Like most people, if you’ve just started growing your own weed and it’s ready to harvest, you might be under the assumption that trimming it is pretty simple and straightforward. All you need is a pair of decent trimming scissors, a tray, some light, and a comfy chair to sit in, right? Not quite. In reality, however, it’s a bit more challenging than it appears.
Ask any experienced trimmer and they’ll tell you that the process of trimming marijuana flower is a taxing job. It takes a keen eye, a lot of time, and can be downright tiring. After a while, your back, shoulders, hands, and eyes start to hurt, and when that happens, trimming quality can be compromised.
Fortunately, however, there’s a way that you can combat the issues that come along with trimming and ensure quality results each and every time. How? By making sure that you’re using the right tools, and that includes sheers that are specially made to cut cannabis, as all as a tray to hold your trimmed weed in.
An intelligently designed tray can help to simplify the trimming process, making it a more enjoyable – and less physically painful – process. With a great tray, you can even trim and separate out the pollen, if you so choose.
Like so many other products that are available for growing and harvesting weed, there are tons of weed trim trays on the market. Sure, you can choose just any old tray; however, if you want the best results possible, you want to make sure that you’re investing in something that is smartly designed.
Sure, there are mechanical automated trimming machines out there that are great for processing very high volumes of cannabis but because of their size and design they are not as precise as good old fashioned hand trimming, making them poor solutions for craft cultivators.
To help you on your quest for finding the best cannabis trim tray, we’ve taken the liberty of sorting through all the different options that are available and selecting what we consider to be the best options available.
What is a Trim Tray and Why is it Important?
As the name suggests, a trim tray is a tray that is specifically designed to collect the weed you trim. While you don’t technically need a tray to trim your weed, it sure does come in handy. Why? Because it helps to reduce the among of waste from the buds, and it makes the process of trimming a lot more convenient.
Quality trays serve as a platform that collects the trimmed parts of the plant, so those pieces are all collected in one confined area rather than scattered across your work surface. As such, when you’re finished, you don’t have to worry about collecting the buds that have scattered all over the place, but rather, you can just dump out the contents of the tray.
Trimming involves handling flower, which even with a delicate hand, will result in dropping off trichomes and eventual accumulation of decently large quantities of kief. Quality trays will allow you to sift this precious part of the plant from the undesirably leafy bits so that you can recycle it as kief pucks or press it to extract it’s juicy magic.
Before trim trays were created, it was common practice to use cardboard boxes to collect trimmed buds. While this method helped to contain the buds, it wasn’t exactly ideal. Why? Well, because the cardboard absorbed the resin and trichome glans from the buds and the leaves, which means that the end product ended up losing some of its potency.
Trim trays are made of special materials, typically high-density food grade plastics, which don’t absorb the resin and trichome glans, so the finished product is more potent. These trays also come with brushes, which can be used to collect the pollen and kief that falls off the plant as you’re trimming, so you can collect more of the potent parts. Plus, the trays and their components can be easily washed, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Factors to Look for in a Cannabis Trim Tray and Bin
As mentioned, there are lots of trim trays on the market. To help weed out (no pun intended) the best weed trays from subpar designs, here are some key factors to take into consideration when you’re shopping.
External Dimensions & Internal Volume
Of course, the size of the tray is important. The majority of cannabis trim trays come in standard sizes; however, it’s a good idea to make sure that the size you choose is suitable for the amount of buds you plan on trimming, otherwise they could end up falling out, rendering the tray useless.
Lightweight Portable Trays vs Heavier Tabletop Trays
You should also consider the weight of the tray. Some are pretty heavy, which isn’t ideal for transport; plus, if you plan on holding it on your lap, it could end up becoming pretty cumbersome. Therefore, make sure that the trim tray you select is lightweight, as it will be a lot more versatile and usable.
Inside Screens & Collection Design + Non-Slip Grip
It’s also a good idea to check out the bottom of the tray; that is, the underlying side that lays on the surface you’ll be placing it on. If you are going to be situated on a countertop or a table, a non-slip bottom would definitely come in handy, as it will help to secure it in place and prevent it from slipping and sliding while you’re working.
