Buffing your car is something you do because you take pride in its appearance.
Therefore, it stands to reason that you should have the best possible tool for the job to make sure your car looks good as new.
The easiest and most efficient way to buff your car to a high-quality level of shine is using an electric buffer.
With the automotive industry continuing to expand, however, more and more car buffing tools are being advertised and sold, making it difficult to work out which buffer is actually the best.
Fortunately, we’ve put together this list of the 5 best car buffers on the market to help you restore your car’s paint job to its original, professional factory shine.
Our buyers guide and FAQ section will also help by addressing any important considerations or queries.
Top 5 Best Car Buffer
OUR TOP PICK
[amazon fields=”B004W1WGIC” value=”thumb”]
DEWALT DWP849X Buffer/Polisher
EDITORS CHOICE
[amazon fields=”B01BKT63XM” value=”thumb”]
TORQX BUF_503X Random Polisher Kit
BEST VALUE
[amazon fields=”B002654I46″ value=”thumb”]
Porter-Cable Variable Speed Polisher
OUR TOP PICK
DEWALT DWP849X Buffer/Polisher
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This buffing and polishing tool from DeWalt is one of the best tools on the automotive market for maintaining your car’s paint job to a professional standard.
The DWP849X is a powerful tool, operating at 12.0 amp with a maximum speed of 3500 rpm (depending on the surface material). The speed settings are variable and remain consistent regardless of load.
The ball-bearing construction motor of this buffer ensures durability while the wool ingestion shield prevents the ingestion of wool fibers from the backing pad, extending product life even further.
This buffer is built for comfort and ease of use, with lightweight construction and a three-position bale handle for various grip options. The ergonomically sculpted rear handle, meanwhile, features a rubber overmold for added comfort.
DeWalt’s precision-cut steel gears ensure a smooth and precise finish which is further enhanced by the soft-start, controlled finishing feature.
The most affordable and popular purchase option for this buffer is the standard corded design. However, the DWP849X is also available for purchase as a cordless model, with or without battery, for a higher price.
Pros
- Durable, ball-bearing construction
- Powerful 12.0 amp motor
- Maximum speed of 3500 rpm
- Lightweight construction
- Features wool ingestion shield
- Precision-cut, durable steel gears
- Soft-start feature for a controlled finish
- Ergonomically sculpted rear handle
- Three-position bale handle
Cons
- Some reports of overheating
EDITORS CHOICE
TORQX BUF_503X Random Polisher Kit
[amazon fields=”B01BKT63XM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
The BUF_503X Polisher Kit from TORQ is an ideal tool for all car detailing jobs, including buffing, polishing, and waxing.
The 680 Watt motor makes this another powerful buffing tool and with speeds of 2800 – 7800 rpm, you can be sure that this buffer will get the job done quickly and to a high standard.
The heavy-duty construction makes this buffer highly durable.
Meanwhile, the ergonomic design of the tool ensures maximum comfort for the user. For example, the textured front handle is designed to provide a more comfortable grip while the tailored body length and backing plate sizing reduce the amount of external pressure needed for high-quality polish.
The settings included in this buffer are carefully designed and placed so as to provide the best possible experience for both yourself and your vehicle.
The intuitive placement of the setting controls, combined with the built-in Precision Power controller, makes it easier than ever to achieve a smooth and consistent finish.
The TORQX also incorporates safety features into its design, such as integrated cooling vents to prevent the motor from overheating.
This kit comes with everything you need to get buffing as soon as the tool arrives, including 3 Hex-Logic buffing pads and a range of polishing compound samples.
The included pads cover every stage of the buffing process, from minor surface restoration to glossing. The Hex-Logic cutting pad removes scratches, swirls, and oxidization.
For more serious or stubborn markings, use the Hex-Logic polishing pad. Then, for professional shine, finish with the Hex-Logic finishing pad.
This model also includes a TORQ wrench for changing the backing plates with ease.
Pros
- Powerful 680 Watt motor
- Durable, heavy-duty construction
- Ergonomic design
- Intuitive setting placement
- Built-in Precision Power controller
- Integrated motor cooling vents
- Includes 3 Hex-Logic pads
- Includes polishing compound samples
- Includes wrench for changing backing plates
Cons
- Not suitable for professional detailing
BEST VALUE
Porter-Cable Variable Speed Polisher
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Porter-Cable’s Variable Speed Polisher is a great buffer not just for cars, but also for marine projects.
