini size; easy to carry; new design switch
The YaeTek power Stained Glass Grinder is extremely affordable and convenient for stained glass experts and beginners. This grinder is great for glass, ceramics, and other brittle materials. With this grinder, you can easily grind shapes with curves and rounded edges. The YaeTek’s new design is mini-sized, easy to carry, and extremely portable if you are traveling with your stained glass grinder. This grinder is capable of doing lots of work for its size, as it is extremely powerful and durable. For beginners, the YaeTek grinder makes it easy to learn and understand how they work and how to care for them. If you need to travel with your grinder, you can easily do so with the YaeTek. This grinder does have the on/off switch on the side, which is extremely convenient and preferred over having to unplug the whole machine.
What we liked: Some sizes have automatic water available, and this grinder makes it easy to grind various shapes and curves into the glass.
What could be better: Using too much strength with this grinder will reduce the lifespan and quality of the grinding wheel.
Glastar All Star G8 Grinder
- Work surface: 11 x 13 inches
- Grinding bits: 1 and 1/4-inch
- Motor: 1/9 HP
- Size: 15.5 x 13.51 x 8.85 inches
- Weight: 11.77 lbs.
features: large work surface; 5-year warranty; built-in accessory drawer; coolant drain; flexible rubber splash guard
This professional-grade grinder is very durable and heavy-duty. With a work surface that is larger than other stained glass grinders on the market, you get plenty of work space. This grinder even comes with a mini table for grinding smaller pieces of glass. There is a built-in accessory drawer for optimal convenience, a drain, and a rubber splash guard attached. This is one of the best-stained glass grinders for hobbyists. To clean this grinder, you unplug a small stopper, and the water drains through a small exit opening on the bottom. Glister has excellent customer service and reviews on their products, making it an extremely trustable brand.
What we liked: This grinder has a very simple set up with instructions that are easy to follow. The mini table makes it extremely versatile for all types of projects.
What could be better: This grinder can be slightly messy to use, so it is Smart to use a small towel in the back that keeps the water contained.
Things to Consider
Picking the best stained-glass grinder that fits all your needs can be a tricky thing to do when there are so many options and brands on the market. Before diving into your search, I suggest narrowing down exactly what it is you’re looking for. The six options we listed above are all fantastic grinders in their class. But with all the differences and information we provided you with, we know extremely well that it is a lot to take in and understand all at once. With our buying guide, we have outlined some of the key features to look for, what they mean, and which grinder has which feature. We’ve given you an in-depth look at what each feature does and why it is important to pick a quality stained glass grinder.
Why do you need a stained-glass grinder?
If you are just starting out in the stained glass artistry, a beginner-friendly model like the Glastar SuperStar II Grinder is an excellent choice and will allow you to easily learn. If you consider yourself a hobbyist and are well-experienced in work, something in a professional realm may work better, perhaps the Inland Craft Wizard IV Stained Glass Grinder. Either way, a stained-glass grinder will provide you with the tools and equipment needed to begin creating beautiful stained-glass art in an efficient way.
Features to consider before you buy a stained-glass grinder
Buying a stained-glass grinder can be somewhat daunting due to the various features they each provide. With work surface, grinding bits, motor, size, etc. all taken into consideration, there are a plethora of options on the market.
Work surface
The work surface of your stained-glass grinder is also known as the “table,” and it is the flat surface that you lay your glass on while you work on the edges. If you are working on larger stained-glass projects with large pieces of glass, it would be best to look for a grinder with a larger area to work with. The Gryphon Convertible Professional Stained Glass Grinder has a large work surface of 13.5 x 10.5 inches, which is plenty of space to work with large bits of glass.
Sometimes, having a larger space, even if your glass pieces are small, is just more comfortable and convenient.
Grinding bits
Grinding bits are the small pieces of your grinder that help refine edges and shave down pieces of glass. For any generic grinding machine, the size and shape of your grinder will directly correlate to what kind of grinding bit you need. Most grinders come with a couple grinding bit that fits over the motor, and these are typically 1″. Smaller grinder bits, around 1/8 inches, are used for tight curves and edges, and drilling holes in the glass. The Glastar All Star G8 Grinder comes with a 1” and 1/4” grinding bit. The different sizes of grinding bits will tell you what kind of cut you’ll get on your glass.
Motor
A stained-glass grinder’s motor is what decides if the grinder is powerful or not. Grinder’s with high RPM’s offer flawless grinding experiences, even if the grinder itself is quite small. RPM stands for rotations per minute, which tells you how fast the motor is running.
Typically, motors range from 2,900 to 4,500 RPM. With a faster RPM, your motor will run quickly and perform more efficiently.
Quick RPM speeds ensure that the edge of the glass remains smooth for more precise flow. The YaeTek Power Stained Grinder has an RPM of 4200, which means high quality, high power, and efficient speeds. High RPM’s are necessary if you’re looking to get your projects done quickly, as the speed of the grinder is increased with higher RPM’s.
