When fall comes gardeners are faced with a deluge of falling leaves not only are they untidy leaves can be very dangerous when they become wet and slippery. If like me you have concluded that a rake is just not cutting it anymore and it’s time to invest in a garden the best leaf blower or vacuum. I hope to help you choose with your purchase much easier with my best Garden Leaf Blower/Vacuum guide.
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Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
First let me just say in case you didn’t know (I am sure you did) is that there are two choices to make there are garden leaf blowers that you blow your leaves into a large pile that you then have to manually collect to dispose of the leaves. Then you have leaf vacuum or vacs as there know in some places do the opposite they suck up all the leaves into a bag for disposal.
You can get a hybrid of the two that can blow and vacuum most will be very easy to switch between the two options with a simple switch of a button.
What should you buy a leaf blower or leaf vacuum?
So now we know that leaf blowers blow your leaves into a pile and leaf vacuums suck up your leaves into a bag on your leaf vacuum. However, there are pros and cons of both and we list them below.
Leaf Blower Pro’s Con’s
- Quicker to use in most cases
- Don’t get blocked from sucking up stones and stray debris
- Can’t suck up leaves
Leaf Vacuum Pro’s and Con’s
- No time spent picking up leaves
- Tricky to switch between blow and vacuum
- Wet leaves and a large amount can be hard to vacuum
So even though leaf vacuums do sound more convenient as they vacuum all your leaves into an attached bag they do have their drawbacks but this shouldn’t put you off straight off the bat as you will need to weight up how and what situations you will be using your leaf vacuum.
Types of leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuum power options
There are 3 different types of power options gas, corded electric and battery-operated when you are looking at a new garden Leaf blower/Vacuum each has its pros and cons and we will cover each to help you in choosing the best option for you.
Gas Leaf Blower/Vacuum
Gas leaf blower/vacuums are known as the most powerful of the power options and that is correct; they will be perfect for you if you have a large area to tackle.
A Gas Leaf Blower/Vacuum is great also if you are working remotely as there is no electric cable needed for it to work if you have obstacles in your garden like trees or garden ponds you will be able to maneuver around without the worries of a trailing cable.
You also have two options with gas Leaf blower/vacuum between a handled and a backpack model. The handled models are in most instances the cheaper option, backpack models, however, are easier to use as you carry it on your back (as the name suggests) and puts less strain on your arms like handled models.
Something to bear in mind when buying any garden tool that’s gas-operated is that they will need maintenance to keep them in shipshape condition but this shouldn’t put you off any gas garden tool as its nothing too tasking.
Corded Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum
This type as you imagen plug into your mains electricity and in most instances are a cheaper option than both of the other power options. They are ideal for people who have a smaller area to tackle but can be a pain if you have obstacles in your garden like trees or garden ponds as you have an electric cord to deal with. It’s also worth bearing in mind how long the cable is that comes with your leaf blower/vacuum to make sure it is long enough for your garden.
Cheaper corded leaf blower/vacuum tends to have a parallel tube for the blower and vacuum, they also tend to have a switch so that you can change between the blower and vacuum. This can be very convenient as if you have any blockages you can switch to blow and clear the blockages.
These types with an easy switch are known to lose power when you switching between the two options, also with the dual tube, it makes them bigger and harder to use in blow mode.
More expensive corded electric options that you can switch between blow and vacuum tend to allow you to reconfigure them by changing the nozzle or switching to a different part of the main machine. This overcomes the power loss issues but you do lose the convenience of a simple switch of a button.
Battery Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum
The battery cordless power option is more expensive than the corded electric option, you are paying for that convenience of not having to trail the cable around.
Battery cordless power leaf blower/vacuum tends to be great for people who have many obstacles in the area they are tackling and if you have borders that get covered in leaf these can tackle them as they won’t destroy your plants with strong blasts.
They are not super powerful, so if you have wet heavy leaves that you need to clear they may struggle to deal with this job. Something also to bear in mind is the run time 30 minutes is an average run time you can get a lot done at this time but if you have a large garden you may want to consider a gas blower/vacuum.
With regards to runtime if you already have other battery cordless tools with the same brand then in most cases the battery with the interchangeable witch should save money as you will already have battery’s that you can use with your new leaf blower/vacuum, this also may overcome the runtime if 30 minutes is just not long enough for you.
