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Hedge Trimmers: Ratings of Sources
Total of 18 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. This Old House
Not dated
Shrub-Trimming Tools
by Stephen Orr
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentStephen Orr of This Old House magazine says professionals favor the Stihl Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer for its bigger teeth and lightweight design, without specifying which model in particular they recommend. Orr prefers the Little Wonder Single Edge Electric Hedge Trimmer for cutting hedges in a continuous straight line.
2. PopularMechanics.com
Aug. 1, 2004
Hedge Hoggers: We Test Six Hedge Trimmers for Power, Convenience and Safety
by Joe Provey
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPopular Mechanics magazine editors test four electric hedge trimmers plus one cordless and one gas hedge trimmer, focusing on cutting power and quality, along with safety features and ergonomics. The Little Wonder 1920 electric hedge trimmer is the top choice, powerful enough to handle half-inch branches with ease. As a budget choice, editors prefer the Craftsman 79975 (now discontinued). The gas-powered Echo HC1500 (now the HC-150 or HC-150i) hedge trimmer has lots of power, but the review notes that, like most gas hedge trimmers, it produces more noise and vibration than electric models. This review is now archived at Highbeam.com.
3. Amazon.com
As of Oct. 2011
Hedge Trimmers
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBlack & Decker hedge trimmers have the most reviews and the highest ratings here. Cordless models with good ratings include the new lithium-ion LHT120, the NHT518 and the NHT524. Black & Decker's corded models also fare well, with the HH2450, the NPT318 pole hedge trimmer and the 18-inch HT018 model all getting high ratings from a significant number of owners.
4. This Old House
Aug. 11, 2010
A Premium Cordless Outdoor Power Tool
by Sal Vaglica
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis blog post is essentially a review of Stihl's new (introduced in 2010) 36-volt cordless hedge trimmer, powered by a lithium ion battery. After trying it out, blogger Sal Vaglica writes that "overall the HSA performed as well as I would expect a great gas-powered trimmer to perform." He notes that it is also about as heavy as a gas hedge trimmer. This hedge trimmer is geared toward professionals and homeowners who do a lot of heavy trimming and pruning.
5. PopularMechanics.com
Sept. 28, 2010
Stihl HSA 65 Cordless Hedge Trimmer: The Top Products of 2010
by Editors of Popular Mechanics
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn this brief write-up, the cordless 36-volt Stihl HSA 65 is named one of the top products of 2010, for which it receives a Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award. The editors write, "A single charge provided more than enough power to completely trim and shape a good-size yard during our tests. And because the trimmer can be turned off and on with the flip of a switch, it is also more convenient than gas-fueled models: There's no temptation to idle it."
6. PopularMechanics.com
Not dated
Backyard Battle: Gas vs. Electric Lawn Tools
by Evan Rothman
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn a test of whether electric lawn tools can compete with gas tools, two PGA golf course groomers test various types of tools on a golf course. To evaluate electric vs. gas hedge trimmers, one pro trims a hedge for 10 minutes with the Stihl HSA 65 cordless electric trimmer while the other uses the Husqvarna 122HD45 gas hedge trimmer. The Stihl HSA 65 wins the test for its balance and quietness, and both pros say it as powerful as the gas trimmer. Another advantage to using the cordless model, both say, is that you don't have to breathe in exhaust fumes at close range.
7. HomeDepot.com
As of Oct. 2011
Hedge Trimmers
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHomeDepot.com sells close to 50 hedge trimmers, but few have owner reviews. Of those with a significant number of reviews, the best ratings go to the Black & Decker HT012 and the cordless Black & Decker NHT518. The cordless Ryobi P2603, which has an 18-volt lithium ion battery, also gets good ratings. Most gas-powered hedge trimmers sold here are Echo models, but none has more than a handful of reviews.
8. Sears.com
As of Oct. 2011
Hedge Trimmers
by Contributors to Sears.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSears.com sells Craftsman, Sears's own brand, as well as several other brands of hedge trimmers. Craftsman electric models have the most owner ratings and reviews; standouts are the cordless CR2600 and the corded Craftsman 79442 and its smaller sibling the 79441.
