However, both come with a few downsides – whether it’s the hazardous and restrictive electric cable, or smelly, noisy side effects of using petrol. If budget is a consideration, electric blowers and leaf blower vacuums will offer plenty of choice featuring brands like Ryobi, Stihl and Bosch, whereas if you’re after more power, petrol types will be more suitable. They’re often heavy and noisy and will need more in the way of maintenance too. Petrol leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums: While they deliver plenty of power and, just like cordless types, can be used anywhere, their environmental impact is a consideration, as is the hassle of buying and storing petrol.The power output for these types of blower is measured in watts. That said, the power supply cable is limiting as well as potentially hazardous. Electric leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums: Often at the budget end, these are low maintenance and, like cordless types, also lightweight.The power output for these blowers are measured in volts. However, they can be more expensive if you’re buying batteries and chargers as extras to the cost of the tool and you’ll need to check the run time if you have a larger garden. Cordless leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums: There are lots of pros with this type of blower – in addition to being lightweight, quiet and environmentally friendly, they don’t need messy petrol or a restricting power cable.There are three types of leaf blower and leaf blower vacuum available, each with their own pros and cons:
How to choose the best leaf blower and leaf blower vacuum However, leaf blower vacuums can get blocked-up, may need more maintenance, and also tend to be more expensive, but they are more efficient when it comes to keeping your garden leaf-free. You can dispose of them as you would with a leaf blower but they have the added advantage of being shredded so they will decompose more quickly when added to the compost or used to make leaf mould. A leaf blower vacuum, not only lifts wet and dry leaves, but sucks them up too, passing them through a blade, which cuts and mulches them and then deposits them into the bag attachment. The wind speed it generates blows leaves into a pile, which you can either leave to decay or collect and put on the compost, in your green waste recycling, or store in bags to make leaf mould. Quite simply, a leaf blower will lift wet and dry leaves from paths, grass, borders and pavements. What's the difference between a leaf blower and leaf blower and vacuum? Lumbered with lots of leaves? Check out our test of the best gardening gloves to collect them in comfort, and while you’re at it, why not learn how to make leaf mould – a super compost and soil conditioner – as well as how to make your own leaf mould bin. Thanks also to Steven Smith and Jamie Cryer at Sparsholt College for their generous assistance. Many thanks to Sue Fisher and Rosie Yeomans for their help in making these videos. Watch now, for expert advice on buying the best budget leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums for your garden:
Best Buy for value: Vonhaus G-series cordless leaf blower.Best Buy for performance: Makita DUB186Z 18V cordless leaf blower.Best leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums to buy at a glance Every leaf blower and leaf blower vacuum has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence. We researched the most popular leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums on the market, putting them through their paces in all weathers to bring you a list of the best cordless leaf blowers as well as cordless and electric leaf blower vacuums.Įach model has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to ease of use, handling, performance, and value for money.