Which leaf blower is best

While it's not in the same category as a gas engine backpack blower power-wise, it's more pleasant to use since it's lighter, more ergonomic, and comfortable.

Weighing in at just 11 pounds, the Greenworks is the lightest and most compact backpack blower we tested. In its Turbo setting, the blower had no issues whatsoever pushing leaves aside. We measured an impressive The machine also received high marks for its comfortable handle and highly adjustable shoulder straps. Given its small shape, the blower is easy to store. Best of all, its battery recharges in just 45 minutes. This commercial-grade, walk-behind blower is an absolute powerhouse at pushing aside large heaps of leaves.

It offers an impressive airflow volume capacity, blow speed, and its wheels and handlebar grip make it easy to maneuver. This option is a gas-powered model that features a four-cycle cc engine. It's quick to start, and the blower is backed by a 2-year warranty. It's a cordless blower that's perfect for light-duty sweeping in the garage or for blowing around those tight spots, like between fence posts.

It offers an airspeed up to miles per hour and weighs just 5 pounds. If you need some more power and are willing to pay a price premium for it, we also recommend the Makita XBU That model weighs 9 pounds and has an airspeed of miles per hour.

As a bonus, it includes two batteries to double its runtime. Gift Ideas. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Backpack or Handheld You can also choose from different styles of blowers. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Husqvarna amazon.

Affordable, but powerful Doubles as a leaf vacuum. Reaches a loud decibels at highest speed setting. Toro homedepot. Lightweight and powerful. You'll need to purchase an extension cord separately. EGO amazon. Heavy for a battery-powered blower. Worx amazon. Converting to vacuum mode is easy, and the vacuum-bag tube sits at a comfortable angle, but the small metal impeller blade didn't perform as well as bigger ones.

The BVx is easy to start. Two-year warranty. The entry-level-priced Ryobi is a capable blower but is limited as a vacuum. For instance, the plastic impeller was stopped by a dime-size branch, and the position of the vacuum bag is uncomfortable; the user has to remove the tube from the housing to dump the bag's contents.

Three-year warranty. One of the easier engines to start and a solid performer. Its to-1 mulching ratio—how well it turns whole leaves into mulchable confetti—is the best of all the blower vacs we tested. Both the blower and vacuum tubes are securely attached, but they require a time-consuming two-step procedure to lock them and a tool to unlock them.

These details are found in premium Stihl models. The two-part blower tube's length is slightly adjustable. The Toro is one of the least-expensive models to include a metal impeller, and it includes an easy-to-read sticker that walks you through the starting process.

Features a switch between the blower and vacuum modes; there's no need to stop and swap out components. A lever-controlled paddle redirects the airflow, though neither the paddle nor the lever feel durable. This tool's main flaw is its bulk; most of it is in the joined vacuum-and-blower-tube assembly, which can't be removed easily for storage.

The vacuum tube obscures the blower tube, and that's frustrating for anyone who likes to see the end of the blower. The built-in extension-cord holder can't accommodate a gauge extension cord. The patio-head attachment included in the kit works well on flat surfaces but doesn't seem durable. The bag's weight is carried on the tube. This is the heaviest of the tools tested and has the smallest bag capacity. Note that Troy-Bilt measures blower cfm at the housing, which yields a bigger cfm number than measurements taken at the tube end.

All the other blowers in this test take their cfm ratings at the tube end. The unit is a very good mulcher despite not having a metal impeller, and the tube is easy to remove for storage. However, the paddle that controls the direction of the air for the blower and vacuum tubes doesn't seat very well.

As a result, it will actually suck up leaves as it's blowing. The vacuum tube is angled comfortably toward the ground, but, as with the Troy-Bilt, it hovers over the blower tube, so you have to guess where the air is coming out.

The bag has a heavy-duty zipper and is comfortable to carry on a shoulder. The opening on the blower tube is also the narrowest tested; that makes for a very tight air stream, which means you have to move the blower more. Four-year warranty. Stihl's new blower is quiet and powerful, and has a variable-speed trigger and zero emissions.

The two-stage, in-line fan design, similar to a jet engine's, streamlines the tube-shaped blower and generates a cfm just below the company's mid-level gas-powered engines.

This blower is geared toward pros or prosumers who want the power of gas without the maintenance, noise, and emissions. Two-year warranty on tool, battery, and charger. While it won't replace a rake or a broom, the Worx is a good companion blower for sweeping walkways, patios, driveways, or garages. It runs for about 18 minutes. Plus, the cruise control setting made it easy to lock in whatever setting I liked, thanks to the throttle adjuster. In addition to meeting California's emissions standards, the 2.

Assembling the Husqvarna BT out of the box took only a few minutes. Since it included the necessary wrench, I didn't need to go hunting through my toolbox. Starting it up was a breeze, too. After filling the fuel tank, I followed the instructions printed on the side of the machine, and it fired up after a couple pulls of the handle. The Husqvarna BT is still the loudest option on our list, though not by much. To protect yourself from potential hearing damage, you'll need to purchase ear protection to wear while operating the blower.

