After months of growing and caring for your cannabis plants, it’s finally time to harvest. However, there are still several more steps you must take before reaping the benefits.
Trimming is usually the next step, and it is part of the process that many growers dread. It is very time-consuming and requires delicate work to ensure desirable results.
While many growers trim by hand, bud trimmer machines are becoming more popular. High-quality tools can speed up the process while still producing good buds.
To help you find the best bud trimmer machine, we reviewed ten top-rated products. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to further aid in your purchasing decision.
1. VIVOSUN 16 inch Bud Leaf Bowl Trimmer
The manual crank is easy to operate, and the clear dome helps with accuracy. You can use it for wet or dry trims thanks to the wide variety of blades. Each cutter is equivalent to 30 scissors, so you can be assured you will get a good trim.
Features
- 2-year warranty
- Can do the same amount of work as 30 scissors
- 1 four-edged stainless steel straight blade
- 1 serrated blade
- 2 x-blades
- 1 hand pruning shear
Pros
- Durable product that comes with a warranty
- Versatile thanks to the multiple blades
- Easy to clean
- Portable and easy to disassemble
Cons
- Having to crank by hand grows tiring after a while
Verdict
This first product is an excellent option for those new to trimmer machines. It’s durable, easy to use, and comes with a premium warranty.
2. Cordless Speedee-Trim
It is reliable as a bud cleaner and dry trimmer but is ideal for wet trims.
Features
- Electric cordless model
- 1 butterfly blade
- Blade scrubber
- 120V AC, 60Hz .04 AMPS
Pros
- Angled teeth help prevent damage to the flowers
- You can use it for up to two hours at a time
Cons
- Doesn’t have anything to catch the leaves
Verdict
Small- and large-scale growers alike benefit from this device. This option is convenient and relatively affordable.
Check the current price on Amazon!
3. Risentek Model X Machine Bud Trimmer – 16-inch Hydroponic Bowl
Features
- 16-inch bowl
- 5/16-inch slots on the grate
- Power of 20 scissors per blade
- Plexiglass lid
- Stainless steel cylinder
- Silicone fingers
Pros
- Useful for trimming and preparing components for essential oils, etc.
- Suitable for wet and dry trims
- Precise cuts thanks to adjustable cutters
Cons
- Requires more effort than automatic models
- Slightly less cutting power than other manual models
Verdict
While some commercial entities use this device, the Risentek Model X is ideal for home growers.
Find the latest price on Amazon!
4. SpinPro Leaf Trimmer Manually Operated Hand-Trimming
Features
- 16 x 16 x 8 inches
- 15 lbs
- Dishwasher-safe
- Food-grade rubber
- Medical-grade stainless steel bowl
Pros
- Easy to clean and take on-the-go
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons
- Non-transparent lid
Verdict
The SpinPro trimmer is perfect for those looking for a cheap, convenient option.
View the latest price here on Amazon.
5. Twister T6 for Machine Bud Trimming
Features
- Produces 3 pounds/hour dry, 4 pounds/hour wet
- Three-year warranty
Pros
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- You can clean it within 10 minutes
- Efficiently cuts large quantities
Cons
- While dry and wet models are available, one device cannot perform both kinds of trims.
Verdict
You’ll want to consider this option if you have large quantities of marijuana.
6. Trimpro Rotor Leaf Trimmer
The machine is built-to-last and will serve you for a long time. The rotor is at an angle, meaning you can quickly empty it to keep cutting.
Features
- 25 pounds
- Non-stick grate
- Sharp tempered, adjustable steel blades
Pros
- You don’t have to power the device off to empty it
- Fully automated
- You can adjust the blades’ heights accordingly
Cons
- Only for wet buds
Verdict
The TrimPro tool is for the growers who genuinely care about delicacy and precision.
Click here to view its price on Amazon.
7. The Centurion Pro Leaf Trimmer (Mini)
Features
- Produces up to 8 pounds/hour dry
- 25” x 10” x 35”
- Built-in suction power
Pros
- The compact design makes it perfect for small spaces
- Made in North America with high-quality materials
- Saves time and eliminates a lot of manual work
Cons
- Requires a substantial upfront investment
Verdict
The Centurion Pro is ideal for commercial ventures. It can replace a staff of about 15!
Click here to view the price on Amazon.
