Best Reviewed
String Trimmers
- Cordless grass trimmer Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 *Est. $100
- Corded electric trimmer; better for weeds Stihl FSE 60 *Est. $120
- Best-value gas trimmer Hitachi CG22EASSLP *Est. $190
- Propane string trimmer Lehr Eco Trimmer ST025DC *Est. $140
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- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly
- Quiet
- Costs less to operate and maintain than a gas trimmer does
- Limited range: 100 feet maximum
- Automatic line-feed system doesn't function well
- Questionable durability
Powered by a 7.2-amp motor, the Black & Decker GH1000 has a 14-inch cutting head that rotates 180 degrees for edging. It performs very well in professional tests -- rivaling gas string trimmers in the same price range -- and is easier to start and much less expensive to operate than gas trimmers are. It's also lightweight, at less than 8 pounds. User reviews for this electric trimmer, however, are not very good. Owners complain about breakdowns and don't like the way the trimmer feeds line. We found far fewer complaints for the cordless Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 (*Est. $100).
We found the best comparison review of this electric string trimmer at ConsumerReports.org, where editors compare it with nine other electric string trimmers (and 29 trimmers of other types). The review is based on thorough short-term testing, but owner-written reviews at Amazon.com, Sears.com and Lowes.com identify quite a few flaws that show up with longer usage. Owners complain about lack of durability and problems with the line feed.
| Black & Decker GH1000 Grass Hog XP 14-Inch 7.2 Amp Electric String Trimmer/Edger | |
(313 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The ConsumerReports.org blog reports that string trimmers were tested in the fall of 2007 to update this review. The Black & Decker GH1000 is compared with nine other electric string trimmers plus three cordless trimmers and 31 gas models. All 44 string trimmers are rated for their ability to perform vertical edging, trim a lawn and handle tall grass and weeds.
Review: String Trimmers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, April 2008
2. Amazon.com
Owners reviewing the Black & Decker GH1000 at Amazon.com give it an unusually low rating: two stars out of five overall, with a one-star rating from 90 of the more than 140 reviewers. Some owners complain about parts flying off, and many complain about the line-feed system and this model's overall quality and durability.
Review: Black & Decker GH1000 Grass Hog, Contributors to Amazon.com
3. Sears.com
Sears sells several electric string trimmers that owners review on the Sears website. The Black & Decker is reviewed by more than 30 owners, who give it an average rating of 2.5 out of five stars. These reviews say that the machine worked wonderfully -- when it worked. Reviews give detailed criticisms: the recalled spool defect isn't always fixed when the new spool is inserted; the spool can fly off; and the drive belt assembly can fail.
Review: Black & Decker 14-inch Grass Hog XP Trimmer/Edger, Contributors to Sears.com
4. Lowes.com
Lowes publishes ratings as well as some owner-written reviews of the string trimmers sold here. More than 30 owners give the Black & Decker GH1000 an average rating of 2.1 stars out of five, which is well below par. Many complain that the spool head falls off or that they had other breakage problems.
Review: Black & Decker 14-inch 7.2 Amp Electric String Trimmer and Edger, Contributors to Lowes.com
This Black & Decker GH1000 gets a rating of four out of five and is named a Best Buy, but this particular review emphasizes features with no evidence of testing or use. Eight other corded electric string trimmers also get detailed full reviews and ratings here.
Review: Expert Review: Black & Decker 14-Inch Grass Hog XP Trimmer/Edger GH1000, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, March 9, 2006
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