Electric Hedge Trimmers

Little Wonder's power, safety features lead the class

Little Wonder produces electric hedge trimmers with double reciprocating blades in three lengths: 19, 24 and 30 inches (models 1920, 2420, and 3020, respectively). All these electric trimmers feature what the manufacturer calls "vibration reducing engine mounts" and padded handles. In a comparison test at Popular Mechanics, editors recommend the Little Wonder 1920 electric hedge trimmer (*Est. $260), praising its high-carbon steel, double-reciprocating blades, relatively quiet operation (69.4 decibels) and safety features. They call it "the best-made machine of all the electric models we tested," but PM editors also point out that that the Little Wonder hedge trimmer's short, 19-inch blade causes it to have a pronounced rear weight bias. Other review sources, such as ConsumerReports.org, actually favor rear-weighted hedge trimmers, however, and some people will find the 19-inch Little Wonder more comfortable than those with longer blades. It's also a bit lighter (8.5 pounds) than the 24-inch Little Wonder 2420 (*Est. $280).

Tests show the electric Little Wonder 1920's blades can handle half-inch branches with ease, even in tough older growth. For safety, dual switches require the operator to have both hands on the hedge trimmer's handles before startup, so the tool can't be accidentally engaged with a hand in the blades' cutting path. Another Little Wonder safety feature is that its motor stops less than half a second after a hand is removed from the handle. Users discussing hedge trimmers in the GardenWeb.com forums also recommend Little Wonder electric hedge trimmers, praising their build quality and durability. You pay a price for that, however; the electric Little Wonders are almost as expensive as gas hedge trimmers. Thee Little Wonder hedge trimmers carry a two-year warranty.

Popular Mechanics also recommends the lower-priced Makita UH6350 (*Est. $175) single-bladed hedge trimmer, which weighs more than a pound less than the Little Wonder 1920. The review says that the Makita electric hedge trimmer can tackle branches up to 1/2 of an inch in diameter, with minimal noise and vibration. It has a dual-switch safety feature similar to the one used on the Little Wonder models, but the Makita's blade doesn't stop as quickly after the trimmer has been turned off. Although it only takes one or two seconds to stop, Popular Mechanics points out that it takes just a fraction of a second to slice off a finger. A shield protects the operator's front hand on the Makita trimmer -- a safety feature the Little Wonder 1920 omits. Makita provides a one-year warranty for residential, non-commercial use.

If safety is a prime concern, and you have to trim close to walls, it could be worth considering the heavier Metabo HS 8365 S hedge trimmer (*Est. $200). It's pricey, but along with a 26-inch blade and a powerful 4.4-amp motor, a special safety clutch protects the tool from kicking back if the blades touch the ground or a wall. Additionally, a blade guard is standard, and the Metabo hedge trimmer's brake stops the blade within a half-second.

Craftsman electric trimmer is the consensus budget pick

Several reviews rank the 7.6-pound, 22-inch Craftsman 79957 (*Est. $60) as the best budget trimmer, saying it outperforms Black & Decker electric hedge trimmers in tests. Popular Mechanics says the Craftsman 79957 electric hedge trimmer's dual-action blades cut less smoothly, with more noise and vibration than you'll find in more expensive models. Still, critics say it gets the job done, even on branches up to 1/2 of an inch thick. Its lock-on switch makes it especially convenient to use -- you don't need to keep the main trigger depressed the whole time during use -- but two-handed operation is required, because there's a second trigger on the top handle. The corded electric Craftsman hedge trimmer comes with a one-year warranty. Users have a favorable opinion of the Craftsman 79957 as well; it maintains a high average rating in almost 20 customer reviews posted at Sears.com.

A viable runner-up to the Craftsman hedge trimmer is the Black & Decker Hedge Hog HH2450 (*Est. $70). It sports a 24-inch, dual-action-blade and is more powerful than earlier models. Additionally, at 6.2 pounds, it's lighter than most other electric hedge trimmers in this price range, and it's able to cut branches up to 3/4 of an inch thick, according to the manufacturer. ConsumerGuide.com's editors cite its light weight and good balance in particular, and they give it their Best Buy rating. Owner reviews of this Black & Decker budget hedge trimmer are quite good. Users at Amazon.com give it an average 4.8 stars out of five in close to 80 reviews; many of them report that it is able to handle heavy-duty trimming jobs with ease.

For very tight budgets (and light workloads), the 17-inch Black & Decker TR017 (*Est. $35), formerly marketed as the TR1700, gets high marks from one professional review source. The similar Black & Decker TR016 (*Est. $40) has a 16-inch blade and is rated 4.4 out of five stars by about 20 owners at Amazon.com. The TR016 electric hedge trimmer also receives a favorable review from About.com's landscaping guide, David Beaulieu. For smaller branches up to 3/8 of an inch in diameter, both of these Black & Decker trimmers look like reasonable, low-priced choices. Each weighs in at about 4.5 pounds, and Black & Decker supports its hedge trimmers with a two-year warranty.

Feedback still mixed on unorthodox-looking Garden Groom trimmers

Garden Groom hedge trimmers have won several awards in the United Kingdom, but they've received mixed reviews in the United States, where they've appeared in infomercials and some do-it-yourself TV programs. The Garden Groom is definitely safer than most traditional hedge trimmers because its rotary blade is completely enclosed. Garden Groom hedge trimmers are also unique in that they shred and collect trimmings, preparing them for mulch or composting.

The Garden Groom Pro (*Est. $200) is named a Best Buy by ConsumerGuide.com, but we were unable to find any user reviews of this model. The lighter Garden Groom Midi (*Est. $150) is less powerful than the Pro, and it earns mixed reviews from around 20 users posting to Amazon.com, with an average rating of three stars out of five. Many complain about its quality as well as its performance. Clearly the jury's still out on the Garden Groom trimmers, which come with a one-year warranty.