Croptober is not too far away. And with it comes the task of preparing your tools and machinery to get the job done of processing your harvests. One of the things you need to get greased up is your bud trimmer that will handle the sun-grown cannabis you will be harvesting.
Bud trimmers come in all sizes with different trimming capabilities and similar features, including quick cleanups. Some can do dry, while others can do both wet and dry. And with technology evolving all the time, manufacturers of bud trimmers churn out newer technologies to develop even more efficient machines.
Of course, newer technologies may confuse or even overwhelm you with better features, which might throw you off-track if you have narrowed down your choices for bud trimmers. With harvest season coming very soon, it might be a good idea to review the latest offerings of automatic bud trimmers before you bite the bullet on a new trimmer.
Wet, Dry, or Both?
When deciding on a bud trimmer, you’ll need to consider whether you require a wet, dry, or a hybrid (2-in-1 wet & dry) machine. Below is a quick comparison to help you decide:
Wet Trimmer
✓ Processes buds faster
✘ May reduce potency and flavor compared to dry trimming.
Dry Trimmer
✓ Retains potency and enhances flavor.
✘ Takes more time to process.
Hybrid (Wet & Dry)
✓ Combines the benefits of both methods.
✓ Saves space compared to owning separate wet and dry trimmers.
✘ May not be as efficient as a wet or dry trimmer for specific needs.
Still unsure? If you know what kind of buds you’ll primarily process, size your equipment accordingly. If you’re undecided about trimming methods, check out our in-depth article comparing the pros and cons of wet and dry trimming.
Size Matters
Trimmers come in different sizes, and to cater to various sizes of operations. You need to choose the right size while considering future-proofing your operations: do you see yourself in the next two years scaling up your harvests, or would you just be handling a small batch, and treat planting cannabis as a hobby?
Trends for 2025
Many growers are now opting for dry trimming. For one, you get complete control over the speed to retain the moisture. It also allows for better terpenes' preservation and provides a smoother experience when consumed because of the lower amounts of chlorophyll present. When cleaning up, a dry trim is easier to clean, as the buds tend to be less sticky, which means they won't stick too much on other surfaces it comes in contact with.
If there’s anything worth noting right now, the dry trimmers have become more powerful now.
Back then, trimmers would have capacities for dry buds that are 20 – 25% of their wet capacity. Now, more manufacturers are improving the design of their trimmers. Dry-only trimmers now have larger capacities, and wet and dry trimmers are slowly becoming at par.
Will the day come when trimmers can trim wet and dry at the same rate? It is possible since the
Mobius M108S is at a ratio of 1:2 for dry to wet trimming. But, other than that, it’s good to know that dry trimming capacities are improving.
Best Bud Trimming Machines 2025
How This List is Organized
There's no shortage of automatic bud trimmers in the market in 2023. Nowadays you can find automatic bud trimming machines in all shapes, sizes, and capacities for every kind of operation out there — whether you're a hobbyist or a full-blown licensed producer.
As such, we decided to tackle this list based on the type of trimmer:
- Wet & dry
- Dry-only
- Bladeless
- Handheld
- Multifunction
- Commercial-scale automatic
Then, we look at the best trimming machines based on the scale of your grow-op: small, medium, and large-scale.
Last but not the least, we have a separate category for the best trimming equipment for commercial-scale operations: for those who need a serious trimming machine for exceptionally large harvests.
Without further ado, let's dive into our list of the best trimming machines for 2023.
Best Wet & Dry Trimmers
For Small-Scale Operations
CenturionPro TableTop
The
CenturionPro TableTop Trimmer is one of the smallest Tabletop Trimmers in the market today. Measuring only 24 inches long and 21 inches high, it can efficiently do the job of 16 people hand-trimming at the same time.
The CenturionPro TableTop can trim up to 15 pounds of wet buds, or 3 pounds of dry buds in just an hour. If you want a better quality of trims, upgrade the stock tumblers with CenturionPro’s Quantanium non-stick tumblers that protect your trichomes.
Twister T6
Meanwhile, the
Twister Trimmer T6 is another robust tabletop wet and dry trimmer that you can buy. Like the CenturionPro Tabletop, the T6 can process up to 10 pounds of wet buds and 2 pounds of dry buds in an hour.
