EmailBest Reviewed
String Trimmers
- Cordless grass trimmer Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 *Est. $100
- Corded electric trimmer; better for weeds Stihl FSE60 *Est. $130
- Gas trimmer: most power, but heavy Craftsman 79197 *Est. $200
- Eco-friendly propane trimmer Lehr Eco Trimmer ST025DC *Est. $210
Get info about new reports and updates
Cordless grass trimmer
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Adjustable handle
- Cordless
- Comes with two batteries
- Only appropriate for light trimming
- Automatic line feed gets mixed reviews
- Batteries last only 20 to 30 min.
Reviewers give the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 top ranking among cordless string trimmers, but recommend it only for trimming well-kept lawns. Its quiet performance and light 7-pound weight are big advantages, and it's easier and less expensive to use than a heavier gas trimmer. The main drawback lies with the nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, which provide less power to the trimmer as their charge fades and have very limited run time even on a fresh charge. If you don't mind dealing with an extension cord, the Stihl FSE60 (*Est. $130) is much more powerful and can handle tall grass and weeds. It's also highly rated in reviews.
We found the best review of the Black & Decker NST2018 cordless string trimmer at ConsumerReports.org, where editors rate and rank it in comparison with 43 other models, though they include only two other cordless trimmers. For more detail and a longer-term perspective, owner reviews at several retailer sites prove useful. About.com's guide to landscaping, David Beaulieu, compares this model to the new propane-powered Eco Trimmer from Lehr.
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  1651 store reviews | In Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25! | $94.94 | See It |
| CPO Black and Decker |  0 store reviews | In Stock. | $119.99 | See It |
 | 3378 store reviews | In Stock. FREE SHIPPING | $108.99 | See It |
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Based on objective tests done in the fall of 2007, editors compare the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 Cordless String Trimmer with 43 other string trimmers. Trimmers are ranked based on specific ratings for trimming power, edging and other factors.
Review: String Trimmers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, April 2008
2. Amazon.com
More than 400 owners review the Black & Decker NST2018 cordless string trimmer, giving it an average rating of four stars out of five. Overall, owners say that it is great for moderate jobs, but fibrous stems can be a problem.
Review: Black & Decker NST2018, Contributors to Amazon.com
About 20 owners have posted reviews of this Black & Decker cordless string trimmer; they give it an average of 3.5 out of five stars. One owner says it can trim 250 linear feet on one charge, but others say battery quality control may be a problem.
Review: Black & Decker NST2018G, Contributors to HomeDepot.com
4. Sears.com
Almost 20 owners review this Black & Decker cordless string trimmer here, awarding it 4.6 out of five stars on average. Most say they love the trimmer's light weight and find both power and run time fine.
Review: Black & Decker 18 Volt 12-inch Cordless Grasshog Trimmer/Edger, Contributors to Sears.com
5. About.com
David Beaulieu compares two eco-friendly string trimmers: the new Lehr propane Eco Trimmer models and Black & Decker's cordless NST2018. He recommends Lehr's Eco Trimmer for tall grass and weeds. However, for the average homeowner, Beaulieu recommends the NST 2018, which weighs less. Beaulieu also feels that "it's easier to charge a battery than to make a trip to the store to buy more propane." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Eco-Friendly Weedeater Comparison: Lehr vs. Grass Hog, David Beaulieu, June 2, 2009
6. 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 NST2018 Grass Hog with a few comparisons with the less expensive CST2000 string trimmer; Beaulieu favors the NST2018 over the CST2000. Both pros and cons of the NST2018 are noted. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Cordless String Trimmers, David Beaulieu, Aug. 3, 2005
The Black & Decker NST2018 gets 3.5 out of five stars from a few owners here. Some owners are satisfied, but some disappointment is expressed about both power and run time.
Review: Black & Decker Cordless String Trimmer (NST2018) Reviews, Contributors to AceHardware.com
String Trimmers Runners Up:
3 picks including: HomeDepot.com…
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Lowes.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks including: Amazon.com…
2 picks including: LawnSite.com…
2 picks including: Abby'sGuide.com, GardenWeb.com…
Black & Decker GH1000 Grass Hog XP 14-Inch 7.2 Amp Electric String Trimmer/Edger
 from Amazon.com New: $72.44 In Stock.
Average Customer Review:   |
||
|
|
Worx GT WG150.1 10-Inch 18-Volt 2-In-1 Cordless Electric Grass Trimmer/Edger With One Battery
from Amazon.com New: $89.99 In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
Weed Eater FLSST25 FeatherLite 17-Inch 25cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer
from Amazon.com New: $127.01 In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
