Best Cordless Battery Power Leaf Blowers and Garden Vacuums
Bosch ALB 18 LI Cordless Leaf Blower
Our Rating
A cordless leaf blower is the perfect tool for those with medium-sized gardens, or professionals who need top-of-the-range equipment to help them do their job. The Bosch ALB 18 Cordless Lithium-Ion Leaf Blower, complete with Syneon chip, is one of the best on the market, with a multitude of features that gardeners will find enormously useful.
With the latest lithium-ion battery technology, the cordless leaf blower is always ready to use. At full charge, it can last for up to 14 minutes, giving plenty of time to accomplish most garden tasks. When not in use, the Bosch ALB 18 can charge up again very quickly, so you’ll never need to wait too long in between uses.
As well as being totally cordless, the ALB 18 is incredibly lightweight – many other leaf blowers on the market at up to twice as heavy. Measuring in at just 1.8kg, the tool will certainly not place an unnecessary strain the back, arms or shoulders of operators, and with a soft grip handle and ergonomic design, this leaf blower combines comfort and convenience effortlessly.
It’s easy to see why so many homeowners have opted for this Bosch gadget – it’s compact, easy-to-use and very portable. Additional parts (including extra batteries) are also available from Bosch, making it a more versatile and flexible gardening tool.
Bosch ALB 36 LI Cordless Lithium Ion Leaf Blower Garden Vacuum
Our Rating
A step up from the ALB 18 is the ALB 36, which offers twice as much power. With a fantastic 36-volt lithium-ion battery, this intense leaf blower is perfect for power users, and those with larger spaces to tackle.
The cordless device can last for up to 55 minutes, giving ample time for home gardeners or professionals to tidy up any outdoor space. Bosch have achieved this long-lasting performance with the help of the unique Syneon chip, which delivers the optimum ratio of power and endurance at all times, rather than blasting out full power constantly and draining the battery more quickly.
All of Bosch’s leaf blowers are designed ergonomically, and this one is no different. The soft grip handle is much like its predecessors, and the only key difference in the handling of the twice devices is the weight. Where the ALB 18 came in at just 1.8kg, this device weighs in at 2.8kg, which is still very light for a leaf blower of this standard.
The ALB 36’s speed control option is also very useful, and gives gardeners extra control over the device. If there are soggy, stubborn leaves on the patio or decking that are refusing to budge, users can crank up the power to force them away. Then when it comes to flowerbeds, vegetable patches or shrubbery, the power can be turned down to avoid damaging the plants when blowing away surrounding leaves and debris.
The Bosch ALB 18 Cordless Leaf Blower is the perfect choice for gardeners who need more than 45 minutes of uninterrupted blowing time, and it’s ideal for those who struggle to carry some of the heavier leaf blowers or garden vacuums that are currently on the market.
​
Best Electric Leaf Blowers & Vacuums
Worx WG501E 3000W Blower/ Mulcher and Vacuum
Our Rating
Tidying up any garden space is made much easier with the Worx WG501E Electric Blower, Mulcher and Vacuum. This incredibly lightweight device has three different modes to reduce your garden waste quickly and efficiently, without even breaking a sweat.
The Worx device is essentially three gadgets in one – the blower brings all of the leaves and excess garden waste into a pile, and the vacuum allows you to collect all of these leaves in an instant. The mulcher then turns the garden waste into useful material for composting or landscaping – all with just the flick of a switch. It can be used on dry or damp leaves, but as it’s an electric device, it’s best not to try to vacuum or mulch sopping wet garden waste.
With a powerful 3000w electric motor, the Worx 3-in-1 can vacuum up 63 litres of dry leaves every minute – and with a working volume of around 70 decibels, you won’t deafen yourself or your neighbours whenever you need to clean up your decking or garden area.
There are seven speed settings, and an innovative angled nose design, so users have total control over their blowing or vacuuming. The entire kit comes with a collection bag, complete with a strap, so tidying up the garden or outdoor space is comfortable and convenient.