But the difference between the T6 and the CenturionPro Tabletop is the upgraded tumblers included in the former. No need to buy an upgrade as the tumblers of the T6 can handle both wet and dry buds. The T6 measures 19 inches long and 11 inches high.
For Medium-scale Operations
Twister T4
Twister T4 Variable Speed Tandem
The
Twister T4 Trimmer is another powerful medium-sized trimmer available in the market today. Capable of trimming up to 23 pounds of wet buds and 7 pounds of dry buds, the T4 is a strong foundation for developing a trimming system for your operations.
What makes the T4 powerful is its ability to expand for better support. You can chain three (3) more T4 trimmers together and expand your trim capacity by almost five times. Also, you can add the optional trim-saver to preserve those trimmings for other uses. Another powerful feature of the T4 is the speed control that gives you over 30 settings to match different kinds of buds and densities, unleashing its versatility as a trimmer.
The Twister T4 Variable Speed Tandem Bud Trimming Machine & Leaf Collector System revolutionizes trimming by combining speed, precision, and versatility in one powerful package. Featuring two T4 trimmers, this tandem offers maximum efficiency by allowing you to handle up to 51 pounds of wet or 16 pounds of dry buds per hour.
With its variable speed controls for both the blades and tumbler, the Twister T4 provides the flexibility to trim your buds gently or quickly, depending on your needs. Its innovative SoftTumble Technology minimizes impact on buds, preserving their quality while maintaining precision.
CenturionPro Mini
The
CenturionPro Mini is a powerful automatic bud trimmer capable of handling up to 35 pounds of wet buds and 7 pounds of dry buds in an hour. It churns out enough power to take on the task of up to 28 personnel doing a hand trim job.
Aside from being a capable automated trimmer, the CenturionPro Mini also has a powerful leaf collector and a triple-bag kief filter system on-board, making every usage efficient. Like other CenturionPro products, you can upgrade the Mini to include the Quantanium Tumblers that have 40 percent trichome preservation.
For Large-scale Operations
CenturionPro Gladiator
Twister T2
The CenturionPro Gladiator is a wet and dry trimmer that can help you hurdle the challenges of large-scale bud trimming. With the ability to process up to 75 pounds wet and 15 pounds dry buds in an hour, the Gladiator can do the job of 60 workers.
Like other CenturionPro trimmers, the Gladiator comes with an extra set of tumblers to help you keep an efficient production line. Aside from the additional tumbler set, this machine also comes with the triple bag kief filtration system. You also have the option to upgrade to CenturionPro’s patented Quantanium Tumblers for easy cleanup.
The Twister T2 Trimmer is the flagship trimmer of the Twister brand. With the ability to trim up to 35 pounds wet and 11 pounds dry buds in an hour, the T2 handles buds with much accuracy comparable to the output made by hand. But the beauty of the T2 lies when paired with other Twister machines that compose the T2 System, which gives you up to five (5) times more output while improving your workflow.
Best Dry Trimmers
For Small-Scale Operations
CenturionPro DBT Model 1
DBT Model 0
The DBT Model 1 is CenturionPro’s offering for small-scale growers. It’s pretty much as basic one can get, as it only features a power switch. While it may seem simple, you’ll be surprised at what this trimmer offers.
The DBT Model 1 trims up to eight pounds of dry buds in an hour, or roughly the job of 32 people. That is more than what many of the small dry bud trimmers in the market can do, giving the DBT Model 1 an edge.
The CenturionPro Dry Batch Trimmer 0 (DBT0) was designed with the home grower in mind. The CenturionPro DBT0 can easily trim up to 6 pounds of dry material in an hour, despite its size. Designed to be portable, the DBT0 features two handles so that you can take it where you need it, and it only weighs 28 pounds.
Triminator Mini Dry
The
Triminator Mini Dry can process up to eight (8) pounds of your favorite strains. It effectively does the job of four (4) workers, while precisely trimming your buds.
The good thing about the Triminator Mini is that aside from being a dry bud trimmer, it also works as a kief extractor, thanks to its switchable tumblers. The Triminator Mini measures only 18 inches long and 21 inches tall, which makes it easy to take around.
For Medium-scale Operations
CenturionPro DBT Model 3
GreenBroz M-Lite
The DBT Model 3 is designed to improve your trimming workflow. Trimming at a capacity of 50 pounds an hour, this trimmer is a good option for those operating at a medium scale. The DBT Model 3 comes with a floor stand with caster wheels for better mobility.
