Greatest Leaf Blowers and Leaf Blower Vacuums 2024
Leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums aren’t only for autumn, both, they arrive into their very own at different occasions of the yr, too, making mild work of tidying up after pruning or lifting unpleasant particles that gathers on paths and in corners. Keep in mind, regardless of the season, keep protected and put on protecting glasses and ear defenders whereas utilizing them.
In case you’re lumbered with a number of leaves, take a look at our take a look at of the very best gardening gloves to gather them in consolation, and why not learn to make leaf mould – a brilliant compost and soil conditioner – in addition to how one can make your individual leaf mould bin.
Our professional testers trial lots of of backyard instruments to work out which is able to do the job effectively and supply the very best worth, consolation and high quality. We’ve examined necessities like the very best backyard spades and greatest hoes in addition to extra particular equipment like the very best hedge trimmers, the very best backyard shredders, the very best stress washers and the very best trimmers.
Leaf Blower Consumers’ Information – video
Observe our tips about selecting a leaf blower to seek out the fitting one in your backyard
Greatest Purchase leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums at a look:
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We have examined a variety of cordless and corded leaf blowers and leaf blower vacs that will help you discover the fitting one in your backyard. We clearde lawns and borders and paths and patios, blowing and vacuuming each moist and dry leaves.
Every one has an in depth checklist of professionals and cons for readability and has been rated based on ease of use, dealing with, efficiency and worth for cash. Each blower and blower vac in our spherical up beneath has scored a minimal of three out of 5 stars, so you should buy with confidence.
In each overview we award the excellent merchandise our coveted Greatest Purchase award. To see these and the others we advocate, browse our choose of the very best leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums beneath:
Greatest leaf blowers in 2024
Worx WG543E LeafJet
RRP: £179.99 £99.99
Our ranking: 5/5
Execs
- No meeting
- Easy and highly effective
- Lightest on take a look at
- Alternative of speeds
- Blasts moist leaves
- A part of Worx 20-V Energy Share system
This mild, highly effective leaf blower gained a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase award for greatest worth blower and it’s straightforward to make use of and able to go straight from the field.
The 20V battery takes simply 60 minutes to cost and has a 23- minute run time plus, it has a helpful battery degree indicator so you possibly can examine how a lot time you’ve got left when you work.
The blower provides the selection of two nozzle lengths, that are simply adjusted by flicking a button and sliding the nozzle up and down the tube, and two speeds for mild or extra highly effective blowing – it coped brilliantly blasting damp leaves off paths and pathing in our take a look at.
It has a tough sporting, brushless motor and for its energy and options we expect it’s wonderful worth, plus it comes with a two-year guarantee.
It is very best for medium to small gardens and the LeafJet can also be a part of the Worx 20-V Energy Share cordless battery system, which implies you should utilize the battery and cost in different Worx instruments, saving you cash if you happen to make investments sooner or later.
Husqvarna Aspire B8X-P4A
RRP: £229 £209 (together with battery and charger) £129 naked software
Our ranking: 4.8/5
Execs
- Properly thought out design
- Simple to make use of and retailer
- Snug and effectively balanced
- Clearly seen battery cost on deal with
- Alternative of speeds
Cons
- Heavy than most blowers in our take a look at
- No velocity indicator
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase for ease of use, the Aspire leaf blower may be very straightforward to place collectively – there’s no struggling to connect the nozzle with this blower, it merely clips in with the push of a button and breaks down simply as simply for storage. Plus, it comes with its personal storage hanging hook.
It solely has the one nozzle however it is a good dimension for blasting away on giant areas like lawns. It additionally works fairly effectively while you want extra focus in beds and borders or when blowing leaves into piles, though it wasn’t the very best at this in our take a look at.
It has a clearly seen battery cost indicator located within the deal with and provides the selection of three speeds, that are additionally managed through buttons on the deal with. Nonetheless, there’s no indication which velocity you’re in on the time and we additionally discovered we needed to cease blowing to alter velocity.
