Bud trimmers come in a variety of sizes with different trimming capabilities and similar features, including quick cleanup. Some can be used dry while others can be used wet or dry. As technology continues to evolve, bud trimmer manufacturers are constantly introducing newer technologies to develop more efficient machines.

Of course, newer technology can confuse you and might even overwhelm you with better features, which can throw you off track if you’ve narrowed down your options for a bud trimmer. With harvest time just around the corner, it’s a good idea to check out the latest in automatic pruners before you bite the bullet and buy a new one.

CenturionPro Dry Batch Trimmer Model 2

Features:

The CenturionPro Bud Trimmer is ideal for small to medium harvests with a dry weight trimming capacity of up to 15 pounds per hour. Designed for pruning delicate blooms, the DBT Model 2 simplifies the pruning process while keeping you safe and producing the highest quality pruning product you can get. The CenturionPro — the best value dry batch trimmer on the market — is also the most attentive, with an optional Kief filter that collects any shed trichomes to maximize the value of your harvest. Made from stainless steel and the finest name-brand parts, the Model 2 Dry Batch Trimmer is an elite harvesting solution designed to meet industry compliance standards and exceed your expectations.

Triminator Mini Dry Portable Trimmer

Features:

The Triminator Trimmer is designed for growers who prefer to trim dry, and need the job done fast. Now, even hobbyists can achieve an automated harvest! This award-winning portable trimmer works quickly, quietly, and is incredibly user-friendly. It produces an immaculately trimmed bud and is built to withstand the test of time. You can trim up to 2–5 pounds an hour, and can even use the optional pollen tumbler kit to maximize productivity. The ideal moisture level for Triminator Dry Trimmers is between 9% — 10% Proprietary material reduces the need for lubricants and reduces friction by eliminating metal on metal interfaces. Pure Trim technology keeps the product cooler, which reduces resin loss and stickiness, and produces the highest clarity extracts.

ECO Farm 18inch Table Automatic Leaf Trimmer Machine

Features:

This ECO Farm Bud Trimmer is a great device for trimming and shaping flowers, buds and spices. This powerful trimmer features a maintenance-free motor and sharp stainless steel (3) blades. Automatic output when finished, it comes with a clean and environmentally friendly tote bag; No litter left behind. It trims excess leaves and stems quickly, efficiently and preciously. Easily foldable design for easy transport or storage. And the speed of this bud trimmer is adjustable. High-speed blades and fans trim spin, fluff, and ultimately eject trimmed plants.

How We Chose the Best Trimmer

In this list of the best bud trimmers, we did our best to pick a bud trimmer to suit every kind of grower.

For example, if you’re growing one or two plants, the best bud trimmer for you would probably be a hand crank bowl trimmer. They are inexpensive, can handle small to medium harvests, and are very portable trimmers.

Let’s say your basement or garden has space for up to ten plants. In that case, an electric machine can keep your arm from getting tired. Got an acre or more of grow space? You best be looking at dry batch trimmers.

Tips for Using a Bud Trimmer

When using your trimmer for the first time, start slowly. We recommend that you only trim a small portion of your harvest when using the machine for the first time.

As mentioned earlier, there is a true sweet spot when it comes to moisture content. It is best to prune plants when it is dry but not too dry. The best way to find your sweet spot is through experimentation.

The best way to keep your machine working properly is to keep it clean. You can scrape large chunks of resin off the machine and wipe them clean with isopropyl alcohol. The resin scraped off is perfectly smokeable, and those who trim it by hand call it “finger hash.” If you use a machine for wet trimming, you absolutely need to clean it often.

start with small batches
Moisture content experiment
clean the machine frequently

Conclusion

If you’re growing smaller volumes of craft plants then trimming machines are not worth investing in as they are not as precise as hand-trimming. If you are running a large commercial operation and processing thousands of pounds of plant material to be used in things like extraction then investing in a trimming machine will be a smart choice.