Little Wonder 1920

Little Wonder electric hedge trimmers with double-reciprocating blades come in three lengths; the Little Wonder 1920 has 19-inch blades. Similar models have 24- and 30-inch blades. All have features to reduce vibration and fatigue, and all have padded handles for extra comfort. Popular Mechanics tests the Little Wonder 1920, calling it "the best-made machine of all the electric models we tested." If you need a powerful trimmer but don't want to be tethered to a cord, reviewers recommend the gas-powered Echo HC-150 (*Est. $280), but it's heavier and noisier.

Little Wonder electric hedge trimmers perform well in most tests. We found the most credible review of the Little Wonder 1920 in Popular Mechanics magazine, where editors point out that its weight felt somewhat imbalanced, something they say wouldn't be an issue with the longer-bladed versions. ConsumerGuide.com names the Little Wonder 1920 a Best Buy, though editors point out that it's expensive compared with other electric trimmers. The accompanying review doesn't compare it against competing models, either. Discussions in the GardenWeb.com forums provide a good overall backdrop from the consumer's perspective, particularly when it comes to the durability of Little Wonder trimmers in general. One thread suggests that the Little Wonder models may be well suited for women, because they offer similar power and lighter weight compared with gas hedge trimmers.