Comfortable Ergonomic Design
As previously stated, trimming weed can be quite labor-intensive and it can take a pretty decent amount of time. As such, a trim tray that features an ergonomic design is idea, as it will make using the tray a lot easier. You’ll be able to fit it on your lap more comfortably. You might also want to consider one that features built-in handles, which will make moving it a lot easier.
Ease of Cleaning & Storing
Trimming cannabis can be pretty sticky, as the resin collects on the surface that the buds and leaves fall into. It also produces a lot of pollen and kief. In other words, when you’re finished, the tray will be pretty messy, and it will definitely need to be cleaned. Look for a tray that is designed to be easy to clean (dishwasher safe, for example), which will help to make the cleanup process a bit easier.
Durability & Build Quality
Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to consider the durability of the tray. A good weed trimming tray should be durably constructed so that it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The Best Weed Trimming Trays and Trim Bins
Now that you know why a trim tray and bin is important and what types of factors and features to consider when you’re shopping, let’s jump in and take a look at some of the best options. Below, you’ll find overviews of our top picks for the best cannabis trim trays and bins that are currently available on the market.
TrimBin from Harvest More
- PACKAGE INCLUDES - 1 Top Bin with 150 Micron Stainless Steel Screen, 1 Bottom Bin with Mirror Finish, 1 Static Brush. The Trim Bin has been professionally designed by...
- HIGH WALLS FOR EASY TRIMMING - Unlike other products on the market, the innovative Trim Bin features a high-walled design that keeps the work contained and minimizes...
First up on our list of the best cannabis trim trays and bins is the Harvest More TrimBin. It’s outfitted with a top bin is equipped with a 150 micron stainless steel screen, as well as a bottom bin with a mirror finish. The screen allows the pollen and kief to fall right through to the bottom bin so you can collect it and use it, and the mirror finish of the bottom bin allows for super-easy cleaning. It also comes complete with a static brush, which can definitely come in handy. The high walls of this bin help to prevent buds from falling all over the place, keeping them neatly contained.
This bin and tray combination is ergonomically designed, so it’s comfortable to hold on your lap for prolonged periods of time, allowing you to trim on your couch, a chair, while sitting on the ground – anywhere! The rounded arm grooves help to reduce stress injuries in the arms and maximize productivity, too.
Made in the USA, right in California, and constructed of 100 percent recycled plastic, the TrimBin by Harvest More measures 19.5 inches deep, 15.3 inches wide, and 6 inches high, giving you plenty of space to work in, and weighs just 3.4 pounds, so it’s definitely easy to transport.
Pros
- Spacious, ergonomic design
- 150 micron stainless steel screen and static brush makes it easy to collect kief
- Mirror finish bottom allows for easy cleaning
- Rounded arm grooves increase comfort and productivity
- Affordably priced
- Durable construction
- Made in the USA of 100 percent recycled materials
- Tall walls contain messes
Cons
Honestly, we couldn’t find anything wrong with this trim bin!
Trimming Tray XL Heavy-Duty 2-in-1 Herb Sifter by Common Culture
- TRIMMING BUNDLE: Trim your plants with kit including (1) Trimming Tray with 150 micron pollen screen, (1) bottom harvest bin, (2) pairs of scissors, (1) brush, (1)...
- ZERO WASTE HARVEST: This Trimming Tray helps you avoid costly herb loss and is highly effective at collecting extra pollen for plant fertilization, so it improves...
Next up is the Trimming Tray XL Heavy-Duty 2-in-1 Herb Sifter by Common Culture. It measures 13 inches by 20 inches, so there’s plenty of pace to work in. The body is constructed of thick polymer, so it’s super-durable. A 150 micron sifter screen sits flush on the top of the tray, which allows for efficient collection of tons of pollen. It’s washable, too, so cleanup is a breeze.
The Common Culture Trimming Tray XL Heavy-Duty 2-in-1 Herb Sifter doesn’t just come with the tray and the sifter, but it also comes complete with the tools you’ll need to get the job done, including 2 pairs of trimming scissors, a brush, and a magnifying card. The bottom of the tray features 8 rubber feet, too, so it won’t shift and move while you’re working.
