Powder flow quality depends strongly on the envisaged application. For instance, laser sintering (LS) applies a distinct flow field, by spreading powders with a particle size of around 50 µm into thin powder layers with a thickness two to three times the particle diameter. However, many studies on powder flow for LS use general techniques, such as the angle of repose. The question remains how to connect the thus acquired results to LS. Therefore, in this research, a new flow assessment technique, namely the powder spreader, was created. This technique mimics the flow field within a sintering machine, as closely as possible on a lab scale, and provides the deposited layer density as a directly useful index for ranking LS powders. Tests were performed on three distinct sets of polymer powders, spherical PS and PMMA reference systems, the market dominating PA 12 and cryogenically milled elastomers. Results were then compared to an angle of repose measurement. The spherical systems showed lower angles of repose than the PA 12 powders and formed denser, smoother layers. Also, when comparing powders within each of these two sets, results of both tests were consistent. On the other hand, the angle of repose was not able to correctly distinguish between the different grades within the set of cryogenically milled elastomers. The powder spreader, however, provided a clear distinction of one spreadable grade. This illustrates the need for analysis techniques that are specified for the envisaged application. Future additions to this set-up include optimised spreading geometries, as well as temperature control, which is relevant as the sintering machine operates at an elevated, material dependent temperature.