Due to the climate on the time of testing, the blower dealt with primarily moist leaves very effectively and though it didn’t blow them into as neat piles as some it cleared paths, beds and lawns effectively. It feels highly effective but managed and is good for clearing giant areas shortly. The blower is quiet and has a cushty straightforward grip deal with and feels effectively balanced, and though it is a heavy blower as soon as the battery is loaded, it’s not the heaviest in our take a look at.
The 18V battery took the longest to cost in our take a look at at effectively over an hour, however it lasted the longest too, blowing moist leaves on full energy for over 12 minutes. The battery can also be a part of the Energy For All Alliance, which implies it’s suitable with different 18V instruments within the Flymo, Gardena, and Bosch software ranges in addition to the Husqvarna Aspire vary, saving you cash if you happen to put money into them sooner or later. The Aspire blower got here in all cardboard packaging and has a two-year guarantee.
Makita DUB186Z 18V cordless leaf blower
RRP: £179.99 £68.95
Our ranking: 4.8/5
Execs
- Lengthy slim nozzle for directional blasts
- Three velocity settings
- Quick cost time
- Compact, comfy and light-weight
- Suitable with over 40 different Makita cordless 18V instruments
- Three-year guarantee
Cons
- No cost degree indicator on battery
A BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase award winner for efficiency, this cordless leaf blower is mild, compact and simple to make use of. It has one of many narrowest nozzles within the vary we examined, which implies it delivers a strong however centered blast of air that tackles moist and dry fallen leaves very successfully, notably on paths and in awkward corners.
Producing a formidable air velocity of 68m/s, we additionally just like the three velocity settings – low, medium and excessive – that permit you to improve and reduce the facility based on want. This provides you loads of management to handle moist and dry leaves and we discovered it even shifted compacted particles in between paving, and compressed moist leaves that had been trodden into the pavement.
Whilst you should maintain the stress set off to function, it’s in an accessible place so it would not really feel tiring, even with smaller palms. The soft-grip deal with, along with the place of the battery, which slots in on the base, helps steadiness the leaf blower in a downward path, making it comfy to make use of for longer durations of time.
It has a run time of as much as 80 minutes (on the low setting – 12 minutes on excessive) and a comparatively quick cost time of 45 minutes, so you should utilize this in bigger gardens with a number of leaves to clear. It’s a part of the Makita LXT 18V cordless software system so the 5Ah battery and charger are suitable throughout the vary, and it comes with a three-year guarantee.
Learn the complete Makita DUB186Z leaf blower vacuum overview
Einhell GP-LB36/210 Li Turbo blower
RRP: £219.90 £92.99 (together with battery and charger starter equipment)
Our ranking: 4.8/5
Execs
- Properly balanced
- Turbo setting
- Alternative of nozzle lengths and speeds
- Long term time
- Wall hook and carry strap
- A part of the Einhell Energy X-Change system
Cons
- Battery and charger offered individually
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase for options, this effectively thought out blower is full of them. It has a whopping six speeds to select from, plus a Turbo enhance, so it’s straightforward to regulate the facility of the blast based on what and the place you’re blowing. The robust nozzle has a steel finish for scraping particles the blower cant shift by itself and it adjusts with a twist to a few totally different lengths so irrespective of your top you will get the nozzle to the right size to go well with you.
Powered by two 18V batteries, which take simply 60 minutes to cost, they’ve a run time of 92 minutes on the bottom setting. Nonetheless, the batteries and charger are usually not included with the blower and do should be purchased as a equipment individually, however, as soon as purchased they can be utilized with any of the instruments within the Einhell Energy X-Change system, saving you cash if you happen to put money into these sooner or later.
The blower is effectively balanced and feels comfy, however it additionally comes with a carry strap so if you happen to’re blowing for some time, it will assist steadiness the load. The nozzle and tube breaks down for storage and there’s a helpful hanging hook to maintain the blowers saved up and out of the way in which. It has a brushless motor and comes with a two-year guarantee.