Even making things better is the ability to tilt the chamber. By tilting the barrel of the DBT Model 3, you can quickly load and unload your buds while reducing points of contact with each bud.
For Large-scale Operations
GreenBroz M1 Automatic Dry Bud Trimmer
The GreenBroz M1 Automatic Dry Bud Trimmer is the ultimate solution for growers seeking to enhance efficiency, precision, and cleanliness in their trimming process. Designed with the dedicated cultivator in mind, this trimmer eliminates the need for tedious hand-trimming by providing a faster, more hygienic alternative.
Built from durable 316 stainless steel, the M1 ensures that your buds maintain their purity and quality throughout the trimming process. Capable of handling up to 19 pounds of dry material per hour, it’s perfect for scaling operations without compromising on the quality of the trim.
With a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, the GreenBroz M1 is not only efficient but also reliable, making it an indispensable tool for professional growers.
CenturionPro DBT Model 4 & 5
The DBT Model 4 and Model 5 are identical for the most part, with only one difference: the DBT Model 5 is two Model 4 trimmers put together. That means you get twice the output of the Model 4 on the Model 5.
These two trimmers were designed for large and commercial-scale growers. The DBT Model 4 features a capacity of 108 pounds of dry buds in an hour, while the Model 5 doubles it at 216 pounds an hour with the two tumblers. Both trimmers also feature the soft tumbler technology and a speed control function that gives you complete control over your bud’s trimming quality.
Making things even better for these trimmers is the inclusion of a timer. The built-in timer lets you set and forget the Model 4 and Model 5 and return to it when it’s done trimming your buds.
Best Bladeless Trimmers
For Small-scale Operations
TTT 1900
Designed also for small to medium growers, the TTT 1900 can trim up to 20 pounds of dry buds in an hour with its bladeless trimming system and variable speed motor. One thing that makes the TTT 1900 is how you can flash freeze buds while trimming, using the optional CO2 Infuser Kit.
For Medium-scale Operations
TTT 2100
For Large-scale Operations
TTT 3000
The Tom’s Tumble Trimmer 3000 is another large-scale dry trimmer you can consider for your operations. It features a trimming capacity of up to 100 pounds of dry buds in an hour. The Tom’s 3000 features a bladeless design and a variable speed motor, which lets you operate the machine with minimal noise. But, what sets apart the Tom’s 3000 from other dry trimmers is the optional CO2 infusion kit, which allows you to flash freeze your buds as you process them.
Best Handheld Bud Trimmer
What is a Handheld Bud Trimmer?
A handheld bud trimmer is a compact, portable trimming device designed for growers who value precision and convenience. Unlike larger automated trimmers, handheld trimmers give users full control over the trimming process, allowing them to manicure buds to perfection.
These tools are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and come in corded or cordless models. Ideal for small-scale growers or those focused on detail-oriented trimming, handheld bud trimmers are perfect for both touch-ups and full-scale harvests. They are particularly suited for wet or dry trimming depending on the blade type, offering versatility and efficiency in one handy package.
Speedee Trim Corded Trimmer with Butterfly Blade
The Speedee Trim Corded Trimmer with Butterfly Blade is the best seller for growers who want both speed and precision in their trimming process. Featuring dual-sided Butterfly Blades with a forward-angled tip, this handheld trimmer enables users to handle high volumes of buds while maintaining surgical precision. It’s designed to trim multi-directionally with ease.
EZTRIM Trim Pen Hand-Held Automatic Trimmer
The EZTRIM Trim Pen Hand-Held Automatic Trimmer is a sleek, user-friendly solution for growers looking to simplify and speed up their trimming process without sacrificing quality. With its lightweight and ergonomic design, this trimmer eliminates the discomfort often associated with manual scissors, offering precision and ease in every cut.
Best Multifunction Trimmer
What is a multi-function trimmer?
A multi-function trimmer is a versatile machine designed to handle multiple tasks beyond just trimming. Unlike standard trimmers that focus solely on cutting and shaping buds, a multi-function trimmer integrates additional features like sifting and extraction.
This not only streamlines the post-harvest process but also maximizes the utilization of the plant by facilitating various forms of processing and refinement within a single piece of equipment. The multi-function trimmer is a practical investment for those looking to expand their capabilities and increase efficiency in their operations.