9. About.com
Not dated
Black & Decker 22" Cordless Hedge Trimmers (NHT518)
by David Beaulieu
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDavid Beaulieu, the landscaping guide at About.com, lists pros and cons of cordless hedge trimmers, compares them with gas and corded electric models, and reviews the Black & Decker NHT518. Based on his use of this hedge trimmer in his own yard, he declares himself "sufficiently satisfied to recommend this product." This Black & Decker earns a 5-star rating from Beaulieu. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
10. About.com
Not dated
Black & Decker 16" Hedge Trimmers TR1600
by David Beaulieu
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBeaulieu focuses on corded electric hedge trimmers and reviews one of these, the 16-inch Black & Decker TR016 (formerly the TR1600). In general, he recommends electric hedge trimmers "when maneuverability isn't paramount," and notes as advantages that they are lightweight, start automatically, and cost less than gas trimmers. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
11. Lowes.com
As of Oct. 2011
Hedge Trimmers
by Contributors to Lowes.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLowes.com sells mainly Black & Decker hedge trimmers, with a few other brands mixed in. Most have accumulated few owner reviews; in fact, the 22-inch cordless Black & Decker NHT518 is the only model with enough reviews for them to be meaningful. It gets high ratings and positive reviews from more than 20 owners, who say it's lightweight, comfortable to use and cuts through 3/4-inch-thick branches.
12. Walmart.com
As of Oct. 2011
Hedge Trimmers
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentFew of the hedge trimmers sold here have owner reviews and ratings; of those that do, the electric 16-inch Black & Decker TR016 has the highest ratings from the most people. We saw few negative comments; most owners are happy with their purchase.
13. ConsumerGuide.com
As of Oct. 2011
Hedge Trimmers Reviews and Prices
by Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors at ConsumerGuide.com have written reviews for eight hedge trimmers, and identify four as CG Best Buys. The reviews appear to be written by people who have used the equipment, and separate ratings are provided for value, performance, ease of use and features. All the reviews were published in 2006 or 2007, so they're a bit out of date at this point.
14. GardenWeb.com
As of Aug. 2010
Hedge Trimmers
by Contributors to GardenWeb.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGardenWeb.com features forums for gardeners, offering quite a few discussions of hedge trimmers, including recommendations of specific models. Use the search tool to find posts relating to hedge trimmers. While we didn't find many user reviews at retail websites for gas-powered hedge trimmers, there are some insightful discussions at GardenWeb.com.
15. Northern News
2009
New Cordless Hedge Trimmer a Cut Above
by Joanne Richard
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentJoanne Richard recounts her experience using the Ryobi 18-Volt Lithium Hedge Trimmer to trim hedges and vines in her yard. She says it exceeded her expectations for being powerful, and that its large handle "makes handling comfortable and easy to control every which way you trim things up." Battery runtime is only about 30 minutes, but 18-volt batteries from other Ryobi One+ power tools can be used as backup.
16. GaltTech.com
Not dated
Hedge Trimmer Reviews and Buying Guide
by Editors of GaltTech.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGaltTech.com evaluates online reviews by owners to compile its list of recommendations. The information appears to be outdated since one pick is now discontinued. The Stihl HS 45 is the recommended gas hedge trimmer. The Makita 25" Electric Hedge Trimmer UH6350 is the recommended electric model, but editors recommend the Black & Decker HT018 for those who want to spend less. The Black & Decker NHT518 is picked as the best cordless model.
17. Yard and Garden
As of Oct. 2011
Hedge Trimmers
by Editors of Yard and Garden magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentYard and Garden magazine is a trade publication for people who sell and service outdoor power equipment. It has half a dozen articles on hedge trimmers, ranging from an article on safety tips to brief individual reviews of Husqvarna, Little Wonder, and Stihl products. No ratings are provided.
18. Grounds-mag.com
Not Dated
Focus On: Hedge Trimmers
by Editors of Grounds-mag.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGrounds-mag.com is a professional landscaper's online publication. This article showcases 10 gas hedge trimmer brands intended for commercial use. Most of it reads like a product/PR description from the manufacturer, but it is a fairly useful summary of the major brands of gas-powered hedge trimmers.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

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