Bosch Superior 36V – 750 blower
RRP: £126.95 (naked software)
Our ranking: 4.5/5
Execs
- Simple meeting and storage
- Highly effective
- Good management of various speeds
- Quiet
- Fast cost time
Cons
- Heavy and lacks shoulder strap
- Quick run time on full energy
This leaf blower is easy to place collectively, simply twist and click on within the tube and also you’re able to go. It’s due to this fact equally straightforward to retailer because the tube comes off shortly and it takes up little room on a shelf. There’s just one large nozzle however that is very efficient at each the highly effective blasting of moist leaves and extra focussed blowing in borders and into piles. You’re feeling in management when utilizing this blower and may direct leaves to go wherever you need them too.
It has a variable velocity management, delivering 100 to 200km/h, that’s simply adjusted with a dial on the deal with and is easy to scroll up or down as you’re employed. It has a cushty deal with and is effectively balanced however it does really feel heavy, noticeably so in comparison with others within the take a look at, and we felt it might actually profit from a shoulder strap if you happen to’re blowing for a protracted durations.
Nonetheless, the battery run time is kind of quick on full energy. Regardless of having a run time on a low setting of 35 minutes, on full energy the battery solely lasted 7 minutes, in comparison with 12 minutes with the Husqvarna Aspire, which was the shortest in our take a look at. It does cost shortly although, taking simply 65 minutes to get you up and operating once more. The 36V battery has a cost degree indicator on the tip that will help you see how a lot cost is left as you’re employed and it is also suitable with all 36V instruments within the Bosch cordless vary.
This leaf blower is good for the quick clearing of lawns with a number of leaves and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase for efficiency. It has an enduring brushless motor and feels sturdy and well-made. The Bosch Superior blower got here in cardboard packaging with just a bit plastic wrapping and comes with a beneficiant three-year guarantee.
Yard Power LG B18 40V blower
RRP: £219.99 £142.99
Our ranking: 4.5 out of 5
Execs
- Two nozzle alternative
- Three speeds plus Enhance
- Cruise lock lever
- A part of Yard Power GR40 battery system
Cons
Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase award for ease of use this highly effective blower comes with a big 40V battery and charger. It takes simply 60 minutes to cost and the battery has a 30- minute run time making it very best for medium dimension gardens. It additionally has a battery degree indicator so you possibly can examine how a lot cost you’ve got on the battery as you’re employed.
The blower is balanced and cozy and effectively thought out with the selection of three speeds, plus a Enhance button to provide an additional highly effective blast while you want it. A cruise management button lets you set the velocity with out having to always maintain the set off down, making it straightforward to make use of this blower for longer durations of time. It has a brushless motor and it additionally comes with an additional flat finish nozzle for concentrated energy.
Nonetheless, this blower is kind of giant and doesn’t compact down so it should take up room in storage and we additionally discovered it comparatively loud, though it’s nonetheless nothing like the amount you’d get with a petroleum blower. A part of the Yard Power GR40 battery system it comes with a two-year guarantee.
Vonhaus G-series cordless leaf blower
RRP: £64.99 £47.99
Our ranking: 4.5 out of 5
Execs
- Light-weight
- Highly effective
- Low cost
- Compact for storage
Cons
- Deal with vibrates
- 12-minute runtime
- Single velocity
A BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase award winner for greatest price range cordless blower, this straightforward, compact leaf blower packs a punch. Regardless of coming in at simply 1.7 kg, it’s very highly effective, and made quick work of each moist and dry leaves on paving, shrub beds, and gravel, although it struggled slightly with dry and moist leaves on grass. Due to its light-weight building and slim nozzle, it’s straightforward to manoeuvre across the backyard and put leaves precisely the place you need them. This blower is good for nipping round a small patio, terrace or entrance drive. It’s an affordable worth, and nice worth as its G-Collection battery can also be suitable with the Vonhaus hedge trimmer, pole trimmer, and grass trimmer. Nonetheless, though the grip on the deal with is tender, the deal with vibrates lots in use, which will get uncomfortable. Its 12-minute runtime can also be quick, however it takes simply an hour to cost.