Q Garden QGBV2500 Leaf Blower & Garden Vacuum
Our Rating
The Q Garden QGBV2500 is a simple leaf blower, vacuum and shredder combination which is perfect for smaller gardens, decking areas or courtyards. It’s been designed for those who don’t particularly need bundles of power or masses of features – it’s simple, hardwearing, easy-to-use and very effective at what it does.
With a 6m cable, all operators need to do is plug in the Q Garden leaf blower to a power source, and they’re away. The kit also comes with a 35-litre collection bag and a shoulder strap, to make tidying up the garden that little bit easier.
The 2500w electric motor is enough for any small to medium domestic space, and the machine has a mulching ratio of 10:1, creating a fertile substance which can then be used elsewhere in the garden.
High build quality comes as standard with all Q Garden products, and that’s exactly what you get with this device. There’s a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard, but the device – if properly looked after – can perform its tasks for many years.
The device is small and lightweight, weighing in at just 4.2kg, making it ideal for those who have limited mobility or find it hard to carry heavy objects for a time. The product dimensions and the power of the suction also means that users won’t need to stretch or bend in order to vacuum up leaves – the Q Garden device will do all of the hard work for them.
Best Petrol Leaf Blowers & Garden Vacuums
TIMBERPRO Petrol-Powered Blower Vac, Mulcher Shredder, Leaf Blower
Our Rating
The TIMBERPRO 3-in-1 Petrol-Powered Blower, Garden Vacuum and Mulcher is an enormously powerful garden tool that’s perfect for professional users. Those with vast spaces to clear should look no further than this 26cc, which has all the features and functions you could ever need from a leaf blower or vacuum.
The TIMBERPRO leaf blower vac is easy-to-start and just as simple to operate, with the ability to change the function at the flick of a switch. The engine is a single-cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled engine which comes with an easy start mechanism to get you up and running in record time.
The mulching system is particularly strong, with a shredding rate of 10:1 and a 45-litre collection bag included.
The petrol mode also means that the TIMBERPRO is fully portable – perfect for those large open spaces and wide expanses of garden that electric leaf blowers perhaps couldn’t reach. Weighing in at just 4.5kg, the device is also very lightweight, so you won’t develop any strain or pain in your back, shoulders and arms when operating the blower for a sustained period.
This quality piece of equipment comes with an extensive aftercare agreement from the manufacturer, so you can be sure you’re investing in a product that will stand the test of time.
Made from exceptional components, and available at a reasonable price point, the TIMBERPRO 3-in-1 is an ideal addition to any professional’s kit.
Makita 4-Stroke Petrol Handheld Leaf Blower
Our Rating
This petrol-powered handheld leaf blower from Makita is one of the best on the market, and is most effective for use in larger spaces and gardens.
Eminently practical and very easy-to-use, the Makta BHX2501 leaf blower and vacuum does all of the hard work so that you don’t have to. With two modes – blower and vacuum – you can easily collect all of your leaves and garden waste into a handy pile, before transforming the device into a leaf vacuum with a simple attachment.
The 4-stroke engine has been specifically designed for more efficient fuel consumption, as well as fewer emissions – great news for all those who like to keep tabs on their carbon footprint and do what they can to help the environment.
The device is lightweight, at just 4.4kg, and it’s been crafted to ensure it can fit into small, cramped spaces like garden sheds and garages. The ergonomic grip also means it’s easy to handle, and you won’t need to strain yourself when using the device for long periods of time.
Of course, one of the main benefits of this device is the freedom it gives to operators. Electric leaf blowers are restricted because they need to be connected to a power source, whereas this efficient device (which uses unleaded petrol) can be used just about anywhere. Perfect for professional landscapers, groundskeepers or even domestic users with large gardens, the Makita BHX2501 is a top-rated leaf blower and vacuum that will tick every box.
Buying Guide
A leaf blower is a gardening tool that uses propelled air to move fallen leaves and other debris. They come in many different types, sizes, and makes and use different technologies and power sources. Whether you are looking for a handheld or a backpack mounted blower, the most important factor to consider when shopping for one is its ability to efficiently complete the outdoor task at hand. Most leaf blowers today are a wise investment for home and business owners.
