Leaf Blowers: Reviews

Comparing reviews of leaf blowers

Leaf blowers can cut yard cleanup time in half. When Consumer Reports held a "man-versus-machine rake-off," a handheld leaf blower got the job done twice as fast as a rake. Blowers can also sweep out the garage, clear sand from the driveway and patio, and blow away grass clippings.

Different types of leaf blowers suit different needs:

• Corded electric leaf blowers are the cheapest ($70 for the Best Reviewed model). The best ones are almost as powerful as a good gas leaf blower. They're also quieter, lighter, cleaner and easier to use, and most can vacuum and mulch the leaves, too -- but you're tethered to a 150-foot extension cord.

• Cordless electric leaf blowers usually aren't powerful enough to impress experts. One exception: The Stihl BGA 85 (*Est. $500 to $650 with battery and charger) gets the job done nearly as well as the best corded blowers, but for a much heftier price.

• Handheld gas blowers pack more power than electric models, but they're also costlier (around $150), heavier, louder, smellier and more of a hassle. You'll have to mix gas-and-oil fuel (or buy premixed fuel), drain the fuel tank before storing it and deal with routine maintenance like cleaning the air filter.

• Gas backpack blowers are powerful enough to deal with large, wooded properties. They're also more than twice as heavy as a handheld gas blower (more than 20 pounds), but many users find them more comfortable to carry thanks to the backpack style. The best performers cost about $300.

To find the best leaf blowers, expert testers blast them on all kinds of yard debris -- not just wet and dry leaves, but also seedpods, sticks and pinecones. They measure each blower's power, airflow and noise level, too. Owner reviews fill in the blanks: which blowers feel too heavy, which features actually make yard work easier and which blowers hold up to real-life use without breaking down.