Size
The size of the overall stained-glass grinder is relevant if you are someone who plans on traveling with your grinder, has a limited workspace, or simply doesn’t want the hassle of a large machine. For many, a large workspace is needed and preferred to fit their stained-glass grinder in. For others, a small, portable grinder is desired. Smaller sizes don’t always equal less power; take the Glastar SuperStar II Grinder, for example, with a surface size of 8 x 9, it still performs exceptionally well without taking up a large amount of space. Some people find it convenient to keep their grinders in large sinks, so consider where you’ll be storing yours when choosing between sizes.
Weight
Weight is an important factor in searching for a grinder if you were hoping to have a portable grinder. If you have one workspace and keep your grinder there at all times, weight may not be a factor for you.
If you want an easily moveable grinder, consider how the weight of the grinder could impact your ability to do that.
Lighter weighed grinders like the Inland Wiz CG Stained Glass Grinder, at 9 pounds, are much easier to transport from workspace to workspace. The cleaning process also requires you to lift your grinder, or at least move it around, so keep that in mind when weighing your options.
Accessories
Mostly all stained-glass grinders come with two accessories, and those are the bit options. However, a stained-glass grinder requires much more than just the bits. A plethora of other accessories is needed and available when purchasing a high-quality grinder. Some grinders, like the Glastar All Star G8 Grinder, come with built-in accessory drawers for maximum convenience. Other accessories would include extra grinder bits and precautionary accessories like more than one work surface and built-in face shields. Some grinders come with all of the necessary accessories, but most of these can also be found at any craft store.
Warranty
Stained glass grinders are heavy machines that can break if not properly taken care of. This is why most stained-glass grinders come with a warranty, typically one that is five years. This simply means the issuer of the purchase promises to repair or replace the machine if necessary. This is an important factor to look when buying your grinder, as the machines are not bulletproof and can break if something goes wrong. The Inland Craft Wizard IV Stained Glass Grinder is one of the grinders listed above that comes with a five-year warranty. Because these grinders are large, heavy, and electrical, some mistakes are inevitable. A warranty will have you back when the worst happens.
FAQ
How to use a stained-glass grinder safely?
Before using your grinder, remember that safety always comes first. A stained-glass grinder is a heavy-duty electric machine, so be wary of any electrical safety hazards. To help minimize the possibility of danger, keep your studio or surrounding area tidy and make sure to clean up after each use. Wear eye goggles or use a protective face shield to keep small bits of glass from coming in contact with your eyes. Don’t forget how close your fingers are too small bits of glass and the grinding head, and try to avoid picking up glass bits with your bare hands. Finger guards are never a bad idea, and they can be purchased at almost every craft store.
Do stained glass grinders need any cleaning or special maintenance?
Stained glass grinders need optimal care and cleaning to make sure the machine stays running smoothly. To clean, the water reservoir should be drained after every use. To avoid unpleasant smells and for overall health reasons, it’s best not to keep water in the reservoir. If your grinder uses a sponge, clean it out to avoid it from becoming hard and useless. The extra glass that as accumulated should be discarded into a wastebasket, not into a sink. Glass grit is thick and become clogged in your pipes. It is also important to clean any eye or face shields after each use with running water and avoid rubbing it to ensure to scratches appear.
Our verdict
In this review, we have given you an inside look at seven stained glass grinders on the market today and what each one entails. With each feature outlined and explained, you can accurately pick which one is right for you. We know you want the best of the best when it comes to stained glass grinders, so we’ve shown you the Editor’s Choice grinder, Gryphon Convertible Professional Stained Glass Grinder, the Best Value grinder, Inland Wiz CG Stained Glass Grinder, and the grinder with the biggest work surface, Techniglass The Grinder. We believe these three grinders contain some of the best features you need in your stained glass grinder to get the best use and favorable results. When it comes to choosing the best stained-glass grinder, consider your options, go with the grinder that you feel best fits, and make some beautiful art.
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter and Toffee
These big, chewy cookies are loaded with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate toffee bits, and brown butter for maximum flavor. These chocolate chip cookies with brown butter and toffee may just become your favorite cookie yet!
I first downloaded TikTok when the world shut down and it quickly became my favorite social media app.
I still enjoy seeing my friends’ photos and updates on other sites, but TikTok is so much fun and I learn a lot. And I get great recipe ideas!
I mean, learning about cinnamon rolls with heavy cream was basically life changing, ok? And I have lost count of how much I have made the TikTok grinder sandwich.
My newest TikTok inspiration? These chocolate chip cookies with brown butter and toffee!
