Hedge Trimmers: Reviews

If you want a hedge trimmer that's lightweight (6.2 pounds) and powerful, and don't mind being tethered to a cord, reviewers recommend the Black & Decker HH2450. Owners confirm it's able to cut through 3/4-inch-thick… branches, and the lock-on switch makes it less fatiguing to complete large trimming jobs. This switch can also lock it off to prevent accidental starts. You can use an extension cord to extend range to 100 feet from an outlet. This electric hedge trimmer is backed by a two-year warranty.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

While corded electric hedge trimmers keep you within 100 feet of an outlet, this 18-volt Black & Decker hedge trimmer provides the flexibility of battery power. It's also lightweight (6.4 pounds) and quiet, but has a… limited run time of 30 minutes or less. Owners say it works well on a variety of shrubs, and very few complain of battery problems. Reports of the maximum cutting capacity range from 3/8-inch-thick branches to the manufacturer's claim of a 3/4-inch diameter. This Black & Decker cordless hedge trimmer lacks a lock-on feature, so you must keep the trigger depressed during use. The Black & Decker warranty is for two years.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

If you need to cut thicker branches of up to 1-inch, but can't be tethered to a power cord, gas-powered hedge trimmers have both power and mobility, but they cost more and weigh more. In this class, experts and owners… recommend the Echo HC-150 and other Echo gas-powered hedge trimmers. Tests indicate Echo trimmers' double-reciprocating blades make clean cuts through branches and thick shrubbery without jamming or slowing. However, the Echo HC-150 weighs approximately 11 pounds, and like most gas hedge trimmers, it's noisy enough that hearing protection is recommended. Its anti-vibration handles help minimize user fatigue. Echo backs its hedge trimmers with a five-year warranty for homeowners.

See more photos, specs, and reviews