The ball and roller bearing construction of this tool makes it an extremely durable product, suitable for both home and industrial use.
The speed settings of this buffer are variable and electronically adjustable, ranging from 2500-6800 opm for efficient and controlled polishing action. Meanwhile, the proprietary counterbalance mechanism for effective load and weight balancing.
The compact design makes this buffer easy to use, featuring a removable side handle that can be positioned to the left or right according to the user’s preference. This feature increases both the comfort and control of the buffer.
This Porter-Cable buffer includes a 6-inch polishing pad, so there’s no need to purchase one separately before you get started.
This buffer is also compatible with 5/16 – 24 spindle thread accessories.
Pros
- Electronically variable speed settings (1500-6800 opm)
- Proprietary counterbalance mechanism
- Durable, ball and roller bearing construction
- Removable, 2-position side handle
- Includes 6-inch polishing pad
- Compatible with 5/16-24 spindle thread accessories
- Suitable for automotive and marine use
Cons
- Pad may not be suitable for heavier jobs
RUNNER UP
Avid Power Dual Action Random Orbital Car Buffer
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Avid Power’s Dual Action Random Orbital Car Buffer, Polisher, and Waxer is a fantastic tool for keeping your car in top-quality condition.
This is a versatile tool that can be used to buff your car or even sand down other wooden and metal surfaces.
The powerful 600 Watt motor provides a high level of efficiency, while the 6-speed variable speed controls (1500-6800 rpm) cater to every stage of the buffing and polishing process.
The lower speeds are perfect for buffing and waxing, while the medium speed works best for polishing. The highest speed settings work well for addressing paint defects.
Avid Power’s orbital car buffer is designed ergonomically to provide the easiest and most comfortable user experience. The handle is adjustable, so it can adapt to your ideal hand and arm positioning. Moreover, the rubberized body ensures a comfortable and non-slip grip.
Included with this buffer are 3 backing pads and a foam disk, along with hardware such as a wrench and spanner. You will also receive a user manual to help you with the assembly and operation procedures.
Pros
- Suitable for buffing, polishing, and waxing
- Can be used on both metal and wooden surfaces
- Powerful 600 Watt motor
- 6 variable speed controls (1500-6800 rpm)
- Ergonomic design
- Includes pads, disk, and assembly hardware
Cons
- Reports of loud and aggressive vibration
RUNNER UP
Black & Decker Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher
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Like the Porter-Cable buffer, Black & Decker’s Random Orbit Waxer and Polisher is suitable for automotive and marine projects, making it a versatile piece of equipment.
This versatility is enhanced by its extra-long, 10-foot cord, which makes it easy to maneuver over significant surface lengths.
The random orbit mechanism provides a smooth, high-quality buffing finish. Meanwhile, you can count on the speed of 4400 opm to get the job done efficiently.
This buffer features a practical 2-handle design, with rubber handles that enable superior user comfort.
Included with the Black & Decker buffer are 2 polishing bonnets and a foam applicator bonnet for the best quality finish.
Pros
- Suitable for use on cars and boats
- 10 ft cord for larger distances and surface areas
- 4400 opm speed
- Comfortable, rubber 2-handle design
- Random orbit mechanism for a smooth, streakless finish
- Includes 2 polishing bonnets and 1 foam applicator bonnet
Cons
- Speed settings are not variable, offering less control
Best Car Buffer Buying Guide
Now that you’ve seen the best car buffers the automotive industry has to offer, it’s time to take into consideration all the key features you should think about before making your final decision.
Power and Speed
For the best possible quality polish, you’re going to need a buffer that combines a powerful motor with good speed settings.
Buffers and polishers usually operate in terms of rpm (rotations per minute) or opm (orbits per minute) depending on the construction. They will either have one fixed speed, or variable speed controls.
For light buffing and a slow, smooth start, a lower end speed of 600 rpm or opm is ideal. However, for more intense polishes and for fixing more visible damage to your paintwork, higher speeds will be required.
Simply put, the higher the opm or rpm, the more in-depth your polish is likely to be.
If you don’t want to have to navigate speed settings when using your buffer, you might be more comfortable with a single-speed buffer. However, be aware that a buffer with just one speed will probably not be suitable for professional detailing, and you will also have to be careful not to damage your paintwork in the absence of a low starting speed.
Durability
Buffing your car can be quite a lengthy process, and depending on the quality of your paint job, it’s something you may need to do several times a year.