The Original Resinator
The Original Resinator represents a breakthrough in post-harvest processing for growers and processors, providing an all-in-one solution that combines trimming, resin extraction, and bubble hash production.
Known for their efficiency, these revolutionary machines are designed to cut processing time by up to 85%, handling both wet and dry runs with bladeless trimming technology. The ability to flash freeze harvest and the infusion of CO2 into the trimming process are standout features across the product range.
The lineup includes the Resinator OG, a compact unit capable of trimming 1.5 lb of dry material and sifting 3 lb per run. Its big brother, the Resinator XL, scales up the processing to 15 pounds as a separator and 7 pounds per trim cycle.
Additionally, the brand has introduced lower-priced OG base model and base model of the XL. These lower-priced versions are available in Trim, Sift, and Wash editions, focusing on essential functionalities for specific post-harvest tasks. Need to trim? There's an edition for that.
Sifting or washing? There are editions for those too. If your needs change, you can even purchase low-priced add-on packages to expand the functionality. Don't let the cost savings fool you – they can trim, wash, and sift to the same capacities as the classic bundles. It's a versatile approach that ensures you get exactly what you need without paying for extras.
For those wanting the whole package from the start, the OG classic bundle is still there. With a one-year warranty and user-friendly design, The Original Resinator's base models have quickly become a noteworthy option for those looking to streamline their post-harvest processing in 2023.
Best Commercial-scale Automatic Bud Trimmers
CenturionPro 3.0
Mobius 108S
The
CenturionPro 3.0 is a triple tumbler wet and dry trimmer that can handle large amounts of buds in a short time. Having the efficiency of 100 workers, the 3.0 can trim in an hour up to 125 pounds of wet and 25 pounds of dry buds.
The 3.0 is a complete system on its own, as each machine comes with a leaf collector suction system and triple-bag kief collector, as well as an extra set of tumblers to swap when you need cleanup while working.
The
Mobius M108S changes the way you do trimming in your facility. Designed for large and commercial-scale growers, the M108S can trim up to 120 pounds of wet and 60 pounds of dry buds. This uniquely designed system will enable buds to be more exposed to the blades while providing gentle handling.
Like other trimmers in the market, the M108S comes with speed control that allows you to adapt to different bud densities and sizes. There’s also the collection system built into the M108S that provides for an efficient gathering of trims.
CenturionPro XL 5/5.0SE/10
CenturionPro XL10 w/ Conveyor System
CenturionPro classifies the XL as an Industrial Solution, with enough power to automate a large section of your whole operations. It features a centralized control system that gives you full command over the speed of your trimmers while producing the best results.
The XL features a complete system that covers the trimmers, leaf collectors, kief filtration, and an option for conveyor belts to keep the movement flowing between processes.
| Model | Wet Buds/hour | Dry Buds/hour |
|---|---|---|
| XL 5.0 | 1,500 lbs | 300 lbs |
| XL 5.0 SE | 2,250 lbs | 450 lbs |
| XL 10 | 3,000 lbs | 600 lbs |
Conclusion
With all the great brands and features mentioned, choosing the best trimmer that ultimately depends on what fits your needs best. Although you can rest assured that all trimmers mentioned in this article are among the best in the industry.
You can check out popular bud trimming equipment here.
Let Trimleaf help you find the right trimmer for your business
In case you still can't decide which machine to get, drop us a line or contact us. We'd be more than happy to help choose the right trimmer for your specific needs and budget!
Frequently Asked Questions About Automatic Bud Trimming Machines
- ◄What is the difference between wet and dry bud trimming?
- Wet trimming processes buds faster but may reduce potency and flavor compared to dry trimming. Dry trimming retains potency, enhances flavor, and improves terpene preservation, but takes more time to process. Many growers now prefer dry trimming because it allows better control over moisture, preserves terpenes, and provides a smoother experience when consumed due to lower amounts of chlorophyll.
- ◄How do I choose the right size bud trimmer for my operation?
- Consider your current harvest volume and potential future growth when selecting a trimmer. Small-scale trimmers typically process 6-15 pounds wet or 2-3 pounds dry per hour, suitable for home growers or small operations. Medium-scale trimmers handle 20-50 pounds wet or 7-9 pounds dry hourly, ideal for mid-sized grows. Large-scale trimmers can process 35-100+ pounds wet or 10-20 pounds dry per hour for commercial operations. For industrial processing, look at machines capable of handling hundreds of pounds per hour. Always future-proof your investment by considering a trimmer that can handle slightly more than your current needs.