Pros
- Large capacity size
- 150 micron sift screen sits flush on the tray for easy pollen collection
- Non-slip feet on the bottom
- Heavy-duty construction, yet lightweight design
- Comes with all of the tools and accessories you’ll need
- Affordably priced
Cons
- It isn’t ergonomically designed
Lawnfull Trimming Tray with Mesh Pollen Sieve Kief Sifter Screen
- PREMIUM HARVEST EQUIPMENT - Lawnful Trim Bin is the premier two-layered trimming tray to make your trimming experience more streamlined, efficient and enjoyable.
- COMFORTABLE TRIMMING PROCESS - The 3.5 inches deep Tray makes the trimming process more convenient, reduces waste and avoid leaks. The Trimming Tray can be used to...
If you’re on the market for a budget-friendly, no bells-and-whistles trimming tray and bin, this option from Lawnful is a great choice. The design kind of looks like a bowl that you’d use to cook with in the kitchen, and it’s constructed of PP food grade material, so you can have confidence knowing that it’s safe and durable.
The tray measures 3.5 inches deep and the top features a built-in ultra-fine stainless steel sieve screen, so you can easily collect all of that keif while you’re trimming. When you’re finished, collect it off the bottom with the included scraper. Now all you need is a dedicated pollen press and you’re on your way to becoming everyone’s new favorite kief plug!
Built-in handles on both the tray and the screen, combined with the lightweight design, make for easy portability; plus, it’s comfortable to place in your lap.
Pros
- Made of safe, food-grade PP material
- Super-fine mesh screen top
- Bottom tray measures 3.5 inches deep
- Built-in handles for easy portability
- Compact, lightweight, ergonomic design
- Comes with a scraper for easy pollen collection
- Easy to wash
- Affordably priced
Cons
- The capacity is kind of on the small side
Mogobe Metal Trimming Tray with Detachable 150 Micron Screen
- Note: 1) No accessories including; No extra replacement screen including. 2) If replacing the screen, please know that it is Mogobe 15.3" x 9.8" size version.
- LARGER SIZE WITH HIGH WALLS: Our trim Tray size is 19.5*13.6*4 inches. More space means can trim more plants, a non-slip bottom is easy to use.
The Trimming Tray with Detachable 150 Micron Screen by Mogobe is another great option for your cannabis trimming needs. The tray measures 20.5 inches by 14.1 inches by 4 inches, so it’s super-spacious and can accommodate plenty of leaves and buds.
The non-slip feet on the bottom of the tray help to prevent it from sliding around while you’re working on slippery countertops or tabletops. The top features a 201 stainless steel mesh screen that your pollen can easily fall through to the bottom of the tray.
Of course, it’s made of safe, food-grade materials, and is easy to wash and maintain. This trimming tray comes complete with a variety of accessories, too, including 2 sets of trimming scissors, 1 brush, 1 pollen collection shovel, 1 magnifying glass card, 1 screwdriver, 1 utility knife, and 1 cleaning cloth. It really does come with everything you’ll need to work efficiently.
Pros
- Large capacity design
- 201 micron stainless steel sifting screen
- Comes with all of the accessories you’ll need to get the job done
- Slip-proof feet
- Made of safe, food-grade, washable materials
- Lightweight design
Cons
- It isn’t ergonomically constructed, so it may be slightly uncomfortable to hold on your lap
- It lacks built-in handles, which some users may find to be a downside
Herb CEO Summary
Whether it’s for your own personal use or for a cannabis business, there really is nothing more rewarding than growing, harvesting, and trimming your own marijuana. Of all the factors that go into growing and prepping weed, however, trimming tends to be the most cumbersome. With any of the trimming trays and bins that are featured on our list, that process can be simplified, will be a lot more productive, and will be more comfortable to endure.
What are trim bins used for?
Trim bins are used during the cannabis production process wherein humans are manually cutting off sugar leaves from cannabis flowers. The bins collect the extra plant material and make for a more ergonomic and tidy trimming process.
Are trim trays worth it?
From a comfort perspective and cleanliness perspective trim trays are definitely worth investing in if you run a craft cannabis farm.
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