Purchase the Vonhaus G-series Cordless Leaf Blower from Vonhaus
Greatest Purchase overview video – the Vonhaus G-series cordless leaf blower
Greatest leaf blower vacuums in 2024
Bosch UniversalGardenTidy 3000
RRP: £86.95 £59
Our ranking: 4.5/5
Execs
- Easy meeting
- Highly effective at each sucking and blowing
- Good worth for cash
Cons.
- Doesn’t break down simply for storage
- No on/off change
- Heavy, notably when vacuum bag full
This leaf blower vacuum is good for clearing up giant areas of leaves shortly. The blower is highly effective, if slightly heavy, and nice at blasting leaves, with a slim nozzle that helps you funnel and direct them into piles and out of tight corners and the vacuum mode has good suction with a well-shaped nozzle and a big assortment bag.
Preliminary meeting is easy, with clear directions and all that’s required is attaching the deal with and constructing the vacuum nozzle, which is available in three components. For blowing, the nozzle merely slots into place and when it’s essential swap into vacuum mode, no instruments are required. Nonetheless, the vacuum tube is giant and as soon as constructed it is troublesome to interrupt down so it does take up an affordable quantity of room in storage. It blows and sucks at variable velocity through a dial that sits beneath the deal with and this dial can also be the on/off change. This does imply it’s a must to scroll around the dial to show the blower off, which isn’t quick if you happen to’re within the highest setting and so from a security perspective this might be an issue. It additionally requires using two palms.
It has a 10m lengthy cable and in all fairness noisy however not jarringly so, however it’s heavy, and in vacuum mode feels fairly unbalanced, particularly as soon as the bag begins filling up. There’s a padded shoulder strap, which helps take a few of the pressure however is within the incorrect place to utterly take the burden. Nonetheless, it is a highly effective, well-made machine that performs effectively and is nice for the overall clearing of gardens. It’s additionally nice worth and comes with a three-year guarantee. We gave it a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal award for the Greatest all rounder.
Ryobi RBV 3000W corded electrical leaf blower vacuum
RRP: £99.99
Our ranking: 4.5/5
Execs
- Simple meeting
- Strong
- Properly balanced
Cons
- Sluggish to alter vacuum attachment
- Quick cable
Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase for ease of use this blower vac is straightforward to make use of and arrange. Mains powered, with a 10m cable, it has three modes of use: blowing leaves, grass and lightweight hedge clippings and you should utilize it simply as a leaf blower or as a vacuum or with each assembled collectively and shortly swap between the 2 jobs.
It vacuums particles and shreds it into a big holding bag and has a shredding ratio of 16:1 that produces a constant output, appropriate to be used as compost, leaf mould and mulch. Strong and effectively designed, a shoulder strap makes working simpler and extra comfy and a 3000W motor offers loads of energy.
The adjustable speeds are straightforward to alter through a dial however it’s noisy on full energy. Ultimate for small to medium gardens, this mid-priced blower vac performs effectively and solely the meeting lets it down. It comes with a three-year guarantee.
Learn the complete Ryobi 3000W leaf blower vacuum overview
Stihl SHE 71 electrical corded leaf blower vacuum
RRP: £170 £165.52
Our ranking: 4.3/5
Execs
- Simple meeting
- Good vacuum energy
- Strong
Cons
- One energy velocity
- No shoulder strap
A BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase for greatest small leaf blower vacuum, this mains powered electrical mannequin comes with a 10m cable, is straightforward to place collectively and surprisingly highly effective. Blowing leaves, grass and lightweight hedge clippings, it additionally vacuums them up and shreds them into a big 45-litre accumulating bag. It has additional tubes to connect for every job and you may also purchase a flat nozzle for extra focussed blowing if you happen to want it. The tubes come aside for storage and you’ll regulate their size based on your top and the job.
Whereas it doesn’t include a shoulder strap, the 2 handles are effectively positioned and cozy to make use of, plus the machine may be very mild at simply 4.1kg. It has a relatively small engine of 1100 watts however it feels highly effective in each modes and it’s quieter than different bigger machines we examined.
