Best Leaf Blowers Reviewed and Tested
Using a broom or a brush to clean leaves from the yard or the flower bed can be a daunting and physically exhausting task, no matter how small the area. What you need is a tool that can perform the task in a fraction of the time and save you the energy and time. Hence the leaf blower. Cordless leaf blowers are ideal for covering a large acreage due to their portability and sheer power. Corded ones, on the other hand, offer simplicity in use and design allowing one-handed operation for extended use. As you try to settle on the most suitable one for your needs, keep in mind other key aspects such as comfort and versatility.
Our Top 3 Picks
10 Best Leaf Blowers
1. Worx WG520
It is reasonably priced for a leaf blower with its capabilities. The comparatively low price of around $60 can partly be explained by the fact that the leaf blower lacks leaf mulching capabilities. The disadvantage of lacking leaf mulching ability is that you may have to spend more time interchanging between mulching and blowing tubes.
In spite of the drawback, owing to its ingenious airflow design, is capable of forcing air in a streamline wave thus delivering dependable and powerful results with a maximum of 600 cubic feet per minute of air volume. Its general performance is quite impressive. In addition to moving 600 CFM, the leaf blower can blow leaves and other debris at a maximum speed of 110 mph.
In all, you can never go wrong with the Worx WG520 Turbine Leaf Blower, particularly as it is light and comfortable to use just one hand to control the speed. This electrically-operated leaf blower comes with impressive power to furiously blow leaves. You will, however, need to separately buy an extension cord suitable for outdoor blowing. And did we mention that it is quite affordable? Plus, it comes with a 36-month limited warranty from the day of delivery.
- Easy to use
- Well balanced
- Extraordinarily strong blowing power
- Ideal for light and medium-duty tasks
- Noisy
2. Black & Decker BV6600
As already mentioned,it combines three different tasks into one. Other than being a blower, you can easily convert it into a vacuum or shredder to assist you in gathering and cutting up leaves, making the leaf blower a useful tool for reducing the bulkiness of waste. The leaf blower has a 12-amp motor capable of achieving a top speed of 250 mph. You have the option of using the variable speed control to adjust the velocity according to your circumstances. With a mulching ratio of 16:1, it can reduce 16 bags of waste to just a one.
It is worth mentioning that the Black & Decker brand recalled the blower in 2016 to fix the constant falling off of its fan cover, which would expose the leaf blower's mulching fan. In case you are already an owner, we highly advise that you contact the company for a fan cover replacement. Corrected models come with a sticker with the words "Type 2" written on it.
To summarize, the Black & Decker BV6600 has with leaf-shredding abilities for condensing waste and while the vac feature greatly assists in gathering leaves, leaving your yard sparkling clean and tidy. While it lacks the blowing power of Worx WG520, it offers the delicate and precise touch needed in flower beds.
- Easy to use
- Powerful performance and versatility
- Exceptional suction power
- Easy to shift between different functions
- Ergonomic design
- Lack of power
3. Hitachi RB24EAP 23.9CC
The ergonomically designed handle fits firmly and perfectly in the hands giving you a good feeling. The leaf blower weighs a mere 8.6 pounds and comes with a dual-functioning throttle lever to assist with manoeuvrability and to provide cover to its various controls. The Hitachi RB24EAP additionally has an auto-return stop switch that promptly gets the motor running thereby saving you the time you would have otherwise spent yanking at a string to get it started.
If you are one of those individuals concerned with protecting the environment against harmful gas emissions, you will be pleased to note that the Hitachi RB24EAP has the least emission among all leaf blowers. Considering that the leaf blower has an industrial-grade 23.9cc engine with a Pure Fire technology, you can enjoy fast accelerations for speedy project completion. The engine has an efficient cooling mechanism which, other than reducing the rate of fuel consumption, also does a good job keeping the engine running for longer.
Additionally, Hitachi RB24EAP has the least possible negative repercussion on the environment as it uses fuel with the least concentration of ethanol, thereby significantly reducing the emission of the environmentally harmful carbon monoxide. The dependability and high-quality construction of the Hitachi RB24EAP are further demonstrated by the fact that the manufacturer offers a 7-year warranty with every purchase. You may however not get to use the warranty as leaf blower is constructed with superior materials, providing it with a lifetime of durability.
