Hedge Trimmers Reviews

Powered hedge trimmers are handy tools that help you trim shrubs and hedges into shape in a fraction of the time it would take with manual hedge clippers. Gas hedge trimmers are the most powerful, while electric hedge shears are quieter and easier to use. Cordless electric hedge trimmers are the least powerful but handiest for small jobs. We found two excellent hedge-trimmer reviews based on objective tests, comparing models of all three types.

Consumer Reports compares 14 hedge trimmers, ranking them within each type based on performance, ease of use and safety. The 2004 review at Popular Mechanics tests fewer models, but goes into more detail about each. Both reviews test each trimmer for cutting ability, handling and safety, with safety being crucial since hedge trimmers have sharp exposed blades that can slice through fingers as well as branches.

Since user reviews often evaluate hedge trimmers based on actual trimming use over months or years, they are especially useful in assessing durability and ease of use. They also point out features users find especially desirable, such as a lock-on switch so you don't have to keep your fingers on the trigger the whole time you're trimming.

We haven't yet found a review that compares the Garden Groom Pro (*est. $190) to other hedge trimmers. At the QVC website, which sells this trimmer, four customers give it the highest rating and four give it the lowest rating. A lighter 6-pound Garden Groom Midi (*est. $150) collects the clippings in a bag that can sit on the ground, but it's even less powerful. A handful of users have given it mixed reviews at Amazon.com. Most report that it does a good job on bushes, but almost all add that they encountered problems. One says a blade bent, another said the thin blades didn't cut well, and one user reported that the blades spin for a few seconds after the motor is shut off, which he felt was a safety concern. Clearly the jury's still out on these hedge trimmers.  ... Continued

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Black & Decker NHT518 (*est. $100)	details
2	Echo HC-150 (*est. $270)	-
2	Little Wonder 2420 (*est. $290)	-
2	Craftsman 79975 (now 79957) (*est. $70)	-
1 each	Black & Decker HS1010 , Black & Decker TR1700 , Garden Groom , Little Wonder 1920 , Makita UH6350 , Mantis e-system , Metabo HS 8365 S , Stihl HomeScaper Series HS 45

Although the Craftsman and Black & Decker electric hedge trimmers are well-recommended bargains, both professional and user reviews say the Little Wonder electric trimmers are worth the price if you can afford them. Among gas trimmers, the Stihl HS 45 gets top rating in one review, but the Echo HC-150 gets slightly more recommendations. The Black and Decker NHT518 is the most recommended cordless hedge trimmer.