The Stihl SHE 71 leaf blower vacuum has just one energy setting so it’s essential transfer additional again from no matter you’re blowing to cut back the facility or change aperture on the tube. Quiet, mild and easy to make use of, it’s very best for gardeners of all skills, however lacks variable velocity settings and is relatively costly. It comes with a two-year guarantee.
The most effective of the remaining
Though some fashions didn’t fairly obtain a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase award, they nonetheless have nice options that make them value recommending. Browse our choose of the very best of the remaining on take a look at.
Flymo powervac 3000
RRP: £89.99 £63.20
Our ranking: 4/5
Execs
- Highly effective blower
- Wonderful shredding
- Good dimension assortment bag
Cons
- Doesn’t break down simply for storage
- Unbalanced
- Vacuum nozzle too large
- Awkward deal with form
This huge blower vac in all fairness straightforward to assemble and no instruments are required, however the instruction diagrams are very small so it takes slightly time. As soon as the suction tube is put collectively it’s nearly unimaginable to interrupt down once more, which makes the Powervac cumbersome for storage. To vary modes you additionally have to take it aside so it’s much less less complicated than the Bosch GardenTidy. It’s heavy as each a blower and a vac and the deal with design feels slightly over fussy and doesn’t assist with the steadiness of the machine, particularly in vac mode. It has a carry strap to assist lighten the load however this feels prefer it’s within the incorrect place. Fortunately, the gathering bag is smaller than some, which makes it simpler to make use of.
It has a variable velocity dial on the deal with, though we didn’t discover an excessive amount of distinction between these however the blower is highly effective and nice for blasting leaves throughout giant lawns. Sadly, the vac is way much less environment friendly with a nozzle form that is too large to suck up leaves effectively. Nonetheless, as soon as it’s obtained the leaves the shredding energy of the Powervac is superb, with a ratio of 16: 1 that reduces a bag filled with leaves all the way down to a tiny pile.
The Powervac has a 10m cable and feels effectively made and constructed to final and comes with a two-year guarantee. For blowing and clearing leaves in a small backyard it’s good worth for cash however the vac efficiency would not match the blower’s.
Stiga BL 100e cordless leaf blower
RRP: £109 £99
Our ranking: 4.3/5
Execs
- Detachable tubes for simple storage
- 30-minute run time at regular velocity
- Battery degree indicator
- Ultimate for lengthy leaf blowing classes
- A part of the Stiga 100 Collection with different suitable cordless instruments
- Two-year guarantee
Cons
- Massive nozzle so air circulation isn’t centered
- Solely two settings
- Much less efficient with compacted, moist leaves
Simple to make use of, this cordless leaf blower operates at two settings and delivers a most air circulation velocity of 32m/s, to manage effectively with common jobs like blowing moist and dry leaves off the garden and gravel paths.
Nonetheless, the tube, which is available in two, easy-to-attach components, has a considerably wider aperture than the Makita DUB186Z leaf blower we examined, and consequently lacks the centered jet blast to shift extra cussed, compacted leaf matter and particles from corners and awkward areas.
It weighs the identical because the Makita leaf blower however the battery slots in on the again finish of the physique versus beneath the deal with, which balances it in such a method that it feels heavier to make use of.
The 20V battery takes 140 minutes to cost and has a run time of half-hour on regular velocity and 20 minutes on boosted velocity, making it very best for small to medium-sized gardens and we just like the cost indicator on the battery that helps you gauge how a lot time you’ve got left to complete the job.
In contrast to lots of the different fashions we examined, you don’t have to carry down a set off to function this leaf blower, which makes it extra comfy to make use of if you happen to’re blowing for some time. It additionally has a soft-grip deal with, though this may profit from a bit extra cushioning. The battery and charger are suitable with different cordless energy instruments within the Stiga 100 sequence and it comes with a two-year guarantee.
Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Whisper sequence cordless leaf blower
RRP: £101.99 (naked software)
Our ranking: 4.3/5
Execs
- Detachable tube for simple storage
- 15-20 minute run time at regular velocity
- Battery degree indicator
- Suitable with over 150 instruments within the Ryobi 18V ONE+ System
- Three-year guarantee
Cons
- Heavy
- Squeeze set off solely – no fastened variable velocity settings
- Bigger nozzle so much less efficient with compacted, moist leaves
This cordless leaf blower weighs 3.2kg, so feels sturdy and sturdy, though it is among the heaviest fashions we examined. Just like the Stiga SAB 100AE, the 4Ah 18V lithium battery slots in on the again finish of the physique, which we discovered impacts the steadiness and makes it really feel heftier to make use of – we favor the battery place on the Makita DUB186Z.
This huge leaf blower additionally has a large tube, which is easy-to-attach and helpful for blowing throughout lawns and patios however means the 49m/s air circulation isn’t as centered as others we examined it simply blows moist and dry leaves off grass, gravel and patio slabs, however isn’t as efficient in the case of shifting compacted leaf matter and particles that collect in corners and awkward areas.
It has a run time of 15 to twenty minutes, which implies it may possibly clear as much as 800m2, and takes 160 minutes to cost and we just like the battery indicator, which helps you gauge how a lot time you’ve got left to complete the job. Nonetheless, regardless of being a part of Ryobi’s Whisper sequence, we didn’t discover it noticeably quieter than the opposite leaf blowers in our take a look at.
The battery and charger are suitable with over 150 instruments within the Ryobi ONE+ System and it comes with a three-year guarantee.
Learn the complete Ryobi ONE+ HP leaf blower overview
WORX WG547E 20V turbine cordless leaf blower
RRP: £119.99 £80.70
Our ranking: 4/5
Execs
- 20-minute run time
- Quick one-hour cost
- Nozzle detaches from the primary physique
- Suitable with different 20V and 40V (2x20V) instruments in WORXS’ PowerShare battery system
- Three-year guarantee
Cons
- No cost degree indicator on battery
- The nozzle can’t be separated for higher storage
- Absence of a soft-grip deal with
This cordless leaf blower feels slightly cumbersome to make use of across the backyard and the large nozzle means it’s tougher to succeed in into smaller areas or awkward corners. Nonetheless, it corrals leaves as you’d hope and with a quick one hour cost and a 2o-minute run time, the 2AH 20V battery delivers sufficient energy to deal with each dry and moist leaves. It has two speeds – the bottom setting generates a reasonable airflow helpful for a common tidy up, whereas the upper velocity offers sufficient energy to shift cussed, compacted moist leaves. Surprisingly for WORX instruments, it doesn’t have a soft-grip deal with, in reality there’s a seam within the plastic on the underside of the grip, which we discovered uncomfortable after utilizing the blower for some time. The nozzle might be faraway from the physique, however the two sections can’t be separated for extra environment friendly storage, which is irritating because the nozzle is double the size of the physique. A part of the WORX PowerShare cordless instruments, the battery and charger are suitable with their different instruments saving you cash if you happen to put money into naked instruments sooner or later.
Learn the complete WORX WG547E 20V turbine cordless leaf blower overview
Out there from Amazon (£71.39 – with out battery)
Flymo 18V Easiclear
RRP: £129.99 £79.99
Our ranking: 3.5/5
Execs
- Gentle and simple to make use of
- Variable velocity
- Lengthy battery run time
- Seen battery cost
Cons
- Lacks energy and the bottom velocity may be very weak
- Arduous to interrupt down for storage
- Lengthy cost time
The quiet 18v Easiclear 100 is in the stores as a naked software or as a equipment with an 18V 2.5Ah battery and charger. These are each a part of the Energy for All Alliance so if you have already got different Bosch, Flymo, Gardena or Husqvarna cordless instruments or plan to, it should prevent the cash while you put money into these.
The blower comes with one nozzle tube, which in all fairness straightforward to place collectively however as soon as constructed is tough to take aside for storage. It’s a great size and width and has a ridged finish which helps carry cussed materials. That is notably helpful as this isn’t a really highly effective blower. It provides variable velocity, adjusted by a dial on the deal with, however the lowest setting may be very weak.
