Shardor CG-618-UL Spice Grinder Review
Our verdict
The lightest option in this roundup at 0.9 pounds, the Shardor CG-618-UL shares the same $39.99 price and 200W motor as the Secura SP-7412 but trades bowl size for portability. Its 4,500-plus reviews and 4.3-star rating confirm it performs well for small-batch grinding.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Apartment cooks or minimalists who want a compact, lightweight grinder that takes up almost no drawer or counter space.
Skip if
You frequently grind large batches. The 2.5-ounce (roughly 70-gram) bowl is workable but not roomy, and the lighter build may feel less substantial than alternatives.
- Power 200 W
- Capacity 2.5 Ounces
- Color Black
- Weight 0.9 lb
- Voltage 110 Volts
- Priced 20% below the category median ($49.95 across 7 tracked models)
- Weight of 0.9 lb - lighter than 80% of the 7 models we track
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 4,500 owner ratings
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Popularity4.3/5
4,500 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other vacuum sealers, built-in and countertop dishwashers, food slicers, meat and grain grinders, spice mills and kitchen prep appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Shardor CG-618-UL stands out primarily for its weight. At 0.9 pounds it is the lightest electric spice grinder in this group by a notable margin. That makes it easy to pull out of a cabinet, use quickly, and put away without effort. For a small kitchen or someone who prioritizes minimal counter clutter, that weight savings is a genuine convenience.
The specs mirror the Secura SP-7412 closely. Both run at 200W, both operate on 110 to 120V, and both carry a 4.3-star rating from a large number of buyers. The Shardor bowl capacity is listed at 2.5 ounces, which converts to about 70 grams of spice, matching the Secura on usable volume. The black finish is practical and resists visible staining from turmeric or paprika fairly well compared to lighter finishes.
With 4,500 reviews the Shardor has a well-developed feedback record. Buyers who prioritize light weight and simplicity tend to be the most satisfied. Those who expected a heavier, more premium feel at this price sometimes express mild disappointment, but performance complaints are rare.
Pros
- Lightest grinder in this category at 0.9 pounds
- 200W motor matches pricier competitors on raw power
- 110V compatible, plug-and-go in any US kitchen
- 4,500-plus reviews give reliable real-world performance data
- Compact footprint is easy to store in small kitchens
Cons
- Lightweight build may feel less durable than heavier alternatives
- No coarseness control, grind fineness relies on pulse timing
- Small 2.5-ounce bowl limits single-batch capacity for larger recipes
Performance notes
The 200W motor performs in line with other blade grinders in this class. For small amounts of whole spices, the lighter body means the grinder can skip or walk on the counter during operation if not held down, particularly when grinding hard seeds. This is a minor inconvenience rather than a design flaw. Grind quality at 10 to 15 seconds of pulsing is consistent with the Secura and Cuisinart at similar run times.
What buyers say
Buyers appreciate the size and light weight most, followed by the ease of use and cleaning. The most common mild complaint is that the lightweight housing can feel flimsy compared to expectations, but actual motor failure reports are uncommon even after extended use. The 4.3-star average across more than 4,500 reviews indicates a large majority of buyers are satisfied with what they paid for.
Specifications
- Power
- 200 W
- Capacity
- 2.5 Ounces
- Color
- Black
- Weight
- 0.9 lb
- Voltage
- 110 Volts
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Frequently asked questions
How does the Shardor CG-618-UL compare to the Secura SP-7412?
Both cost $39.99 and run at 200W on 110 to 120V. The Shardor weighs 0.9 pounds versus the Secura's 2.2 pounds, making it notably lighter. The Secura has a slightly larger review base at 6,100-plus versus 4,500-plus for the Shardor. If weight matters, go Shardor. If you prefer a heavier, more planted feel, go Secura.
Is the 2.5-ounce bowl enough for everyday cooking?
For most home spice grinding, yes. A 2.5-ounce bowl holds enough whole peppercorns or cumin seeds for several weeks of cooking if you grind in batches. If you routinely prepare spice blends in bulk, a larger bowl option like the Cuisinart SG-10's 90-gram capacity may serve you better.
What voltage does the Shardor CG-618-UL require?
The CG-618-UL is rated at 110 volts, which is standard in US kitchens. No adapter or converter is needed.