ADDING BROWN BUTTER AND TOFFEE BITS TO CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
I’m no stranger to adding brown butter or toffee bits to my baked goods. I’ve made brown butter chocolate chip cookies many times and love putting toffee bits into everything from kitchen sink cookies to my brownie trifle.
But when I saw Tessa from Handle the Heat make her browned butter toffee chocolate chip cookies on TikTok, I knew I needed to put my own spin on this combo.
I mean, how could I not combine nutty brown butter, sweet toffee bits, and chewy chocolate chip cookies? So I took my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and the inspiration from Tessa and made my own version.
This recipe makes BIG, chewy cookies. The flavors are rich and nuanced thanks to the brown butter and they have just enough sweetness from the toffee and brown sugar. Oh, and plenty of chocolate from both the dark chocolate chips and the Heath toffee bits.
If you’re looking for a decadent cookie that’s familiar while still being a little bit unexpected, this is it.
HOW TO MAKE THESE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
These big, bakery-style cookies might seem fancy and might require a couple extra steps, but none of the steps are hard! Which means you can impress your friends and family pretty easily with this recipe.
Ingredients for chocolate chip cookies with brown butter and toffee
Most of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are about the same as you would use for my favorite chocolate chip cookies. You’ll need:
- 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour
- 1 2/3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 10-ounce bag dark chocolate chips
- 1.8-ounce bag Heath Milk Chocolate English Toffee Bits
- flaky sea salt
If you don’t keep cake flour on hand, you can use a simple cake flour substitute instead. Make sure that you know how to measure flour correctly before you get started, though!
If you’ve never browned butter before, don’t stress – it’s easy! Learn how to brown butter and you’ll find yourself wanting to add it to everything.
Brown sugar helps make these cookies chewy. If you run out of brown sugar, I’ve got an easy brown sugar substitute you can use. You can also learn how to soften brown sugar to save yourself a trip to the store next time yours has hardened up.
When buying the toffee bits, make sure you grab the milk chocolate toffee bits instead of the Bits O’ Brickle (which don’t have any chocolate on them). You can find them in the baking aisle with the other baking chips.
If you’re curious what the deal is with flaky sea salt, check out my guide on the types of salt.
Making this recipe
To make these chocolate chip cookies with brown butter and toffee, start by sifting the flours together with the baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the cooled brown butter and the sugars. Beat together on medium speed for about 3 minutes, then add the eggs and the egg yolk one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips and the toffee bits.
Now it’s time to chill the dough. This dough needs to rest in the fridge for at least 24 hours. I have made them before the 24 hours were up and I promise that they just weren’t as good!
When you’re ready to bake the cookies, let the dough rest on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour to make it easier to scoop.
Portion the dough into 3-ounce portions and place the balls onto a lined baking sheet. Make sure you leave plenty of space between the cookies for spreading.
Bake the cookies for 16-18 minutes – they’ll be golden brown on the edges but still soft and look a bit under-done on the center. Immediately sprinkle them with a bit of flaky sea salt and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
At this point, you can keep baking cookies or put the dough back in the fridge to make more cookies later – the dough can rest in the fridge for up to 72 hours total.
RECIPE FAQS
Why use both cake flour and bread flour?
I’ll admit, using a combination of a lower-protein flour (cake flour) and a high-protein flour (bread flour) seems a little silly, but it’s the way the New York Times does it and it makes the best chewy chocolate chip cookies!
What are toffee bits and where do I find them?
There are two kinds of toffee bits made by Heath (Hershey’s): Bits ‘O Brickle and milk chocolate toffee bits.
The Bits ‘O Brickle are just pieces of toffee, while the milk chocolate toffee bits are topped with (you guessed it) milk chocolate.
I like to use the milk chocolate toffee bits in these cookies for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness. I find them in the baking aisle of the grocery store by the other baking chips.
Do I have to chill the dough?
I have baked these cookies before they chilled for a full 24 hours and they just weren’t as good. I definitely recommend chilling for a minimum of 24 hours before baking, but you can chill the dough for up to 72 hours.
If you’d like, you can bake a few batches over the course of a couple of days, even! Just place the dough back into the fridge until you want to bake more cookies, for up to 72 hours total.
Can you freeze these cookies?
The dough for these chocolate chip cookies with brown butter and toffee is perfect for freezing!
Simply follow my instructions for how to freeze cookie dough and you can bake them whenever you get a craving for a big, chewy, chocolatey cookie.
You could also freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag for up to a month.
What if I want to make smaller cookies?
3 ounce portions of dough make for BIG cookies. If you want to make more traditional-size cookies, use a regular cookie scoop and bake the cookies for around 12 minutes. Remember that under-baking is better than over-baking with these!
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter and Toffee
These big, chewy cookies are loaded with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate toffee bits, and brown butter for maximum flavor. These chocolate chip cookies with brown butter and toffee may just become your favorite cookie yet!
