Especially on wood (although many options can be used on other materials too). Using sandpaper alone takes time, but you'll be flying with an electric or battery-powered option.
The best sanders at a glance:
Best for easy usage: Makita Li-Ion LXT Sander - view offer on Amazon UK
Best for removing material: Bosch Random Orbit Sander - view offer on Amazon UK
Best for a budget: Tilswall Mouse Detail Sander - view offer on Amazon UK
Best for multi-surfaces: Jellas Orbital Sander - view offer on Amazon UK
Adding the best orbital sanders to your home improvement toolbox is a must for any avid DIYer. It’s a smart, versatile piece of kit that takes the hard work out of any project that needs some serious sanding.
An orbital sander can create a smoother, more even finish that other types of sanders will struggle to match. They are great for sanding large flat surfaces, and painted surfaces such as doors, windows and skirting boards. We have put together this helpful guide to help you choose the right sander for your needs.
Best for easy usage
The performance of the orbital sander is impressive. With 18 volt battery power, it works powerfully and enables quick and efficient sanding of various materials. The sander is extremely comfortable to use. It fits comfortably in the hand, is lightweight and handy, which enables fatigue-free work. The grinding performance is first-class, and the eccentric movement ensures a uniform sanding pattern without streaks or creases.
Our Thoughts: You simply press the one-touch button to start it up. Three speeds and a clever control system prevent the pad from moving (via the pad brake). Oh, and it's not just the pad that's protected either - the battery is, too, thanks to its protection circuit.
Pros
- Long life span due to the dust seal
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Not so good for bigger DIY jobs
Best for removing material
If you want to remove some paint, varnish or staining from woodwork, this random orbit sander from Bosch is just what you'll need. The built-in dust extraction element collects dust directly at the workpiece. Reliable and powerful, the sander is lightweight and easy to handle, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Our Thoughts: As you can see, this option is brilliant for both indoor and outdoor projects, as it's pretty solid and durable. The vacuum port makes tidying up easy, which sucks up most of the dust and filters it into the collection box.
Pros
- Works well on both curved and flat areas
- Comfortable to hold with the soft-grip section
Cons
- No speed control settings
Best for a budget
This little machine may be compact, but its size certainly does not compromise its high-quality performance. You can chose fine sanding and tough sanding according to your requirements. The design of Velcro-type Fastening System makes you more convenient and quick to replace sandpapers.
Our Thoughts: We are impressed by everything it offers, from the ergonomic dust box to the safety features, which include a special cooling hole and a dustproof switch to prevent overheating, which could otherwise be dangerous and damage the sander.
Pros
- High efficiency - clean work area with dust collection system
- Transparent box for easy viewing (so you know when to empty it)
Cons
- On the heavier side
Best for multi-surfaces
Next, we have this lightweight tool that can be manoeuvred with just one hand, which is especially ideal for vertical surfaces. This sander has an especially powerful operating system, it is 280W for high power demands - and the maximum power can reach up to 300W.
Our Thoughts: Whether it's plastic, metal or wood, you can count on it for reliability. You will be able to get right up close with the long 3-metre power cord and short height to ensure that you cover all areas and create the finish you desire.
Pros
- 360° rotating base & 6 variable speeds
- High dust collection efficiency
- Low vibration
Cons
- Loud at a high speed
Best for versatility
Shaped like a teardrop, this can get into all of the nooks and crannies. This sander is perfect for many DIY projects, including sanding bare wood and also removing paint and rust. This sander is lightweight and very comfortable to use, which means that you will get fatigue-free sanding.
Our Thoughts: Included are 6 pieces of sandpaper, which the base can rotate to increase their longevity. We love how versatile it is, as it can be used on a wide range of materials (including glass) - it can even remove rust!
Pros
- Tips are removable and interchangeable
- Uses a handy rocker switch to keep it going
Cons
- Finger extension not included
Which type of sander is best?
The best sander is the orbital sander, also referred to as a finishing sander. This is your best option for achieving that ultra smooth finish on those larger, flatter areas. The sander can also be used for smoothing down plaster, or paint or even for smoothing down varnish in between coats.
What are the different types of sanders?
There are four main types of sander:
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Disc - Pretty self-explanatory, these use circular discs to smooth out surfaces and get the job done.
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Random orbital - Similar to a disc sander, these move in circles, although more randomly. We recommend this option for removing things like paint and varnishes.
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Belt - These are rectangular and perfect for shaping.
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Finishing - These do what they say on the tin. Use them last to create a perfectly even and smooth finish.
What is the best type of sander for beginners?
We recommend you purchase a random-orbit sander as your first power sander. Random-orbit sanders can handle nearly any DIY task. Sure, they won't smooth gnarly wood as quickly as a belt sander or sand details like an oscillating multitool, but they can do just about anything when paired with the right sandpaper grit.
Is it better to sand by hand or with a sander?
Here's the thing, sanders are a brilliant piece of kit - but it can't be ignored that that final hand sand will give a much better finish than just ending with a power sander.
Caitlin Evans is a Content Optimisation Executive with a passion for finding the best products on the market. She specialises in identifying features that make a product stand out from the rest that will help people make informed buying decisions.