In all, the Hitachi RB24EAP 23.9CC comes with a powerful motor and is additionally lightweight and easy to control. Its lightness, perfect balancing, and impressive performance ensure you use it for longer. This is an excellent leaf blower, demonstrating an ability to deliver high speeds and more air volume to guarantee the speedy conclusion of a leaf cleaning exercise.
- Remarkable efficiency and power
- Comfortable grip handle
- Smooth start
- Ergonomic design
- Uncomfortably large air intake
4. Remington RM125 180
It is a more powerful, gas-operated leaf blower and a far better alternative to cheaper electric models. The leaf blower comes with a 3.5-ounce oil container enough to hold one gallon of gas to ensure prolonged use. With its 2-cycle, 25 cc engine, the leaf blower can effortlessly reach its maximum blowing velocity of 180 miles per hours during which it will be moving as much as 400 cubic feet of air per minute. Evidently, despite being a budget pick, its performance closely rivals that of more premium priced models. The secret behind the outstanding performance of the leaf blower is the consistency and reliability of its 25cc, 2-cycle engine and its ingenious design.
It provides with full control by featuring a variable speed throttle. The leaf blower is maximized for outdoor leaf blowing considering that it runs on gas. Since it is gas-operated, the leaf blower ideal for both light-duty and medium duty tasks especially in expansive areas where access to a power socket is problematic.
The only major drawback is the difficulty in getting it started, in spite of coming with a QuickStart engine. Nevertheless, the problem is not isolated to the Remington leaf blowers, as evidenced by reviews given by customers using other leaf blower models.
- Compact design
- Reasonable pricing
- High-quality construction for extended shelf life
- Easy to start with its QuickStart technology
- Heavy
5. Toro 51619
With a top speed of 250 miles an hour, the Toro 51619 smoothly moves a maximum of 410 cubic feet per minute of air volume. It features a long-lasting metal impeller that performs an impressive job mulching debris and in the process reducing its size by nearly 90 percent, making it easy to dispose of. Going by reviews on Amazon.com, the Toro 51619 registers exceptional performance at all three functions. IT also comes with an oscillating nozzle that ensures you use way less effort in performing the three different tasks offered by the leaf blower. The oscillating nozzle works by giving you a broader clearing power, leading to a drastic reduction in the duration you spend blowing away troublesome leaves.
Even the most solidly built and high performing tools have one or two drawbacks, and the Toro 51619 is no exception. The fact that it is electrically-powered means it comes with a cord, which adversely limits its portability. Hence, it is not ideal for outdoor projects lasting a considerable duration.
- Variable speeds of up to 250 miles per hour
- Ease of use
- Compact and lightweight design for easy storage
- 3-in-1 machine incorporating blowing, vacuuming, and mulching
- Lacks the portability of cordless leaf blowers
- Plastic Hull
6. Greenworks 24012
Apart from the robust performance of its all-electric 7-Amp single speed motor, the blower can produce air volumes of up to 150 cubic feet per minute of air volume. Additionally, it comes with an incorporated cord lock whose purpose is helping you avoid the likelihood of damaging any power sockets as a result of accidentally tugging or pulling on the cord as you work. It also ensures your tool has a consistent supply of power throughout your project.
It features a long-lasting construction and powerful performance which makes it perfect for a multitude of projects around the house. Even for individuals with considerably larger yards covered with leaves, the simple design and top-notch performance of the motor makes blowing away the leaves feel like a breeze. It has a lightweight and compact design and a weight of just 4.5 pounds which allows you to use it for an extended period without worrying about suffering from fatigue or straining any parts of your body. With a maximum decibel level of 97, it is considered relatively less noisy in comparison to most leaf blowers in its price range and with similar specs. Quietness is an important factor to consider before purchasing leaf blower, considering that many cities have strict restricting the level of noise products can produce.
In all, with a top speed of 160 miles per hour, the Greenworks leaf blower is an ideal tool for blowing or collecting leaves from different surfaces such as driveways and flower/forest beds. Being electrically-powered, it is environmentally friendly and produces almost no toxic carbon monoxide fumes. And it goes without saying that the grip of the leaf blower features an ergonomic design and therefore enhances your comfort for prolonged use.