- ◄What are the benefits of a hybrid (wet & dry) trimmer?
- Hybrid trimmers combine the benefits of both wet and dry trimming methods and save space compared to owning separate wet and dry trimmers. They offer flexibility to process your harvest according to your preference, allowing you to adapt your trimming method based on the specific strain or desired end product. However, they may not be as specialized or efficient as dedicated wet-only or dry-only trimmers for specific trimming needs.
- ◄How many pounds of cannabis can automatic bud trimmers process per hour?
- Processing capacity varies widely by machine size and type. Small-scale trimmers typically process 6-15 pounds wet or 2-8 pounds dry per hour. Medium-scale trimmers handle 20-50 pounds wet or 7-9 pounds dry hourly. Large-scale trimmers can process 35-100+ pounds wet or 10-20 pounds dry per hour. Industrial commercial-scale solutions can reach capacities of several hundred to thousands of pounds wet or hundreds of pounds dry per hour. When comparing machines, remember that actual throughput may vary based on strain density, moisture content, and desired trim quality.
- ◄What are bladeless trimmers and how do they differ from bladed trimmers?
- Bladeless trimmers use a tumbling action without cutting blades to gently remove leaves and trim material. They're generally gentler on buds, preserving more trichomes and producing less plant damage compared to bladed trimmers. They work well for dry trimming and often operate more quietly. Some bladeless trimmers can be used with CO2 infusion for flash freezing buds during trimming, which helps preserve terpenes and trichomes. Bladed trimmers, in contrast, use sharp cutting surfaces and are typically faster but may remove more trichomes during the process.
- ◄How do handheld bud trimmers compare to automatic trimmers?
- Handheld bud trimmers offer more precision and control than automatic trimmers, making them ideal for small-scale growers or finishing touches. They're more affordable, portable, and require less maintenance than automatic machines. However, they're much slower for volume processing, typically requiring more labor hours. Handheld trimmers are best for growers who prioritize precision trimming or need to supplement automatic trimming with detail work. Many professional growers use a combination of automatic trimmers for bulk processing and handheld trimmers for final manicuring.
- ◄What maintenance is required for bud trimming machines?
- Regular maintenance includes thorough cleaning after each use to remove sticky resin buildup, blade sharpening or replacement when needed, tumbler cleaning or replacement, checking and cleaning filters (especially in trimmers with leaf collection systems), lubricating moving parts according to manufacturer guidelines, and inspecting electrical components. Many manufacturers like CenturionPro offer extra tumblers to allow continuous operation while cleaning. Always follow specific maintenance instructions in your trimmer's user manual.
- ◄What features should I look for in a quality bud trimmer?
- Look for durable construction materials (stainless steel is ideal for sanitation), variable speed controls to adapt to different bud densities, easy disassembly for cleaning, reliable leaf collection systems, multiple tumbler options for wet and dry processing, trichome preservation technology, safety features, clean cuts that don't damage buds, and sufficient processing capacity for your harvest volume. Additional valuable features include built-in timers, mobility options like caster wheels, and tilting chambers for easier loading/unloading.
- ◄What are multifunction trimmers and are they worth the investment?
- Multifunction trimmers combine trimming with additional capabilities such as resin extraction and bubble hash production. They're worth the investment if you want to maximize plant utilization beyond just trimmed buds. These machines can cut processing time significantly by handling multiple post-harvest tasks in one system. For operations interested in producing extracts or concentrates alongside trimmed flower, multifunction trimmers offer significant efficiency advantages and potentially higher total yields from each plant. Consider your product line and whether you'll utilize all functions before investing in these typically higher-priced machines.
- ◄How much do automatic bud trimmers cost?
- Automatic bud trimmers range widely in price based on size and capabilities. Small handheld electric trimmers start around $300-500. Small-scale automatic trimmers like tabletop models typically cost $2,000-5,000. Medium-scale trimmers range from $5,000-15,000. Large-scale and commercial trimmers can cost anywhere from $15,000-50,000+. Industrial solutions like the CenturionPro XL series with conveyor systems can exceed $100,000. When considering cost, factor in the labor savings, processing speed, and potential quality improvements these machines offer.