The 18v battery has a 13-23 minute run time relying on velocity and it takes a prolonged 154 minutes to cost. In contrast to the opposite leaf blowers in our latest take a look at, the Easiclear has a battery cost show on the deal with of the blower which may be very helpful. This straightforward blower comes with a two-year guarantee and is greatest for mild blowing in small gardens.
The Useful 300w backyard blower, vacuum, mulcher shredder
RRP: £64.99 £59.95
Our ranking: 3.5/5
Execs
- Easy to alter between modes
- Gentle
- Wheels to be used on easy surfaces
- Good worth
Cons
- Takes up room in storage
- Lengthy meeting
- Uncomfortable angle of use
- Deal with vibrates
You want a screwdriver to place collectively the Useful and in comparison with others it’s an extended course of, taking on quarter-hour, however it comes with clear directions and as soon as the machine is constructed it’s achieved. There’s no have to take issues aside to modify modes with the Useful, you merely swap from blower to hoover with the flick of a change, though this does imply it takes up lots room in storage because it doesn’t break down in any respect. It comes with a dangling hook although, to make this simpler.
The Useful may be very mild and has a carry strap and wheels beneath the tube which assist to assist it and lighten the burden, nevertheless the angle of the tube when utilizing the wheels feels fairly awkward and our testers discovered themselves stooping at occasions, which was uncomfortable.
It has a 10m cable, a variable velocity dial on the deal with and a 45L assortment bag and the blower is highly effective. The slim tube is nice for focussed blowing and for getting leaves out of corners and between vegetation in beds and borders, however it’s additionally fairly noisy and the deal with noticeably vibrates after some time. The slim tube does imply that the vacuum suction is weak in comparison with others within the take a look at. Nonetheless, it shreds effectively, if at 10:1 its not fairly to the identical ratio because the Flymo. This can be a stable machine with a two-year guarantee, which is helpful for gardeners who wish to change between blowing and vacuuming with ease.
Greenworks 24V Axial blower
RRP: £144.99
Our ranking: 3/5
Execs
- Very mild
- Fast to cost
- Focussed blowing with good energy
Cons
- Noisy and shrill
- One velocity until managed by hand with the set off
- Set off uncomfortable after a short while
- Quick run time
This Greenworks cordless blower is out there as a naked software or with a 24V 2Ah lithium ion battery and charger, that are interchangeable with any of the Greenworks 24V vary of instruments. It comes with one nozzle, which like most blower nozzles of this design, is difficult to place collectively and as soon as constructed may be very arduous to interrupt down for storage.
Nonetheless, it’s an efficient tapered form and offers highly effective focussed blowing, very best for small gardens and for clearing by beds and borders. It’s notably good at blasting damp leaves caught to paths and patios. Directions to be used are clear and it’s easy to get blowing. The blower may be very mild and effectively balanced and it’s straightforward to carry and management with one hand – velocity is adjusted through the facility set off, though holding this down frequently in use does begin to really feel uncomfortable after some time.
When in use the blower is noisy. With the 2Ah battery, run time is just 9 minutes, though you would purchase an extra 4Ah Greenworks battery which lasts for 18 minutes. The 2Ah battery takes 45 minutes to recharge which was comparatively quick in our newest take a look at. It comes with a three-year guarantee.
What is the distinction between a leaf blower and a leaf blower vacuum?
Fairly merely, a leaf blower will carry moist and dry leaves from paths, grass, borders and pavements. The wind velocity it generates blows leaves right into a pile, which you’ll both depart as a habitat for wildlife, or gather and placed on the compost, in your inexperienced waste recycling, or retailer in baggage to make leaf mould.
A leaf blower vacuum not solely lifts moist and dry leaves, however sucks them up too, passing them by a blade, which cuts and mulches them after which deposits them into the bag that attaches to the machine. You may get rid of them the identical method however they’ve the added benefit of being shredded in order that they decompose extra shortly when added to the compost or used to make leaf mould. Nonetheless, leaf blower vacuums can get blocked-up, might have extra upkeep, and likewise are usually costly, however they’re extra environment friendly in the case of retaining your backyard leaf-free.