For these reasons, it’s important to select a car buffer that is both strong and durable. After all, the last thing you want is your buffer’s motor or construction giving out on you mid-way through a job.
For the highest level of durability, you will ideally want to select a buffer with ball-bearing construction. ‘Ball-bearing’ means that the internal mechanism incorporates small, metal balls in between the machine’s moving components. This reduces internal friction and, in turn, extends the lifespan of your product.
If you want to ensure maximum durability in your buffer, look for internal components (eg. gears) that are made out of solid steel.
Versatility
If you’ve clicked on this article, it’s probably because you’re looking for a buffer specifically for your car.
However, a versatile buffer that can be used on a variety of surfaces is undoubtedly an especially useful tool to have.
If you anticipate needing to buff, polish, or sand other wooden or metal surfaces (for example, if you own or are in charge of maintaining a boat), purchasing a buffer that can also work on these surfaces will be a worthwhile investment.
Moreover, a buffer that can also polish and wax your car is a great bonus. Most of the buffers on this list are suitable for polishing and waxing as well as buffing.
Ease-Of-Use
Buffing your car can be strenuous enough in itself without having to contend with a buffer that’s difficult to use.
The majority of the buffers on our list are ergonomically designed, meaning they have been constructed with user comfort and efficiency in mind. Ergonomically designed buffers are generally easier to use.
The most important feature of an easy-to-use, ergonomic design in a car buffer is the handle. Rubberized, textured handles increase the ease-of-use of the buffer by facilitating a more comfortable and sustainable grip over long hours.
The length of the buffer’s body and the size of the backing plate can also impact ease-of-use in terms of the amount of pressure that needs to be applied during polishing.
Awkwardly positioned speed controls can make buffing much more difficult by requiring you to readjust your hand position and grip in order to use them. For an easier experience, look for intuitively positioned settings and controls.
Cord length will be another key factor in the ease-of-use of your buffer if you are using a corded model. A longer cord will enable you to cover long distances and surface areas without needing to unplug or reposition your tool.
Safety Features
As with any tool which uses a high-speed mechanism, safety features are very important to consider before purchase.
This is especially true if you have little to no experience in vehicle maintenance, as it will be harder for you to spot the warning signs in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
Possibly the most important safety feature a car buffer can include is built-in ventilation. This is because, even with ball-bearing construction, the high-speed, rotating mechanism of a buffer is likely to generate a lot of friction and heat, especially when used over long periods of time.
Built-in ventilation helps to keep the motor cool, reducing the risk of overheating, which can have dangerous results including.
Moreover, although this is generally considered more of a comfort or ease-of-use bonus than a safety feature, ergonomic design can also increase the safety of your buffer.
This is because an ergonomic build tends to make the buffer easier to handle and use, decreasing your chances of dropping it mid-task, which can be dangerous at high speeds.
The same can be said for inbuilt vibration control, which is a useful feature for ensuring the stability and safety of your buffer while it is in use.
Additional Features
The inclusion of additional features with your buffer can make your life a lot easier.
Additional features ensure that you don’t have to go out and make lots of separate purchases before you can start using your buffer.
Most buffers will include at least one, if not more pads for buffing, polishing, and waxing.
In addition to pads, some buffers will come with backing plates, polishing compounds, and assembly hardware. If these aren’t things you already have, or want to go out and purchase yourself, look for these additional features in the product information.
If you’re worried about assembling or learning to use your buffer, don’t worry – most will include a user manual to help you along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a buffer and a polisher?
Buffers and polishers are very similar tools that perform very similar functions. Therefore, the terms are often used interchangeably in the automotive industry.
Additionally, as the products listed above demonstrate, many car buffing or polishing tools incorporate both buffing and polishing functions.
However, there are some subtle technical differences that separate buffers from polishers.
For instance, buffers are able to reduce the appearance of scratches and restore the shine to your car without the use of any wax, whereas polishers typically require the application of some kind of polishing compound.
Polishers also tend to be more abrasive than buffers in order to correct paint defects on a minor level.
How often should I buff my car?
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to buff your car once, or maybe twice a year.
However, this estimate will vary depending on a couple of factors.
Firstly, the quality and thickness of your paint job will dictate how often it is safe to buff your car. Buffing too often can lead to abrasions and permanent damage to your paint job.
If you have a thicker clear coat, it is probably safe to buff twice a year if needed. Conversely, if your paint job is already worn down or you know that the clear topcoat is quite thin, you should buff as sparingly as possible to avoid damaging it further.