Leaf Blower Buying Guide

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Appliance Buyers Guide

A great leaf blower isn’t just for fall leaves; it’s a year-round tool for tasks like clearing summer sand, light winter snow, and general debris. Here’s how to choose the best one for your needs.

Gas vs. Electric Leaf Blowers

Gas Blowers:
Pros: Unlimited run time, suitable for large areas, high power.
Cons: Loud, requires fuel/oil, higher maintenance.
Ideal for: Large yards and heavy-duty tasks.
Electric Blowers (Corded and Cordless):
Pros: Quieter, environmentally friendly, easier to maintain.
Cons: Limited range (corded) or battery life (cordless).
Ideal for: Smaller yards or eco-conscious users.

Types of Leaf Blowers

Corded Electric:
- Weight: ~8 lbs or less.
- Price: $50–$100.
- Pros: Lightweight, push-button start, no emissions, great power.
- Cons: Limited mobility due to cord length.

Cordless Electric (Battery-Powered) Handheld:
- Weight: <10 lbs.
- Price: $110–$660.
- Pros: No cords, comparable power to gas, low maintenance.
- Cons: Limited battery life (8–30 mins).

Gas-Powered Backpack:
- Weight: 17+ lbs (weight on shoulders/back).
- Price: $250–$550.
- Pros: Powerful, long runtime, portable.
- Cons: Noisy, maintenance-heavy, higher cost.

Cordless Electric Backpack:
- Weight: Heavier than handhelds.
- Price: $600–$850.
- Pros: Quiet, eco-friendly, long battery life.
- Cons: Expensive, limited battery power for large jobs.

Gas-Powered Wheeled:
- Weight: 100+ lbs.
- Price: $350–$975.
- Pros: Very powerful, suitable for large yards.
- Cons: Bulky, noisy, hard to maneuver, needs storage space.

Gas-Powered Handheld:
- Weight: ~10 lbs.
- Price: $120–$300.
- Pros: Portable, no charging needed.
- Cons: Noisy, requires fuel/oil mix for 2-stroke engines.

Features to Consider

Nozzle Design:
Rounded tips for loosening embedded leaves.
Flattened tips for sweeping loose debris.
Noise Levels:
Some towns ban gas blowers due to noise.
Look for decibel ratings on labels; quieter models earn "excellent" ratings in CR tests.
Wear hearing protection when using loud models.

Leaf Blower Brands

Black+Decker: Lightweight, affordable corded blowers.
Ego: High-performance battery-powered blowers.
Ryobi: Wide range of electric and gas models.
Stihl and Husqvarna: Known for durable, high-powered gas models.
Toro: Versatile, reliable electric blowers.

How Experts Test Leaf Blowers

Performance: Time taken to clear leaves and ability to handle embedded debris.
Noise: Measured both at ear level and at a 50-foot distance.
Ease of Use: Includes weight, controls, and comfort.

Key Considerations

Yard Size:
- Small yards: Corded or cordless electric blowers.
- Large yards: Gas-powered handheld, backpack, or wheeled blowers.

Environmental Impact:
- Electric models are cleaner and more reliable.

Budget:
- Corded electric: $50–$100.
- Cordless electric: $110–$850.
- Gas models: $120–$975.

Noise Regulations:
- Check local ordinances to avoid fines or complaints.

Choose a leaf blower that matches your needs for power, mobility, and budget, and make yard work easier and more efficient all year long!