Earlier than you resolve which of those you want, take into consideration what number of leaves it’s a must to gather – if you happen to can handle blowing leaves and particles right into a pile to collect up by hand, then a blower will do the job and is a less expensive choice. Nonetheless, for bigger gardens with extra bushes and shrubs, having the ability to suck up leaves will save time, particularly if you happen to go for fashions with a mulching choice.
How to decide on the very best leaf blower and leaf blower vacuum
There are three forms of leaf blower and leaf blower vacuums out there, every with their very own professionals and cons:
Cordless leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums: There are many professionals with the sort of blower – along with being light-weight, quiet and environmentally pleasant, they don’t want messy petrol or a limiting energy cable. Nonetheless, they are often dearer if you happen to’re shopping for batteries and chargers as extras to the price of the software and also you’ll have to examine the run time if in case you have a bigger backyard.
Electrical leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums: Usually on the price range finish, these are low upkeep and, like cordless sorts, additionally light-weight. Nonetheless, the facility provide cable might be limiting in addition to doubtlessly hazardous.
Petrol leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums: These ship loads of energy and, identical to cordless sorts, can be utilized wherever, however their environmental affect is a consideration, as is the trouble of shopping for and storing petrol. They’re typically heavy and noisy and can want extra in the way in which of upkeep too.
Take into consideration the next options before you purchase:
- Variable velocity controls – air velocity, measured by metres per second or kilometers per hour), and airflow (measured by cubic meters per hour). Dry leaves are mild and simple to shift, however moist, compacted leaves and different particles will want extra energy. Variable velocity management is a helpful function because it lets you change the velocity and energy relying on the place you’re working – you’ll wish to be mild round vegetation whereas extra oomph will assistance on lawns.
- Nozzle dimension – usually, the narrower the higher, because the air circulation is extra concentrated, giving extra management in the case of corralling the leaves right into a pile.
- Mulching blades – Metallic blades are harder than plastic, in addition to extra sturdy, so are the preferable alternative.
- Assortment bag – Whereas not important, a water-resistant assortment bag makes issues much more comfy if you happen to’re working in moist climate, because it prevents moisture from soggy leaves dripping by the bag and onto your legs.
- Consolation options – Tender-grip handles and a padded shoulder strap will assist make it extra comfy to make use of the leaf blower or leaf blower vacuum for any size of time.
Purchaser’s Information to price range leaf blowers – video
Purchaser’s Information to leaf blower vacs – video
Many due to Sue Fisher and Rosie Yeomans for his or her assist in making these movies. Thanks additionally to Sparsholt Faculty for his or her beneficiant help.
Are leaf blowers unhealthy for wildlife?
Leaf blowers and vacuums can by chance suck up or blast away insect pollinators, and their noise can disturb and misery small animals like birds or bats. It’s greatest to not use leaf blowers indiscriminately, and to think about wildlife and neighbours. Leaves on lawns and paths are simply greatest raked or swept out of the way in which, however different duties, like getting leaves out of gravel paths or in effectively stocked beds and borders, want the facility and precision of a great leaf blower, however at all times ensure you examine for wildlife earlier than beginning work.
How we examined leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums
The BBC Gardeners’ World Journal evaluations staff examined totally different leaf blowers and leaf vacuums throughout a variety of backyard conditions – eradicating leaves from lawns, in borders and on gravel paths and paving, in each dry and moist climate. Earlier than we began, we checked for any wildlife within the leaf matter and had been cautious round vegetation to keep away from disturbing bugs and different creatures. The next standards had been used to calculate the scores, with equal weight given to every:
- Ease of use: Appeared on the meeting wanted, ease and readability of directions, any storage options and, the place related, the battery cost time.
- Dealing with: Assessed ease of use, weight, noise ranges, consolation and security options.
- Efficiency: Focussed on the facility and air circulation management, plus run and cost time (the place relevant).
- Worth for cash: Thought of the entire above, plus high quality and design, the RRP together with battery and charger, (the place relevant) and the size of guarantee.
This overview was final up to date in November 2024. We apologise if something has modified in worth or availability.
