If you take medication daily, you know that it can be difficult to swallow pills at times, particularly if they are very large. It also can become more challenging to swallow pills as we get older.
One of the best ways to combat this problem is by using a pill crusher to turn the pills into powder. Whether you take the pills yourself or are helping care for someone else who does, it’s always a good idea to have one on hand.
Here’s how to find the best pill crusher for your needs, and reviews of our favorite options.
Best Pill Crushers
While there are tons of pill crushers on the market, there are a few that stand out in terms of efficiency, portability, and value for money.
1. Carex Health Brands Ultra Pill Crusher
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This lightweight pill crusher has a very compact and efficient design.
It has a triangular handle with an ergonomic grip, so all you have to do is push down to crush your pills.
The grip is designed specifically for those who would not be strong enough to crush a pill on their own, and it crushes pills within seconds.
It creates the powder by using a very tight seal, which puts pressure on the pills until they are completely crushed.
It also has a storage compartment on the inside, which gives you a convenient place to put your next dose.
PROS
- Very easy to use, even for those who have joint pain or weak hands
- Crushes the pill into a very fine powder
- Convenient storage compartment
CONS
- Does not split pills, only crushes them
2. Ezy-Dose Ultra Fine Cut and Crush Pill Splitter and Crusher
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This convenient crusher combines four functions in one, making for a very efficient design and providing tons of value.
It comes with a pill splitter, a pill crusher, a drink cup, and a storage compartment.
It is very small and lightweight, so it doesn’t take up much space and is very easy to carry around with you. It is particularly great for travel, because you only need to bring one tool with you in order to take your medicine.
It crushes pills into a very fine powder, and uses a stainless steel blade to split the pills.
The biggest downside is that it can be very difficult to clean, and the compact design means that it can attract mold if it isn’t cleaned thoroughly in between uses.
PROS
- Has four functions in one, and provides easy storage and drinking mechanisms
- Very compact and lightweight, perfect for travel
CONS
- Difficult to clean due to small grooves in the crushing mechanism
- Cutter does not have a mechanism to keep the pills in place, so they may slip as you are trying to cut them
3. Equadose Pill Grinder
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This highly durable, heavy duty pill crusher can easily handle several pills at a time, which makes it perfect for those who need high doses, are on feeding tubes, or who work as caretakers.
The crusher is very easy to use – you gently turn a handle, so there’s no pressing down or hard work.
This makes it ideal for those who don’t have the strength to crush pills on their own.
It is made from aircraft aluminum, so it is highly durable, and it comes with extra storage space for medication.
The downside to this pill crusher is that it is quite large, so it may be difficult to travel with.
PROS
- Easy to crush multiple pills at once
- Lots of storage space
- Highly durable
CONS
- May be too large for travel
- The handle sometimes flies off as you are trying to turn it, so pressure must be applied
4. Silent Knight Pill Crushers
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This pill crusher is ideal for someone who needs to be able to crush a large number of pills at once.
It is very large, and you can easily use it with pill pouches.
All you have to do is pull down a handle – there is very minimal effort involved.
The large, powerful design means that it easily crushes pills of any size.
The downside is that it is not travel friendly, so it may be more ideal for someone who just needs to crush pills at home, or who works as a caretaker.
PROS
- Very easy to use, no strength or pressure needed
- Crushes multiple pills of any size with ease
- No residue or mess to clean up
CONS
- Too large to travel with
- Does not come with any extra storage space
What to Look For In A Pill Crusher
Pill crushers are relatively inexpensive and easy to find online or at local drugstores. However, they are not all created equal. There are plenty of things to consider when looking for a good pill crusher to use.
Here are the Features that we look for
Easy to use
A pill crusher is only convenient if it actually grinds the pills to a powder in one quick motion. You should not need to be particularly strong in order to use one.
The best pill crushers have an efficient design that allows you to just press down on a lever or button and have the pill split easily.
Cutting / crushing mechanism
Many pill crushers also have an option to just cut the pill in half, which is very convenient if you need only half a dose for yourself or your patient.
Although this feature is not essential, it is very helpful to have on hand.
Durability
Although pill crushers are generally inexpensive, you don’t want to waste your money on something that is going to break quickly.
You should look for a pill crusher that is made out of highly durable materials and that can withstand heavy travel or other types of wear and tear.
Ability to crush pills of any size
You never know what type of pill you’ll need to be taking, so it is important to invest in a pill crusher that can handle pills of any size.
The crusher should have a very strong mechanism that cuts or smashes straight through the pill to grind it down.
Benefits of Having A Pill Crusher
There are many reasons to buy a pill crusher for your kitchen or bathroom. If you or an elderly family member are having difficulty swallowing pills, a pill crusher can easily turn your pill into a powder that you can then put into a drink or soft food.
This also is a good strategy to use with small children who are averse to taking medicine. You can also use a pill crusher to split pills in half if you need to take smaller doses.
Conclusion
You have plenty of options when it comes to purchasing a good pill crusher for yourself or your patients.
Although each of these pill crushers suit different needs, we recommend the Silent Knight Pill Crusher if you need to ensure a truly fine powder every time, no matter the size and shape of the pills.
If you need a great pill crusher for travel, we recommend the Carex Ultra Pill Crusher. The option you choose depends on your own personal health needs, and there are pros and cons to each option.
No matter which pill crusher you go for, you’ll find it much easier to stick to a medication routine, whether it’s for yourself, a patient, your child, or even your pet!
This leads to a healthier lifestyle overall.