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Leaf Blowers: Ratings of Sources

Total of 12 Sources

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

1. ConsumerReports.org
Not Dated
Leaf Blowers
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis review offers the best objective comparison tests of any we evaluated. Editors test 31 leaf blowers of all types (gas backpack and handheld, and electric corded and cordless), rating their ability to loosen, sweep and vacuum leaves, along with their ease of handling and noise level (both at ear level and from 50 feet away). Editors rank the blowers from best to worst, picking several Best Buys.
2. This Old House
Not dated
TOH Tested: Leaf Blowers
by Sal Vaglica
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThisOldHouse.com tests all four types of leaf blowers: gas backpack, gas handheld, corded electric and cordless electric (first explaining which type is best for which tasks). Each of the 10 models gets separate ratings for leaf blowing and vacuuming, and editors note the price, key specs and whether the impeller blade (which moves the air) is made of plastic or steel. Testers describe each leaf blower's balance and comfort, as well as their overall impressions of it.
3. PopularMechanics.com
Not dated
Backpack Leaf Blower Comparison Test
by Roy Berendsohn
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentFor this comparison test, a group of Popular Mechanics volunteers tests seven backpack leaf blowers -- five residential and two professional models -- giving them "a workout blowing wet and dry leaves, sticks, pine cones and seedpods." Of the residential models, the Echo PB-500 and the Husqvarna 350BT get the highest scores based on their performance. Among pro-grade backpack blowers, the Stihl BR 600 and Makita BBX7600CA win.
4. PopularMechanics.com
Not dated
Which Leaf Blower Is the Best? We Test 8 to Find Out
by Roy Berendsohn
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHere, Popular Mechanics tests smaller handheld gas leaf blowers. All eight models -- each from a different brand -- get short write-ups explaining their pros and cons. The Stihl BG 55 rates a perfect 5 stars and is named "Best Overall." It's actually lighter and moves less air than some others, but it moves debris better thanks to its focused airstream.
5. Wired
Sept. 29, 2011
Review Roundup: Leaf Blowers
by David Wolman
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWired tests four leaf blowers by blowing leaves and debris off of a neighborhood baseball diamond. The cordless electric Stihl BGA 85 beats three heavier, more powerful, backpack-style gas blowers to win the Editor's Pick. It proves plenty powerful enough for the job, with more precise control and no emissions.
6. Amazon.com
As of October 2012
Blowers & Vacuums
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon's owner-written reviews and ratings often give useful details about annoyances, reliability, long-term durability and customer service. Electric leaf blowers are the most popular type here, but we also found a few gas leaf blowers with plenty of reviews and high ratings.
7. HomeDepot.com
As of October 2012
Leaf Blowers
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHome Depot invites readers to rate leaf blowers on its website. You can sort them by rating, making it easy to pick out the best ones. Gas blowers from Echo and Hitachi get the best ratings, followed by electric blowers from Homelite, Toro and Black & Decker.
8. Lowes.com
As of October 2012
Blowers
by Contributors to Lowes.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLowe's invites owners to publish ratings and comments about leaf blowers. Two Husqvarna backpack-style gas blowers earn nearly perfect ratings with more than 200 reviews each, followed closely by a Husqvarna gas-powered handheld model. The corded electric Troy-Bilt TB180B gets equally high marks from more than 100 owners.
9. Sears.com
As of October 2012
Leaf Blowers
by Contributors to Sears.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMost of the blowers reviewed here are Craftsman models, but other brands get better reviews. The corded electric Toro Ultra Blower Vac leads the pack, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars with more than 50 ratings posted. Other cordless and gas-powered blowers get high ratings with fewer reviews.
10. PopularMechanics.com
Not dated
No Gas, No Problem: Stihl's Battery-Powered Tools Get the Job Done
by Roy Berendsohn
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentStaffer Roy Berendsohn explains that he's always favored gas over electric outdoor power tools. However, after trying out Stihl's new line of 36-volt cordless tools, including the BGA 85 cordless blower, he changes his mind. He writes, "It's the first cordless outdoor power equipment I've found that radically closes the gap between gas engine and cordless (or electric)."
11. National Home Gardening Club
As of October 2012
Outdoor Power Equipment
by Members of National Home Gardening Club
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMembers of the National Home Gardening Club try out products (which they receive free of charge) and rate them; those that get high ratings become recommended products. In the outdoor power tools category, three leaf blowers are recommended: the handheld gas Echo PB-250LN, which gets the highest rating of the three, the electric Worx TriVac WG500 and the Remington RM193BVT. It's not clear how many members tested each product or what rating criteria they used.
12. LeafBlowersDirect.com
As of October 2012
Top Leaf Blowers
by Bob Crewe
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBob Crewe, a staffer at this retail website, recommends the best electric, cordless, gas handheld and backpack blowers based on his experience and knowledge of the products. Each recommended leaf blower gets a short write-up explaining why it's good, but no comparison testing has been done -- and LeafBlowersDirect.com recommends only brands that it sells.
     
 

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

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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