Are Leaf Blowers/Vacuums Noisy?
All engine-powered motors can be loud and leaf blowers/vacuums are no exceptions to this during their operation so if this will cause you problems then checking the decibel level is something worth checking.
Gas-powered power tools can be a lot louder than electric and battery power options but witch ever choice you make it is recommended that you wear ear defenders especially if you are using your power tool for any extended use.
What Leaf Blower/Vacuum Features To Look For?
Some features will make dealing with all the fallen leaves when fall comes around much easier, but missing some great features and the job will be a harder task. The following features can make a very big difference.
- Narrow blowing nozzle – This will allow you to direct the airflow
Speed control – Speed control will allow you to slow speed of the air for when in flowerbeds etc. - Easy access to mulching blades – Easy access will allow you clear any blockages that may accrue.
- Metal mulching blades – Metal blades are much better than plastic blades and they shouldn’t chip or break if you suck up a stone.
- Collection bag Size and waterproof – Collection bags are best when they are waterproof or you will end up with a wet leg when vacuuming wet leaves, also you want a larger bag to collect a good amount of leaves.
- Comfort shoulder strap or carry handle – If you are buying a handled type look for a soft handle if you are getting backpack models to look for padded shoulder straps.
- Storage – If you are limited on space then you will need to look for a blower/vacuum that is easy to remove the nozzle or is telescopic for easier storage.
What does CFM mean on a leaf blower?
In our recommendations below, you will see us refer to the CFM and it indicates the measured volume of air that the leaf blower exerts over 1 minute. A good range is between 400 and 600 CFM the CFM is a more important indicator than the MPH if you have a lot of leaves to move a look at the CFM, not the MPH is best practice.
So what Leaf Blower/Vacuum should I buy?
This is stating the obvious, but it’s important how many leaves do you need to clear up? If you have a small area to clear then a lower-powered corded electric or a battery cordless should suffice. Most people will like the option of the multi-purpose blow and vac and if it fits your needs they will be perfect.
If however, you have to deal with a larger area with lots of leaves to clear up then I would recommend a gas-powered option with all the extra power that comes with this power option. If you do have a larger area to cover then we recommend you go with the higher power option as you will later regret it if you don’t.
So it all boils down to your garden situation and the number of leaves you have to clear witch will be the best blower/vacuum for your garden.
We hope you found our guide helpful in helping you choose the best leaf blower/vacuum for your garden we have put together the top blower/vacuums for each power type Below to make that choice even easier.
Best Battery Leaf Blower
DEWALT DCBL720P1 20V MAX 5.0 Ah Lithium-Ion XR Brushless Blower
- Battery operated leaf blower gets up to 400 CFM of air volume at 90 MPH to clear debris
- High-efficiency brushless motor maximizing run time and motor life of the cordless blower
- Innovative axial fan design that maximizes on air output and run time of the battery leaf blower
- Lightweight and ergonomic design maximizes control and minimizes stress on your arm
- Low noise during operation - 61 dB(A). Ideal for noise sensitive regions and properties
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Looking for the convenience of a battery-powered leaf blower then you should take a look at this excellent leaf blower from DeWalt, with this being battery operated is so easy to move around your yard.
The Dewalt Brushless Blower is ergonomically designed to be more comfortable when in operation and with its 9.7lbs lightweight it makes it a breeze to use around the yard.
It has an axial fan design that produces a great deal of power for a battery-operated leaf blower this design puts less drain on the battery. It has a 400 CFM and 90 MPH performance witch is the number of leaves that the blower can move these numbers put this in the top end of battery-operated leaf blowers.
If you have any other DeWalt tools that are battery operated then the battery should transfer over to this leaf blower, given that you can choose to buy this with or without a battery we feel this is a great advantage and can save you money on buying a battery you may not need.
Overall if you’re in the market for a battery-powered leaf blower we don’t think you will go wrong with this one from a reputable company like DeWalt packed full of features to make your task so much easier.
Best Corded Electric Leaf Blower
WORX WG520 Turbine 600 Electric Leaf Blower
- [TURBINE FAN TECH] Worx engineers figured out how to get a jet engine-type motor inside of a leaf blower. Super powerful, yet not so loud that...
