Most of us start our journey to self-pleasuring by exploring our bodies, including our genitals, when we’re very young. This is developmentally normal and not sexual - it’s simply curiosity. Over time, the exploration becomes more intentional and might include various interesting-looking items. We hosted an art exhibition based on a book called “Wank” many moons ago (no longer in print), which listed some popular things to rub against. The book mentioned the backs of sofas, armchairs, the corner of a dining room table, and curly telephone cables (older readers will know what we mean :p). It was eye-opening, but we learned that grinding on objects is one of the most common ways to self-pleasure.
For those who really get into grinding, hard edges may be replaced with soft pillows or bunched-up sheets, offering more sensuous ways to play.
It has taken a long time for sex toy designers to shift from Mr Big John thick dildos, but finally, grinders are having their well-deserved day. Seeing as 75-80% of women and vulva owners need clitoral stimulation to orgasm, it's really about time!
If you are a lover of grinding for sexual pleasure, this blog post is for you.
What Is a Grinder?
A grinder is an anatomically contoured sex toy, with or without vibration. Grinders are made from sensually soft materials and designed for external stimulation. Broad in shape, grinders disperse sensation over a wider surface, stimulating the entire vulva, the clitoris, and the opening of the vagina.
Benefits of Using Grinders
Grinders are hands-free sex toys. Unlike manual masturbation or holding a vibrator, a grinder leaves your hands free for teasing your nipples, flicking through a sexy book, or scrolling through a curated selection of ethical porn clips on your phone...
WLW sex often includes a delicious amount of grinding. Adding vibration to the fun increases the orgasm quota, which can only be a good thing!
Using a grinder can help you reach orgasm while giving a blow job. As sexy as it is, few of us orgasm from licking & sucking our partners to orgasm, so a li’l additional help is always welcome!
How To Use a Grinder
Using a grinder is easy, especially if you have had lots of practice with non-sex-toy items. Place your grinder on a surface of your choice, such as a bed, a chair, a sofa, or the floor. Apply a drizzle of water-based lube to the surface of the grinder (the grinders we sell are all made from silicone, which pairs best with water-based lube). Sit yourself on top, with your vulva in full contact with the grinder. And then...grind!
That is really all there is to it.
Best Grinders
Let's take a look at our favourite grinders.
Inya App-Controlled Vibrating Pad is an elegant grinder with a textured surface.
The design of Inya features a hole, perfect for slipping your favourite Sh! dildo into.
Coat the dildo and grinding hump in water-based lube for comfort and better glide. 9 modes of vibration, an internal dildo, and a textured hump to grind against... Sounds pretty good to us!
The Remote Control Vibrating Grinding Cushion is very similar to Inya, but with the added benefit of a small remote control. Super-easy to slip over a penis or dildo for added clitoral oomph so often needed during penetration. Sit on the pad, lay it under you, use the remote control... You can even use it in the bath! (Keep the remote control dry - it isn't waterproof.) With 4 modes and 3 intensity levels, we are sure you'll have lots of fun!
Ruby Glow Dusk is the OG of grinders and has earned its spot on our top list. Designed as a hands-free sex toy by erotica author Tabitha Rayne, Ruby Glow is now enjoyed by WFH crews all over the world. It spices up any dull admin job in a few short minutes! (How do we know? No comment! :p)
Place Ruby Glow Dusk on a chair and position yourself so you can rub your clit against the ribbed stimulator, with or without clothes. Rock your hips against the mounds, and work your way to a slow-build orgasm.Two motors deliver 10 powerful settings to enjoy.
Grinders Are Great Sex Toys For Couples
We love the Dual Rider vibrating thigh-grinder. Perfect for partner play, this vibe is so much fun for two! One partner sits down comfortably, straps the grinder to their thigh, and then invites their lover to ride the humpalicious vibrations. The Dual Rider is remote-controlled so you can easily slow down the pleasure if they seem a little too keen to reach the finishing line... This position allows for lots of kissing and touching and, of course, a fantastic up-close view!
On a solo mission? No problem. Remove the thigh strap, lay the Dual Rider on a chair or bed, and place yourself on top. With 12 modes to explore, we think you're going to have the ride of your life!
We also love, love, love the Remote Control Vibrating Lay-On Pad, and the thought that has gone into the design. It’s soft, flexible, and the width of it works for both vulva and cock rubs. Sit on it, enclose a shaft in it, hold it in your hand, use it in your favourite sex positions or try new ones... The motor is centrally located, so thrills spread along the wings - you'll soon be on your way to Orgasm Town!
The Remote Control Vibrating Lay-On Pad offers 10 strong modes, and thanks to its clever design, it's a truly non-gendered sex toy.
Grinders For Strap-On Sex
Bananapants make an excellent range of grinders for strap-on sex. The idea is to stick the back of the grinder to your dildo under the harness (against the vulva), giving the giver something to grind against while wearing a strap-on to penetrate and pleasure their lover. This offers a better chance for the giver to have an orgasm while on the job, so to speak...
Most of the Bananapants grinders are non-vibrating, but then there’s Lippy. Lippy has an opening that fits a standard-size bullet vibe, which means even more pleasure!
Luxury Vibe Pad Grinders
Vibe Pad 2 is a marvel in velvety silicone with 2 ride-on humps. Each hump houses a powerful motor with 7 settings each. The front hump features a flicking tongue tip for clitoral licking, while the second hump can be warmed up to a steamy 55°C. The remote controls the thrills from up to 10 metres, making the Vibe Pad 2 a great couples' toy.
If you want to boost your pleasure to the max, might we suggest you take a closer look at Vibepad 3? This ridable grinder features a G-spot vibe, two powerful motors, and a remote control for ease of use. The masterful design offers clitoral, vaginal & perineal pleasure - hands-free!
Whether you love a slow, sensual rock or an enthusiastic grind, there’s something undeniably delicious about hands-free pleasure - and modern grinders are finally giving this craving the attention it deserves. With so many shapes, textures, and vibration styles to explore, finding your perfect grind is half the fun.
If you're feeling inspired, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself. From simple humpable cushions to luxe ride-on vibe pads and strap-on-friendly designs, our full range of grinders is ready to take your pleasure exactly where you want it to go.
Slip into something comfy, grab some lube, and discover the grinder that will have your hips moving all on their own...