How Leaf Blowers & Garden Vacuums Work
All leaf blowers work using the power of centrifugal force. An electric motor or petrol-powered engine in the blower spins a fan which sucks in outside air then forces it through a small opening. Air exits through the smaller opening at a high speed and pressure, which is what pushes leaves and other debris on the nozzle’s path.
The power rating of a leaf blower is often measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM. This is the volume of air that blower expels through its nozzle in a minute. A leaf blower with a high CFM rating can move more leaves and debris than one with a lower CFM rating. Power may also be measured in miles per hour or MPH, the speed at which the air exits the nozzle. The higher the MPH rating of a blower the faster the more powerful it is.
In this guide, we will look at the various types of leaf blowers you will find in the UK market and compare the important features you need to consider to make a wise purchase decision.
Factors to consider when choosing a leaf blower
In order to pick the right leaf blower, you must understand the type of debris to be cleared, the size of the area to be cleared, as well as the surrounding circumstances. The larger the area to be cleared and the denser the debris, the more powerful the blower you need.
Types of Garden Vacuums & Leaf Blowers
Leaf blowers come in a wide range of sizes and types designed to suit different functions. When you set out to buy a lead blower, it is vital that you know what these types are and what they are suitable for. They include:
Sweepers
These are the least powerful and smallest leaf blowers. They typically have a CFM ratings of 200 or lower. These blowers come in electric, cordless, or petrol powered variants and are ideal for clearing small areas such as driveways, decks, and patios. They are typically used to clear light debris such as grass clippings.
Light Duty Blowers
Light duty leaf blowers have CMF ratings of between 200 and 400. Like sweepers, they can be petrol or electric powered, with the electric powered types coming corded or cordless. They are designed for use in light cleaning tasks such as clearing leaves from small yards measuring up to quarter an acre. They are not powerful enough to clear larger yards or yards with many trees.
Medium to Heavy Duty
With power ratings of between 400 and 500, medium to heavy duty leaf blowers often have petrol powered engines rather than electric motors. These blowers are ideal for clearing yards up to an acre in area, commercial properties, and areas with many trees. Although they are powerful, they can be quite heavy hence very uncomfortable to use for long periods.
Professional Blowers
Professional leaf blowers are very powerful with CFM ratings of 500 and above. Because they have petrol-powered engines and quite heavy, they come in a backpack design. These blowers are designed for use for commercial purposes in yards larger than an acre and in long stretches of sidewalks. Because of their power requirements and high noise output, they are unsuitable for residential use.
Source of Power: Electric vs. Petrol
Leaf blowers can be petrol-powered, meaning they have a gasoline engine, or can have electric motors. Electric powered blowers are designed for residential use and can either have cords that plug to the power mains or run on rechargeable batteries. Electric blowers are less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts. If you are looking for a small leaf blower for use in a small yard with small trees, an electric blower will serve you fine. Small battery powered blowers are ideal for use in areas where the power mains socket is far from the area to be cleared while corded ones are suitable for clearing areas such as patios.
Larger more powerful petrol-powered blowers may have two-stroke or four-stroke engines. Unlike the quiet electric types, these powerful machines can be quite noisy—the main reason why they are not suitable for use in residential areas. They are suitable for use in places far from electrical outlets.
Size: Handheld vs. Backpack
Most leaf blowers are simple handheld machines designed for personal use. They are made for small tasks and are so light that they can be held on one hand. They are however not suitable for use for long periods of time. Professionals looking for a machine to use for hours would need a more ergonomic backpack leaf blower with a handheld wand. Bulky and heavy leaf blowers are best carried on the back to make it easy and comfortable to use for hours on end.
Optional Features
The primary function of a leaf blower is to remove dried leaves and debris, but some manufacturers have added various features such as vacuum settings. Various blowers today come with this feature, which takes in debris and collects it in a bag for easier disposal. Some blowers also feature a shredding system that can turn debris into mulch that can be disposed in gardens and shrubs
Conclusion
A leaf blower is a very efficient tool for collecting and disposing leaves and other debris in an outdoor area. Because they come in different sizes, use different power sources, and have different optional features, it is easy to find one that matches almost any leaf and debris cleaning task. This guide should help you determine what kind of a leaf blower you need to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Read our review of the Gtech leaf blower here.
Last update on 2023-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API