- [TWICE AS FAST AS PRO BLOWERS] Professional-grade gas blowers rely on outdated tech. The Turbine is cutting edge, and spins twice as fast as the...
- [2 SPEEDS FOR DIFFERENT JOBS] Go slow for pavement or tight corners. On the open lawn, switch to speed 2 and see what the 110 mph Turbine can do
- [600 CFM] We named the Turbine 600 after the 600 Cubic Feet per Minute of high-capacity air volume that shoots out of its wide-mouth nozzle....
- [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards,...
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A cord not an obstacle for you and your yard then we recommend the WORX WG520 Turbine 600 Electric Leaf Blower, the first reason is that in some states leaf blowers have been banned due to the noise they produce but this one is super quiet.
The fan design in this model is like a mini jet engine inside a leaf blower but somehow they have managed to keep the noise down. Two power options are on this model so you can select the slower setting when you come to tight corners this gives ultimate control.
Up to 600 CFM and between 60 to 110 mph Holey Moley this blower packs a punch some gas blowers don’t pack this much power this is right at the top end of power before you will need to consider a gas blower.
There is no panic here about carrying something heavy around your yard at an unbillable light weight of 6lbs this will make the job so much easier with one hand operation at this weight you shouldn’t suffer from any arm fatigue.
Best Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower
- Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower combines a high powered gas leaf blower with state-of-the-art ergonomic design, perfect gifts for dad
- Powerful Clearing Performance: 2-cycle, 50.2-cc, 2.1-HP X-Torq engine has a powerful blowing force (180 MPH, 692 CFM, 21 N), reduces emissions up...
- Ergonomic Features: Gas leaf blower backpack features an ergonomic harness system and an adjustable offset handle that makes the blow forces...
- Easy Starting and Operation: Air purge system removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for trouble-free starting and LowVib technology...
- Gas Blowers for Lawn Care: These gas leaf blowers feature cruise control and tube-mounted throttle controls for easy operation, whether you're...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Have a large yard to tackle then you will need something powerful and the Husqvarna 360BT Gas Backpack Blower will be the blower you’re looking for.
First, when you see the name Husqvarna and garden power tools you know you looking at the quality this is the first tick in the box for this leaf blower.
Husqvarna 360BT comes with an X-Torq engine design that reduces exhaust emissions by up to 60% and increases fuel efficiency by up to 20%.
At 23.2lbs this is a heavy leaf blower but is a backpack style of the leaf blower and you get the harness included, using the harness takes the load and evenly distributes the weight making it very comfortable to use and work.
A very powerful 631 CFM with a trigger-style handle that allows you can easily control the desired airflow.
It also has an air purge that allows you to clear the air from carburetor and fuel system making starting it very easy the controls are all central and very easy to control.
The adjustable tube allows you to get the desired length to make this blower very much best suited to your needs.
Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower comes highly recommend if you have a large yard or a large number of leaves that you are tackling and want a powerful blower to get the job done quickly and effectively.
Best Gas Handheld Leaf Blower
Husqvarna 125B Handheld Blower
- Efficient Brushless motor uses an innovative axial fan design that maximizes on air output and run time
- Up to 410 CFM of air volume at 120 mph to clear heavy debris
- Slim design, low weight and ergonomic design gives a comfortable work experience
- Cruise control allows user to easily set the blower at the optimum RPM for each specific task.
- Low noise levels enable longer working hours and the possibility to work in noise sensitive and restricted areas and comes with a 2-year Warranty
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Looking for the power of a gas leaf blower but don’t want the bulk of a backpack then the Husqvarna 125B Handheld Blower could just be what you are looking for.
We must say this again and that is that with Husqvarna you’re going to be getting a quality well-built tool that should last you for many years.
425 CFM Air Volume and 170 MPH this packs a real punch and you won’t find this type of power other than in gas-powered blowers, 1.1hp engine is what helps the Husqvarna 125B get so much power.
It’s a little heavy than a cord operated blower at 9.4lbs but you do have to compromise somewhere but to counter that it does weigh less than the battery-operated WORX WG520 at 0.3lbs less weight.
Easy control lever to adjust the airflow for different surfaces or going round corners this makes different tasks so much easier.