8. iPower GLTRIMBOWL16M Trimmer with Bowl and Twisted Spin Cut – 16-inch for Plant Bud and Flower
Are you looking for something that will let you use both dry and wet methods? Maybe you want to try them both and see which you prefer. Regardless, this option is a solid starting point.
It comes with a serrated blade that is ideal for dry trims. It also comes with a straight-edge blade for wet trimming.
Durable rubber strips tumble the buds, which the blades cut. The machine can do the same amount of work as 30 scissors. Even though it is powerful, it is delicate enough that it won’t damage your buds.
Its durable transparent cover allows you to monitor the cutting process. As a manual model, it comes with a comfortable, easy-to-grip crank. You can attach and remove the handle for easier storing.
Even though the handle is comfortable, this model is not ideal for large quantities of marijuana. Each batch can only hold so much. Most likely, you will tire of manually turning the crank after a while.
Features
- Acrylic transparent cover
- Stainless steel basin and mesh
- 16-inch bowl
- 24 black rubber strips for tumbling
- 1 serrated blade
- 1 straight blade
- Power of 30 scissors
Pros
- Serrated and straight blades for dry and wet methods
- Catches trimmings so that you can use them for other purposes
- Powerful while maintaining precision
Cons
- Because it uses manual power, it is not ideal for large amounts of marijuana
- Won’t always cut shorter buds because of the height of the scissors from the tray
Verdict
If you are growing marijuana for personal use, this product is perfect for you. It’s excellent for both wet and dry trims. Besides saving you time, you’ll get precise cuts every time. iPower is also one of the most affordable options in our reviews.
9. Growtent Garden Bowl Trimmer
It comes with scissors, one razor blade, and one serrated blade. You can easily adjust the blade and use it for both wet and dry trims.
With the power of 30 scissors, the Growtent Garden Bowl is efficient while maintaining the integrity of your buds.
It’s effortless to use and set up thanks to features such as the removable crank. The non-slip padding on the feet also makes it easy to use.
Features
- 16-inch cutting diameter
- 1 razor blade
- 1 serrated blade
- Power of 30 scissors
- Stainless steel body
- Non-slip padding
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use
- Speeds up the process while maintaining precision
- Durable bowl and other components
Cons
- Not ideal for large batches of marijuana
Verdict
Growtent’s bowl trimmer is another fantastic product for personal use. Besides being affordable, it gets the job done and will save you a lot of time.
Check out the lowest price on Amazon.
10. EZ TRIM Wander Trimmer
The stainless steel blade features a low RPM and high torque. These qualities ensure you can use the device for hours without compromising efficiency.
Are you wondering how to use this fancy gadget? Simply hold the plant by the stem and slowly rotate it. Use the wand to trim the leaves. One cool thing about this device is that you can rest it on the table while using it. Occasional breaks will prevent fatigue and make the process more efficient.
The cutting blade speed and suction are adjustable, allowing you to program the perfect settings. One downside to this kind of trimmer is that it requires frequent cleaning. You have to keep spraying and wiping it down to get the best results.
Features
- Stainless steel blade
- Adaptable to any regular wet/dry vacuums
- Removable components
Pros
- Ideal for commercial use
- Easy to take apart and clean
- Precise cuts
Cons
- Too expensive for personal use
- Requires frequent cleaning
Verdict
If you are a commercial grower, this product is a must-have. It is a bit pricey but well worth every penny.
Check it out here on Amazon for the lowest price.
What to Consider When Searching for the Best Bud Trimmer Machines – Buyer’s Guide
Not sure which is the best bud trimmer machine for you? This buyer’s guide will provide you with all the information you need to make a well-informed decision. We will cover everything from which factors to consider to the steps in the trimming process.
Hand Trimming
Interested in what the process trimming by hand involves? It usually looks a little something like this:
Once your marijuana is ripe, you harvest it by cutting the whole plant at the bottom. Then, you have the option of letting them dry out before trimming. You can also do a “wet trim” where you start cutting them immediately.
You want to wear gloves and use a good pair of scissors. Start by trimming off the big fan leaves. Then, cut each branch off of the main stem to make them easier to work. Cutaway any excess leaves until you get to the bud, being careful not to trim the actual bud.
Note: You are cutting away anything that does not have high concentrations of trichomes. Trichomes are small white crystals that naturally appear on the bud. These are responsible for producing cannabinoids such as THC.
Take care by using the tip of the scissors when cutting. This method will allow for more precise cuts and prevent your scissors from getting sticky. Also, be sure to limit direct contact with the bud as this will deteriorate the overall quality.
