String Trimmers: Reviews

Updated June 2012

The secret to a perfectly manicured lawn? It's not your lawnmower, it's the string trimmer you use to clean up the spots that your mower simply can't reach. With the ability to trim grass and weeds, and even do precise edging in some cases, a string trimmer is an indispensable weapon in your lawn-care arsenal. We analyze reviews from a wide variety of credible sources to name the best string trimmers for a variety of homeowner needs.

Black & Decker NST2118

Cordless grass trimmer

$85

Estimated Price

For homeowners with light trimming needs, consumers recommend the cordless Black & Decker NST2118. This 6.4-pound trimmer runs quietly and can last between 15 and 30 minutes per charge; two batteries are included, extending run time up to an hour under ideal circumstances. Owners say this model works well on lawns, but some say it's not powerful enough to take on tall grass or weeds. The limited battery life is also a problem for many. However, many users say its light weight, quiet operation and ease of use are worth the tradeoffs.

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Stihl FSE 60

Electric string trimmer

$120

Estimated Price

Reviewers say the Stihl FSE 60 electric trimmer handles tough weeds and tall grass as well as most gas trimmers in the same price range. Compared to gas-powered string trimmers, however, the Stihl is lighter, quieter, easier to use -- and you don't have to buy fuel and oil for it. Like all electric string trimmers, the length of the cord you're using limits the Stihl FSE 60's range, but owners say a 200-foot extension cord will should provide sufficient range for most.

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Hitachi CG22EASSLP

Gas-powered string trimmer

$185

Estimated Price

Experts say this 11-pound gas trimmer holds its own against more expensive models and is a good choice for most homeowners who need the power of a gas trimmer. The two-stroke, 21.1 cc engine is powerful enough for most landscaping tasks, and the 60-inch straight shaft can reach under shrubs and decks easily. Owners say this Hitachi string trimmer is easy to start and runs quietly, but we saw multiple complaints about fuel hoses wearing out. Hitachi's customer service is also a thorn in the side of many consumers posting reviews online. This Hitachi string trimmer is CARB certified, meaning it complies with California's strict emissions standards.

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Husqvarna 223L

Heavy-duty string trimmer

$250

Estimated Price

For dealing with large lawns or heavy weeds, reviewers say a heavy-duty gas-powered string trimmer is the best choice. The Husqvarna 223L earns praise from both professionals and owners for its power, ease of handling and relatively light weight. Like all two-stroke gas trimmers, the 223L has its drawbacks: It's fairly noisy, and you must mix gasoline and oil to fuel it, which can get messy. However, we saw almost no complaints about the trimmer's performance or reliability in the reviews we studied.

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