Adjustable blowing tube length allows you to get the correct fit for your height and different job types this is a really neat feature.
A very easy to use and very easy to operate gas blower with a brand that we can trust in Husqvarna a perfect leaf blower for someone looking to tackle a large number of leaves or a large yard but doesn’t want to go to the lengths of a backpack leaf blower.
Best Corded Electric Leaf Vac/Blower
WORX WG512 Trivac (Vac/Blower)
- [LEAF BLOWER, MULCHER and VACUUM] The proprietary design changes from a blower to a vacuum with a mulcher with just the turn of a dial. Blow,...
- [A WIDE, STRONG STREAM OF AIR] 600 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) come streaming out of the wide-mouth tube. That’s high-capacity air volume so...
- [METAL MULCHER] The metal impeller with its shredder blade cuts in two stages, chopping leaves down to a 16:1 mulch ratio – that’s 16 bags of...
- [QUICK, DETACHABLE BAG] When it’s time for composting or collection, the bag has an easy release. No muss, no fuss. Turn a dirty job into a...
- [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards,...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Like the idea of a leaf vac but don’t want to miss out on the blower then the WORX WG512 Trivac is just what you are looking for to get the job done.
Box ticked on the name WORX you should never pick a tool on name alone but you will know that you are on to a good thing with a big name and WORX is in that bracket when it comes to tools.
Not only does the WORX WG512 Trivac come with the blower and vacuum feature it also has a mulcher setting and all with a simple turn of a dial to change between settings we think this was brilliant.
3/1 Feature
Many would feel you will lose power with a 3/1 design like this but no the WORX WG512 Trivac has a 600 CFM 70 mph power output this is good for a multi-tool like this.
Very easy to detach the bag for when you are not mulching or vacuuming, the mulching has a 16:1 mulch ratio which means no more bags and bags of leafs sixteen bags will be mulched into one.
A feature that I like to see is the speed control and the WORX WG512 Trivac come with 2-speed control this will help you with different tasks like in a tight corner you will want a slower speed.
You may think 3/1 feature leads to a heavy tool no at only 8.6lbs one-hand operation will be a breeze for you epically with the ergonomic design this will allow you to clear the yard with very little arm fatigue.
Overall this is a great tool for someone who doesn’t have a large yard because the electrical cable can limit reach, but for the multitude of uses this is a great option and I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed if you choose to go with the WORX WG512 Trivac.
Best Battery Leaf Vac/Blower
BLACK+DECKER (Vac/Blower Battery)
- CONVENIENT CLEARING – Easily clears debris from hard surfaces like driveways, decks, and garages to keep your yard looking its best.
- POWERFUL AIR SPEED AND AIRFLOW – Air speeds up to 120 mph and airflow up to 90 cfm deliver the power you need for quick, effective clearing.
- POWERCOMMAND DIAL – Controls the blower’s air speed; choose between maximum power or maximum runtime.
- QUIET OPERATION – 66 dBA noise rating keeps noise to a minimum while you work.
- LIGHTWEIGHT – Weighs only 4.7 lbs. for effortless handling.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Looking for a leaf vacuum but also want a leaf blower and don’t want to be tied down with a cord then the BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 Lithium Blower is just the thing you have been looking for and with the added benefit it has a mulching feature.
Have other BLACK+DECKER battery tools? Then your battery is more than likely to fit this blower and with the option to buy without a battery this can make your purchase much cheaper.
So there is a vacuum, blower and mulching feature but there is a little downer to this one as the battery struggles to get the power up to make it a great vacuum and is best for small yards with not much leaf fall.
6 different power options that are great for different jobs that you will be tackling, and is very light at 5.4lbs so you will have no trouble moving this around the yard.
We do recommend the BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 Lithium Blower but only to people with a small yard with a small amount of clean up if you have a large yard you will be left disappointed but we have you covered above if more power is needed.
We hope you find the leaf blower or leaf vacuum that best suits your needs and that we have made that choice a lot easier with our recommendations and buyers guide, getting the correct tool for the job is crucial to making it much easier to complete most efficiently.
Some closing thoughts you want something powerful for large yards with lots of debris but having different power options is a really good feature to make it easier when more or less power is wanted.