String Trimmers: Reviews

Updated May 2011

The "secret sauce" 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.

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Cordless grass trimmer

Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018

*Est. $100 Compare Prices

If you only need to trim the edges of a lawn, experts and owners alike praise the cordless Black & Decker NST2018. This 7-pound trimmer runs quietly and can last about 25 minutes per charge; two batteries are included,… expandextending run time to about an hour. Owners say this model works well on maintained lawns, but it's not powerful or durable enough to handle tall grass or weeds. For that, you'll need a corded electric, gas or propane-powered string trimmer. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Editors compare the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 Cordless String Trimmer with 39 other string trimmers (including nine cordless trimmers in all), based on objective tests.

This Old House: ThisOldHouse.com readers with varied levels of lawn care experience test four string trimmers, including the Black & Decker NST 2018.

Amazon.com: Over 670 owners review the Black & Decker NST2018 cordless string trimmer, giving it an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.

HomeDepot.com: Almost 60 owners have posted reviews of this Black & Decker cordless string trimmer; they give it an average of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Sears.com: Close to 50 owners review the Black & Decker NST2018 cordless string trimmer here, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars on average.

About.com: David Beaulieu compares two eco-friendly string trimmers: the new Lehr propane Eco Trimmer models and Black & Decker's cordless NST2018.

About.com: Though the title makes this review look like a comparison report, it's really a brief single-product review of the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018, with a few comparisons to the now-discontinued CST2000 string trimmer; Beaulieu favors the NST2018 over the CST2000.

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for $111.34

Corded electric trimmer; better for weeds

Stihl FSE 60

*Est. $120 Learn More

Although you must contend with a cord, 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, yet it is lighter, quieter, easier to use and… expandless polluting -- and you don't have to buy gasoline and oil for it. Owners praise its quality and durability, and the Stihl FSE 60 can be used with a 200-foot extension cord. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: This review compares the Stihl FSE 60 string trimmer with seven other corded electric models.

ConsumerGuide.com: This detailed single-product review rates the Stihl FSE 60 electric string trimmer as good to excellent for every factor except value.

Epinions.com: It's not clear whether or not some of the older owner-written reviews here refer to the Stihl FSE 60 model, but the handful of owners who review "Stihl electric trimmers" here are very satisfied.

Find a local dealer at Stihl.com

Best-value gas trimmer

Hitachi CG22EASSLP

*Est. $190 Compare Prices

Electric string trimmers work well for smaller yards, but those who want more range will need a gas-powered string trimmer. If you mainly need to keep up with routine trimming (as opposed to clearing large areas of tall… expandweeds), experts say this 11-pound gas trimmer holds its own and is a good choice for most homeowners who need the range of a gas trimmer. The two-stroke, 21.1cc 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 the head's cutting line is occasionally too loose. The Hitachi trimmer is CARB certified, meaning it meets California's strict emissions standards. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

PopularMechanics.com: Editors at Popular Mechanics concede their reluctance to add the bare-bones Hitachi CG22EASSLP string trimmer to its beefy lineup.

Amazon.com: More than 30 owners weigh in on the Hitachi CG22EASSLP string trimmer, giving it almost 5 stars for its powerful performance, smooth operation and minimal vibration.

Sears.com: Over a dozen owners at Sears.com give the Hitachi CG22EASSLP an overall perfect average score of 5 out of 5 stars, the highest rating on the site.

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Amazon

for $180.49

Propane string trimmer

Lehr Eco Trimmer ST025DC

*Est. $140 Compare Prices

The Lehr Eco Trimmer ST025DC, a string trimmer with a curved, detachable shaft, is as powerful as a gasoline-powered trimmer -- only the Lehr is fueled by 1-pound canisters of cleaner-burning propane. While you won't have… expandto buy gas, you'll still have to stock up on propane canisters, which cost $2 to $5 each and give you about two hours of run time. Empty canisters can't be refilled, but they are recyclable. The Lehr Eco Trimmer weighs 15 pounds with the canister, so it's lighter than many gas trimmers but heavier than an electric trimmer. Reviewers say this propane trimmer is a great, eco-friendly alternative to a traditional gas trimmer, as long as you can find a local retailer that carries the propane canisters. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: This review compares the Lehr Eco Trimmer ST025DC with 39 other string trimmer models, including gas, electric and cordless trimmers.

About.com: David Beaulieu, About.com's guide to landscaping, cites several advantages the Eco Trimmer has.

About.com: Beaulieu compares two eco-friendly string trimmers: the new Lehr propane-powered Eco Trimmer models and Black & Decker's cordless NST2018.

PopularMechanics.com: Doug Mahoney tests three string trimmers, each with a different fuel type.

LifeAndLawns.com: This video review shows the straight-shaft Lehr Eco Trimmer in use on the author's own lawn.

GearPatrol.com: Dusty Overby doesn't specify which Eco Trimmer model he's reviewing, but since all four use the same engine, the review still has value.

Amazon.com: Amazon.com sells the two detachable-shaft models of the Eco Trimmer, one with a curved and one with a straight shaft.

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for $159.99