- Extraordinarily lightweight and compact
- Powerful
- Inexpensive
- High air volume and speed
- Lacks portability
7. Black & Decker LSW20
It is surprising that with just 3.7 pounds in weight, the leaf blower is capable of blowing air at 120 miles per hour, which is perfect for tidying up patios, sidewalks, and garages, among other hard surfaces. It offers easy, fast and thorough blowing at modest speeds thereby preventing sweeping away gravel and mulch in the process. You can use it to clean gutters as its light, and compact design plus the nonexistence of a cord makes it easy to control and maneuver. With its 120 miles per hour speed, it will be quite hard to use the Black & Decker to round up leaves to form a pile, or move sticks. While the built-in scraper can provide significant assistance in loosening damp and wet leaves, the power is not enough to perform more demanding errands.
The most noticeable drawback is its 20-Volt Lithium-ion battery that can last for a maximum of fifteen minutes of nonstop blowing. You may want to buy a couple more to keep handy in case one runs out.
In all, the Black & Decker LSW20 is a lightweight leaf blower maximized for removing pesky debris such as grass trimmings and leaves from solid surfaces. With its weight of only 3.7 pounds, the Black & Decker is one of the lightest and easily maneuverable leaf blowers you can use for extended duration with relative ease. Nevertheless, the battery needs to be enhanced to offer additional run time.
- Extra lightweight and compact design
- Relative ease of use
- Manoeuvrable
- Lower decibel levels for a quiet operation
- Solid construction to ensure lifetime longevity
- Brief battery life
- Only ideal for hard surfaces
8. Husqvarna 965877502 350 BT
It comes with one of the most fuel efficient engines for a leaf blower, allowing you to cover additional acreage when you start out with a full tank.The Husqvarna 350 BT weighs an astounding 23 pounds but comes with padded straps that efficiently distribute its weight on the shoulders to reduce the onset of fatigue and therefore significantly extend the duration of usage. Additional features that help with weight distribution and increase ease of use are the leaf blower's adjustable handles and hip belt. The hip belt is particularly useful where there is a need to scale steep surfaces such as hills and walls as it perfectly distributes the weight between the shoulders and the hips.
Coming with a cruise-control feature, users can conveniently dictate the speed of airflow to match the needs of various settings. The beauty of the cruise-control feature is that it allows you to maintain your preferred speed settings for as long as you want, making it unnecessary to keep readjusting your settings. Consequently, moving loose leaves from flower beds will be more efficient with lower speed settings compared to moving heavier debris from the floor of tree-filled yards. In spite of its size, the Husqvarna 350 BT effectively blows away wet and damp leaves and other debris from your yard leaving it green and litter-free.
As is the case with all leaf blowers, it has its fair share of drawbacks, the most conspicuous of which is noise. The leaf blower produces uncomfortably loud noise that may necessitate the use of ear protection gear.
- Powerfully sweeps a range of debris
- Padded shoulder fastenings and hip belt
- Stress-free starting
- Lacks vacuuming and mulching capabilities
9. Toro 51618
It is unmatched in its vacuuming effectiveness as it is equipped with a concentrator nozzle for directing airflow pressure to completely and quickly remove that pesky debris from your garden or yard. As already mentioned, switching between vacuuming and blowing is incredibly easy with the inclusion of a convenient quick release latch. To even more versatility, the leaf blower if fitted with a variable speed control that works great on both vacuuming and blowing modes, making it possible for you to control your power usage efficiently. Furthermore, with its ultra-light and compact design, the leaf blower is easily maneuverable, allowing to hold the handles at positions that most suit you.
Getting it started is a breeze because all you have to do is push a button. It produces minimal noise and provides with a maintenance-free operation. Lastly, it comes equipped with two additional inserts. Sliding either into the blowing tube makes it possible for you to select between a broader air path for broader clearing path or a smaller air path to concentrate blowing on to specific areas.
The one main drawback, which in our opinion is not exactly a deal breaker, is that being electrically-powered, the leaf blower has an electric cord that is quite cumbersome to work with. Luckily, the leaf blower is equipped with a cord lock that reduces the cumbersomeness. There is also a cord hook that holds the cord, preventing it from entangling with the leaf blower when you are not using it.