As you can see, trimming by hand takes a lot of time and requires patience and precision.
Machine Trimming
Machines often vary by manufacturer, so be sure to read the instructions for yours thoroughly.
Typically, they come with a bowl and have blades operated automatically or manually. The blades rotate and strip the bud of excess foliage. The process should be gentle enough not to damage the bud.
Even if you are trimming with a machine, you should wear gloves. In addition to being sticky, the resin can stain and stink up your hands.
The Different Types of Bud Trimmer Machines
The two different types are:
● Automatic: Automatic machines are better for large batches of marijuana. They have electric motors that make them easier to operate and speed up the process.
● Manual: If you’re buying a machine, you might wonder why there are even manual options available. They are cheaper, more common, and allow you to control how vigorously you want to trim your marijuana.
Different Methods of Trimming
Growers must decide between dry and wet trimming. As both methods can produce excellent results, it boils down to personal preference.
Dry Trimming
The dry method involves, well, drying your buds first. Growers hang them in a controlled environment for about a week to remove moisture.
Once they are dry, you can manicure them. It usually takes a little longer as the leaves are curled and shrunken. However, the dry method is much cleaner than the wet method.
Wet Trimming
This method refers to manicuring your buds right after you harvest them. Growers refer to it as “wet trimming” because the buds still have their moisture.
Why might a grower favor this method? Well, for one, the leaves are still open and easy to cut. Additionally, it’s easier to use a mechanical trimmer for “wet” leaves.
You will still have to dry the leaves after you cut them. Plus, the wet method is messier and can be harder on your scissors. You will have to clean them multiple times throughout the process.
What Should You Do with Trimmings?
Trimming might be a lot of work, but it leaves you with quality buds. It also leaves you with what many consider waste.
Don’t throw away the scraps just yet. There is a lot you can do with them. You can use the leaves with higher levels of THC (sugar leaves) to make products such as edibles. Fan leaves that have lower THC levels are useful for creams or even as herbs.
Trimming by Hand vs. Trimming Using a Bud Trimmer Machine
Hand trimming vs. machine trimming? It’s the question that plagues many growers. Trimming by hand has been the norm for centuries, but people are looking to streamline the process.
That’s where bud trimmer machines come in. They offer growers an alternative to a very mundane, time-consuming method.
Quite frankly, choosing your trimming method comes down to personal preference. The main factor you should consider is the harvest size. The main reason growers might opt for a bud trimmer machine is to save time.
If you have big harvests, one of these products will cut down on trimming time. Those with smaller farms don’t necessarily need to invest in these machines. Continuing to trim small harvest by hand is reasonable. Plus, it helps growers control the quality of their final product.
Why Should You Trim?
Trimming might be an extensive process, but it is well worth the results. Some reasons why you shouldn’t skip this critical step include:
More Visually Appealing Buds
Imagine pictures of buds in magazines or advertisements at a dispensary. They look perfect as they are, all uniform and free of excess leaves.
You won’t find buds this beautiful right off the plant. To look this good, you must trim them carefully.
Higher THC Content
Trimmed buds have a higher overall THC content. The reason is that you are removing the surrounding leaves that have high sugar and low THC levels.
More Pleasant Smoking Experience
Because they are much thicker than the actual flowers, marijuana leaves don’t wick away moisture as well. The result is a harsher smoking experience.
Cured and trimmed buds, however, have a more even moisture content. The result is a pleasant smoking experience with enhanced natural flavors.
Why Isn’t Everyone Using Bud Trimmer Machines?
So, why isn’t everyone using bud trimmer machines? They seem to offer the perfect solution to a common problem. Additionally, they are readily affordable and accessible.
Some arguments against bud trimmer machines include:
Standardized
There are many different strains of marijuana. Their flowers all have varying shapes and densities. Some growers, therefore, claim that each bud requires its own unique, by-hand trimming approach. They feel that bud trimmer machines are too standardized and don’t consider each unique flower.
Quality
Some growers also claim that machines are too powerful. They don’t offer the same delicate touch as by-hand trimming does.
There is some truth to these claims; poor-quality machines can ruin your buds. As long as you get one with gentle rotations and non-stick features, the manicuring process will go smoothly.
Final Thoughts
If you plan on buying a bud trimmer machine, make sure you research. A good-quality machine will last and make the trimming process that much easier. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without one!