I've used multiple Husqvarna products over the years, from blowers to chainsaws to snowblowers, and have always been impressed with their performance and reliability. Echo PB : We decided that handheld gas-powered blowers weren't practical for the average homeowner, especially considering the potential issues with gas-powered machines in the future. But if you have a yard or area large enough to necessitate a gas-powered blower, this could work for you. Husqvarna BT : Even though we're big fans of Husqvarna blowers, this commercial-grade option was just a little too powerful.

It was much louder than the residential-grade Husqvarna BT that we chose instead. But if you'd benefit from the commercial-style features of the BT — like a more effective air filter and anti-vibration technology that makes it more comfortable for extended jobs — it could be a good choice.

Worx WG Turbine : Even though this Worx blower is an affordable and popular choice for those with a tight budget, we ultimately decided to replace it with the Toro PowerJet F , which has a higher air volume and speed and runs a little bit quieter.

However, if the Toro is unavailable, or you're just a big fan of Worx products, this blower is still a great choice. I've worked as a landscaper at a large state park, a job that required a substantial amount of leaf-blower work with a range of types and brands.

In addition to my experience, I sourced and tested several popular leaf blowers when considering options for this list. I also reached out to a local expert for advice and insight. Nick Yahoodain of Advanced Builders and Contractors has extensive experience using leaf blowers in his business.

I used all this testing, research, and experience to put together several criteria to evaluate and compare potential blowers. Noise level: In addition to the serious health issues associated with prolonged exposure to loud noises, it's also annoying and uncomfortable.

I used this category to exclude any models that were substantially noisier than others without any clear advantages. Ease of use: Are there common instances of this blower being difficult, inconvenient, or uncomfortable to use?

Are the controls straightforward and easy to manipulate while you're using them? This category covers both the starting procedure and any special features like power boosts or cruise control. Weight: Even an extra pound or two can make a real difference in how comfortable your blower is to operate. If blower models in the same category were a fairly close match-up in terms of power and usability, I tended to choose the lighter option.

Leaf blowers can use a variety of fuel sources, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The engines that run gas-powered leaf blowers have longer running times than battery-powered models, and power cords don't hinder their portability. While some gas-powered blowers today are now quieter, more fuel-efficient, and emit fewer pollutants, they aren't the most environmentally friendly option. Powered by a standard electrical socket, corded leaf blowers have an unlimited runtime, even though the length of your extension cord limits their range.

It's worth noting that just because they run on electricity, it doesn't mean they're any less loud than some gas-powered options. As batteries have become more powerful and less bulky, cordless electric leaf blowers have become more commonplace.

These machines are much easier to maintain than their gas-powered competitors and don't directly produce emissions. They tend to have a shorter runtime, however, making them less than ideal for large-scale projects. Both corded and battery-powered blowers have the advantage of running silent when in idle mode, unlike gas-powered machines that are still fairly loud when idling.

CFM cubic feet per minute measures the volume of the air that passes through the nozzle of the leaf blower in one minute. Miles per hour MPH refers to the speed of the air coming out of the blower. Yahoodain explains that you can maximize this speed by using different sizes and shapes of nozzles. An open, circular nozzle allows more air to come out at once, while a wider, tapered nozzle will give you more control.

If you just wander out into the yard and start blowing, you're probably going to waste time and energy. Having a strategy in place ensures that you're working efficiently and won't waste time covering the same areas over and over. Leaf blowers are notoriously loud machines. Regardless of their power source, they can generate enough noise to cause significant hearing loss over time. It's possible to damage your hearing using a leaf blower with a noise rating of 80 decibels and above for two hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When operating a leaf blower, it's a good idea to wear ear protection. Electric blowers, both corded and battery-powered, don't directly generate emissions, as gas-powered models do.

If an electric blower can meet your needs, there's no need to choose a gas-powered option. However, there are some instances where gas-powered blowers are still necessary. For large properties that require a long running time and unlimited range or properties that lack available power outlets, gas-powered models are still the most effective solution. To lessen the harmful effects of your gas-powered blower, always make sure they are rated as CARB-compliant.

The California Air Resources Board regulates outdoor landscaping emissions and rates equipment as CARB-compliant only if their emissions fall below a certain level. If you are set on purchasing a gas-powered blower, make sure to check for any restrictions or regulations in your area. Hundreds of cities across the country have passed legislation limiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, including time-of-day restrictions and noise-level limits. California has taken the strictest stances against them, with 16 cities that have banned gas-powered blowers altogether.

According to CARB, some cities have even introduced trade-in programs to incentivize people to switch to electric lawn care equipment. Most recently, the District of Columbia has announced that a complete ban on gas-powered leaf blowers will go into effect on January 1, The nationwide push towards all-electric lawn equipment doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon, so even if you're not in an area affected today, that may change in the future. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals.

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