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
- Easy to use
- Powerful
- Well-balanced feel
- Difficulty handling tool at higher speed settings
10. Greenworks Pro GBL80300
The GBL80300 is likewise environmentally-friendly, producing considerably lower levels of noise at only 60 decibels and no environmentally destructive gases as is the case with gas-powered leaf blowers. It is also unmatched in versatility, coming with three-speed settings that you can adjust in accordance with the demands of your lawn or yard. A tree-filled backyard, for instance, will require high-speed settings so as to loosen wet, damp, and matted leaves on both hard and soft surfaces. Low settings are ideal for performing intricate errands such as ridding flower beds of leaves.
The ergonomic configuration of the handle and the leaf blower as a whole creates a perfect power-to-weight ratio ensuring the tool is easy and comfortable to use for extended durations without getting one's hands, arms, or shoulders sore. Plus, there is virtually no discernible vibration.
The axial design of the Greenworks Pro GBL80300 significantly improves power output, offering all the desirable advantages associated with gas-powered leaf blowers, obviously without the drawbacks of cumbersome maintenance and mixing oil and gas.
- Powerful and versatile
- Protracted battery runtime
- 3-speed settings with variable speed control
- Easy to operate and is well balanced
- Lacks vacuuming and mulching capabilities
- Costly
Criteria for Evaluation
The two most essential performance pointers to look out for in a leaf blower are airflow and speed. The flow of air through a leaf blower’s tubes is measured in cubic feet per minute, an indication of the quantity of debris the tool is capable of blowing in a minute. Leaf blowers with a higher CFM are typically more powerful. Conversely, air speed is a measurement of the distance and speed at which the leaf blower can blow leaves and debris, and is measured in miles per hour. An excellent leaf blower is one capable of indoor and outdoor tasks and with a variable speed control to allow you set a suitable speed in accordance with your circumstances.
Weight
Since leaf blowers are either handheld, wheeled or strapped on the back, it is important that they are as light as possible. Typically, electrically-powered leaf blower as much lighter than their gas-powered counterparts since they lack extra weight that comes with gas engines and the fuel itself. More consideration needs to be put into handheld leaf blowers since their weight is endured by the arms and hands. Their backpack counterparts, on the other hand, use straps and waist belts to evenly distribute the weight on the back, shoulders, and upper arms.
Ease of Use
The design of an exceptional leaf blower needs to give you the feeling that the tool is a natural extension of your body, conforming completely to one’s working pose. You should desist from using a tool that is too heavy as it can compromise your productivity, cause fatigue, or worse, cause injury to your hands or shoulders. The intensity of vibrations should either be indiscernible or entirely non-existent. The design of the grip handles should increase comfort and have a nice feeling.
FAQs
Q: How do I stay safe when using a leaf blower?
A: Irrespective of the type of tool you are operating, it is prudent to always wear protective gear. Some of the steps you can take to secure your safety are to use ear plugs to protect your ears from any loud noises produced by the tool, eye protecting goggles, as well as gloves. Do not forget closed shoes and tight clothing, preferably a work overall. Using leaf blower to clear pavements and other open places of leaves might create a dusty atmosphere.
Q: What does cubic feet per minute mean?
A: Cubic feet per minute is simply a unit for measuring airflow. It is a description of the movement of a particular volume of air within a given period. Concerning leaf blowers, CFM is an indication of the amount of air that can be moved within a minute. Leaf blowers capable of moving more air have bigger volumes, which implies they can move considerably more leaves than blowers with a lower CFM.
Q: Are brushless motors better than standard ones?
A: Yes, they are. Compared to standard or conventional motors, brushless motors offer additional runtime by reducing heat loss through friction, concentrating the available quantity on blowing, vacuuming, or mulching. Secondly, with as much as 50 percent energy saving on particular projects, brushless motors increase your speed and productivity in the long run. Most importantly, a brushless motor has a lightweight and compact design thereby reducing the overall weight of the leaf blower. Consequently, you can work on your projects all day without experiencing fatigue.
Conclusion
Whether you are out to purchase your first leaf blower or upgrade your existing one, you cannot afford to overlook some of the most important features that differentiate leaf blowers from one another. The manufacturer of your preferred model must have put considerable thought into its design with the aim of making it light and compact to save from the demoralizing effect occasioned by carrying a cumbersome and bulky tool. Neither should your mobility be limited to the point of compromising the quality of your work. You need also to note that there are significant differences in power output between gas-powered, battery-powered, and electrically-powered leaf blowers. Nevertheless, safety and performance should be at the top of your list of considerations. We wish you prudent and informed choosing.